Human cancer research is the largest research area in our antibody database, with new oncogenes and cell lines being added all the time.
Cancer triggers come from many sources, with a worrying amount of evidence to suggest that chemicals we’re in contact with every day are largely to blame. Over 100,000 products exist today for which there is little, if any, safety data. Screening for carcinogens was unknown before the 1980s. So far, just 3000 of these chemicals have undergone screening – over 800 were mutagens or carcinogens. Obviously, much more research needs to be done!
Researchers tackle cancer from both angles; cause and prevention. Tumor suppressor antibody studies are an important part of this. Tumor suppressors are genes that reduce the likelihood of a cell becoming cancerous, by blocking the action or production of other proteins, such as growth factors and apoptosis inhibitors. These proteins are necessary for normal growth and development of the cell, but left unchecked they can cause mayhem.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are among the most important tumor suppressors in our antibody database. Deletion or mutation of either will dramatically increase the possibility of breast cancer. BRCA1 regulates cell division and growth in the breast, predominantly the milk ducts, interacting with RAD51 to repair DNA breaks. BRCA2, though structurally very different, behaves similarly.
-Western%20Blot-NBP1-41185-img0002.jpg "Western Blot: BRCA1 Antibody")
Western Blot: BRCA1 Antibody
In their normal state these genes prevent tumor formation whilst allowing effective repair and replication. However, literally hundreds of mutations have been identified, leading to breast cancer in 60% of cases. Many of the mutations covered by our antibody catalogwere triggered by exposure to chemicals, thought to be harmless at the time.
Novus Biologicals offers many BRCA1 reagents for your research needs including:
