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The discovery of cellular oncogenes
1Unité de Génétique Moléculaire, Ecole Normal Supérieure, Paris, France.
Abstract:
Between 1975 and 1985 a series of experiments demonstrated that cancer, whatever its causative agent, is due to the activation, by modification or overexpression, of a family of genes highly conserved during evolution, called the cellular oncogenes. These genes participate in the control of cell division in every living cell. Their products belong to the regulatory network relaying external signals from the membranes towards the nucleus and allowing cells to adapt their division rate to the demand of the organism. These discoveries constitute what may be called the 'oncogene paradigm'. Although the existence of cellular oncogenes, assumed in early models of oncogenesis, was demonstrated as early as 1976, we will show in this article that this discovery was not sufficient for the development of the new paradigm. We will describe its slow and complex formation between 1980 and 1985 followed by its rapid acceptance by the scientific community.
Insights
Cancer development is linked to cellular oncogenes, which regulate cell division. The
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Cellular oncogenes, highly conserved genes, regulate cell division.
- These genes are crucial for relaying external signals to the nucleus.
- Their products are integral to cellular adaptation and organismal demand.
Observation:
- The existence of cellular oncogenes was experimentally demonstrated in 1976.
- Early models of oncogenesis hypothesized the role of these genes.
- The discovery of cellular oncogenes was a pivotal moment in cancer research.
Findings:
- Cancer arises from the activation (modification or overexpression) of cellular oncogenes.
- These genes form a critical part of the regulatory network controlling cell division.
- The 'oncogene paradigm' emerged from these discoveries.
Implications:
- Understanding cellular oncogenes revolutionized cancer research.
- This paradigm shift facilitated a deeper comprehension of cancer's molecular basis.
- The slow formation and rapid acceptance of the oncogene paradigm highlight scientific progress.