What Gene Is Responsible for Prostate Cancer?

by Rebecca Laskowitz

Overview

Much research is being done to determine if there is a genetic factor affecting prostate cancer. By identifying what gene is responsible, scientists may be able to take another step in preventing this deadly disease.
Statistics

Hereditary prostate cancer means the risk of prostate cancer is caused by a gene that is passed down through the family. Prostate cancers caused by genes are responsible for 5 to 10 percent of cases, per the Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center.

Identification

More than one gene has been identified as a possible cause of prostate cancer. It may be an autosomal dominant gene or an X-linked or autosomal recessive gene, according to Dr. Diptasri Mandal, who is conducting research on genetics and prostate cancer at LSU.
Types

The risk factors may be different among families because seven different potential hereditary prostate cancer genes have been identified. They include HPC1, PCAP, CAPB, HPC2, HPC20 and HPCX.
Locations

The locations of the above-mentioned genes are chromosome 1 (HPC1, PCAP and CAPB), chromosome 17 (HPC2), chromosome 20 (HPC20) and the X chromosome (HPCX). The seventh gene is located on chromosome 8.
Considerations

This genetic research has only been conducted on Caucasian Americans. More research, including with members of families in other populations, needs to be completed to determine if the identified genes are found in multiple populations.