Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes

Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are two types of genes that play crucial roles in the regulation of cell growth and division, and their mutations are often linked to cancer development.

Oncogenes

Oncogenes are mutated or overactive versions of normal genes called proto-oncogenes. Proto-oncogenes are responsible for promoting normal cell growth and division. When these genes become mutated or overly active, they transform into oncogenes, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation, which is a hallmark of cancer.

Examples of Oncogenes:

• HER2: Often amplified in breast cancer, leading to increased cell growth and survival.
• RAS: Mutations in RAS genes (KRAS, NRAS, HRAS) are common in various cancers, such as colorectal, lung, and pancreatic cancer.
• MYC: A transcription factor that, when overexpressed, drives cell proliferation in cancers like Burkitt lymphoma.
• BCR-ABL: The product of a chromosomal translocation found in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), leading to a continuously active tyrosine kinase.

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Tumor suppressor genes function as the "brakes" of cell division, inhibiting uncontrolled cell growth and promoting DNA repair or programmed cell death (apoptosis). Mutations or inactivation of these genes remove the protective barriers, allowing cells to divide uncontrollably and accumulate additional mutations that can lead to cancer.

Examples of Tumor Suppressor Genes:

• TP53: Known as the "guardian of the genome," TP53 is involved in DNA repair and apoptosis. Mutations in TP53 are found in over 50% of cancers.
• RB1: The retinoblastoma gene (RB1) controls cell cycle progression. Loss of RB1 function is associated with retinoblastoma and other cancers.
• BRCA1/BRCA2: These genes are involved in DNA repair. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 increase the risk of breast, ovarian, and other cancers.
• PTEN: A tumor suppressor that regulates cell survival and growth by controlling the PI3K/AKT pathway. Mutations in PTEN are linked to cancers such as prostate and endometrial cancer.

Key Differences:

• Oncogenes act like the "gas pedal," accelerating cell division when mutated or overactive.
• Tumor suppressor genes act like the "brakes," preventing uncontrolled cell growth. When these brakes fail due to mutations, cells grow uncontrollably.

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