Function of BRCA1 and Role in Increasing Breast Cancer Risk

Summary

This project examines the critical role of the BRCA1 gene in DNA repair and its impact on breast cancer susceptibility. BRCA1 is a tumor suppressor gene involved in repairing double-strand DNA breaks, crucial for maintaining genomic stability. Mutations in BRCA1 significantly elevate the risk of developing breast cancer, particularly the aggressive triple-negative subtype, which lacks targeted treatment options. Women with harmful BRCA1 mutations face a 55%–72% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, often at a younger age, and are also at increased risk for developing new cancers. The study highlights how BRCA1 dysfunction leads to genomic instability, contributing to cancer progression. The report also explores the concept of synthetic lethality, where PARP inhibitors are used to exploit defective DNA repair mechanisms in BRCA1-mutant cancers, effectively inducing cancer cell death.

Illustration of functional BRCA1 repair and mutated BRCA1 therapy with PARP inhibitors(Figure representation created by the author: Rishika Banthia)

Video Presentation

Impact Statement

I am a student at Dublin Scioto High School. My project comprehensively investigates and examines the role of BRCA1 gene in DNA repair and its impact on breast cancer susceptibility. In my report I also explore the concept of synthetic lethality through PARP inhibitors on BRCA1 mutant cancers. Through the program, I enjoyed learning how to conduct scientific analysis, use different biomedical databases to study different proteins, and further develop my curiosity and passion of biomedical research, cancer biology and genetics and genomics. Through engaging and helpful instructors, I had an amazing opportunity to develop myself more as a student and researcher. I will definitely be using the poster and report writing skills I learned in the future and am very grateful that the ones I already created will open doors for many opportunities for me in the future.

Report White Paper

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_By: Rishika Banthia_

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Elio Academy.

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