RAD51

The RAD51 gene makes a protein also called RAD51, which is essential for the repair of damaged DNA. The protein made by the BRCA2 gene binds to and regulates the RAD51 protein to fix breaks in DNA. These breaks can be caused by natural or medical radiation. They also occur when chromosomes exchange genetic material (when pieces of chromosomes trade places) in preparation for cell division. The BRCA2 protein transports the RAD51 protein to sites of DNA damage in the cell nucleus. RAD51 then binds to the damaged DNA and encases it in a protein sheath, which is an essential first step in the repair process. In addition to its association with BRCA2, the RAD51 protein also interacts with the protein made by the BRCA1 gene. By repairing DNA, these three proteins play a role in maintaining the stability of the human genome.

These genes interact to repair damaged DNA.

• BRCA1:breast cancer 1, early onset
• BRCA2:breast cancer 2, early onset
• RAD51:RAD51 homolog (RecA homolog, E. coli) (S. cerevisiae)

breast cancer - increased risk from variations of the RAD51 gene

The loss of control over RAD51 following a mutation in the BRCA2 gene is probably a critical event leading to uncontrolled cell growth and the formation of a tumor. Several changes in the RAD51 gene itself have also been associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer, however. One particular mutation has been identified in two patients with familial breast cancers. This mutation is the substitution of glycine for arginine at position 150 in the protein's chain of amino acids (sometimes written as Arg150Gly). (Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.) In addition, certain changes in RAD51 appear to modify breast cancer risk in women who also carry mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.

15q15.1

The RAD51 gene is located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 15 at position 15.1.

See How do geneticists indicate the location of a gene? in the Handbook.

You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for genetics professionals and researchers.

• PubMed - Recent literature
• OMIM - Genetic disorder catalog
• Research Resources - Tools for researchers (4 links)

See How are genetic conditions and genes named? in the Handbook.

The Handbook provides basic information about genetics in clear language.

• What is DNA?
• What is a gene?
• How does a gene make a protein?
• How can gene mutations cause disorders?

These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful.

• Genetics education
• Human Genome Project
• Resources for Genetic Researchers

amino acid ; cancer ; cell division ; cell nucleus ; chromosome ; DNA ; DNA damage ; DNA repair ; familial ; gene ; genome ; homologs ; mutation ; nucleus ; protein ; Radiation ; recombination ; substitution ; tumor

You may find definitions for these and many other terms in the Genetics Home Reference Glossary.