There are several types of genetic mutations commonly associated with cancer:
1. Point Mutations: These involve a change in a single nucleotide base pair. For example, a single base change in the TP53 gene can lead to the production of a dysfunctional p53 protein, a crucial tumor suppressor.
2. Insertions and Deletions: These involve the addition or loss of small DNA segments. Such mutations can disrupt the coding sequence of a gene, leading to truncated or nonfunctional proteins.
3. Copy Number Variations (CNVs): These are changes in the number of copies of a particular gene. An increase in the number of copies of an oncogene can amplify its function, while a decrease in tumor suppressor genes can have the opposite effect.
4. Chromosomal Rearrangements: These include translocations, inversions, and other large-scale changes in the structure of chromosomes. For example, the Philadelphia chromosome, a result of a translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22, is a well-known cause of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).
