Oncogenes

Definition

Oncogenes are mutated or overexpressed versions of normal genes known as proto-oncogenes, which play critical roles in cell growth and division. When these genes become altered, they can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation, contributing to the development of cancer. Understanding oncogenes is essential for comprehending how cellular processes can go awry due to factors like plasma-induced DNA damage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Oncogenes can be activated through various mechanisms, including point mutations, gene amplifications, or chromosomal translocations.
2. Mutations in oncogenes lead to the production of proteins that promote excessive cell division or inhibit apoptosis, contributing to tumor formation.
3. Common oncogenes include RAS, MYC, and HER2, which are frequently studied in cancer research for their roles in various types of tumors.
4. Plasma exposure can induce DNA damage that may result in mutations within oncogenes, highlighting the importance of understanding how plasma medicine could influence cancer therapies.
5. Targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, are designed to specifically inhibit the activity of proteins produced by oncogenes, showcasing a strategic approach to cancer treatment.

Review Questions

• How do oncogenes differ from proto-oncogenes, and what implications does this difference have for cancer development?
  • Oncogenes are altered versions of proto-oncogenes that promote uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation. Proto-oncogenes are normal genes that regulate these processes under physiological conditions. When proto-oncogenes undergo mutations or are overexpressed, they can convert into oncogenes, leading to cancer. This difference is crucial because targeting oncogenes can be an effective strategy in developing therapies aimed at controlling cancer progression.
• Discuss the role of plasma-induced DNA damage in the activation of oncogenes and its significance in cancer research.
  • Plasma-induced DNA damage can lead to mutations in both oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, disrupting normal cellular functions. When oncogenes become activated due to such damage, they may cause cells to proliferate uncontrollably. Understanding how plasma treatment influences these genetic changes is significant for cancer research because it opens potential avenues for novel therapeutic strategies that leverage plasma medicine to target these genetic alterations.
• Evaluate the potential impact of targeting oncogene activity in cancer treatment and how this relates to advancements in plasma medicine.
  • Targeting oncogene activity has emerged as a promising approach in cancer treatment, particularly through the development of specific inhibitors that can block the signals driving tumor growth. As plasma medicine advances and reveals its capacity to induce DNA damage selectively, researchers could explore methods to enhance the effects of targeted therapies on oncogenes. This relationship between oncogene targeting and plasma-induced modifications could lead to more effective treatments that not only inhibit tumor growth but also minimize side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy.

Related terms

Proto-oncogenes: Normal genes that regulate cell growth and division; when mutated, they become oncogenes.

Tumor suppressor genes: Genes that help prevent uncontrolled cell growth; mutations can lead to cancer when their function is lost.

Apoptosis:

The process of programmed cell death that is often disrupted in cancer cells, allowing them to survive longer than normal cells.