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Published on: May 18, 2020

[Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated gene and breast cancer susceptibility]

Nan Zhang1, Jian Che, Song Bai

  • 1College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, China.

Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao = Chinese Journal of Biotechnology
|April 1, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Environmental factors contribute to breast cancer by causing DNA damage. The ATM gene is crucial for DNA repair, and its mutations accelerate cancer development, highlighting its role in breast cancer susceptibility.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Environmental carcinogens can induce DNA damage, initiating cellular responses that may lead to breast cancer.
  • The Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene encodes a protein kinase critical for regulating the DNA damage response.
  • Proper DNA repair is essential for inhibiting breast cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current research on the relationship between the ATM gene and breast cancer susceptibility.
  • To explore how ATM gene mutations, polymorphisms, and methylation affect DNA repair and cancer progression.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of research advances concerning the ATM gene and breast cancer.
  • Analysis of studies focusing on ATM gene mutations, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and epigenetic modifications (methylation).

Main Results:

  • Mutations in the ATM gene impair accurate DNA repair, accelerating breast cancer transformation and proliferation.
  • Alterations in ATM gene function due to mutation, polymorphism, or methylation are linked to increased breast cancer susceptibility.

Conclusions:

  • The ATM gene is a key regulator in the DNA damage response and plays a significant role in breast cancer development.
  • Understanding ATM gene alterations is crucial for assessing breast cancer risk and developing targeted therapeutic strategies.

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