An overview of oncogenesis.
The paper reviews the actual knowledge in the field of oncogenesis, according to the oncogene theory of cancer. The main actions of proto-oncogenes during cellular proliferation are outlined and oncogenes are classified to their specific roles. The relationships between proto-, viral-, and cellular oncogenes are analyzed and the several steps of the evolution of a p-onc towards a c-onc are described. Several examples of better known oncogenes are presented to illustrate the interrelations between the families of genes and their interactions during oncogenesis are evoked. As the implication of each c-onc in distinct neoplasia can be suspected according to the most frequent genomic alteration of each type of cancer, information about the chromosomal localization of oncogenes is comprised. The oncogenes' products, their weight and cellular position are also presented. The onco-suppressor genes, oncogenes' counterparts are also described, their localization being deduced from analysis of frequent breakpoints or mutation site/s in cancers. Finally, future perspectives of oncogene research are also outlined.
Turcanu
V
V
University Medical School of Iasi, Romania.
D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics; D015513:Oncogene Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D009857:Oncogenes / Q000235:genetics; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D011519:Proto-Oncogenes / Q000235:genetics
D015513:Oncogene Proteins; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins