Abstract
Known melanoma predisposition genes only account for around 40% of high-density melanoma families. Other rare mutations are likely to play a role in melanoma predisposition. RAD51B plays an important role in DNA repair through homologous recombination, and inactivation of RAD51B has been implicated in tumorigenesis. Thus RAD51B is a good candidate melanoma susceptibility gene, and previously, a germline splicing mutation in RAD51B has been identified in a family with early-onset breast cancer. In order to find genetic variants associated with melanoma predisposition, whole-exome sequencing was carried out on blood samples from a three-case cutaneous melanoma family. We identified a novel germline RAD51B nonsense mutation, and we demonstrate reduced expression of RAD51B in melanoma cells indicating inactivation of RAD51B. This is only the second report of a germline truncating RAD51B mutation. While this case report is consistent with melanoma being part of the RAD51B cancer spectrum further population-based screening of large case-control sample series will be needed to definitively establish if this is the case.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Familial Cancer |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 2 |
Pages (from-to) | 337-40 |
Number of pages | 4 |
ISSN | 1389-9600 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 28 Jun 2015 |
Keywords
- DNA-Binding Proteins
- Germ-Line Mutation
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- Melanoma
- Middle Aged
- Skin Neoplasms