Tumor suppressors are important genes that help keep our cells in check. When they stop working properly, it can lead to serious diseases like cancer. This loss of function happens in several ways:
Genetic Changes: Sometimes, tiny changes in DNA, called mutations, can turn off tumor suppressor genes. This can happen through point mutations (small changes), deletions (missing pieces), or insertions (extra pieces).
Promoter Methylation: A process called hyper-methylation can cover up genes. When this happens to tumor suppressor genes, they can go silent and stop working altogether.
Chromosomal Changes: Sometimes, whole parts of chromosomes can be lost, which is known as loss of heterozygosity (LOH). This can get rid of the working versions of tumor suppressor genes.
These changes mess up important processes in our bodies, like how cells grow and die. When these processes are disrupted, tumors can start to grow out of control.
Tumor suppressors are important genes that help keep our cells in check. When they stop working properly, it can lead to serious diseases like cancer. This loss of function happens in several ways:
Genetic Changes: Sometimes, tiny changes in DNA, called mutations, can turn off tumor suppressor genes. This can happen through point mutations (small changes), deletions (missing pieces), or insertions (extra pieces).
Promoter Methylation: A process called hyper-methylation can cover up genes. When this happens to tumor suppressor genes, they can go silent and stop working altogether.
Chromosomal Changes: Sometimes, whole parts of chromosomes can be lost, which is known as loss of heterozygosity (LOH). This can get rid of the working versions of tumor suppressor genes.
These changes mess up important processes in our bodies, like how cells grow and die. When these processes are disrupted, tumors can start to grow out of control.