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Oncogenes and tumor growth factors in breast cancer. A minireview
1Department of Tumor Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
Abstract:
Five oncogenes have been implied as having a role in human breast tumorigenesis: int-2, c-erbB-2 (HER-2), c-myc, c-Ha-ras and the recessive Rb-1. As far as the function and biochemistry of these oncogenes have been studied, they act at different levels and have totally different functions in the cells. They are normally cellular genes, likely to have important functions in normal cell growth or differentiation. In the tumors their regulation or function is altered, due to a wide class of mutations. The oncogenes may cooperate to result in the malignant cell phenotype. However, different oncogenes are mutated in different tumors, so that the tumors show a variable pattern at the molecular level, underlining the individuality of these tumors already described as differences in histopathology, hormone receptor expression and clinical course. The main importance of the oncogene studies is still to reveal basic pathogenetic mechanisms. When appropriate it is important to test diagnostic or prognostic significance of the oncogene mutations.
Insights
Five oncogenes are implicated in human breast cancer development, functioning differently at various cellular levels. Understanding oncogene mutations is key to revealing tumor individuality and basic pathogenetic mechanisms for potential diagnostic use.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Five key oncogenes (int-2, c-erbB-2 (HER-2), c-myc, c-Ha-ras, Rb-1) are implicated in human breast tumorigenesis.
- These oncogenes are normally involved in cell growth and differentiation but undergo alterations in tumors.
- Mutations in these oncogenes can cooperate to drive the malignant cell phenotype.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the roles and functions of specific oncogenes in human breast cancer.
- To understand how alterations in oncogene regulation and function contribute to tumorigenesis.
- To highlight the molecular individuality of breast tumors based on variable oncogene mutations.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing studies on the function and biochemistry of implicated oncogenes.
- Analysis of how oncogene mutations affect cellular processes in breast tumors.
- Correlation of molecular patterns with histopathology, hormone receptor status, and clinical course.
Main Results:
- Oncogenes function at different cellular levels with distinct biochemical roles.
- Tumorigenesis involves altered regulation or function of these oncogenes due to mutations.
- Variable mutation patterns across different tumors underscore tumor individuality.
Conclusions:
- Oncogene studies are crucial for uncovering fundamental pathogenetic mechanisms in breast cancer.
- The molecular variability of oncogenes in tumors contributes to differences in disease presentation and progression.
- Investigating oncogene mutations may offer diagnostic or prognostic significance.