How Do Oncogenic Fusion Proteins Contribute to Cancer?
These fusion proteins can contribute to cancer by activating oncogenes or inactivating tumor suppressor genes. They can lead to uncontrolled cell division, inhibition of apoptosis, and other cellular changes that favor tumor growth. For example, the well-known BCR-ABL fusion protein in chronic myeloid leukemia results in constitutive activation of tyrosine kinase activity, driving the proliferation of leukemic cells.