Normal genes (proto-oncogenes) are programmed to initiate apoptosis when the cells begin to malfunction. This condition is however altered when the genes get mutated.
Due to mutations arising within proto-oncogenes, there is either an alteration of the proto-oncogene structure or an increase in their expression.
These mutations result in the conversion of proto-oncogenes to activated oncogenes that alter the normal balance and allow the survival and proliferation of the cells that are supposed to undergo apoptosis.
An uncontrollable outgrowth of the cells will predispose to cancer and result in the formation of tumor cells.
There are different types of cancer caused due to activation of oncogenes. This includes glioblastomas, melanomas, carcinomas, colorectal and breast cancer, adenocarcinomas, thyroid tumors, retinoblastoma and small cell lung cancer among others.
Admin_NHT Staff asked 5 years ago