Single Gene Defect Can Cause One Form Of Brain Cancer.

German and U.S. researchers have shown that a single gene, BRAF, can cause a form fo brain cancer if it is not properly controlled.  BRAF is part of a cell signaling pathway and is known to be involved in the development of pilocytic astrocytoma, a growth that most often affects children. In mice, the researchers were able to show that the addition of this single gene can cause tumors to develop.  The results reveal important targets for treatment.