Oncogene proteins

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Oncogene Proteins are a type of protein that, when mutated or expressed at high levels, can help turn a normal cell into a cancer cell. These proteins are usually involved in sending signals that help to regulate cell growth and division.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Oncogenes are genes that have the potential to cause cancer. When they are mutated or expressed more than normal, they can turn a normal cell into a cancer cell. These genes code for proteins known as oncogene proteins.

Function[edit | edit source]

Oncogene proteins play a crucial role in the regulation of cell growth and division. They are involved in sending signals that tell cells when to divide and grow. Some oncogene proteins also control the signals that direct cells to die at the right time or to differentiate into different types of cells.

Mutation and Cancer[edit | edit source]

Mutations in oncogenes can lead to the production of oncogene proteins that function abnormally. These proteins may send signals that tell cells to divide and grow constantly, leading to the formation of a tumor. Some mutations may also prevent oncogene proteins from controlling cell death, causing cells to live longer than they should and continue to divide.

Examples of Oncogene Proteins[edit | edit source]

Some examples of oncogene proteins include the Ras protein family, Myc, and Src. These proteins are often found to be mutated in various types of cancer.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD