Viral oncogenes can cause cancer through several mechanisms:
Insertional Mutagenesis: Viruses can integrate their genetic material into the host genome, disrupting normal cellular functions and leading to uncontrolled cell growth. Protein Expression: Viral oncogenes often encode proteins that can interfere with cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and DNA repair mechanisms. Activation of Cellular Oncogenes: Some viruses can activate host cell oncogenes, which are genes that, when mutated or expressed at high levels, can promote cancer.
