[Genes associated to cancer].

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Oncology

Background:

• In 2010, 291 genes were identified as cancer genes, representing approximately 1% of total genes.
• Cancer genes are defined as genes that, when mutated, cause sporadic or familiar cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define and classify cancer genes.
• To outline the types of mutations and their effects on protein expression.

Main Methods:

• Enumeration of cancer genes through a census.
• Classification of mutations including amplifications, point mutations, deletions, and genomic rearrangements.

Main Results:

• Identification of 291 cancer genes in 2010.
• Mutations lead to protein over-expression, silencing, chimeric protein production, or de novo expression.

Conclusions:

• Genomic alterations affecting specific genes are termed cancer genes.
• The list of cancer-associated genetic alterations is expected to expand with advancements in genomic analysis.