Breast Cancer Genes Essay - 3402 Words

The Questions Surrounding the Breast Cancer Genes The process of unraveling the mysteries of the human genome creates enormous possibilities in the world of science. Knowing where on our chromosomes a specific gene lies allows scientists to look inside the human body with more intensity than any X-ray could ever achieve. By analyzing the genetic make-up of human beings, scientists can track diseases back to their most fundamental stages. In recent years, scientists have discovered two genes that play a role in the development of various kinds of cancer in both men and women. With the additional ability to test individuals for their possession of deformed copies of these genes, many ethical questions have been raised. Although the†¦show more content†¦This measure is effective in destroying harmful mutations before divisions can cause the mutation to spread and harm vital organs. Furthermore, while normal cells have a finite life span, such that after approximately 50 to 60 divisions they become senescent, cancer cells conti nue growing indefinitely, and are thus called immortal. There are two key ways in which cancerous tumors form. Within the human genome, the two primary gene classes which control cell growth are proto-oncogenes which encourage cell growth, and tumor suppressers which inhibit it. Proto-oncogenes can lead to cancerous growths if mutations in the gene cause it to produce too much growth-stimulatory protein, or a hyper-active form of it. Tumor suppresser genes can also lead to cancerous cell reproduction when mutations make the gene incapable of putting the breaks on reproduction. Normal activity of a proto-oncogene can thus be cancerous if the tumor suppresor genes are rendered incapable of carrying out their function of regulation. With this classification, it is easy to see how one might use gene therapy and recombinant DNA techniques to introduce into the system a fully-functioning tumor suppresser gene. Presumably, if cells are reproducing at a normal rate and are merely incapable of beingShow MoreRelated Breast Cancer Susceptibility Gen es BRCA1 and BRCA2 Essay2987 Words   |  12 PagesBreast cancer is the most common cancer that affects women in the United States. There are at least two majors genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) that when they mutate can cause breast cancer. These genes can be passed from parent to child, increasing the risk of developing cancer in those child that have parent carrying these genes. BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are located on chromosome 17 and chromosome 13 respectively. There is a 90% chance of developing breast cancer for a woman that has these mutated genes. InRead MoreAllelic Variation in BRCA Genes Could Be the Key to Understanding Familial Breast Cancer798 Words   |  4 PagesVariation in BRCA Genes Could Be the Key to Understanding Familial Breast Cancer Introduction Breast cancer is an uncontrollable division of cells within the breast tissue that affects about 12% of women in their lifetime. Cancer can be caused by sporadic mutations influenced by environment or by genetic disposition. Several genes play a role in cell division: Oncogenes are responsible for directing mitosis, and tumor suppression genes prevent the expression of genes involved in cell divisionRead MoreTaking a Look at Breast Cancer1758 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death among females in the world. It is known for â€Å"have both a genetic and non-genetic etiology† (Milne et al., 2010). 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Seven percent of familial breast cancer may be associated with the AT gene mutation (Radford and Zehnbauer, 1996, cited in McCain, 1997). It is not known whether the AT mutation increases the risk of breast cancer for men. Ataxia teleangiectasia is an autosomal recessive neurologic syndrome. The cancer incidence among those peopleRead MoreBreast Cancer : Cancer And Cancer1372 Words   |  6 PagesBreast Cancer Disease Overview Breast cancer is a disease in which certain cells in the breast become abnormal and multiply uncontrollably to form a tumor. Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. (Only skin cancer is more common.) About one in eight women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. Researchers estimate that more than 230,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in U.S. women in 2015. Cancers occur when a