BRCA1 (b  är-s -w n )n. A tumor suppressor gene that, when inherited in a mutated state, is associated with the development of various cancers, especially breast and ovarian cancer. |
BRCA1,
symbol for a breast cancer gene. A healthy BRCA1 gene produces a protein that protects against unwanted cell growth. The protein is packaged by the cell's Golgi apparatus into secretory vesicles, which release their contents on the cell's surface. The protein circulates in the intracellular space, attaching itself to neighboring cell receptors. The receptors signal the cell nuclei to stop growing. When the gene is defective, it produces a faulty protein that is unable to prevent proliferation of abnormal cells as they evolve into potentially deadly breast cancer. BRCA1 may also normally inhibit ovarian cancer.
BRCA1
Molecular oncology A large tumor suppressor gene on chromosome 17 which is linked to breast, ovarian, prostate and other CAs; Pts with BRCA1 represent 5% of all breast CAs; ♀ with BRCA1 have an 85% chance of
developing breast CA before age 65; mutations of BRCA1 are common in Ashkenazi Jews Lab BRCA1 and BRCA2 are part of some commercial diagnostic labs' genetic services. See Tumor suppressor gene.
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