Researchers identify new type of mutation in breast cancer

Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered a new class of molecular mutation in various forms of breast cancer. The mutated forms of RNA, called fusion transcripts, could reveal more about the development and growth of different breast tumors as well as identify subtypes. Fusion transcripts are created when chromosomes break apart and recombine. Through this process, two halves of normal genes become linked, resulting in fusion genes. The fusion genes, or DNA, created fusion transcripts, or RNA. While common in blood cancers, few fusion transcripts were identified in solid tumors prior to this study. “These transcripts may mark regions of localized chromosomal instability that are linked to growth of breast cancer,” Edith Perez, senior investigator of the study, said. “If we can develop drugs against these transcripts, they will be ideal therapeutic targets.” Because they are usually found only in tumors fusion transcripts are ideal biomarkers to identify tumor cells, according to Perez. For more about this research, check out this video.