Onkogénes

Oncogenes are genes that have the potential to cause cancer. They are derived from proto-oncogenes, which are normal genes involved in cell growth, division, and differentiation. Proto-oncogenes play crucial roles in regulating these processes, ensuring that cells divide only when needed and that damaged cells are eliminated. However, mutations or alterations in proto-oncogenes can transform them into oncogenes. These changes can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation, a hallmark of cancer.

The transformation of a proto-oncogene into an oncogene can occur through several mechanisms. Point mutations, gene amplification (an increase in the number of copies of a gene), chromosomal translocations (where a piece of one chromosome breaks off and attaches to another), and viral insertions can all activate proto-oncogenes. When a proto-oncogene becomes an oncogene, it can lead to the production of an overactive protein or an excess amount of a normal protein. This aberrant signaling can drive cells to divide continuously, evade programmed cell death (apoptosis), and acquire other characteristics that promote tumor formation and metastasis. Numerous oncogenes have been identified, each contributing to cancer development in specific ways depending on the cell type and the mutations involved. Understanding oncogenes is fundamental to cancer research and the development of targeted cancer therapies.