Oncogenes are just like any other genes in your body. But these genes can even cause cancer if they become abnormal. In the normal state, these genes can regulate your cell growth, division, and repair. But sometimes, certain genetic changes can make them overreactive, causing them to start multiplying uncontrollably. This is what leads to cancer.
How do normal genes become oncogenes?
Normal genes that control your cell growth are called proto-oncogenes. These genes usually behave normally and manage your gene functions. But due to lifestyle and other factors, these genes can undergo some mutations and turn into oncogenes. This change can cause your cells to grow and divide uncontrollably and may occur due to exposure to harmful chemicals, tobacco consumption, or certain viruses. Once these oncogenes activate, they may keep sending growth signals to your body, even if there is no need.
What is the role of mutation?
Mutations may usually be the main reason behind such transformation of proto-genes into oncogenes. This happens because a single change in your DNA can turn the switch on, and it can begin sending excessive growth signals to your body. Not just this, but there are some other genetic changes, like genetic amplifications, that can also cause the growth of oncogenes. The accumulation of these signals is what makes your cells grow uncontrollably and causes cancer.
Examples of oncogenes
These are several oncogenes that can be linked to different types of cancer.
HER2 is overactive in some breast and stomach cancers
KRAS can frequently mutate in colorectal and lung cancers
EGFR can be altered in certain non-small-cell lung cancers
BRAF can be linked to melanoma or thyroid cancer
How is it studied?
Researchers are on their way to studying oncogenes to better understand how they actually work and behave under certain conditions. They may use methods like
Genetic testing to identify oncogene mutations
Targeted therapies that block abnormal proteins
Precision medicine to match treatments according to your health
Clinical trials to discover new medicines
Monitoring your treatment response to see how cancer behaves and evolves
From normal to cancerous
Oncogenes can have minor changes, but their impact can be really dangerous to your body. With the research going on, it is clear that cancer care is getting more personalized to offer the treatment that suits you. By this, your safety will be ensured so that you can go back to your life as soon as possible.