BAP1 mutation passed down over centuries and is associated with high incidence of several cancers

(PLOS) Carbone and colleagues discovered that members of 4 families, apparently unrelated and living in different US States, shared the identical mutation of a gene called BAP1 that is associated with a higher incidence of mesothelioma, melanoma, renal carcinoma and other cancers. Through genetic and genealogical studies, it was demonstrated that the families were related, and that they descended from a couple that immigrated to the USA from Germany in the early 1700s. (Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer)

from MedWorm: Mesothelioma http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=159146487&cid=c_409_6_f&fid=31121&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eurekalert.org%2Fpub_releases%2F2015-12%2Fp-bmp121415.php