Carriers of BRCA1 gene mutations face heightened risks of breast and ovarian cancers. New findings show estrogen and its metabolites directly damage DNA in these individuals, impairing replication and causing mutations.
The damage occurs even in estrogen receptor-negative cells, which are usually unresponsive to hormones. This challenges existing models of tumor development in triple-negative breast cancer. Environmental factors like the herbicide Atrazine were also found to worsen genomic instability.
Researchers identified Indole-3-carbinol, a compound found in cruciferous vegetables, as a potential protector against estrogen-induced DNA damage. The discovery points to dietary interventions as a possible preventive strategy for those with BRCA1 mutations.