Knowra Oncogene Oncogene An oncogene is a gene whose abnormal activation or expression can promote cancer. It often arises when a proto-oncogene gains activity or is expressed too strongly.
Proto-oncogene : A normal gene that supports cell growth, division, or survival and can become an oncogene after alteration. Oncogenes commonly originate as normal growth-regulating genes whose activity becomes excessive.
Cell cycle : The ordered stages through which a cell grows, copies its DNA, and divides. Oncogene activity can push cells through division checkpoints.
RAS : A family of small GTP-binding proteins that relays signals controlling cell growth and differentiation. Mutated RAS proteins can remain active and drive growth signaling in many cancers.
Molecular diagnostics : Diagnostic methods that detect disease-associated molecules, including DNA, RNA, and proteins. Tumor testing identifies oncogene mutations, rearrangements, or amplification.
Rous sarcoma virus : A retrovirus that causes sarcomas in chickens and carries the v-src oncogene. Its discovery provided early evidence that viruses can transmit cancer-causing genetic material.
Gain-of-function mutation : A genetic change that increases a gene product’s activity or gives it a new function. Many oncogenic mutations make a growth-promoting protein active when it should be restrained.
Growth factor : A signaling molecule that binds a receptor and can regulate cell growth, division, or survival. Some oncogenes make cells produce growth signals that stimulate their own proliferation.
HER2 : A receptor tyrosine kinase encoded by ERBB2 that can promote cell growth when overexpressed or amplified. HER2 amplification is a clear example of excess oncogene expression driving a tumor.
Targeted therapy : Treatment designed to act on specific molecular features that help sustain a disease. Some drugs inhibit oncogenic proteins or the pathways they activate.
Viral oncogene : A viral gene capable of promoting cell transformation or tumor formation in an infected host. Viral oncogenes helped reveal that cancer-driving genes could resemble genes in normal cells.
Show all 26