The genetic basis of breast and prostate cancer

Our volunteers have helped research investigating the genetic basis of breast and prostate cancer. Improved genetic testing could help understand a person's cancer risk and provide a target for cancer therapies.

Data from Generation Scotland volunteers was used as part of a control sample, where individuals had no history of breast cancer.

Research Summary

Our DNA contains short DNA sequences called MSR1. Each of us has a varying number of these repeated sequences which have important roles in regulating gene activity.

This study investigated how MSR1 is distributed across DNA in relation to how it's linked to cancer risk genes. They found that the number of MSR1 copies in a gene could change breast and prostate cancer risk. 

Specifically, people with nine copies of MSR1 in a gene called KLK14 was associated with non-familial breast and prostate cancer, including early-onset breast cancer.

This study could inform genetic testing for an individual's cancer risk, as well as provide a target for potential cancer therapies.

Research Visual

Are genes behind breast and prostate cancer?
A gene regulator known as MSR1 (a set of instructions for how our genes are regulated), has been linked to non-familial breast and prostate cancer.
This research could help improve genetic testing to understand a person’s cancer risk, and provide a target for cancer therapies. But more research into this in wider populations is needed!

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