This gene has been known for quite some time. Of the genes that we know something about, they are increasingly being grouped. brca2 falls into the group that are loosely described as tumor suppressor genes. It expresses a protein that is associated with repair of damaged DNA. Obviously cancer is the result of damaged DNA which has developed various possible aberrations that allow things like the cell to reproduce rapidly, avoid detection by the immune system, and becoming immortal. It is highly likely that brca2 is associated with many cancers, because when it is damaged or missing, this repair protein it expresses is missing from the equation that keeps irregular DNA from persisting.

Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.