Lynch syndrome, formerly known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), results from a mutation in one of four genes—MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2—that encode proteins involved in DNA repair.Mutations in the EPCAM gene also cause Lynch syndrome because it is situated next to the MSH2 gene.In addition to increased risk for colorectal cancer, people with this syndrome have increased risk for many other types of cancer.Based on the information provided here, are Lynch syndrome mutations loss-of-function or gain-of-function mutations? Describe how these mutations increase incidence of cancer development.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer of Lynch syndrome, formerly known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), results from a mutation in one of four genes—MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2—that encode proteins involved in DNA repair.Mutations in the EPCAM gene also cause Lynch syndrome because it is situated next to the MSH2 gene.In addition to increased risk for colorectal cancer, people with this syndrome have increased risk for many other types of cancer.Based on the information provided here, are Lynch syndrome mutations loss-of-function or gain-of-function mutations? Describe how these mutations increase incidence of cancer development.

Lynch Syndrome, Formerly Known as Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC)