What is HER2 gene function?

What is HER2 gene function?

The HER2 gene makes HER2 proteins (also sometimes referred to as HER2/neu proteins). HER2 proteins are receptors on breast cells. Normally, HER2 receptors help control how a healthy breast cell grows, divides, and repairs itself.

Does everyone have the HER2 gene?

Everyone has both BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Like the HER2 gene, they're designed to repair cell damage and help restore normal, healthy breast cells. In some people, however, these genes stop performing properly.

What is the gene code for HER2?

• Receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-2, also known as CD340 (cluster of differentiation 340), proto-oncogene Neu, Erbb2 (rodent), or ERBB2 (human), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ERBB2 gene. ...
• HER2 is a member of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER/EGFR/ERBB) family.

What causes HER2?

In about 25 percent of breast cancers, the cancer cells have an excess of the HER2 protein. This is caused by a mutation in the HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) gene. When the HER2 gene mutates, it causes cells in the breast to grow and divide at an uncontrolled rate, leading to tumor growth.

Is HER2-positive good or bad?

About 25% of breast cancers are HER2-positive. HER2-positive cancers are a mix of good and bad news. The bad news is the tumors tend to grow more aggressively than those without the HER2 receptor. The good news is that like ER/PR-positive cancers, medicines can switch the HER2 growth receptor off.

Does HER2-positive require chemo?

Because HER2-positive cancer is considered more aggressive than HER2-negative breast cancer, it is usually treated with chemotherapy after surgery to reduce recurrence risk.

How do you test for HER2 gene?

Most HER2 testing involves taking a sample of tumor tissue in a procedure called a biopsy. There are three main types of biopsy procedures: Fine needle aspiration biopsy, which uses a very thin needle to remove a sample of breast cells or fluid. Core needle biopsy, which uses a larger needle to remove a sample.

What is met gene?

A gene that makes a protein that is involved in sending signals within cells and in cell growth and survival. Mutated (changed) forms of the MET gene may cause abnormal cells to grow and spread in the body.

What is neu gene?

The neu gene: an erbB-homologous gene distinct from and unlinked to the gene encoding the EGF receptor. Science.

Does HER2 always spread?

• About one in every five breast cancers are HER2-positive. This means they have extra copies of a gene that makes the HER2 protein. HER2-positive breast cancer can grow and spread faster than other breast cancers because HER2 protein speeds that growth. Whether breast cancer spreads also depends on several other things.

Does HER2 always recur?

• HER2-positive breast cancer is more aggressive and more likely to recur than HER2-negative breast cancer. Recurrence can happen anytime. But it usually takes place within five years of treatment. The good news is that recurrence is less likely today than ever before.

Is HER2 genetic inherited?

• In about 20 percent of breast cancer cases, HER2 genes don’t function correctly. HER2-positive breast cancer is not inherited from a parent. Instead, it’s considered a somatic genetic mutation. Somatic gene mutations occur after conception.