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Compare and contrast oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes
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As described by Mukherjee (2010), src is a gene discovered in Rous sarcoma virus in which it encodes an on or off switch in numerous cellular functions as a way to regulate cell activities. Mukherjee added that the src proteins alter several target molecules, resulting in the tramsmission of signals to the nucleus that help regulate the cell. Furthermore, src gene is described as an oncogenic as it triggers uncontrolled growth in abnormal host cells. According to Mukherjee (2010), "It was termed an oncogene, * a gene capable of causing cancer" (p. 358). src gene incredibly can transform cells from their original none mitotic to mitotic state leading to the cause of cancer. According to Mukherjee's (2010) description, Rous sarcoma virus is a
retrovirus that makes genetic information flow in the reverse, RNA→DNA instead of its original DNA→RNA. The src gene tremendously helped scientist and doctors understood the genome sequence as well as RNA polymer.
LJI308 is a potent and selective inhibitor of RSK. The p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) comprises a family of serine/threonine kinase which is expressed in various human cancers. RSK is the cytosolic substrate for the ERK (extracellular sianal-regulated kinase), involved in direct regulation of cell survival, proliferation, and cell polarity. Previous studies have demonstrated that RSK pathway is important for the growth and proliferation of cancer stem cells [1,2].
Women who inherit a mutation in one copy of BRCA1 or BRCA2 are at high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers6. This could be due to the disruption in the pathway of BRCA proteins in the cell nucleus. If BRCA1 is defective, it loses its ability to fix damaged DNA and causes tumor. It is because once the defective BRCA1 raises, it allows the cells to develop and divide uncontrollably. Since defective in BRCA1 causes cancers, it is important to understanding the function of the protein by analyzing its sequence and structure.
Simian virus 40 (SV40) is a monkey virus that was introduced into the human population by contaminated poliovaccines. The vaccines were produced in SV40 infected monkey cells between 1955 and 1963. The site of latent infection in humans is not known but the presence of SV40 in urine suggests the kidney as a possible site of latency. SV40 is a small DNA virus that is studied extensively because it is able to transform and immortalize multiple cell types (Ozer 2000, Saenz-Robles et al. 2001).
Feline panleukopenia is endemic to cats worldwide. The virus has been identified since the early 20th century. The virus is so severe that it was referred to as “cat plague” in earlier times when infections worldwide nearly wiped out cat populations in certain geographic areas. Now FPV rarely occurs in domestic populations in which vaccination is routinely practiced. There is a seasonality to the occurrence of FPV that usually coincides with the production of new populations of susceptible kittens. This seasonal effect may vary according to geographic location. In the northeastern United States, most cases of FPV are seen in the summer and early fall. However, outbreaks of FPV may occur at any time of the year. It is thought that feral domestic cat populations are a natural resevior for Feline panleukopenia virus.
The cancer stem cell theory hypothesizes that tumors or cancers arise from mutations or epigenetic changes in normal stem cells. These mutated or genetically altered stem cells possess the properties of the normal stem cells such as the ability to self-renew, differentiate into any type of body cell, and resist apoptosis. Hence, the cancer stem cells (CSC) are named so. It is also suggested that because of the above-mentioned properties of the cancer stem cells, the current anti-cancer therapies are not entirely successful (Gil et al, 2008). Despite surgery and other therapies, even if very few of these cancer stem cells survive, they can continue to act as a source for more tumors, even though the therapies eliminate all visible signs of cancer.
Mumps is a paramyxovirus that is closely related to the parainfluenza virus. Its symptoms were first described in the 5th century BC, and it was a very common childhood affliction until the last several decades. It was identified as a virus in 1934, and an effective vaccine was developed in 1967. Mumps is acquired by aerosol, necessitating close human interaction for spread. Human beings are the only known reservoir for mumps virus, and there is only one serotype.
The World Health Organization states that Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) was first apparent in 1967 in Germany, specifically in the Marburg and Frankfurt areas of Germany, hence the name, Marburg virus. The transporters of this disease were believed to have been monkeys from Uganda, and it is a very deadly and fatal disease in which the virus is similar in strain as the one that causes the Ebola virus. Although rare, MVD has the ability to be extremely deadly within an infected society. Outbreaks can prove to be dramatic and if not communicated within the proper societal channels, can be overwhelming to the human race. Outbreaks in history from the Marburg virus have been contained appropriately however, it is vital for health and protection agencies to collaborate in order to contain any future “accidental” or “man-made” outbreaks (World Health Organization, 2012).
Feline Leukemia Virus is caused by C-type RNA viruses (Padman S. Sarma & Robert J. Huebner, et al). It is what is known as a retrovirus, and it occurs in all species of cats. All retroviruses produce an enzyme that allows them to inject their genetic material into healthy cells, causing the once-healthy cell to become infected and take on properties of the virus (Feline Leukemia Virus). The name comes from the original attempt to understand the virus, and it was believed to be similar to leukemia in humans. By the time the actual cause of the virus was discovered the misnomer of “leukemia” had already become commonly used, and leukemia was then used as part of the virus’ official name. While the virus produces leukemia-like symptoms, it can also lead to cases of lymphoma (Raoul E. Benveniste & Charles J. Sherr, et al).
