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Physical mechanisms of the activation of oncogenes through carcinogens
Abstract:
In the last years about twenty human oncogenes have been discovered. It is shown that their main activation mechanisms: through non Watson-Crick-type point mutation, through activation by LTR binding to the end of an oncogene and through transposition of an oncogene to another chromosome need an external agent. The principal mechanisms of short- and long-range effects of chemical carcinogens are reviewed. A possible very effective mechanism for long-range effects of chemical carcinogenesis through generation of conformational solitons in DNA are discussed in detail.
Insights
Chemical carcinogens can activate human oncogenes through various mechanisms, often requiring external agents. A detailed discussion explores how DNA conformational solitons may mediate long-range carcinogenic effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Carcinogenesis
Background:
- Discovery of approximately twenty human oncogenes in recent years.
- Identification of key oncogene activation mechanisms including point mutations, LTR binding, and chromosomal transposition.
- Recognition that these activation pathways necessitate external agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the principal mechanisms of short- and long-range effects of chemical carcinogens.
- To discuss a potential mechanism for long-range chemical carcinogenesis involving DNA conformational solitons.
Main Methods:
- Review of established oncogene activation pathways.
- Analysis of chemical carcinogen interaction mechanisms.
- Theoretical discussion of conformational solitons in DNA.
Main Results:
- Oncogene activation mechanisms (point mutation, LTR binding, transposition) require external agents.
- Chemical carcinogens exhibit both short- and long-range effects.
- Generation of conformational solitons in DNA is proposed as a potent long-range carcinogenesis mechanism.
Conclusions:
- External agents are crucial for oncogene activation.
- Understanding carcinogen mechanisms, including novel ones like DNA solitons, is vital for cancer research.
- Conformational solitons offer a new perspective on long-range chemical carcinogenesis.