Discovery of BRCA Mutations: Historical Perspective of Its Scientific, Clinical and Social Impact

Abstract

In the human genome, BRCA1 and BRCA2 (for BReast CAncer 1 and 2) genes encode for proteins involved in several functions that are crucial for the maintenance of genome stability and integrity. They participate in DNA damage response and repair pathways and, therefore, act as tumor suppressor genes. Mutations in these genes, which are located in chromosomes 17q21 and 13q13 respectively, are responsible for a great fraction of inherited breast and ovarian cancers, as well as other pathologies, such as Fanconi Anemia. Approximately 30 years ago, a report from a group of the School of Public Health at the University of California about a hypothetical gene that led to predisposition to early-onset breast cancer in certain families changed the history of breast cancer research, diagnosis, and prevention. Nowadays, the accessibility of genetic testing and the availability of different approaches as wide coverage screenings, prophylactic mastectomies, and risk-lowering drugs benefits BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers enormously. This chapter summarizes the unique trajectory of BRCA research and its scientific and social implications.