Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Methods for Evaluating the Role of c-Fos and Dusp1 in Oncogene Dependence
10:09

Methods for Evaluating the Role of c-Fos and Dusp1 in Oncogene Dependence

Published on: January 7, 2019

A stochastic model of oncogene expression and the relevance of this model to cancer therapy

Francis D Alfano1

  • 1The Harold Leever Cancer Center, 1075 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, Connecticut 06708, USA. fralfano@aol.com

Theoretical Biology & Medical Modelling
|February 2, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Targeting oncogenes that drive tumor cell survival can maximize cancer cell kill. A new mathematical model quantifies the impact of ablating oncogene protein products on tumor growth and apoptosis.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Mathematical Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Oncogene ablation can induce apoptosis and inhibit tumor cell proliferation.
  • Identifying key oncogenes is crucial for effective cancer therapy.
  • Oncogenes regulate cellular processes like apoptosis, differentiation, and proliferation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a mathematical model quantifying the effects of oncogene ablation on tumor cells.
  • To assess the impact of blocking oncogene activity on cell death and growth inhibition.

Main Methods:

  • Developed a mathematical model for cellular phenotypic entropy.
  • Model incorporates cellular proliferation, survival, transformation, and differentiation.
  • Applied the model to data from chronic myelogenous leukemia and K562 cells.

Main Results:

  • The model quantitatively assesses cell death and growth inhibition from oncogene ablation.
  • Demonstrated how oncogenes contribute to cancer by blocking apoptosis and promoting proliferation.
  • Illustrated principles using chronic myelogenous leukemia and K562 cell data.

Conclusions:

  • The developed model has implications for oncogene-directed cancer therapies.
  • The model can inform the use of combination therapies involving oncogene targeting.

More Related Videos

A Preclinical Mouse Model of Osteosarcoma to Define the Extracellular Vesicle-mediated Communication Between Tumor and Mesenchymal Stem Cells11:15

A Preclinical Mouse Model of Osteosarcoma to Define the Extracellular Vesicle-mediated Communication Between Tumor and Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Published on: May 6, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes01:33

Cancer-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...
Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes01:33

Cancer-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...
Mouse Models of Cancer Study02:43

Mouse Models of Cancer Study

Mice have long served as models for studying human biology and pathology because of their phylogenetic and physiological similarity with humans. They are also easy to maintain and breed in the laboratory, and hence, many inbred strains are now available for research. Studies on mice have contributed immeasurably to our understanding of cancer biology.
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

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.
Such genes that act...