Genetic Components of Malignant Mesothelioma
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Anne Courtney, AOCNP, DNPThis page has been fact checked by a Doctor of Nursing Practice who specializes in Oncology and has experience working with mesothelioma patients.
Sources of information are listed at the bottom of the article. We make every attempt to keep our information accurate and up-to-date.
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Malignant mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that often kills if not detected early. Mesothelioma patients experienced long-term asbestos exposure, often through building materials such as vinyl tiles or insulation. Many people diagnosed with mesothelioma once worked jobs where they breathed or swallowed asbestos fibers day after day. Mesothelioma typically remains dormant for years after asbestos exposure; therefore, many of its victims have already retired from the jobs that exposed them and caused their cancer.
Can Genes Cause Mesothelioma?
Although genes do not directly cause malignant mesothelioma, genetic factors influence cancer development after carcinogen exposure. Some people seem more likely to develop mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos or erionite fibers than others. Their genes may be the reason.[1]
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Are Some People Genetically Predisposed to Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is not caused by any specific gene; however, recent research into populations of people where mesothelioma is prevalent suggests some individuals may be genetically prone to mesothelioma and other cancers. These groups of populations may be geographic groups or groups of relatives.[2]
What Other Genetic Factors Influence the Development of Mesothelioma?
Recent research seeks to better understand genetic factors that may influence the development of mesothelioma. Since only a fraction of people who experience long-term asbestos exposure develop mesothelioma, researchers suggest a person’s genetics may be involved in the process. In people with mesothelioma, certain tumor-suppressing genes appear to be mutated when compared to those who have been exposed but did not develop the disease.[1]
Tumor Suppressor Genes: an In-Depth Look
Tumor suppressing genes are bits of DNA that suppress the growth and spread of malignant tumors, including mesothelioma. Recent studies of these genes and their expression in mesothelioma patients suggest some people with mesothelioma risk factors do not develop the cancer, but others in the same occupational or environmental conditions do because of mutations in tumor suppressor genes. Let’s explore these tumor suppressing genes a little more closely.
BAP1 Gene
BRCA-associated protein 1 (BAP1) is a tumor suppressor gene that is mutated in many malignant mesothelioma patients. Alterations to this gene prohibit the body’s ability to self regulate and destroy precancerous cells. This mutation is often found in mesothelioma tissue. Having this mutation in the cancer tissue is associated with improved survival. Those with germline mutations, or inherited mutations, might be seen in earlier onset mesothelioma and it also tends to be less aggressive. A Japanese study of patients with mesothelioma found the BAP1 gene is often inactivated, leading to improper modification of histones in the body. This improper modification may facilitate the growth and spread of mesothelioma and other cancers. BAP1 is thought to be partially responsible for the prevalence of mesothelioma in certain families.[1]
NF2 Gene
Another tumor suppressor linked to mesothelioma development is neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). This gene, when functioning properly, regulates proliferation of cancer cells; however, when mutated, NF2 allows malignant tumors to grow and spread unchecked. Approximately 35-40% of patients with mesothelioma carry inactivating mutations.
LATS2 Gene
Large tumor suppressor homolog 2 (LATS2) is another gene often mutated in mesothelioma patients. This particular gene inhibits cancer cell growth. LATS2 is often altered or even deleted in those with malignant mesothelioma. This gene is also associated with the Hippo pathway, by which a fetus’ internal organs are generated. This same pathway may malfunction to create tumor cells in mesothelioma patients.[4] This has also found to be co-occurring with a mutation in the NF2 gene.
Implications for the Future
The role of genetic testing is continually expanding as researchers learn more. Be sure to share your family history with your physician to see if you should be tested for genetic mutations. There is also current research being done on also testing the tissue itself that may be unique to the cancer. This would allow for more targeted treatments and diagnostic testing in the future.
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Anne Courtney, AOCNP, DNP
Anne Courtney has a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and is an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner. She has years of oncology experience working with patients with malignant mesothelioma, as well as other types of cancer. Dr. Courtney currently works at University of Texas LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes.