Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Defining Gene Functions in Tumorigenesis by Ex vivo Ablation of Floxed Alleles in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Cells
Published on: August 25, 2021
Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes
Eva Y H P Lee1, William J Muller
1Department of Biological Chemistry and Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-4037, USA.
Abstract:
Breast cancer progression involves multiple genetic events, which can activate dominant-acting oncogenes and disrupt the function of specific tumor suppressor genes. This article describes several key oncogene and tumor suppressor signaling networks that have been implicated in breast cancer progression. Among the tumor suppressors, the article emphasizes BRCA1/2 and p53 tumor suppressors. In addition to these well characterized tumor suppressors, the article highlights the importance of PTEN tumor suppressor in counteracting PI3K signaling from activated oncogenes such as ErbB2. This article discusses the use of mouse models of human breast that recapitulate the key genetic events involved in the initiation and progression of breast cancer. Finally, the therapeutic potential of targeting these key tumor suppressor and oncogene signaling networks is discussed.
Insights
This study explores key oncogene and tumor suppressor networks in breast cancer progression, emphasizing BRCA1/2, p53, and PTEN. Targeting these pathways offers therapeutic potential for breast cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Breast cancer progression is driven by genetic alterations activating oncogenes and inactivating tumor suppressor genes.
- Key signaling networks involving oncogenes and tumor suppressors are crucial in breast cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review critical oncogene and tumor suppressor signaling networks in breast cancer.
- To highlight the roles of BRCA1/2, p53, and PTEN in breast cancer.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting these networks.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on breast cancer genetics and signaling pathways.
- Emphasis on specific tumor suppressors like BRCA1/2, p53, and PTEN.
- Discussion of mouse models for studying breast cancer initiation and progression.
Main Results:
- Identified key oncogene and tumor suppressor networks driving breast cancer.
- Highlighted the importance of PTEN in regulating PI3K signaling against oncogenes like ErbB2.
- Demonstrated the utility of mouse models in recapitulating human breast cancer genetics.
Conclusions:
- Understanding these signaling networks is vital for breast cancer research.
- Targeting oncogene and tumor suppressor pathways presents promising therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.
- BRCA1/2, p53, and PTEN are critical players in breast cancer pathogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
01:05Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
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
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
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...
01:12Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions
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...
01:33Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
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
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...