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. 2025 Feb 19;26(4):1768.
doi: 10.3390/ijms26041768.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of BRCA1 and BRCA2 as Targets in Canine Oncology: A Comprehensive Review of Their Role in Cancer Development and Treatment

Jayson Cagadas Pasaol  1 , Agnieszka Śmieszek  1 , Aleksandra Pawlak  1
Affiliations

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of BRCA1 and BRCA2 as Targets in Canine Oncology: A Comprehensive Review of Their Role in Cancer Development and Treatment

Jayson Cagadas Pasaol et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

Tumor diseases represent a significant global health challenge, impacting both humans and companion animals, notably dogs. The parallels observed in the pathophysiology of cancer between humans and dogs underscore the importance of advancing comparative oncology and translational research methodologies. Furthermore, dogs serve as valuable models for human cancer research due to shared environments, genetics, and treatment responses. In particular, breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2), which are critical in human cancer, also influence the development and progression of canine tumors. The role of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in canine cancers remains underexplored, but its potential significance as therapeutic targets is strongly considered. This systematic review aims to broaden the discussion of BRCA1 and BRCA2 beyond mammary tumors, exploring their implications in various canine cancers. By emphasizing the shared genetic underpinnings between species and advocating for a comparative approach, the review indicates the potential of BRCA genes as targets for innovative cancer therapies in dogs, contributing to advances in human and veterinary oncology.

Keywords: BRCA genes; PARP inhibitors; canine cancer; comparative oncology; genomic stability.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Structural and functional motifs recognized in BRCA1 and BRCA2. (A) Schematic structure of BRCA1. The RING domain, the transactivation domain, the BRCT domain, nuclear localization signals (NLS), and exon 11 coding regions are indicated. Representative proteins that interact with BRCA1 in three different regions are shown. (B) Schematic structure of BRCA2. The transactivation domain, the BRC repeats, and the NLS are indicated. Representative BRCA2-interacting proteins are indicated.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Summary of essential information for BRCA1 and BRCA2: 3D protein structure, chromosomal location, and primary function.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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