The spelling of the word "v H ras Genes" can be explained using phonetic transcription. The "v" is pronounced [v], the "H" is silent, and "ras" is pronounced [ræz]. "Genes" is pronounced [dʒiːnz]. Therefore, the full pronunciation is [v] [ræz] [dʒiːnz]. The "H" in the middle of "v H ras Genes" is typically capitalized because it stands for the name of a person, Harvey, who discovered the gene. This is why it is often written as "v-H-ras" or "Harvey ras gene".
v-H-ras genes refer to a category of oncogenes that contribute to the development of cancerous tumors. The letter "v" denotes that these genes are viral in origin, specifically derived from retroviruses. H-ras genes are a subset of ras genes, which specify proteins involved in signaling pathways that regulate cell growth, division, and differentiation. Together, v-H-ras genes represent an altered form of the normal H-ras gene that has been transformed into an oncogene by a viral infection.
These v-H-ras genes are characterized by specific genetic alterations, typically involving point mutations that result in the constitutive activation of signaling pathways. Specifically, they commonly possess a single base substitution that leads to a substitution of a glycine residue with a valine residue at the 12th codon. This alteration causes a change in the structure of the ras protein, rendering it continuously active and leading to uncontrolled cell growth.
The presence of v-H-ras genes has been observed in various types of cancers, including lung, colon, and bladder cancer. Their activation initiates a cascade of events that contribute to tumor formation and progression. Examples of these events include abnormal cell proliferation, evasion of programmed cell death (apoptosis), and the promotion of angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels). Research has revealed the significance of v-H-ras genes in the development of certain malignancies, making them an important target for therapeutic interventions.