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BRCA2: safeguarding the genome through homologous recombination

  • Chapter
Molecular Genetics of Recombination

Part of the book series: Topics in Current Genetics ((TCG,volume 17))

Abstract

Germline mutations in the tumor suppressor gene BRCA2 predispose individuals to breast, ovarian, and other cancers. In recent years, the BRCA2 protein has been recognized to have an important function in homologous recombination, a key pathway in mammalian cells for repairing spontaneous and induced DNA lesions and, thus, for maintaining genomic integrity. Loss of BRCA2 leads to embryonic death in mice, but is compatible with cell survival in adult somatic cells and tumor proliferation. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of BRCA2 from several perspectives, especially with regard to its broad evolutionary conservation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Developmental Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10021, USA

    Nicole Christ & Maria Jasin

  2. Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10021, USA

    Mary Ellen Moynahan

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  1. Centro Andaluz de Biologia Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa CABIMER, CSIC-Universidad de Sevilla, Av. Américo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Sevilla, Spain

    Andrés Aguilera

  2. Department of Genetics & Development, Columbia University Medical Center, 701 West 168th Street, HHSC 1608, New York, NY, 10032-2704, USA

    Rodney Rothstein

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Christ, N., Moynahan, M.E., Jasin, M. (2007). BRCA2: safeguarding the genome through homologous recombination. In: Aguilera, A., Rothstein, R. (eds) Molecular Genetics of Recombination. Topics in Current Genetics, vol 17. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-71021-9_13

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