Syöpägeeneissä

Syöpägeeneissä is a Finnish term that translates to "cancer genes" or "genes in cancer." It refers to genes that are altered in ways that can contribute to the development and progression of cancer. These alterations, known as mutations, can be inherited or acquired during a person's lifetime.

There are two main categories of cancer genes: oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Oncogenes are genes that, when mutated or expressed at high levels, can promote cell growth and division, potentially leading to uncontrolled proliferation characteristic of cancer. They are often described as the "gas pedal" of cell growth.

Tumor suppressor genes, on the other hand, normally act to slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or tell cells when to die. When these genes are mutated or inactivated, their protective function is lost, allowing cells to grow and divide unchecked. They are considered the "brakes" of cell growth.

The study of syöpägeeneissä is a fundamental aspect of cancer research. Identifying and understanding the specific genetic changes involved in different types of cancer helps in diagnosing the disease, predicting its behavior, and developing targeted therapies. Personalized medicine approaches often involve analyzing the genetic profile of a tumor to identify actionable mutations and select the most effective treatment.