Oncogenes and their role in cancer (brief review)

We have to be aware of the difference between oncogenes and proto-oncogenes. Proto-oncogenes are the normal, non-mutate genes that are responsible for driving the cell to divide. They act as the gas pedal of the cell. Functions of proto-oncogene protein products include synthesis of growth factors, growth factor receptors, signal transducers, and nuclear transcribers.

Here is a table that shows different proto-oncogenes, their function, and the cancer you get if they are mutated

They can get different types of mutations that include :

1. Point mutations (most common mutation;

2. Balanced translocations

3. Insertion of a viral genome (insertional mutagenesis). Disrupts normal chromosome structure and increases genetic dysregulation.

4. Other mutations, such as deletion, gene amplification (multiple copies of a gene), and overexpression (increased gene transcription resulting in the production of too much

Mutations of proto-oncogenes cause sustained activity of the genes. Here is what it looks like after being mutated