Oncogene activation plays an important role in cancer development.
When these genes change or are too active, they can cause cells to grow uncontrollably. Here are some ways oncogenes can be activated:
Point Mutations: This means small changes in the DNA sequence. These tiny alterations can turn oncogenes on. For example, the RAS gene often changes in cancers. This change keeps the gene active all the time, pushing cells to divide too much.
Gene Amplifications: Sometimes, oncogenes can have many copies of themselves. A well-known example is the HER2 gene in breast cancer. When too much of this gene is present, it can make tumors grow faster and more aggressively.
Chromosomal Translocations: This happens when a piece of one chromosome breaks off and sticks to another chromosome. The Philadelphia chromosome is a result of this. It is formed when parts of chromosomes 9 and 22 swap places. This creates the BCR-ABL gene, which is linked to chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
Viral Oncogenes: Some viruses have genes that can start cancer. A good example is the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV has proteins called E6 and E7 that can stop important proteins like p53 and Rb from working. These proteins usually help keep cells from growing too much.
These ways of activating oncogenes show how normal cell processes can be taken over and lead to cancer. Understanding these processes is very important. It helps researchers create better treatments and therapies for cancer.
Oncogene activation plays an important role in cancer development.
When these genes change or are too active, they can cause cells to grow uncontrollably. Here are some ways oncogenes can be activated:
Point Mutations: This means small changes in the DNA sequence. These tiny alterations can turn oncogenes on. For example, the RAS gene often changes in cancers. This change keeps the gene active all the time, pushing cells to divide too much.
Gene Amplifications: Sometimes, oncogenes can have many copies of themselves. A well-known example is the HER2 gene in breast cancer. When too much of this gene is present, it can make tumors grow faster and more aggressively.
Chromosomal Translocations: This happens when a piece of one chromosome breaks off and sticks to another chromosome. The Philadelphia chromosome is a result of this. It is formed when parts of chromosomes 9 and 22 swap places. This creates the BCR-ABL gene, which is linked to chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
Viral Oncogenes: Some viruses have genes that can start cancer. A good example is the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV has proteins called E6 and E7 that can stop important proteins like p53 and Rb from working. These proteins usually help keep cells from growing too much.
These ways of activating oncogenes show how normal cell processes can be taken over and lead to cancer. Understanding these processes is very important. It helps researchers create better treatments and therapies for cancer.