Role of oncogenes in chemical carcinogenesis: extrapolation from rodents to humans.
Proto-oncogenes are cellular genes that are expressed during normal growth and development processes. These genes can be activated to cancer-causing oncogenes by point mutations or by gross DNA rearrangement, such as chromosomal translocation or gene amplification. Activated versions of proto-oncogenes have been observed in various human and rodent tumours. Examples will be discussed, as will the activation of proto-oncogenes by chemical carcinogens. Most chemicals are classified as potentially hazardous to humans on the basis of long-term carcinogenesis studies in rodents. Oncogene analysis of tumours of spontaneous origin and from carcinogenesis studies may aid in risk analyses on the basis of rodent carcinogenesis studies.
Anderson
M W
MW
Laboratory of Biochemical Risk Analysis, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC.
Maronpot
R R
RR
Reynolds
S H
SH
D000818:Animals; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D005784:Gene Amplification; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced*; D011519:Proto-Oncogenes; D051381:Rats; D014162:Transfection; D014178:Translocation, Genetic
D002273:Carcinogens