Next-Generation Sequencing Reveals a Nonsense Mutation (p.Arg364Ter) in MRE11A Gene in an Indian Patient with Familial Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The MRN complex consisting of MRE11A-RAD50-NBS1 proteins is involved in the repair of double-strand breaks, and mutations in genes coding for the MRN complex have been identified in families with breast and ovarian cancer.

CASE REPORT: In a BRCA- negative family with positive history of breast and endometrial cancer, next-generation sequencing-based panel testing identified a mutation in the MRE11A gene (NM_005590 c.1090C>T: p.Arg364Ter). This mutation results in a shorter mutated protein lacking 2 DNA binding domains (the GAR domain and the RAD50 binding site), abolishing the function of protein.

CONCLUSION: This case provides insight into the role of the MRE11A gene in causing breast cancer susceptibility in families, and supports the use of multigene panel testing in cases with hereditary predisposition to breast cancer.