title: [Oncogenes: a ray of light on the genesis and therapy of cancer?].
abstract: The criteria that have led to the hypothesis according to which oncogenes play a role in the pathogenesis of cancer are briefly reviewed: "Certain genes normally present in cells in which they exert physiologic functions may become altered so as to induce cancer. Before acquiring carcinogenic properties, i.e. while they still exert their physiological function, these genes are referred to as proto-oncogenes; once they acquire their carcinogenic properties, they are called oncogenes". The importance modern techniques of molecular biology (genetic engineering and recombinant DNA) have had for the formulation of this hypothesis is stressed, as well as the involuntary contribution of retroviruses. The prospects are examined for therapeutic application that might derive from the oncogene hypothesis.
authors: Ospedale S. Chiara, Pisa.
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Lattanzi
mesh_terms: D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D005818:Genetic Engineering; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D009857:Oncogenes; D011519:Proto-Oncogenes; D012190:Retroviridae / Q000235:genetics; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000150:complications
chemical_list: D004274:DNA, Recombinant
vernacular_title: Oncogèni: uno spiraglio di luce nella genesi e nella terapia del cancro?