BRCA1 and BRCA2 protein expressions in an ovotestis of a 46, XX true hermaphrodite

Abstract

BRCA1 and BRCA2 breast cancer susceptibility genes encode proteins, the normal cellular functions of which are complex and multiple, and germ-line mutations in individuals predispose both to breast and to ovarian cancer. There is nevertheless substantial evidence linking BRCA1 and BRCA2 to homologous recombination and DNA repair, to transcriptional control and to tissue proliferation. There is controversy regarding the localization of BRCA1 and BRCA2 proteins to either nucleus or cytoplasm and whether the expression is present in premeiotic germ cells or can still be expressed in mitotic spermatogonia. We report herein an immunohistochemical study of BRCA1 and BRCA2 distribution in a rather unsual tissue (an ovotestis), which addresses this issue.

Quantification by affinity perfusion chromatography of phosphorylated BRCAl and BRCA2 proteins from tumor cells after lycopene treatment

“…Radiolabeled BRCA1 or BRCA2 DNA-binding proteins were specifically immunoprecipitated by addition of 20 L anti-BRCAl polyclonal antibodies (556441 BD PharMingen, San Diego, CA) which specificity have been previously demonstrated in our laboratory [31] or 200 L anti-BRCA2 polyclonal antibodies (C-19, Tebu) [32] for 30 min at 37 • C.…”