A group of researchers headed by Professor Solomon Rotimi from the Department of Biochemistry at Covenant University in Ota, Ogun State, has completed Nigeria’s very first indigenous investigation into how particular genetic elements such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 contribute to breast cancer in Nigerian women.

The primary investigator, Rotimi, reportedly recorded this advancement in a paper called 'Screening of Germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations in Nigerian Breast Cancer Patients,' which appeared in the Technology in Cancer Research and Treatment journal.

The institution released this information in a statement on Friday.

The explanation stated that although extensive research has been conducted on genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2—which are linked to an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers—in Western populations, much fewer studies have been performed in African populations. Furthermore, when investigations were undertaken in Nigeria, they largely depended on foreign experts for guidance.

The university stated that even though a family history of cancer and genetic factors are recognized as significant risks, there remains limited knowledge regarding the particular genetic elements contributing to breast cancer among Nigerian women.

The statement indicated, "Our group from Covenant University addressed this issue by producing an unprecedented, wholly localized research in Nigeria aimed at exploring how alterations ('variants') within the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes might play a role in breast cancer development among Nigerian females."

In conducting this research, Professor Rotimi’s team employed cutting-edge technology (DNA sequencing) to analyze the genes present in the blood samples.

They performed all the lab tasks—from extracting DNA to conducting sequencing and analyzing data—locally at the Cancer Genomics Laboratory at Covenant University. This facility falls under the umbrella of the Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Centre of Excellence (CApIC-ACE).

The key findings from this research indicate that approximately 7% of breast cancer patients exhibited detrimental alterations in their BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.

These were discovered exclusively in women diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer who also reported a familial history of cancer. It should be noted that these genes have the potential to be inherited by their offspring.

These detrimental variations were absent in healthy women. We identified distinctive BRCA gene patterns (known as haplotypes) specific to Nigerian women—patterns that are seldom or never observed in other population groups.

As stated, the group discovered numerous additional BRCA variations that, although not dangerous individually, might contribute to cancer risk when coupled with other elements.

This research is crucial for managing the cancer burden since it marks a significant step forward for African science. It effectively showcases our ability to carry out intricate cancer genomics studies autonomously, without relying on Western nations.

Additionally, this finding indicates that certain Nigerian women might possess distinct genetic indicators for breast cancer that are not observed in Western populations.

The research supports the need for genetically targeted tests and early detection methods specifically designed for Nigerian women, which could aid in identifying those at greater risk of breast or ovarian cancer.

"It should be highlighted that this development paves the way for genetic counseling and more personalized treatment options, which have proven to be particularly effective for breast cancers associated with BRCA mutations," the statement further explained.

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