An international study led by researchers at the Institute of Biomedical Research of Bellvitge (IDIBELL) has identified a new gene involved in susceptibility of developing breast cancer.

An international study led by researchers at the Institute of Biomedical Research of Bellvitge (IDIBELL) has identified a new gene involved in susceptibility of developing breast cancer. The work, coordinated by Miquel Àngel Pujana, head of research group on Breast Cancer, and Eva González-Suárez research group leader Transformation and metastasis, has been published in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment.

In this context, the study analyzes genetic variants of TNFRSF11A gene, which encodes the RANK protein and plays a fundamental role in the process of development and differentiation of epithelial cells of the breast and the initiation of breast tumors. Researchers have found that carriers of the minor allele of the rs7226991 genetic variant have a reduced risk of breast cancer. It should be noted that this association has been found both in sporadic patients in general population, and in familial cases of carriers of mutations in the BRCA2 gene.

The aim of the research group is to include this new genetic information on the decision algorithms used in genetic counseling units to improve monitoring of patients with a high predisposition to suffer from cancer

The study involved the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), the National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), the Vall d’Hebron Institut of Oncolgy (VHIO), the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, the University Hospital Miguel Servet,

Zaragoza, the Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid and other centers of Israel and Italy.

Article’s reference
Bonifaci N., Palafox M., Pellegrini P. et. al. Evidence for a link between TNFRSF11A and risk of Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. 2011 May 4. doi: 10.1007/s10549-011-1546-7.