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The role of oncogenes in gastrointestinal cancer
Emmanouil P Pappou1, Nita Ahuja
1Department of Surgery The Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD.
Abstract:
Oncogene research over the last century has been one of the major advances in understanding the molecular biology of malignant disease. Oncogenes are a structurally and functionally heterogeneous group of genes, whose protein products act pleiotropically and affect multiple complex regulatory cascades within the cell. They regulate cell proliferation, growth, and differentiation, as well as control of the cell cycle and apoptosis. The products of oncogenes include growth factors, growth factor receptors, signal transducers, transcription factors, and apoptosis regulators, as well as chromatin remodelers. Several distinct mechanisms have been described for the conversion of proto-oncogenes to active oncogenes. Quantitative forms of oncogene activation include multiplication (gene amplification) or translocation to an active chromatin domain that brings a growth-regulatory gene under the control of a different promoter, causing inappropriate expression of the gene. Qualitative forms include either point mutations or the production of a novel product from a chimeric gene. Further understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which oncogenes regulate normal development and tumorigenesis may lead to novel concepts in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in humans. In this review, we focus on the role of selected oncogenes in gastrointestinal cancer.
Insights
Oncogenes drive cancer by altering cell growth and division. This review explores how specific oncogenes contribute to gastrointestinal cancer, potentially improving diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Oncogene research is crucial for understanding cancer's molecular basis.
- Oncogenes are diverse genes regulating cell proliferation, growth, differentiation, cell cycle, and apoptosis.
- Their products include growth factors, receptors, signal transducers, transcription factors, and chromatin remodelers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of selected oncogenes in gastrointestinal cancer.
- To highlight the molecular mechanisms of oncogene activation and their impact on tumorigenesis.
- To explore potential novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies based on oncogene understanding.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing existing research on oncogenes.
- Focuses on mechanisms of proto-oncogene activation (gene amplification, translocation, point mutations, chimeric genes).
- Examines the function of oncogene products in cellular regulatory cascades.
Main Results:
- Oncogenes can be activated quantitatively (amplification, translocation) or qualitatively (point mutations, chimeric genes).
- Activated oncogenes disrupt normal cellular processes, promoting uncontrolled growth and cancer development.
- Specific oncogenes play significant roles in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal cancers.
Conclusions:
- Understanding oncogene mechanisms is key to advancing cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- Targeting oncogenes offers potential for novel therapeutic interventions in gastrointestinal malignancies.
- Further research into oncogene function can lead to improved patient outcomes.
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