How Do Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor Genes Affect Cell Division?
Oncogenes are mutated forms of normal genes (proto-oncogenes) that drive excessive cell division when activated. Examples include the HER2 gene in breast cancer. Tumor suppressor genes, on the other hand, act as brakes on cell division. When these genes are inactivated or deleted, such as in the case of the RB1 gene in retinoblastoma, the regulatory control is lost, allowing for uncontrolled growth.
