Targets of oncogenes and tumor suppressors: key for understanding basic mechanisms of carcinogenesis

B P Kopnin1

  • 1Institute of Carcinogenesis, Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, 115478, Russia. kopnin@imb.ac.ru

Insights

Protooncogene and tumor suppressor gene expression changes drive cancer development. Their protein dysfunction disrupts cell signaling, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor progression.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Protooncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are critical regulators of normal cellular functions.
  • Their altered expression is a hallmark of cancer development (oncogenesis).
  • Dysfunctional proteins encoded by these genes disrupt key signaling pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of protooncogene and tumor suppressor gene expression changes in oncogenesis.
  • To understand how protein product dysfunction impacts cellular regulatory mechanisms.
  • To connect these molecular alterations to tumor initiation and progression.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of gene expression patterns in neoplastic tissues.
  • Investigation of protein product function in cellular signaling pathways.
  • Correlation of genetic alterations with physiological process dysregulation.

Main Results:

  • Aberrant expression of protooncogenes and tumor suppressor genes was observed.
  • Protein dysfunction led to dysregulation of cell cycle, apoptosis, and genetic stability.
  • These molecular changes were linked to neoplastic cell transformation and tumor progression.

Conclusions:

  • Changes in protooncogene and tumor suppressor gene expression are fundamental to cancer initiation.
  • Disrupted cellular signaling pathways due to protein dysfunction drive tumor development.
  • Understanding these genetic alterations is key to targeting cancer progression.

Related Concept Videos

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Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
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Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
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When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
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Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
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Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions01:12

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Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...