The ATM, ATR, Chk1 and Chk2 polymorphisms were selected based on their functional significance, on previous reports of association with cancer risk or clinical outcome or, in the case of CDK12, for the emerging role of this protein in influencing the response to therapy (Supplementary Table 1)18, 19, 20, 21, 22. The gene discussed is CHEK2; the disease is cancer.