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[Function of oncogenes in neuroepithelial tumors]
1Neurologische Universitätsklinik, Göttingen.
Abstract:
The human genome contains so-called protooncogenes which can be activated to oncogenes by mutations. Oncogenes contribute to the development of tumours of the nervous system. Some of the oncogenes are related to growth factors or to cytogenetic changes in tumours. A survey is given of current research on oncogene loci in neuroepithelial tumours by recombinant DNA techniques. In neuroblastomas the amplification of the oncogene N-myc is associated with a poorer prognosis. In neuroepithelial tumours the amplification of c-erbB, which is in part homologous to the epidermal growth factor receptor gene, is restricted to malignant neoplasias. An enhanced expression of the oncogene c-sis, which codes for the platelet-derived growth factor, is found in 85% of malignant gliomas. Many studies of relatively fewer cases suggest the influence of other, further oncogenes in the group of neuroepithelial tumours.
Insights
Protooncogenes can mutate into oncogenes, driving nervous system tumor development. Research highlights specific oncogene amplifications (N-myc, c-erbB) and expressions (c-sis) linked to poorer prognoses and malignancy in neuroepithelial tumors.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Context:
- Protooncogenes are normal human genes that can mutate into oncogenes.
- Oncogenes play a role in the development of nervous system tumors.
- Recombinant DNA techniques are used to study oncogene loci.
Purpose:
- To survey current research on oncogene loci in neuroepithelial tumors.
- To investigate the association between specific oncogene amplifications/expressions and tumor characteristics.
Summary:
- Amplification of the N-myc oncogene in neuroblastomas correlates with a poorer prognosis.
- Amplification of the c-erbB oncogene, similar to the epidermal growth factor receptor gene, is found in malignant neuroepithelial tumors.
- Enhanced expression of the c-sis oncogene, coding for platelet-derived growth factor, is observed in 85% of malignant gliomas.
- Other oncogenes may also influence neuroepithelial tumor development, based on preliminary studies.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of neuroepithelial tumor development.
- Identifies potential prognostic markers (e.g., N-myc amplification) for neuroblastomas.
- Highlights the role of specific oncogenes (c-erbB, c-sis) in malignant neuroepithelial neoplasias.
- Suggests avenues for further research into the role of various oncogenes in these tumors.