Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2025
Inducible and Reversible Dominant-negative DN Protein Inhibition
Published on: January 7, 2019
A comprehensive overview of the relationship between RET gene and tumor occurrence
Lu Zhao1,2, Na Wang1,2, Dou Zhang1,2
1Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
Abstract:
RET gene plays significant roles in the nervous system and many other tissues. Rearranged during transfection (RET) mutation is related to cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Many invasive tumors (e.g., non-small cell lung cancer, thyroid cancer, and breast cancer) were found to have changes in RET. Recently, great efforts have been made against RET. Selpercatinib and pralsetinib, with encouraging efficacy, intracranial activity, and tolerability, were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020. The development of acquired resistance is inevitable, and a deeper exploration should be conducted. This article systematically reviewed RET gene and its biology as well as the oncogenic role in multiple cancers. Moreover, we also summarized recent advances in the treatment of RET and the mechanism of drug resistance.
Insights
The rearranged during transfection (RET) gene is crucial in cancer development. New therapies show promise, but understanding drug resistance is key for effective RET-targeted cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The rearranged during transfection (RET) gene is vital in neural and other tissues.
- RET mutations drive cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, contributing to cancers like lung, thyroid, and breast cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the RET gene's biology and oncogenic role in various cancers.
- To summarize recent therapeutic advancements and drug resistance mechanisms for RET-altered cancers.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of RET gene function, oncogenic roles, and therapeutic strategies.
- Analysis of recent clinical trial data and research on acquired resistance mechanisms.
Main Results:
- RET alterations are implicated in multiple invasive cancers.
- FDA-approved drugs selpercatinib and pralsetinib demonstrate significant efficacy and intracranial activity.
- Acquired drug resistance remains a challenge requiring further investigation.
Conclusions:
- RET gene alterations are significant drivers in various cancers.
- Targeted therapies like selpercatinib and pralsetinib offer new treatment avenues.
- Further research into overcoming acquired resistance is essential for long-term treatment success.
Related Concept Videos
01:20The Retinoblastoma Gene
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
01:05Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
01:12Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
02:38The Ras Gene
Ras is a...
01:03Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...
02:15Replicative Cell Senescence