How Do Tumor Suppressors and Oncogenes Impact Cell Cycle Control?
Tumor suppressors and oncogenes play crucial roles in cell cycle control: - Tumor Suppressors: These genes produce proteins that inhibit cell cycle progression or promote apoptosis (programmed cell death). Examples include p53 and RB. Mutations in tumor suppressor genes can remove these critical brakes, allowing uncontrolled cell division. - Oncogenes: These are mutated or overexpressed genes that drive cell division. Proto-oncogenes are normal genes that can become oncogenes when mutated. Examples include RAS and MYC. Oncogenes can push cells through the cell cycle even when conditions are not favorable, promoting cancer development.
