Lecture 5a: Proto-Oncogene Activation

Question 1

Proto-oncogenes

Answer 1

Normal genes that when mutated in certain ways become oncogenes. Normally code for proteins involved in stimulating cell cycle progression and cell division

Question 2

Oncogenes

Answer 2

Genes that cause a cell to become cancerous.

Question 3

Times where increased transcription of prot-oncogenes has been observed

Answer 3

1. Embryogenesis
2. Stimulation of cell mitosis by growth factors
3. During regeneration of lost tissues

Question 4

Influences on levels of c-MYC expressed proteins

Answer 4

1. Epigenetic factors
2. Increased stability of the oncoprotein
3. Deregulated upstream signaling