Oncogenes can become activated through various mechanisms. These include gene mutations, gene amplification, or chromosomal translocations. For instance, a mutation in the gene can result in a protein that is constantly active, leading to continuous cell division. Gene amplification can lead to an abnormally high number of gene copies, thereby producing an excess of the protein product, which drives cell proliferation. Chromosomal translocations can create fusion genes with new, oncogenic properties.
