Short-circuiting oncogenes may become basis of new cancer therapies
Article Abstract:
Oncogenes are a normal genetic component of all human cells. These genes may have a role in the process of cellular proliferation that occurs in normal growth and that leads to tumor formation. Speakers at the 12th Annual Bristol-Myers Symposium on Cancer Research (held in Toronto, Canada) discussed how proteins produced as the result of the expression of oncogenes may have a variety of physiologic functions which, with understanding, may be used to stop, regress or even prevent the development of cancers. This concept appears valid when one considers that the oncogenes carry the genetic information for producing approximately 60 different proteins, each with a normal cell function. In part, this concept is derived from the work of a group of investigators, including J. Michael Bishop and Howard Varmus, who will shortly receive a Nobel Prize for his work. Oncogenes appear to be involved in several general classifications: phosphorylation, growth and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) replication. Their work has also shown that each of these groups of oncogenes produce products that function best in specific areas of the cell. (For example, the myc protein controls messenger-RNA and is found in the cell nucleus.) When the genes become altered, their protein products are similarly disturbed. A protein product normally attached to the cell membrane could be increased in concentration and found in an unusual area of a cell. Although this process by itself is unlikely to lead to malignancy, when coupled with other similar changes, a cancer could develop. A possible direction of therapy could be to prevent such events. Other areas of research concentrate on the environment in which cancer formation occurs. The rate of breast cancer is higher in women who have never had a baby; a possible treatment could be to induce the changes in the breast that occur as a result of pregnancy in childless women. This research points to changing the biochemical environment instead of removing or altering genes.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1989
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Source apparently as important as content of some genes. (Medical News & Perspectives)
Article Abstract:
Mendelian genetics are only able to explain roughly one third of all genetically produced disorders. At a recent course in mammalian genetics at Bar Harbor, ME, the theory of genetic imprinting, that a gene inherited from the mother may cause a different effect from the same gene being inherited from father, was discussed. Animal experiments with mice seem to support this theory. Recently, two patients with cystic fibrosis were discovered with two copies of the maternal chromosome 7 which carries the cystic fibrosis gene. The paternal copy of that chromosome had been lost in both cases, and both of these patients suffered from intrauterine growth retardation. These cases indicate that the gene was invariably transmitted by the mother, and that genetic imprinting in mammals is a necessity. Other genetic imprinting experiments are discussed.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1989
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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