Brain Cancer Research Finds Multiple Mutations

For some diseases, it’s not only one gene mutation that is responsible for the development of a disease but it’s a combination of mutations. This is what a recent study found in some cases of brain cancer.

In a recent article on ABCNews.com, it’s reported that Dr. Marjus Bredel of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, identified a network of gene mutations in brain cancer patients. Two hundred tumors were analyzed and these mutations were found on 10 chromosomes. This new research explains why some treatments are not effective for some brain cancer sufferers. Scientists can now focus on developing a treatment that targets multiple gene mutations in these locations.

Due to this new advancement, it’s interesting to think how people inherit the combination of genes responsible for brain cancer and if the multiple mutations have anything to do with level of risk. As we know of genetics, having gene mutations does not necessarily mean you will suffer from a disease. However, when you have a group or network of genes, does it increase your chance, more so if there was only one mutation? My assumption is no and that environment still plays a role as well as chance. However, I wonder if there is any research on the risk with multiple mutations. If you know, please leave a comment!

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July 17th, 2009 by Marcelina Hardy | Posted in Genetics and Health | (0)