Proto-Oncogene = normal gene that performs regulatory functions within a cell (potential to become oncogene)
Oncogene = cell whose action promotes cell proliferation - cancer
5 classes:

Secreted Growth Factors
Cell Surface Receptors
Components of intracellular signal transduction systems
DNA-binding nuclear proteins
Components of cell cycle machinery

Activation of Oncogenes

Normally somatic (rather than germline, as this would likely be lethal)
May get amplification of an oncogene - this could be duplications on the chromosome or small extra chromosomes
Can be activated by point mutation - could be in the gene causing gain of function, or in a regulatory element causing overexpression
Chromosomal rearrangements - can cause chimeric oncogenes by bringing together two distant exons (e.g. Philadelphia chromosome - translocation > chimeric oncogene > chronic myeloid leukaemia), OR upregulation of an oncogene can occur by bringing it close to an active promoter

	Erstellt von Ellie Quinn vor mehr als 10 Jahre

Notiz am Cancer Genetics, erstellt von Ellie Quinn am 14/02/2014.