ONCOGENE PROTEIN Meaning and
Definition
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An oncogene protein refers to a type of protein that is produced as a result of an oncogene mutation. Oncogenes are specific genes that have the potential to cause cancer when their normal function is disrupted or altered. When an oncogene undergoes a mutation, it can become overactive, leading to the production of abnormal proteins called oncogene proteins.
These proteins play a crucial role in the development and progression of cancer. The activation of an oncogene protein can result in uncontrolled cell growth and division, as well as the suppression of normal cellular processes that regulate cell death (apoptosis). Consequently, the accumulation of oncogene proteins in cells promotes the formation of tumors and enables cancer cells to invade surrounding tissues, metastasize, and evade the immune system.
Oncogene proteins have unique characteristics that distinguish them from their normal counterparts. They often possess enhanced signaling or growth-promoting functions, allowing them to override the normal cellular checkpoint controls that prevent uncontrolled proliferation. They can influence various pathways involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival.
Understanding oncogene proteins is of paramount importance in cancer research and drug development. Targeting these proteins or the signaling pathways they activate can provide promising therapeutic strategies to combat cancer. Numerous therapies have been developed to specifically inhibit the activity of oncogene proteins, ultimately aiming to halt cancer growth and improve patient outcomes.
Common Misspellings for ONCOGENE PROTEIN
- incogene protein
- kncogene protein
- lncogene protein
- pncogene protein
- 0ncogene protein
- 9ncogene protein
- obcogene protein
- omcogene protein
- ojcogene protein
- ohcogene protein
- onxogene protein
- onvogene protein
- onfogene protein
- ondogene protein
- oncigene protein
- onckgene protein
- onclgene protein
- oncpgene protein
- onc0gene protein
- onc9gene protein
Etymology of ONCOGENE PROTEIN
The word "oncogene" comes from the combination of two words: "onco" which means tumor or cancer, and "gene" which refers to a unit of hereditary information that is transmitted from parents to offspring. The term was coined around the 1960s to describe certain genes that have the potential to cause cancer when they are mutated or activated.
The word "protein" comes from the Greek word "proteios" which means "primary" or "first place". It was first introduced in the 19th century to refer to a class of macromolecules consisting of amino acids that are essential for the structure, function, and regulation of cells in living organisms.
So, "oncogene protein" refers to a protein that is produced by an oncogene, a gene that can contribute to the development of cancer.
