Germline mutations are changes that occur in the DNA of reproductive cells (egg or sperm) and can be passed on from parents to their children. These mutations may lead to various inherited diseases or genetic conditions. Full definition
Carriers of germline mutations in BRCA2 have at least five times greater risk of prostate cancer and frequently develop a more aggressive form of the disease. (cancerresearchuk.org)
«Our discovery of germline mutations in so many cases of Wilms tumor means that the children and family members of these patients may be at risk for tumor development,» said Perlman. (sciencedaily.com)
Her group will soon publish a paper evaluating the genetic profiles of 160 breast and ovarian cancers associated with germline mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2, in the largest study of these tumors to date. (sciencedaily.com)