Oncogene
A gene that, when over-activated by mutation or extra copies, pushes a cell to grow and divide. Think of an accelerator pedal stuck to the floor.
Normal cells carry these genes as proto-oncogenes, which drive growth only when the cell receives the right signals; a mutation, amplification or fusion can lock them permanently on. Many oncogenes encode receptors and kinases in growth-signalling pathways (EGFR, HER2, ALK, KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA), which is why so many targeted drugs are kinase inhibitors. Because a single activated oncogene can dominate a tumour's behaviour, blocking it can produce dramatic responses, the basis of oncogene addiction and of the whole targeted-therapy paradigm.
Pages like this
not linked directly; found by shared links- TermDownstream and upstream
Shares Growth signal, Kinase, BRAF, KRAS.
- TermTargeted therapy
Shares Driver mutation, Growth signal, Kinase, Oncogene addiction.
- TermProliferation
Shares Growth signal, Hallmark: sustaining proliferative signalling.
- Key paperCancer genome landscapes: about 140 driver genes, and each tumour needs only a handful
Shares Oncogene addiction, PIK3CA / PI3K-alpha, BRAF, KRAS.
- TermReceptor
Shares Growth signal, Kinase, HER2, EGFR.
- TermPhosphorylation
Shares Growth signal, Kinase.
- PersonRyan B. Corcoran
- PathwayDrivers, passengers & the two-hit model
Shares Oncogene addiction, ALK, BRAF, KRAS.