PROTO ONCOGENE Meaning and
Definition
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A proto-oncogene is a gene that has the potential to become an oncogene, which is a gene that can cause cancer. Proto-oncogenes are normally present in cells and play crucial roles in cellular functions such as cell growth, division, differentiation, and survival. These genes encode proteins that regulate cell signaling pathways and control cell proliferation.
Proto-oncogenes are usually tightly regulated and function to promote the normal growth and development of cells. However, certain genetic alterations or mutations in these genes can cause them to become oncogenes. Oncogenes have the ability to initiate or promote the development of cancer by disrupting normal cellular processes, including uncontrolled cell growth, evading programmed cell death (apoptosis), and promoting angiogenesis (formation of blood vessels to supply nutrients to the tumor).
Proto-oncogenes can be activated and transformed into oncogenes through different mechanisms, such as point mutations, gene amplification, chromosomal translocations, or viral insertions. Once a proto-oncogene becomes an oncogene, it can lead to abnormal cellular growth and division, resulting in the formation of a tumor or cancer.
Understanding the role of proto-oncogenes is crucial for studying the development and progression of cancer. Identifying and targeting oncogenes derived from proto-oncogenes have become important strategies in cancer research and the development of targeted therapies for various types of cancer.
Common Misspellings for PROTO ONCOGENE
- oroto oncogene
- lroto oncogene
- -roto oncogene
- 0roto oncogene
- peoto oncogene
- pdoto oncogene
- pfoto oncogene
- ptoto oncogene
- p5oto oncogene
- p4oto oncogene
- prito oncogene
- prkto oncogene
- prlto oncogene
- prpto oncogene
- pr0to oncogene
- pr9to oncogene
- proro oncogene
- profo oncogene
- progo oncogene
- proyo oncogene
Etymology of PROTO ONCOGENE
The term "Proto Oncogene" has its etymology rooted in Greek and Latin.
"Proto" comes from the Greek word "prótos" meaning "first" or "original". It indicates that something is at an early or initial stage.
"Oncogene" is derived from two Latin words: "onco" meaning "tumor" or "mass" and "gene" referring to "a unit of heredity" or "a segment of DNA".
Therefore, "Proto Oncogene" refers to a gene that has the potential to transform into an oncogene, which is a gene that leads to the development of cancer. It signifies a gene that, at its early stage, has the potential to be involved in the formation of tumors or malignant growths.
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