Onkogeeninen

Onkogeeninen refers to something that has the potential to cause cancer. The term is derived from "onco-", meaning tumor or cancer, and "-genic", meaning producing or causing. In molecular biology and medicine, it is often used to describe genes or viruses that can contribute to the development of cancer.

Oncogenes are mutated versions of normal genes called proto-oncogenes. Proto-oncogenes play crucial roles in cell growth, division, and differentiation. When proto-oncogenes undergo mutations, they can become oncogenes, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and potentially tumor formation. These mutations can occur spontaneously or be induced by environmental factors like radiation or chemical carcinogens.

Oncogenic viruses are viruses that can cause cancer. They do this through various mechanisms, such as integrating their genetic material into the host cell's DNA, thereby disrupting normal gene function, or by producing proteins that interfere with cell cycle regulation. Examples of oncogenic viruses include human papillomavirus (HPV), which is linked to cervical and other cancers, and the hepatitis B virus (HBV), associated with liver cancer. The study of oncogenes and oncogenic viruses is fundamental to understanding cancer biology and developing targeted therapies.