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BBC3 and Breast Cancer

A recent genetic study investigating molecular markers in breast cancer evaluated a cohort of 171 Lithuanian women and identified that the BBC3 rs2032809 polymorphism is significantly associated with breast cancer phenotype and prognosis (PMID:34441352). Although this finding derives from a single case series without supporting family segregation data, it provides preliminary evidence linking BBC3 to breast cancer risk. The observational nature of the study and the lack of corroborative reports limit the overall strength of the genetic association.

Complementary functional studies in other cancer types have demonstrated that BBC3 (also known as PUMA) plays a critical role in mediating p53-dependent apoptosis, as evidenced by in vitro binding experiments (PMID:22446329). While these experiments were not conducted specifically in breast cancer models, the mechanistic insights support a biological basis for BBC3’s involvement in tumorigenesis. Key take‑home: Despite limited human genetic evidence, the established role of BBC3 in apoptotic regulation underscores its potential utility as a prognostic marker in breast cancer.

References

  • Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) • 2021 • The Investigation of Associations between TP53 rs1042522, BBC3 rs2032809, CCND1 rs9344, EGFR rs2227983 Polymorphisms and Breast Cancer Phenotype and Prognosis PMID:34441352
  • Biochemical and biophysical research communications • 2012 • In vitro binding properties of tumor suppressor p53 with PUMA and NOXA PMID:22446329

Evidence Based Scoring (AI generated)

Gene–Disease Association

Limited

Association supported by a single study of 171 individuals with significant findings (PMID:34441352); lack of segregation data limits overall confidence.

Genetic Evidence

Limited

A single case series identified an association of the BBC3 rs2032809 polymorphism with breast cancer phenotype, providing preliminary genetic evidence (PMID:34441352).

Functional Evidence

Limited

Functional studies in other cancer models demonstrate that BBC3 (PUMA) is essential for p53-mediated apoptosis (PMID:22446329), indirectly supporting its potential role in breast cancer despite limited direct data.