The spelling of "src Oncogenes" may seem confusing at first, but its pronunciation is straightforward. The initial "s" and "r" sounds are represented by their respective IPA symbols, followed by the consonant blend "k" and "r" in "src". The word "oncogene" is then spelled phonetically with its stressed syllable on "gen". Finally, the abbreviation for "oncogenes" is added with an "s" sound. Altogether, the word is pronounced /sɑɹk ˈɑn.kəˌdʒins/. "Src Oncogenes" are a group of genes that play a role in the development of cancer.
Src oncogenes are a group of genes belonging to the Src family of proto-oncogenes. Proto-oncogenes are normal genes found in healthy cells that, when mutated or abnormally activated, can transform into oncogenes and promote the development of cancer. Src oncogenes specifically encode for a tyrosine kinase protein called Src, which plays a crucial role in cellular signaling pathways that control cell growth, differentiation, migration, and survival.
When the Src gene is mutated or abnormally activated, it can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation, which are characteristic features of cancer development. Src oncogenes are often found to be associated with various types of cancers, such as breast, colon, lung, stomach, and pancreatic cancers.
The abnormal activation of Src oncogenes can occur due to different mechanisms, including gene amplification, chromosomal translocation, or mutations within the gene itself. This activation can result in the continuous activation of the Src protein, leading to the deregulation of downstream signaling pathways and promoting tumor growth and metastasis.
Understanding the role and significance of Src oncogenes is important in the field of cancer research, as targeting these genes or the Src protein has shown potential for developing targeted therapies to treat cancer. Inhibitors that specifically target Src kinase activity are currently being investigated as potential anti-cancer drugs, aiming to block the abnormal signaling mediated by Src oncogenes and impede tumor progression.
The term "src Oncogenes" originates from the field of molecular biology and refers to a family of oncogenes known as "src" (pronounced "sarc"). The word "src" is derived from "sarcoma", a type of cancer that was studied extensively in the mid-20th century to understand the genetic basis of cancer development.
The src oncogene was first discovered in the early 1970s through the study of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV), a retrovirus that causes cancer in chickens. It was found that the RSV genome carries a gene called "v-src", which is responsible for the oncogenic properties of the virus. The v-src gene was later identified as a cellular gene that is normally present in the host chicken cells, but when activated or mutated, it can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer formation.