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Oncogene expression in myelopoiesis
Abstract:
Oncogenes are a class of genes hypothesized to be causally related to neoplasia. To date, specific oncogenes have been recognized chiefly by their ability to transform test cells to a neoplastic phenotype. This has been accomplished largely through mutational analysis of the genotype of retroviruses or through the analysis of tumor cell DNA by in vitro transfection of rodent fibroblasts. Oncogenes are believed to arise by some genetic alteration from normal cellular genes called proto-oncogenes. Although the normal function of most proto-oncogenes is unknown, it has been proposed that they may function as tissue-specific and temporally specific regulators of differentiation. The role of oncogenes in lymphoid malignancies has been extensively analyzed. Less is known about their role in myeloid leukemias and especially in normal myelopoiesis. Space limitations permit discussion of only salient features of a limited number of oncogenes; we have arbitrarily selected myc, myb, fos, fms, fes, sis, and abl.
Insights
Oncogenes are linked to cancer and may arise from normal proto-oncogenes. Their role in myeloid leukemias and normal cell development is under investigation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Oncogenes are implicated in neoplasia.
- They are identified by their ability to induce a neoplastic phenotype in cells.
- Oncogenes are thought to originate from proto-oncogenes through genetic alterations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of oncogenes in neoplasia.
- To discuss the known functions and origins of oncogenes.
- To highlight the limited understanding of oncogenes in myeloid leukemias and normal myelopoiesis.
Main Methods:
- Mutational analysis of retroviral genotypes.
- In vitro transfection of rodent fibroblasts with tumor cell DNA.
- Review of existing literature on selected oncogenes.
Main Results:
- Oncogenes transform cells to a neoplastic phenotype.
- Proto-oncogenes are normal cellular genes that can become oncogenes.
- The normal function of proto-oncogenes may involve differentiation regulation.
Conclusions:
- Oncogenes play a critical role in cancer development.
- Further research is needed to understand oncogene involvement in myeloid leukemias and normal myelopoiesis.
- Key oncogenes discussed include myc, myb, fos, fms, fes, sis, and abl.