A major contributing factor to the development of brain cancer is genetics. Although the genetic foundation of brain tumors is not always evident, genetic variables that heighten an individual's vulnerability to the disease play a significant role in many cases. In this essay, we shall examine the complex connection between brain cancer development and genetics.
Family predisposition: It is well known that family predisposition plays a role in the development of brain cancer. People who have a family history of brain cancer are more likely to have the illness themselves. Brain cancers that run in families have been associated with certain gene mutations, including those in the TP53 and PTEN genes. Since these mutations are usually inherited, those who have family members who are afflicted may want to get tested genetically to determine their own risk.
Neurofibromatosis: A hereditary condition that greatly raises the chance of brain tumor development is neurofibromatosis. NF1 and NF2 are the two main forms of neurofibromatosis. Whereas NF2 mostly causes vestibular schwannomas and meningiomas, NF1 is linked to the growth of optic nerve gliomas and other brain cancers. These illnesses are usually inherited from one's parents and are caused by certain gene mutations.
Li-Fraumeni syndrome: This is an additional uncommon genetic condition that makes people more vulnerable to many types of cancer, including brain cancer. Mutations in the TP53 gene, a tumor suppressor that controls cell proliferation, are associated with this condition. People who have Li-Fraumeni syndrome are far more likely to suffer brain tumors while they are young.
Somatic Mutations: Somatic mutations in brain cells have the potential to cause cancer in addition to inherited genetic mutations. Somatic mutations develop naturally throughout the course of a person's lifetime, rather than being inherited. They may be caused by a number of things, including exposure to toxins or haphazard mistakes in DNA replication. Somatic mutations have the potential to cause brain tumors and unchecked cell proliferation.