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Cellular transforming genes

G M Cooper

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |August 27, 1982
    PubMed

    Insights

    Researchers identified cellular oncogenes, similar to retroviral transforming genes, that can cause cancer. Tumor DNA efficiently transforms cells, suggesting dominant genetic changes activate these cancer-causing genes.

    Area of Science:

    • Molecular biology
    • Oncology
    • Genetics

    Background:

    • Cellular genes homologous to retroviral transforming genes have been identified.
    • Biological activity of cellular DNA in transfection assays suggests oncogenic potential.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To discuss the identification and characterization of cellular transforming genes.
    • To explore the involvement of these genes in naturally occurring cancers.

    Main Methods:

    • Identification of cellular genes by homology to retroviral transforming genes.
    • Assessing biological activity of cellular DNA through transfection assays.
    • Analyzing DNA from various tumors for transformation efficiency.

    Main Results:

    • Cellular genes with oncogenic potential have been identified.
    • Tumor DNA demonstrates high efficiency in inducing cellular transformation.
    • Oncogenesis can involve dominant genetic alterations leading to the activation of cellular transforming genes.

    Conclusions:

    • Cellular transforming genes play a significant role in oncogenesis.
    • Further characterization of these genes is crucial for understanding cancer development.
    • The study highlights the potential for dominant genetic alterations in cancer etiology.

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