Reviewed August 2007
What is the official name of the RAD51 gene?
The official name of this gene is “RAD51 homolog (RecA homolog, E. coli) (S. cerevisiae).”
RAD51 is the gene's official symbol. The RAD51 gene is also known by other names, listed below.
What is the normal function of the RAD51 gene?
The RAD51 gene provides instructions for making a protein that is essential for repairing damaged DNA. Breaks in DNA can be caused by natural and medical radiation or other environmental exposures, and also occur when chromosomes exchange genetic material in preparation for cell division. The RAD51 protein binds to the DNA at the site of a break and encases it in a protein sheath, which is an essential first step in the repair process.
In the nucleus of many types of normal cells, the RAD51 protein interacts with many other proteins, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, to fix damaged DNA. The BRCA2 protein regulates the activity of the RAD51 protein by transporting it to sites of DNA damage in the nucleus. The interaction between the BRCA1 protein and RAD51 is less clear, although research suggests that BRCA1 may also activate RAD51 in response to DNA damage. By helping repair DNA, these three proteins play a role in maintaining the stability of a cell's genetic information.
How are changes in the RAD51 gene related to health conditions?
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breast cancer - associated with the RAD51 gene
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Several alterations in the RAD51 gene have been associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Some of these genetic changes appear to modify breast cancer risk in women who also carry a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Because the proteins produced from these three genes work together to fix damaged DNA, mutations likely disrupt the normal repair process. As defects accumulate in DNA, they can allow cells to grow and divide uncontrollably and form a tumor.
Where is the RAD51 gene located?
Cytogenetic Location: 15q15.1
Molecular Location on chromosome 15: base pairs 38,774,660 to 38,811,645
The RAD51 gene is located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 15 at position 15.1.
More precisely, the RAD51 gene is located from base pair 38,774,660 to base pair 38,811,645 on chromosome 15.
See How do geneticists indicate the location of a gene? in the Handbook.
Where can I find additional information about RAD51?
You and your healthcare professional may find the following resources about RAD51 helpful.
- Educational resources - Information pages
You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for genetics professionals and researchers.
- PubMed - Recent literature
- OMIM - Genetic disorder catalog
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What other names do people use for the RAD51 gene or gene products?
- BRCC5
- DNA repair protein RAD51 homolog 1
- HRAD51
- HsRAD51
- RAD51A
- RAD51_HUMAN
- RECA
- RecA, E. coli, homolog of
- RecA-like protein
- recombination protein A
Where can I find general information about genes?
The Handbook provides basic information about genetics in clear language.
These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful.
What glossary definitions help with understanding RAD51?
cancer ;
cell ;
cell division ;
chromosome ;
DNA ;
DNA damage ;
DNA repair ;
E. coli ;
gene ;
homologs ;
mutation ;
nucleus ;
protein ;
radiation ;
tumor
You may find definitions for these and many other terms in the Genetics Home Reference
Glossary.
The resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for
professional medical care or advice. Users seeking information about
a personal genetic disease, syndrome, or condition should consult with a qualified
healthcare professional.
See How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook.