[The role of proto-oncogenes in fundamental manifestations of life]

Problems of the origin, structure and functions, in the cells and tissues, of the so-called proto-oncogenes (c-onc)--cell genes, homologues and oncogene foreparents (v-onc)--are considered in the review. Up-to-date data are given to show the participation of the main groups of proto-oncogenes in the processes of cell division, proliferation and differentiation. The role of c-onc genes is found to be important for fundamental manifestations of the cell life activity. Special attention is paid to the problem of interrelation of the proto-oncogenes with growth factors and their receptors.