Disruption of oncogene/tumor suppressor networks during human carcinogenesis
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Published on: July 25, 2017
1Department of Pathology and Harvard Center for Cancer Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115-5701, USA. karl_munger@hms.harvard.edu
Abstract:
Oncogenes were initially discovered as retrovirally transmitted tumor causing agents. The realization that such retroviral oncogenes constitute specifically altered versions of cellular genes-proto-oncogenes, was a landmark discovery that set the stage for the molecular and mechanistic era of cancer research. Moreover, the studies on oncogene functions have been instrumental in delineating many of the paradigms of cellular signal transduction. In contrast to the original studies in animals, oncogenic activation through retroviral transmission does not appear to be a major factor in human tumorigenesis. However, oncogenes are frequently activated by gain of function mutations or fusions with other genes, or they are aberrantly expressed due to amplification, increased promoter activity, or protein stabilization, and hence they play integral roles in the genesis of human tumors.
Insights
Oncogenes, altered proto-oncogenes, drive cancer through mutations and aberrant expression. Understanding their role in cellular signaling is key to cancer research and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Oncogenes were first identified as viral agents causing tumors.
- Oncogenes are altered forms of cellular proto-oncogenes.
- Their study advanced understanding of cellular signal transduction pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the discovery and role of oncogenes in cancer.
- To highlight mechanisms of oncogene activation in human tumors.
- To emphasize the significance of oncogenes in cancer research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of oncogene discovery and function.
- Analysis of oncogene activation mechanisms in tumorigenesis.
- Synthesis of information on oncogenes in human cancer.
Main Results:
- Retroviral transmission is a minor factor in human cancer.
- Gain-of-function mutations, gene fusions, and aberrant expression activate oncogenes.
- Oncogenes are integral to the development of human tumors.
Conclusions:
- Oncogenes, derived from proto-oncogenes, are critical drivers of human cancers.
- Mechanisms of oncogene activation include mutations, fusions, and altered expression.
- Continued research into oncogenes is vital for cancer therapy development.
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