The spelling of the word "src Oncogene" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. "src" is pronounced as /sɛr/ with the "s" sound, followed by a short "e" sound, and then the "r" sound. "Oncogene" is pronounced as /ˈɑŋkəˌdʒin/ with the stressed syllable being "on" and the "c" pronounced as a hard "k" sound. The "e" at the end of the word is silent. This word refers to a specific type of gene involved in the development of cancer cells.
The "src oncogene" is a specific gene that belongs to the group of oncogenes and plays a crucial role in the development of cancer. The src oncogene is derived from the v-src retroviral gene and is found in animals, including humans. It is a proto-oncogene that, when activated or mutated, can promote uncontrolled cell growth and division, ultimately leading to the formation of cancerous tumors.
The src oncogene functions as a tyrosine kinase, an enzyme that adds phosphate groups to tyrosine residues in proteins. This activation of tyrosine residues leads to the activation of various signaling pathways involved in cell growth, differentiation, and survival. Normally, the src gene is tightly regulated within the cell, but its activation or mutation can disrupt this control mechanism, resulting in aberrant cell signaling and tumor formation.
Several studies have implicated the src oncogene in various types of cancer, including breast, lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. Abnormal activation or mutation of src oncogene can cause the overgrowth of cells, invasiveness, and resistance to normal cell death mechanisms, leading to the malignant transformation of healthy cells.
Understanding the role of src oncogene in cancer development has significant implications for targeted cancer therapy. Researchers are actively exploring specific inhibitors and anti-cancer drugs that can target the abnormal activity of the src oncogene, thereby impeding its function and halting the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells.
The term "src oncogene" is derived from the combination of two components: "src" and "oncogene".
The term "src" stands for "sarcoma" and was originally identified in studies on the Rous sarcoma virus, a virus that causes tumors in chickens. The "src" gene was first discovered in 1970 by J. Michael Bishop and Harold E. Varmus. The name "src" was given to this gene to indicate its association with sarcoma development.
The term "oncogene" comes from the combination of the Greek words "onkos" meaning "mass" or "tumor" and "gene". It was coined by German virologist, Peyton Rous, in the early 20th century to refer to genes that have the potential to cause cancer.