Is the HER2 gene genetic?
HER2-positive breast cancer is not inherited. Instead, it’s considered a somatic genetic mutation. This type of mutation occurs after conception.
What kind of gene is HER2?
HER2 stands for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. It is a gene that makes a protein found on the surface of all breast cells. It is involved in normal cell growth. Genes are the basic units of heredity, passed down from your mother and father.
Which type of breast cancer is hereditary?
Inheriting certain gene changes. About 5% to 10% of breast cancer cases are thought to be hereditary, meaning that they result directly from gene changes (mutations) passed on from a parent. BRCA1 and BRCA2: The most common cause of hereditary breast cancer is an inherited mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.
Where is the HER2 gene located?
The HER2 receptor is a 1255 amino acid, 185 kD transmembrane glycoprotein located at the long arm of human chromosome 17 (17q12) [6]. HER2 is expressed in many tissues and its major role in these tissues is to facilitate excessive/uncontrolled cell growth and tumorigenesis [7–9].
Why does HER2 gene mutation?
In about 25 percent of breast cancers, the cancer cells have an excess of the HER2 protein. This is caused by a mutation in the HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) gene. When the HER2 gene mutates, it causes cells in the breast to grow and divide at an uncontrolled rate, leading to tumor growth.
What is HER2 gene function?
The HER2 gene makes HER2 proteins (also sometimes referred to as HER2/neu proteins). HER2 proteins are receptors on breast cells. Normally, HER2 receptors help control how a healthy breast cell grows, divides, and repairs itself.
Can breast cancer gene be passed from father to daughter?
Most inherited cases of breast cancer are associated with two abnormal genes: BRCA1 (BReast CAncer gene one) and BRCA2 (BReast CAncer gene two). Men are just as likely as women to have an abnormal breast cancer gene.
Is breast cancer gene dominant or recessive?
In hereditary breast cancer, the way that cancer risk is inherited depends on the gene involved. For example, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern , which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to increase a person’s chance of developing cancer.
What’s to know about HER2-positive breast cancer?
Fast facts on HER2-positive breast cancer: HER2 is a gene that plays a role in the development and aggressiveness of breast cancer. Overexpression of the gene results in increased tumor growth
What is Her-2-positive breast cancer?
HER2-positive breast cancer is a breast cancer that tests positive for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which promotes the growth of cancer cells.
What are the FDA-approved HER2 tests of breast tumors?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two main HER2 testing methods; immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in-situ hybridization (ISH). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) detects the HER2 protein that is present on the cell membrane of breast cancer cells.
How does Herceptin work for breast cancer?
Herceptin works by attaching itself to the HER2 receptors on the surface of breast cancer cells and blocking them from receiving growth signals. By blocking the signals, Herceptin can slow or stop the growth of the breast cancer.