title: Molecular mechanisms of tumor formation.
abstract: DNA is the fundamental guide for the cell's processes. The alterations in DNA that can lead to abnormal or absent proteins and the role of chromosomal alterations in changing the function of the DNA are reviewed. The role of viruses in derailing a cell's normal functions, the major mechanisms of oncogene action, and tumor suppressor genes are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Surgical Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90073.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Samara
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hurwitz
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sawicki
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Passaro
mesh_terms: D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics*; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor / Q000235:genetics; D005814:Genes, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D009857:Oncogenes / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D004273:DNA, Neoplasm