Phosphorylation of BRCA2 by CHEK2
Author Information
Author(s): Kim S, Mohapatra G, Haber D A
Primary Institution: Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School
Hypothesis
Is there a functional interaction between BRCA2 and CHEK2 that contributes to cancer risk?
Conclusion
The study suggests a link between CHEK2 and BRCA2 pathways, which may contribute to the spectrum of cancers associated with germline CHEK2 mutations.
Supporting Evidence
- CHEK2 inactivation is associated with increased risk for breast cancer.
- Inducible overexpression of a BRCA2 fragment led to increased chromosome fragmentation.
- Phosphorylation sites on BRCA2 were identified through mass spectrometric analysis.
Takeaway
Scientists found that a part of the BRCA2 gene can be changed by another gene called CHEK2, which might help explain why some people get breast cancer.
Methodology
The study used in vitro kinase assays and mass spectrometric analysis to identify phosphorylation sites on BRCA2 by CHEK2.
Limitations
The effects of CHEK2 on BRCA2 need to be confirmed in vivo.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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