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Published on: September 19, 2018
[Oncogenes, anti-oncogenes and their alterations in human tumors]
P Jeanteur1, C Theillet, H Pujol
1Centre Val d'Aurelle-Paul Lamarque, Parc Euromédecine, Montpellier.
Abstract:
This review summarizes the discovery of oncogenes which are the activated versions of normal cellular protooncogenes which serve essential functions in the control of cell proliferation and differentiation. Their activation disrupts the normal control mechanism which rests on the subtle balance between their effects and those of anti-oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. One may reasonably hope that defining a complete profile of alterations of both these types of essential genes in the tumor or in the clinically healthy individual will be invaluable to assess prognosis or genetic predisposition, respectively.
Insights
This review covers oncogenes, which are mutated proto-oncogenes controlling cell growth. Understanding these and tumor suppressor genes aids in assessing cancer prognosis and genetic risk.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cancer Biology
Context:
- Proto-oncogenes are vital for normal cell proliferation and differentiation.
- Oncogenes arise from the activation of proto-oncogenes.
- Tumor suppressor genes counterbalance the effects of oncogenes.
Purpose:
- To review the discovery and role of oncogenes.
- To highlight the importance of the balance between oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.
- To explore the potential of gene profiling for clinical applications.
Summary:
- Oncogenes are activated proto-oncogenes that disrupt cellular growth control.
- The balance between oncogenes and anti-oncogenes (tumor suppressors) is crucial for normal cell function.
- Alterations in these genes impact cell proliferation and differentiation pathways.
Impact:
- Gene profiling of oncogenes and tumor suppressors can predict cancer prognosis.
- Identifying genetic alterations may reveal predisposition to cancer in healthy individuals.
- This knowledge is invaluable for personalized medicine and risk assessment.
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