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A Mimic of the Tumor Microenvironment: A Simple Method for Generating Enriched Cell Populations and Investigating Intercellular Communication
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Cellular oncogenes and cancer

G M Cooper

    Clinical Physiology and Biochemistry
    |January 1, 1987
    PubMed

    Insights

    Scientists identified around 40 human oncogenes contributing to cancer development. These genes encode diverse proteins involved in cell growth, and multiple oncogenes often cooperate in tumor formation.

    Area of Science:

    • Molecular Biology
    • Oncology
    • Genetics

    Background:

    • Human oncogenes are key players in neoplasm development.
    • Identification methods include DNA-mediated transformation and genomic alterations.
    • Approximately 40 distinct genes are implicated as potential oncogenes.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To discuss the identification and activation of human oncogenes.
    • To explore the diversity of oncogene protein products.
    • To elucidate the roles of oncogenes in normal and neoplastic cells.

    Main Methods:

    • DNA-mediated transformation assays in cell culture.
    • Analysis of chromosome translocations and DNA amplification in neoplasms.
    • Comparative genomic hybridization and sequencing.

    Main Results:

    • Identification of approximately 40 human oncogenes.
    • Diverse protein products including tyrosine kinases, G-protein coupled receptors, and nuclear proteins.
    • Evidence for cooperative action of multiple oncogenes in tumorigenesis.

    Conclusions:

    • Human oncogenes represent a diverse group of genes critical for cancer development.
    • Understanding oncogene function is crucial for targeted cancer therapies.
    • Further research into oncogene roles in normal cell function is warranted.

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