Molecular Mechanisms of PALB2 Function and Its Role in Breast Cancer Management

• Published in: Frontiers in oncology Vol. 10; p. 301
• Main Authors: Wu, Shijie, Zhou, Jiaojiao, Zhang, Kun, Chen, Huihui, Luo, Meng, Lu, Yuexin, Sun, Yuting, Chen, Yiding
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland Frontiers Media S.A 28-02-2020
• Subjects: breast cancer; homologous recombination; Oncology; PALB2; pathogenic variants; precision medicine; breast cancer; precision medicine; homologous recombination; PALB2; pathogenic variants
• ISSN: 2234-943X; 2234-943X
• DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00301

Partner and localizer of BRCA2 (PALB2) is vital for homologous recombination (HR) repair in response to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). PALB2 functions as a tumor suppressor and participates in the maintenance of genome integrity. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the biological roles of the multifaceted PALB2 protein and of its regulation. Moreover, we describe the link between
pathogenic variants (PVs) and breast cancer predisposition, aggressive clinicopathological features, and adverse clinical prognosis. We also refer to both the opportunities and challenges that the identification of
PVs provides in breast cancer genetic counseling and precision medicine.