Anticancer gene
Anticancer gene
Anticancer gene (pronunciation: an-ti-can-cer gene) is a type of gene that plays a crucial role in the prevention of cancer development and progression.
Etymology
The term "anticancer gene" is derived from the prefix "anti-", meaning against, and "cancer", referring to the disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. The term "gene" comes from the Greek word "genos", meaning race, kind, or family.
Definition
An anticancer gene is a gene that inhibits the development of cancerous cells in the body. These genes are often involved in processes such as cell cycle regulation, apoptosis (programmed cell death), and DNA repair. When these genes are functioning properly, they help maintain the normal growth and division of cells. However, when mutations occur in these genes, it can lead to the development of cancer.
Related Terms
- Tumor suppressor gene: A type of anticancer gene that slows down cell division, repairs DNA mistakes, or tells cells when to die (a process known as apoptosis). When these genes don't work properly, cells can grow out of control, which can lead to cancer.
- Oncogene: A gene that has the potential to cause cancer. In normal cells, oncogenes help cells grow and divide. However, mutations or increased levels can lead to cells growing and dividing too much and too fast. This can lead to cancer.
- BRCA1 and BRCA2: These are human genes that produce tumor suppressor proteins. These proteins help repair damaged DNA and, therefore, play a role in ensuring the stability of the cell’s genetic material. Specific inherited mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 increase the risk of female breast and ovarian cancers.
- p53: This is a tumor suppressor gene that codes for a protein that regulates the cell cycle and hence functions as a tumor suppression. It is very important for cells in multicellular organisms to suppress cancer.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Anticancer gene
- Wikipedia's article - Anticancer gene
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