Colorectal cancer and inherited mutations in base-excision repair

Abstract

Polyposis associated with mutations in the gene MUTYH is an autosomal recessive syndrome characterised by the development of multiple colorectal adenomas and cancer. It is the first cancer-predisposition disorder to be associated with defects in the pathway of base-excision repair. We review our knowledge to date of the disease, discuss base-excision repair in relation to cellular defence against oxidative damage, and give an overview of the molecular genetics and clinicopathological features of tumours associated with MUTYH mutations. No longer a research finding, genetic testing for MUTYH is now a necessary part of molecular diagnosis in familial cancer clinics throughout Australia and the..