West Nile Virus has emerged in recent years throughout the temporate zones of Europe and North America. Causing a variety of conditions in its hosts, the most serious manifestation of WN virus infection is fatal encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in humans and horses, and many birds.
The cell cycle is the process by which cells progress and divide. In normal cells, the cell cycle is controlled by a complex series of signaling pathways by which a cell grows, replicates it’s DNA and divides, these are called proto-oncogenes. A proto-oncogene is a normal gene that could become an oncogene due to mutations. This process has mechanisms to ensure that errors are corrected, if they are not, the cells commit suicide (apoptosis). This process is tightly regulated by the genes within a cell’s nucleus. In cancer, as a result of genetic mutations, this process malfunctions, resulting in uncontrolled cell proliferation. Mutations in proto-oncogene or in a tumour suppressor gene allow a cancerous cell to grow and divide without the normal control imposed by the cell cycle. A change in the DNA sequence of the proto-oncogene gives rise to an oncogene, which
For approximately three-thousand years, smallpox has ravaged and plagued the four corners of the globe. In fact, in the 17 th and 18 th centuries, it was claimed to be the most infectious disease in the West, with an astounding 90% mortality rate in America. It wasn't until 1796, with English surgeon Edward Jenner's smallpox vaccination, that the world saw relief from this devastating virus. However, even with this inoculation in use, the world continued to witness death from both the virus and the vaccine. In the year 1966, it was estimated that 10-15 million infected citizens world wide had passed away from smallpox that year alone ( “History” 12). As a result of these devastating numbers, in the following year, 1967, the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) created a program to eradicate the smallpox virus. Ten years later, in 1977, the estimated 10-15 million cases had dwindled down to one; a man in Somalia. Three years later, W.H.O. officially announced that smallpox had been eradicated, leaving the only remaining virus cultures stored and guarded in laboratories in Russia and the United States. Inoculations ceased, smallpox epidemics were non-existent, and the virus was no longer a concern. In order to ensure complete eradication of this deadly virus, the W.H.O. insisted that the remaining smallpox cultures be destroyed by 1999 ( “Smallpox Eradication” 2). However, despite the W.H.O.'s recommendation, the remaining cultures continue to be contained and protected to this day, five years after the suggested date of elimination.
Cancer has been seen in humans as one the most potentially fatal disease for thousands of years and only in the recent couple of hundred years have we discovered that most information necessary to bring us to today’s understanding and knowledge (Kenny 2007, Weinberg 1996) was achieved by extensive research of cells, DNA, and epidemiology studies. As we know, currently cancer is acknowledged as having over a hundred different diseases, and is known to be the result of mutations of the genes and almost similar DNA which are responsible for the amount of cell division and production (Kenny 2007). Restraint of cell growth modulators can be a direct lead and result of certain tumours being developed and subsequently allow these tumours to acquire the ability to attack and occupy the bloodstream and essentially be able to travel via the bloodstream to other parts and organs in human bodies which is known as metastasis (Loeb et Al 2003). Once this has occurred , the cancer is then categorized as malicious and becomes a dangerous and serious threat to the carrier (Weinberg 1996). In this essay I will describe and explain the process of this and how our genes mutate and lead to metastasis of cancer cells.
The hanta virus is not a new foe to humanity. This mysterious and sometimes fatal disease has plagued humanity for over 1000 years. This virus, most likely originating in China over 1000 years ago, is transmitted by human contact with mice. Only relatively recently has the hanta virus captured the attention of the United States. Although the hanta virus has been known for such a long time, there is little known about the virus. In the United States most cases are found in the southwestern part of the country, although cases have been reported from all four corners of the country. Recently, there have been successful tests done on prospective vaccines for the hanta virus. Despite this, strains of the hanta virus kill many people a year for lack of an effective medicine or vaccine (www.pharminfo.com).
These oncogenes cause cancer because they do not allow the cells to self-destruct or become epistatic. There have been several research projects which have been testing epistatis. Transfecting DNA To perform the experiments for this research, the researchers had to grow certain pieces of DNA.... ... middle of paper ...
Tumors are formed by the alteration of the body’s own cells. This can be caused by environmental factors such as radiation, like UV exposure, chemicals or viruses 1. These can disrupt genes that control growth and cause an increase in cell division and proliferation. Proto-oncogenes are those genes that control normal but essential cell processes that keep cell growth and death in check. Two important categories are apoptosis genes, which regulate cell death, and tumor suppressor genes, which decrease cell propagation 1 . If these genes were mutated to the point where they cannot produce a functioning protein, cell division would continue far past what it was supposed to and unhealthy cells would be allowed to live and continue to multiply. This is what creates a malignant tumor. Certain conditions in the body can also promote the growth of cancer cells. One of these is a deficiency of natural killer (NK) cells, which are able to kill cancer cells by creating a pore in the cell membrane with perforin and releasing granzymes into the cell. Low levels of perforin allow for tumor growth 1. Chronic inflammation can also ...