Journal of Cell Signaling
Open Access

A Brief Note on Cellular Oncogenes in Cancer Development

Martin Raff^{* *}Correspondence: Martin Raff, Department of Cell Biology, Northumbria University, London, UK, Email:

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Description

Cancer, a devastating disease affecting millions of lives worldwide, is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation. Extensive research has shed light on the complex mechanisms underlying cancer development, one of which involves cellular oncogenes. These oncogenes are key players in the intricate network of molecular events that contribute to the initiation and progression of cancer. Cellular oncogenes are capable of inducing cell transformation.

Oncogenes are genes that have the potential to transform a normal cell into a cancerous one. Unlike tumor suppressor genes that inhibit cell division or promote apoptosis (programmed cell death), oncogenes possess the ability to drive uncontrolled cell growth. These genes can be derived from normal cellular genes known as proto-oncogenes, which are involved in essential cellular processes like cell growth, differentiation, and signal transduction.

Activation of cellular oncogenes

The transformation of proto-oncogenes into oncogenes can occur through various mechanisms, such as genetic mutations, chromosomal rearrangements, amplification, or viral integration. Mutations in proto-oncogenes can lead to the production of abnormal proteins with altered or increased activity. This abnormal activity disrupts the normal balance of cellular processes, promoting uncontrolled cell growth and division.

Numerous cellular oncogenes have been identified, each contributing to the development of specific types of cancer. Some examples include:

Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HEGFR2): Amplification or overexpression of HER2/neu is frequently observed in breast cancer, promoting cell proliferation and survival.

KRAS:Mutations in the KRAS gene are commonly found in pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers. Mutated KRAS leads to uncontrolled cell growth and survival signals.

BCR-ABL: This fusion oncogene is associated with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). It results from a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22, leading to the constitutive activation of a tyrosine kinase protein.

BRAF: Mutations in the BRAF gene are prevalent in melanoma and certain types of colorectal cancer. Mutated BRAF triggers abnormal activation of cellular signaling pathways involved in cell growth and proliferation.

Clinical implications

The role of cellular oncogenes in cancer development has revolutionized cancer diagnosis and treatment. Oncogene testing has become a critical component of precision medicine, allowing healthcare professionals to identify specific genetic alterations driving the growth of tumors. This knowledge aids in tailoring targeted therapies, improving treatment outcomes, and minimizing unnecessary side effects.

Several therapeutic strategies have been developed to target cellular oncogenes. Small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and gene therapies are among the approaches employed to block the activity of oncogenic proteins or induce their degradation. For instance, drugs like Imatinib have proven highly effective in treating CML by specifically inhibiting the activity of the BCR-ABL fusion protein.

As research in oncogenes progresses, new cellular oncogenes are continually being discovered. Additionally, advancements in genomic technologies, such as next-generation sequencing, have facilitated the identification of rare oncogenic mutations. This enables the development of novel therapies targeting previously untreatable cancers.

Conclusion

Cellular oncogenes play a vital role in the development and progression of cancer. Their aberrant activation leads to uncontrolled cell growth, contributing to the malignant transformation of cells. With the increasing understanding of oncogenes, targeted therapies are being developed, offering hope for more effective and personalized cancer treatments. Continued research in this field will undoubtedly unveil further insights into the molecular intricacies of cancer and pave the way for innovative therapeutic interventions.