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Methods for Evaluating the Role of c-Fos and Dusp1 in Oncogene Dependence
Published on: January 7, 2019
The null oncogene hypothesis and protection from cancer
M P Davenport1, R L Ward, N J Hawkins
1Department of Pathology, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia. m.davenport@unsw.edu.au
Journal of Medical Genetics
|February 5, 2002
Summary
Cancer develops when tumor suppressor genes are inactivated and proto-oncogenes are activated. We propose that hereditary cancer patients may exhibit "null oncogene" mutations, offering new insights into cancer risk.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Tumour progression is characterized by the inactivation of tumour suppressor genes (TSGs) and activation of proto-oncogenes.
- Inactivation of both copies of a TSG is necessary for cancer development.
- Germline mutations in TSGs increase cancer risk and cause hereditary cancer syndromes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of proto-oncogene mutations in cancer development.
- To investigate the concept of
- null oncogene
- mutations in hereditary cancer.
- To propose a new hypothesis regarding cancer risk based on proto-oncogene status.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of TSG inactivation and proto-oncogene activation in carcinogenesis.
- Review of existing literature on hereditary cancer syndromes and genetic mutations.
- Formulation of a hypothesis based on the proposed mechanisms of oncogene and TSG function.
Main Results:
- Activation of a single proto-oncogene copy is sufficient for carcinogenesis.
- Germline deletion or inactivation of one proto-oncogene copy reduces the risk of activation at that locus.
- This suggests the existence and potential detectability of "null oncogene" mutations.
Conclusions:
- The study proposes that "null oncogene" mutations, resulting from germline inactivation of one proto-oncogene copy, may be found in high-risk cancer patients.
- Understanding these mutations could offer novel perspectives on cancer predisposition and prevention.
- Further research is warranted to validate the prevalence and significance of "null oncogene" mutations in human cancers.
Related Concept Videos
01:33Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
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.
Such genes that act...
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.
Such genes that act...
01:12Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions
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...
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...
01:05Cancer-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.
Such genes that act...
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.
Such genes that act...
01:33Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
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.
Such genes that act...
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.
Such genes that act...
01:05Cancer-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.
Such genes that act...
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.
Such genes that act...
01:12Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions
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...
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...