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Related Concept Videos

The Retinoblastoma Gene01:20

The Retinoblastoma Gene

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
The Retinoblastoma Gene01:20

The Retinoblastoma Gene

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Fixing Double-strand Breaks02:04

Fixing Double-strand Breaks

The double-stranded structure of DNA has two major advantages. First, it serves as a safe repository of genetic information where one strand serves as the back-up in case the other strand is damaged. Second, the double-helical structure can be wrapped around proteins called histones to form nucleosomes, which can then be tightly wound to form chromosomes. This way, DNA chains up to 2 inches long can be contained within microscopic structures in a cell. A double-stranded break not only damages...
Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes01:33

Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...

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Retesting of women who are negative for a <i>BRCA1</i> and <i>BRCA2</i> mutation using a 20-gene panel.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

gDNA Enrichment by a Transposase-based Technology for NGS Analysis of the Whole Sequence of BRCA1, BRCA2, and 9 Genes Involved in DNA Damage Repair
08:15

gDNA Enrichment by a Transposase-based Technology for NGS Analysis of the Whole Sequence of BRCA1, BRCA2, and 9 Genes Involved in DNA Damage Repair

Published on: October 6, 2014

BRCA1 and BRCA2 in 2005.

Steven A Narod1

  • 1Centre for Research on Women's Health, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Center, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Discovery Medicine
|August 14, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Researchers identified the BRCA1 (BReast CAncer 1) gene in 1994, significantly advancing breast cancer risk assessment. This discovery enabled genetic testing for high-risk individuals, marking a major milestone in cancer genetics.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • A gene mutation significantly increases lifetime breast cancer risk from 8% to over 80%.
  • Prior to 1994, the specific gene responsible for hereditary breast cancer remained unidentified.
  • Intense competition among global research groups characterized the search for breast cancer genes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the specific gene(s) associated with a greatly increased risk of breast cancer.
  • To enable the identification of individuals with a high predisposition to developing breast cancer.
  • To facilitate the development of genetic testing for cancer susceptibility.

Main Methods:

  • Gene sequencing and positional cloning techniques were employed.
  • Collaborative and competitive research efforts across multiple institutions.

More Related Videos

Identifying the Effects of BRCA1 Mutations on Homologous Recombination using Cells that Express Endogenous Wild-type BRCA1
08:53

Identifying the Effects of BRCA1 Mutations on Homologous Recombination using Cells that Express Endogenous Wild-type BRCA1

Published on: February 17, 2011

Silencing of BRCA2 to Identify Novel BRCA2-regulated Biological Functions in Cultured Human Cells
09:24

Silencing of BRCA2 to Identify Novel BRCA2-regulated Biological Functions in Cultured Human Cells

Published on: August 12, 2015

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 10, 2026

gDNA Enrichment by a Transposase-based Technology for NGS Analysis of the Whole Sequence of BRCA1, BRCA2, and 9 Genes Involved in DNA Damage Repair
08:15

gDNA Enrichment by a Transposase-based Technology for NGS Analysis of the Whole Sequence of BRCA1, BRCA2, and 9 Genes Involved in DNA Damage Repair

Published on: October 6, 2014

Identifying the Effects of BRCA1 Mutations on Homologous Recombination using Cells that Express Endogenous Wild-type BRCA1
08:53

Identifying the Effects of BRCA1 Mutations on Homologous Recombination using Cells that Express Endogenous Wild-type BRCA1

Published on: February 17, 2011

Silencing of BRCA2 to Identify Novel BRCA2-regulated Biological Functions in Cultured Human Cells
09:24

Silencing of BRCA2 to Identify Novel BRCA2-regulated Biological Functions in Cultured Human Cells

Published on: August 12, 2015

  • Analysis of familial cancer data to pinpoint genetic linkage.

    • Main Results:

    • The BRCA1 (BReast CAncer 1) gene was identified in 1994 by Myriad Genetics.
    • The BRCA2 gene was identified a year later by competing researchers.
    • These discoveries represented significant advancements in cancer research and public interest.

    Conclusions:

    • The identification of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes revolutionized the understanding of hereditary breast cancer.
    • Genetic testing for BRCA mutations allows for early identification of high-risk women.
    • These findings paved the way for personalized cancer risk assessment and management.