BRCA

noun

either of two genes (BRCA1 or BRCA2) that, if inherited in a mutated form, may predispose some carriers to develop breast or ovarian cancer.

Origin of BRCA

1900–95; initialism from br(east) and ca(ncer)

Example sentences from the Web for brca1

  • The case centers around Myriad, which has patents on BRCA1 and BRCA2, genes that are linked to a very high risk of breast cancer.

    It’s in the Genes |Megan McArdle |June 13, 2013 |DAILY BEAST

Medical definitions for brca1

BRCA1
[ bē′är-sē′ā-wŭn′ ]

n.

A tumor suppressor gene that, when inherited in a mutated state, is associated with the development of various cancers, especially breast and ovarian cancer.

Scientific definitions for brca1

BRCA
[ bē′är′sē′ā′ ]

One of two genes (designated BRCA1 and BRCA2) that help repair damage to DNA, but when inherited in a defective state increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.