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Susceptibility
to breast cancer involves both genetic and environmental
components acting alone and interacting with
each other. While inherited components of breast
cancer control at least 30% of breast cancer
risk, it is also desirable to establish a risk
for breast cancer on an individual level. Genotypic
information from breast cancer genome-wide association
studies (GWAS) SNPs will be integrated with
phenotypic data from primary human mammary epithelial
cells (HMEC) in a systems genetic model.
After obtaining a prioritized list of SNPs associated
with breast cancer, we will refine this list
by investigating the effects of environmental
factors on gene expression. Cultured HMEC will
be exposed to xenobiotics, after which RNA will
be extracted. We will use qPCR to measure variations
in expression of genes of interest.
By combining global genetic information with
environmental exposure to form a network model,
we will begin to describe the etiology of breast
cancer. These findings may provide insights
for disease prevention strategies and chemoprevention
drugs both for populations and individuals.
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