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[Recent findings on the effect and role of oncogenes in carcinogenesis]
Abstract:
The tumourous phenotype of cells may be induced by physical, chemical and biological factors. All have the same target, the cell genoma where they can produce minor (e.g. point mutations) or major changes (e.g. reconstruction--chromosomal aberrations, or gene insertion--oncoretroviruses). At present it may be assumed that these factors participate in the activation of proto-oncogenes (cellular oncogenes, c-onc) or in the inactivation of yet not well recognized "tumour suppressor" genes, so-called "anti-oncogenes". So far it was found that deletion of both alleles of "suppressor" genes causes the development of several recessive hereditary tumours (retinoblastoma, Wilms tumours etc.). Activation of proto-oncogenes (by point mutation, amplification, translocation) was found in a number of advanced primary tumours and in metastases. Probably activation of proto-oncogenes will play a more important part in the development of "acquired" tumours and in their progression. The problem of the mutual relationship of proto-oncogenes and "anti-oncogenes" remains so far obscure and controversial.
Insights
Cancer development involves genetic changes to cell DNA. Factors activate proto-oncogenes or inactivate tumor suppressor genes, leading to cell mutations and tumor formation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Context:
- Cellular transformation into a tumorous phenotype is induced by physical, chemical, and biological agents.
- These factors target the cell genome, causing minor (point mutations) or major alterations (chromosomal aberrations, gene insertions).
Purpose:
- To explore the roles of proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in cancer development.
- To investigate how external factors influence cellular oncogenes (c-onc) and anti-oncogenes.
Summary:
- Tumorigenesis involves proto-oncogene activation (e.g., via point mutation, amplification, translocation) and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes.
- Loss of both tumor suppressor gene alleles is linked to hereditary tumors (e.g., retinoblastoma, Wilms tumors).
- Proto-oncogene activation is crucial in advanced primary tumors, metastases, and likely in acquired tumors and their progression.
Impact:
- Understanding oncogene and anti-oncogene interplay is key to cancer research.
- This research provides insights into the genetic basis of various cancers.
- Further investigation is needed to clarify the relationship between proto-oncogenes and anti-oncogenes.