Oncogenes are important players in the growth of tumors. They act like accelerators for cell growth and division. Let’s explore what oncogenes are and how they impact human diseases.
Oncogenes are special versions of normal genes, called proto-oncogenes. Proto-oncogenes help control how cells grow and survive. Sometimes, these normal genes can change due to mutations or other factors. When this happens, they turn into oncogenes, which can cause cancer.
Promoting Growth: Many oncogenes help cells grow and stay alive. For instance, changes in the RAS gene can make cells divide uncontrollably. This is seen in cancers like pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancer.
Producing Too Much Protein: Some oncogenes are too active and make more protein than usual. The HER2 gene is an example. When it’s overactive in some breast cancers, it produces too much HER2 protein, causing the tumor to grow aggressively.
Changing Protein Function: Oncogenes can also produce proteins that work differently than they should. For example, the Philadelphia chromosome happens when two genes, BCR and ABL, switch places. This creates a new protein that can lead to chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) by causing too many cells to grow.
RAS Pathway: The RAS oncogene is found in about 30% of all human cancers. When it gets mutated, it sends a permanent "go" signal that tells cells to keep growing and dividing. Imagine a car with a stuck gas pedal—it's always speeding with no way to slow down.
Breast Cancer and HER2: In HER2-positive breast cancer, too much HER2 protein causes quick cell division. Treatments like trastuzumab (Herceptin) target this oncogene and have changed how we treat certain breast cancers. Understanding oncogenes helps doctors plan better treatments.
Oncogenes play a big role in developing tumors. They cause cells to grow out of control, leading to cancer. By learning how oncogenes work—like promoting growth, overproducing proteins, or changing how proteins act—doctors can better understand cancer's complex nature. New treatments that focus on these genes show how important our genetic knowledge is in helping patients. Understanding these details is key to finding better ways to treat cancer and improve patient health.
Oncogenes are important players in the growth of tumors. They act like accelerators for cell growth and division. Let’s explore what oncogenes are and how they impact human diseases.
Oncogenes are special versions of normal genes, called proto-oncogenes. Proto-oncogenes help control how cells grow and survive. Sometimes, these normal genes can change due to mutations or other factors. When this happens, they turn into oncogenes, which can cause cancer.
Promoting Growth: Many oncogenes help cells grow and stay alive. For instance, changes in the RAS gene can make cells divide uncontrollably. This is seen in cancers like pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancer.
Producing Too Much Protein: Some oncogenes are too active and make more protein than usual. The HER2 gene is an example. When it’s overactive in some breast cancers, it produces too much HER2 protein, causing the tumor to grow aggressively.
Changing Protein Function: Oncogenes can also produce proteins that work differently than they should. For example, the Philadelphia chromosome happens when two genes, BCR and ABL, switch places. This creates a new protein that can lead to chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) by causing too many cells to grow.
RAS Pathway: The RAS oncogene is found in about 30% of all human cancers. When it gets mutated, it sends a permanent "go" signal that tells cells to keep growing and dividing. Imagine a car with a stuck gas pedal—it's always speeding with no way to slow down.
Breast Cancer and HER2: In HER2-positive breast cancer, too much HER2 protein causes quick cell division. Treatments like trastuzumab (Herceptin) target this oncogene and have changed how we treat certain breast cancers. Understanding oncogenes helps doctors plan better treatments.
Oncogenes play a big role in developing tumors. They cause cells to grow out of control, leading to cancer. By learning how oncogenes work—like promoting growth, overproducing proteins, or changing how proteins act—doctors can better understand cancer's complex nature. New treatments that focus on these genes show how important our genetic knowledge is in helping patients. Understanding these details is key to finding better ways to treat cancer and improve patient health.