Identifying long-range regulatory elements of the breast cancer susceptibility gene, BRCA1 (2010-2013)

BRCA1 is a breast cancer susceptibility gene implicated in both familial and sporadic breast cancers. The mechanisms controlling BRCA1 expression are poorly understood. We will identify DNA sequences critical for regulation of the BRCA1 gene. We hypothesise that these regions are mutational hot spots conferring an increased breast cancer risk. A better understanding of the pathways responsible for promoting BRCA1 - associated breast cancer will provide important diagnostic and treatment targets.