Open AccessImplication of the Strand-Specific Imprinting and Segregation Model: Integrating in utero Hormone Exposure, Stem Cell and Lateral Asymmetry Hypotheses in Breast Cancer Aetiology
Author(s) -
Singh Harbinder,
Carol A. Lazzara,
A Klar
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
hereditary genetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2161-1041
DOI - 10.4172/2161-1041.s2-005
Subject(s) - imprinting (psychology) , in utero , breast cancer , asymmetry , stem cell , etiology , hormone , biology , genomic imprinting , cancer research , medicine , cancer , genetics , endocrinology , pregnancy , fetus , physics , gene , gene expression , quantum mechanics , dna methylation
Known genetic mutations and familial hereditary factors account for less than 20-25% of breast cancer cases in women, therefore, most instances have been classified as sporadic cases of unknown aetiologies. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were considered as breast cancer risk factors, but numerous studies have failed to support this assertion. Recent evidence correlates aberrant epigenetic mechanisms in the development and metastatic progression of breast cancer, yet there has been limited progress made to identify the primary aetiology underlying sporadic cases of breast cancer. This has led some researchers to consider alternative hypotheses including in utero exposure to deleterious chemical agents during early development, the immortal strand and the strand-specific imprinting and selective chromatid segregation hypotheses. Here, we integrate prominent alternate models to help guide future research on this very important topic concerning human health.