What are the proto-oncogenes?

Protincogenes are normal genes that can lead to cancer if they are mutated or expressed on abnormally high levels. The gene is a biological unit that contains hereditary information in the body that is necessary for the production of certain proteins. Oncogen is a gene that causes cancer by causing the growth of certain cells and proliferating at an unfriendly speed. Normal cells are eventually subject to apoptosis or cell death, but cancer cells do not; They grow and proliferate as long as the organism contains them is not dead. In many cases, the proto-oncogen must be activated by some environmental factor than it is actually able to cause cancer.

The proto-oncogenes contain genetic information that is used to produce proteins that control and slight cellular growth and proliferation. They often contain the code necessary for signaling mechanisms responsible for cell division and for programmed cell death. This regulation is necessary for health and in fact serve toPrevention of cancer of healthy people. However, as soon as the small modification of these genes is activated, the proto-oncogens will cease to be healthy regulatory genes and instead become oncogens causing a tumor. Proteins and signaling mechanisms that code no longer cause programmed cell death and correct cell division; Instead, they cause cellular immortality and uncontrolled division.

There are many different mechanisms that can be activated by prot-only and convert into oncogens forming tumors. The simple mutation on the gene changes the structure and function of the protein for which it encodes; This has the potential to lead to cancer. In some cases, the gene remains unchanged in itself, but the various factors that regulate proteins cease to function properly. For example, proteins that cause cellular division and tumor formation.

Another mechanism that can activateProtincogenes, is known as chromosomal translocation. Chromosomal translocations are genetic anomalies in which different parts of genetic information are re -organized. This can cause some types of proteins to be active in incorrect cell types. It can also lead to the formation of hybrid proteins such as those that can lead to leukemia.

Protincogenes are important for medical researchers because of their role in causing cancer. Scientists are trying to design medicines that can specifically focus on the proto-oncogens and proteins they produce. They do this to correct abnormalities that caused the activation of prot-oncogenes to oncogen causing cancer. They can also try to inhibit proteins produced by genes.