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Cellular oncogenes and multistep carcinogenesis
Abstract:
Two dozen cellular proto-oncogenes have been discovered to date through the study of retroviruses and the use of gene transfer. They form a structurally and functionally heterogeneous group. At least five distinct mechanisms are responsible for their conversion to active oncogenes. Recent work provides experimental strategies by which many of these oncogenes, as well as oncogenes of DNA tumor viruses, may be placed into functional categories. These procedures may lead to definition of a small number of common pathways through which the various oncogenes act to transform cells.
Insights
Scientists have identified two dozen cellular proto-oncogenes, which can become cancer-causing oncogenes through at least five mechanisms. New strategies aim to categorize these oncogenes, potentially revealing common cancer cell transformation pathways.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Cancer research
- Genetics
Background:
- Over two dozen cellular proto-oncogenes have been identified.
- These genes are crucial in cellular functions but can transform into oncogenes.
- Proto-oncogenes exhibit significant structural and functional diversity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the mechanisms by which proto-oncogenes become active oncogenes.
- To develop experimental strategies for classifying oncogenes.
- To identify common pathways involved in oncogene-induced cell transformation.
Main Methods:
- Study of retroviruses and gene transfer techniques to discover proto-oncogenes.
- Development of experimental strategies for oncogene categorization.
- Functional analysis of oncogenes from cellular proto-oncogenes and DNA tumor viruses.
Main Results:
- Identification of two dozen cellular proto-oncogenes.
- Elucidation of at least five distinct mechanisms for proto-oncogene activation.
- Development of methods to functionally categorize oncogenes.
Conclusions:
- Cellular proto-oncogenes are a heterogeneous group with diverse activation mechanisms.
- Experimental strategies can classify oncogenes, aiding in understanding their function.
- This research may lead to the definition of a limited number of common oncogenic pathways.