BRCA1

The function of the BRCA1 gene is to produce a protein that acts as ...a tumor suppressor. Tumor suppressor proteins assist in inhibiting cells from undergoing excessive or unregulated growth and division. The BRCA1 protein plays a role in the process of DNA repair. The BRCA1 protein works together with other proteins in the nucleus of various normal cells to repair DNA damage by fixing breaks. A mutation in the BRCA1 gene can lead to a 60% to 80% chance of breast cancer in women, as well as a higher risk of ovarian cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.The presence of the BRCA1 gene is linked to a higher risk of developing breast cancer.