BRCA2 interacting proteins

Full text

Two breast cancer susceptibility genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) have been cloned. A BRCA2 founder mutation, BRCA2 999del5, accounts for the majority of familial breast cancer cases in Iceland. Individuals heterozygous for this mutation are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer, but the risk varies between families, indicating variable penetrance. BRCA2 encodes a protein of 3418 amino acids with a molecular weight of 384 kDa. The biological function of BRCA2 is, as yet, not well known, but several studies have shown that BRCA2 interacts with proteins like RAD51 and P/CAF, known to be involved in DNA damage response pathways and DNA transcription in cells. In an effort to elucidate the cellular function of BRCA2, we have studied the interaction between BRCA2 and other cellular proteins in mammary epithelial cells. The focus of our study has been on interaction with other transcriptional factors in the nucleus. Preliminary data indicate that BRCA2 interacts with Stat proteins upon ligand stimulation. Identification of proteins that interact with BRCA2 can shed light on its physiological role in the development of breast cancer.