The breast cancer susceptibility genes (BRCA) in breast and ovarian cancers

The Breast Cancer Susceptibility Genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, are the dynamic regulators of genomic integrity. Inherited mutations in these genes are associated with the development of cancer in multiple organs including the breast and ovary. Mutations of BRCA1/2 genes greatly increase lifetime risk to develop breast and ovarian cancer and these mutations are frequently observed in hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. In addition, misregulation and altered expressions of BRCA1/2 proteins potentiate sporadic forms of breast cancer. In particular, both genes contribute to DNA repair and transcriptional regulation in response to DNA damage. Thus, deficiencies of BRCA1/2 functions lead to the accumulation of genetic alterations and ultimately influence the development of cancer. Studies since identification of both BRCA1 and BRCA2 have provided strong evidences for their tumor suppressor activities specifically for breast and ovarian cancer and this article aims to review the current state of knowledge regarding the BRCAs and associated cancer risk.