Answer to Question #128898 in Biology for kylie

Question

Discuss how proto-oncogenes become oncogenes.

Answer 1

Mutation in the proto-oncogene gene or its promoter may lead to its overexpression or overactivation. For instance, gain-o-function mutation may lead to constitutive activation of a proto-oncogene leading to stimulation of cell cycle progression or suppression of the pro-apoptotic pathway. On the other hand, mutations in the proto-oncogene promoter may lead to overexpression of the gene also stimulation its functioning. in both cases, proto-oncogenes induce abnormal growth and proliferation of cells that cannot be inhibited by cellular tumor suppressors.