Mutated proteins can contribute to cancer development through various mechanisms. Some of these include:
1. Activating Oncogenes: Oncogenes are genes that, when mutated, have the potential to cause cancer. Mutations can lead to the production of proteins that promote cell division and survival beyond normal levels.
2. Inactivating Tumor Suppressors: Tumor suppressor genes encode proteins that regulate cell growth and apoptosis. Mutations can inactivate these proteins, removing critical controls on cell proliferation.
3. DNA Repair Mechanisms: Proteins involved in DNA repair can also be mutated, leading to an accumulation of further genetic errors that drive cancer progression.
