Syöpägeenien

Syöpägeenit, often translated as "cancer genes" or "oncogenes," are genes that have the potential to cause cancer. In normal cells, these genes play crucial roles in cell growth, division, and survival. However, when they undergo mutations or are expressed at abnormally high levels, they can become oncogenes. These altered genes can then drive uncontrolled cell proliferation, leading to the formation of tumors.

There are two main categories of genes implicated in cancer: proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Proto-oncogenes are normal genes that, when mutated, become oncogenes. They typically code for proteins that stimulate cell growth or division. Examples include growth factors, receptors, and signaling molecules. Mutations in proto-oncogenes can lead to an overactive protein that constantly signals the cell to grow and divide, even when it shouldn't.

Tumor suppressor genes, on the other hand, normally function to inhibit cell growth and division, repair DNA damage, or induce programmed cell death (apoptosis). When tumor suppressor genes are inactivated by mutations or deletions, their protective function is lost. This allows cells with damaged DNA or abnormal growth signals to survive and proliferate, increasing the risk of cancer. Famous examples include the p53 gene and the BRCA1/BRCA2 genes.

The development of cancer is often a multi-step process involving the accumulation of multiple genetic alterations, affecting both oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Understanding the roles of these genes is fundamental to cancer research and the development of targeted therapies that aim to specifically inhibit the activity of oncogenes or restore the function of tumor suppressor genes.