Research Journal of Oncology Open Access

Understanding Oncogenes: The Drivers of Cancer

Denise Montell^* Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Medicine, USA
^*Correspondence: Denise Montell, Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Medicine, USA, Email:

Received: 29-May-2024, Manuscript No. IPRJO-24-21848; Editor assigned: 31-May-2024, Pre QC No. IPRJO-24-21848 (PQ); Reviewed: 14-Jun-2024, QC No. IPRJO-24-21848; Revised: 19-Jun-2024, Manuscript No. IPRJO-24-21848 (R); Published: 26-Jun-2024, DOI: 10.36648/iprjo-8.2.18

Introduction

Oncogenes play a crucial role in the development and progression of cancer, serving as one of the primary factors that transform normal cells into malignant ones. This article explores what oncogenes are, how they function, their role in cancer, and the implications for treatment and research. Oncogenes are mutated forms of proto-oncogenes, which are normal genes that promote cell growth and division. In healthy cells, proto-oncogenes are tightly regulated, ensuring that cellular proliferation occurs in a controlled manner. However, when these genes become mutated through processes such as point mutations, gene amplifications, or chromosomal translocations, they can become oncogenes, leading to uncontrolled cell division and tumor formation.

Description

The first oncogene to be discovered was src, identified in the early 1970s in the Rous sarcoma virus. Since then, many other oncogenes have been identified, including Ras, Myc, Her2/ neu, and Bcr-Abl. Each of these oncogenes has distinct mechanisms of action and is associated with different types of cancer. Oncogenes can promote cancer through various mechanisms, including some mutations cause the protein product of the oncogene to be permanently activated. For example, the Ras oncogene can become mutated, resulting in a constantly active Ras protein that signals cells to proliferate without the normal regulatory checks. Gene amplification can lead to an overproduction of growth factor receptors. The Her2/neu oncogene, often amplified in breast cancer, results in excessive levels of the Her2 protein, promoting aggressive tumor growth. Chromosomal translocations can create hybrid genes that produce fusion proteins with new functions. The Bcr-Abl fusion, resulting from a translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22, produces a protein that continuously signals cells to divide, leading to Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). The activation of oncogenes is a key step in the multistage process of cancer development. While mutations in tumor suppressor genes (like p53) can lead to cancer by removing growth inhibition, oncogenes primarily drive growth and proliferation. Typically, the progression from a normal cell to a cancerous one involves a series of genetic alterations. Initial mutations may activate oncogenes, while subsequent changes may inactivate tumor suppressor genes, culminating in the malignant phenotype. This interplay between oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes underscores the complexity of cancer biology. Different oncogenes are associated with specific types of cancer. Understanding the specific oncogenes involved in a particular cancer type has important implications for diagnosis and treatment. Targeted therapies aim to inhibit the activity of these oncogenes, offering a more personalized approach to cancer treatment. The discovery of oncogenes has revolutionized cancer treatment. With a deeper understanding of the genetic underpinnings of cancer, researchers and clinicians have developed targeted therapies that specifically inhibit the activity of oncogenic proteins. This drug specifically targets the Bcr-Abl fusion protein, dramatically improving outcomes for patients with CML. This monoclonal antibody targets the Her2 protein, used in treating Her2-positive breast cancer. These targeted therapies have shown to be more effective and less toxic than traditional chemotherapy, leading to improved survival rates and quality of life for patients. The study of oncogenes continues to be a dynamic and rapidly evolving field. Researchers are exploring combination therapies that target multiple pathways simultaneously, aiming to overcome resistance mechanisms that cancer cells often develop.

Conclusion

Oncogenes are fundamental players in the landscape of cancer biology, serving as drivers of tumorigenesis. As research progresses, the insights gained from studying these genes promise to enhance our understanding of cancer and lead to more effective treatments. The ongoing efforts to target oncogenic pathways highlight the importance of precision medicine in the fight against cancer, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of this devastating disease.