How Do Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor Genes Influence Cancer?
Oncogenes are genes that, when mutated or overexpressed, can promote the growth of cancer cells. These genes typically play a role in normal cell growth and division, but their mutated versions can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Examples include the HER2 gene in breast cancer and the RAS gene in various cancers.
Tumor suppressor genes, on the other hand, are responsible for slowing down cell division, repairing DNA mistakes, or initiating apoptosis (programmed cell death). When these genes are mutated, they lose their ability to regulate cell growth, which can lead to cancer. The TP53 gene, known as the "guardian of the genome," is one of the most well-known tumor suppressor genes and is mutated in a significant number of cancers.
