Src gene

Src gene is a proto-oncogene that codes for the protein Src, a non-receptor tyrosine kinase involved in the regulation of various cellular processes. The Src gene was first identified as part of the genome of the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV), and was later found in the genomes of many bird and mammal species, including humans.

History

The Src gene was discovered in the early 1970s by J. Michael Bishop and Harold E. Varmus, who were studying the Rous sarcoma virus. They found that the virus had a gene, v-src, which was responsible for the transformation of normal cells into cancer cells. Further research revealed that v-src was derived from a normal cellular gene, c-src, which had been captured by the virus. This discovery led to the concept of proto-oncogenes, normal genes that can become oncogenes when mutated or overexpressed.

Structure and Function

The Src gene codes for a protein of 536 amino acids. The protein has a unique structure, with a myristoylated N-terminal region, followed by three functional domains: the SH3 domain, the SH2 domain, and the kinase domain. The SH3 and SH2 domains are involved in protein-protein interactions, while the kinase domain is responsible for the enzymatic activity of the protein.

Src is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, which means it phosphorylates tyrosine residues on other proteins. This phosphorylation can activate or deactivate the target proteins, thereby regulating various cellular processes, such as cell division, survival, migration, and adhesion.

Role in Cancer

Mutations or overexpression of the Src gene can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and division, a hallmark of cancer. In fact, Src is overexpressed in many types of human cancers, including breast, colon, lung, and pancreatic cancers. Therefore, Src has been a target for cancer therapy, and several Src inhibitors have been developed and tested in clinical trials.

See Also

• Proto-oncogene
• Tyrosine kinase
• Cancer