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Oncogenic genes and human malignancy
Abstract:
All vertebrates possess a series of genes which are homologs of the oncogenic genes of acute transforming retroviruses. Two lines of evidence suggest that these genes may play a role in the development of human malignancy: (1) DNA from a variety of human tumors transforms NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblasts and the transforming genes from a number of carcinomas, sarcomas, and hematological malignancies have been identified as members of a family of genes, the ras family, closely related to the oncogenic genes of the Harvey and Kirsten murine sarcoma viruses; and (2) correlations exist between the chromosomal localizations of certain oncogenes and the chromosomal breakpoints in specific translocations and deletions in certain human malignancies. In three separate hematological malignancies, alterations in more than one oncogenic gene may be involved in the neoplastic process.
Insights
Oncogenes, similar to those in viruses, are found in vertebrates and may contribute to human cancers. Research shows these genes, particularly the ras family, are involved in tumor development and chromosomal abnormalities in malignancies.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Oncology
- Genetics
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Vertebrates possess genes homologous to viral oncogenes.
- These cellular oncogenes are implicated in human cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of cellular oncogenes in human malignancy.
- To identify specific oncogenes involved in various cancers.
Main Methods:
- DNA transformation assays using NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblasts.
- Identification of oncogenes within human tumor DNA.
- Analysis of chromosomal localizations and breakpoints in malignancies.
Main Results:
- Human tumor DNA can transform NIH 3T3 cells.
- The ras gene family, related to viral oncogenes, is frequently involved in human carcinomas, sarcomas, and hematological malignancies.
- Correlations observed between oncogene locations and chromosomal alterations in specific cancers.
Conclusions:
- Cellular oncogenes, especially the ras family, play a significant role in human cancer.
- Chromosomal abnormalities associated with oncogenes are linked to specific malignancies.
- Multiple oncogenes may be altered in certain hematological cancers.