SHERYL ANN PEDINES BSN-IV

To know more about this genetic and molecular changes, read on the following
information and then identify how it leads into cancer formation:
1. Oncogenes formation
2. Loos of Tumor suppressor gene function
Answers:
1. Oncogenes formation
- Oncogene is a genetic material that carries the ability to induce cancer. An
oncogene is a sequence of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) that has been altered
or mutated from its original form, the proto-oncogene. Operating as a positive
growth regulator, the proto-oncogene is involved in promoting the
differentiation and proliferation of normal cells. A variety of proto-oncogenes
are involved in different crucial steps of cell growth, and a change in the proto-
oncogene’s sequence or in the amount of protein it produces can interfere with
its normal role in cellular regulation. Uncontrolled cell growth, or neoplastic
transformation, can ensue, ultimately resulting in the formation of a
cancerous tumor.
2. Loose of Tumor suppressor gene function.

- Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that slow down cell division, repair
DNA mistakes, or tell cells when to die (a process known
as apoptosis or programmed cell death). When tumor suppressor genes don't
work properly, cells can grow out of control, which can lead to cancer. For
instance, a tumor suppressor gene is like the brake pedal on a car. It normally
keeps the cell from dividing too quickly, just as a brake keeps a car from going
too fast. When something goes wrong with the gene, such as a mutation, cell
division can get out of control.

 The difference between oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes is that

oncogenes result from the activation (turning on) of proto-oncogenes,
but tumor suppressor genes cause cancer when they
are inactivated (turned off).