UT Health SA Newsroom: Greehey Institute team finds link between BRCA1 and Ewing sarcoma

A mutant oncogene in Ewing traps BRCA1 and prevents it from repairing genetic damage.
Scientists with the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute at UT Health San Antonio have discovered a surprising connection between a breast cancer protein, BRCA1, and a pediatric cancer called Ewing sarcoma.

Their findings, reported March 7 in the journal Nature, reveal a completely new mechanism by which BRCA1 can be rendered dysfunctional. “The observations raise many new questions about both Ewing sarcoma and BRCA1 biology,” said the study’s senior author, Alexander J.R. Bishop, D.Phil., of UT Health San Antonio.

Since 2004, UT Health San Antonio, Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute’s (Greehey CCRI) mission has been to advance scientific knowledge relevant to childhood cancer, contribute to the understanding of its causes, and accelerate the translation of knowledge into novel therapies. Through the discovery, development, and dissemination of new scientific knowledge, Greehey CCRI strives to have a national and global impact on childhood cancer. Our mission consists of three key areas: research, clinical, and education.

Stay connected with the Greehey CCRI on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.