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Transforming collaborations between ras and nuclear oncogenes
1Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139.
Abstract:
Nuclear proteins encoded by both cellular oncogenes and DNA tumor viruses enable activated ras oncogenes to transform a variety of cell types to a tumorigenic state. The interactions are complementary, suggesting that collaborating oncogenes release cells from controls that preclude transformation by ras alone. The nuclear oncoproteins bind both protein and nucleic acid targets and affect processes important in transcription and cell cycle control. Transforming collaborations between oncogenes provide a genetic context to study biochemical interactions involved in normal growth control and to identify mechanisms important in multistep carcinogenesis.
Insights
Cellular oncogenes and DNA tumor viruses cooperate with ras oncogenes to induce cell transformation. These nuclear oncoproteins target proteins and nucleic acids, impacting transcription and cell cycle control for multistep carcinogenesis research.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Activated ras oncogenes can transform cells, but often require cooperation with other oncogenes.
- Cellular oncogenes and DNA tumor viruses encode nuclear proteins that collaborate with ras.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the complementary interactions between oncogenes that enable ras-mediated cell transformation.
- To understand the molecular mechanisms by which cooperating oncogenes facilitate transformation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of nuclear oncoproteins encoded by cellular oncogenes and DNA tumor viruses.
- Studying the binding targets (protein and nucleic acid) of these oncoproteins.
- Investigating effects on transcription and cell cycle control.
Main Results:
- Nuclear oncoproteins from cellular oncogenes and DNA tumor viruses cooperate with activated ras oncogenes.
- These collaborations release cells from inhibitory controls, enabling transformation.
- Oncoproteins interact with protein and nucleic acid targets, influencing transcription and cell cycle.
Conclusions:
- Cooperating oncogenes are essential for ras-mediated transformation of various cell types.
- These interactions provide insights into normal growth control and multistep carcinogenesis.
- Understanding these biochemical interactions is crucial for cancer research.