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Focus Formation: A Cell-based Assay to Determine the Oncogenic Potential of a Gene
08:18

Focus Formation: A Cell-based Assay to Determine the Oncogenic Potential of a Gene

Published on: December 31, 2014

The action of oncogenes in the cytoplasm and nucleus

R A Weinberg

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |November 15, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    Over 40 oncogenes (cancer-causing genes) have been identified, grouped by function. Their protein products may regulate cell signaling, gene transcription, or other functions unrelated to cell growth.

    Area of Science:

    • Oncology
    • Molecular Biology
    • Genetics

    Background:

    • Over 40 distinct oncogenes of viral and cellular origin have been identified.
    • These oncogenes can be functionally classified based on their impact on cellular phenotype.
    • This classification suggests a limited number of mechanisms by which oncogene-encoded proteins exert their effects.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To explore the functional classifications of identified oncogenes.
    • To elucidate the mechanisms of action of oncogene-encoded proteins.
    • To investigate the potential roles of oncogene products beyond cellular growth control.

    Main Methods:

    • Functional classification of oncogenes based on cellular phenotype.
    • Analysis of oncogene-encoded protein functions in cellular compartments (cytoplasm and nucleus).
    • Relating oncogene products to growth factor signaling pathways.

    Main Results:

    • Oncogene-encoded proteins appear to function through a small set of mechanisms.
    • These proteins may regulate second messenger molecules in the cytoplasm.
    • In the nucleus, these proteins may modulate transcriptional machinery activity.
    • Many oncogene products are linked to signaling pathways controlling responses to growth factors.

    Conclusions:

    • The diverse functions of oncogene-encoded proteins suggest a limited number of underlying mechanisms.
    • Oncogene proteins may play roles in cellular processes beyond growth control, including in differentiated cells.

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