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Major oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes involved in epithelial ovarian cancer (review)
B Aunoble1, R Sanches, E Didier
1Laboratoire d'Oncologie Moleculaire, INSERM CRI 9502/EA 2145, Centre Jean Perrin, BP 392, 63011 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
Abstract:
Ovarian cancer remains the leading cause of death from gynecologic malignancy in Western countries. This cancer results from a succession of genetic alterations involving oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes which have a critical role in normal cell growth regulation. Mutations and/or overexpression of three oncogenes, HER-2/neu, c-myc and K-ras, and of the tumor suppressor gene p53, have frequently been observed in sporadic ovarian cancer. In the context of high risk families, the most frequently involved genes are BRCA1 and BRCA2. We review the function of these different proteins, the incidence of mutations in their genes in carcinogenesis and as potential prognostic factors in sporadic and hereditary ovarian cancer.
Insights
Ovarian cancer, a leading cause of gynecologic death, involves genetic alterations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Key genes like HER-2/neu, c-myc, K-ras, p53, BRCA1, and BRCA2 are implicated in its development and prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Cancer Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death in Western countries.
- Carcinogenesis involves genetic alterations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes crucial for cell growth regulation.
- Sporadic and hereditary ovarian cancers involve distinct genetic mutations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the function of key genes involved in ovarian cancer.
- To examine the incidence of gene mutations in ovarian carcinogenesis.
- To assess the prognostic value of these genetic alterations in ovarian cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of genetic alterations in ovarian cancer.
- Analysis of gene mutations in sporadic and hereditary ovarian cancer.
- Evaluation of protein function and prognostic significance.
Main Results:
- Frequent mutations/overexpression of HER-2/neu, c-myc, K-ras, and p53 in sporadic ovarian cancer.
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 are frequently involved in high-risk hereditary ovarian cancer.
- These genetic alterations play roles in carcinogenesis and prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Genetic alterations in specific oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are critical in ovarian cancer development.
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 are significant in hereditary ovarian cancer.
- Understanding these genetic factors is vital for prognosis and potential therapeutic strategies.