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Proto-oncogenes are genes whose products promote cell growth and division. They do this by encoding transcription factors that stimulate the expression of other genes, signal transduction molecules that stimulate cell division, or cell cycle regulators that move the ell through the cell cycle. Proto-oncogene products may be located in the plasma membrane, cytoplasm, or nucleus, and their activities are controlled in various ways, including regulation at the transcpritional, translational, and protein-modification levels. When cells become quiescent and cease division, they repress the expression of most proto-oncogene products. In cancer cells, one or more proto-oncogenes are altered in such a way that tier activities cannot be controlled in a normal fashion. This is sometimes due to a mutation in the proto-oncogene resulting in a protein product that acts abnormally. In other cases, proto-oncogenes may encode normal protein products, but the genes are overexpressed or cannot be transcriptionally repressed at the correct time. In these cases, the proto-oncogene product is continually in an "on" state, which may constantly stimulate the cell to divide. When a proto-oncogene is mutated or aberrantly expressed, and contributes to the development of cancer, it is known as an oncogene. Oncogenes are those that have experienced a gain-of-function alteration. As a result, only one allele of a proto-oncogene needs to be mutated or mis-expressed in order to trigger uncontrolled growth. Hence, oncogenes confer a dominant cancer phenotype.

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What are proto-oncogenes and how do they differ from oncogenes?

Proto-oncogenes are normal genes that help regulate cell growth and division. When mutated or altered, they can become oncogenes, which promote uncontrolled cell growth and can lead to cancer. The main difference is that proto-oncogenes are normal genes that can become oncogenes through mutations.


When proto-oncogenes mutate they may become?

They are called oncogenes.


Retroviruses are well known as cancer causing agents because it?

integrates their proviral DNA next to protooncogenes


Is it true or false that only individuals with cancer have proto-oncogenes?

False. Proto-oncogenes are genes that can potentially become oncogenes, which are associated with cancer development. They are present in all individuals, not just those with cancer.


What do Proto-oncogenes regulate?

Proto-oncogenes stop cells dividing too often. When a mutation occurs to proto-oncogenes this is when cancer can occur, as there is then no hay-flick limit (normally cells have a limit to how many times then can divide) cells are able to replicate uncontrollably.


Where can one learn more about oncogenes?

The best place that one can learn more about oncogenes is the American Cancer Society's official website. The site has a page dedicated to oncogenes and has a list of answers to common questions asked about the gene.


Checkpoint genes that stimulate mitosis are called?

oncogenes


What has the author Manjusri Das written?

Manjusri Das has written: 'Selected abstracts on oncogenes and epidermal growth factor receptors' -- subject(s): Abstracts, Tumors, Oncogenes, Epidermis


What is the cancer causing agents called?

A carcinogen.


What type of viral gene can cause cancer in its host cell?

ONCOGENES


What Genes handle proteins necessary for cell division?

proto-oncogenes


What is the name given to cancer-causing genes?

Pathogens.