Oncogenes, Signaling Pathways, and Cancer Mechanisms

SARC

An oncogene identified by Varmus and Bishop.

Oncogene

A gene that can transform a normal cell into a cancerous one.

Antibody

Protein that binds specifically to an antigen.

Phosphorylation

Addition of a phosphate group to a protein.

Kinase

Enzyme that catalyzes phosphorylation of substrates.

MYC

Proto-oncogene that becomes oncogenic when mutated.

Transcription Factor

Protein that binds DNA to regulate gene expression.

Viral Promoter

Enhances gene expression, e.g., ALV with MYC.

Cell Proliferation

Increase in cell number due to division.

Burkitt Lymphoma

Cancer caused by MYC overexpression with IGG.

Leptin

Hormone regulating hunger and energy balance.

Leptin Resistance

Condition where the body ignores leptin signals.

Insulin

Hormone that regulates glucose levels in blood.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

Sweetener that can lead to insulin resistance.

Phospholipases

Enzymes that modify phospholipids in signaling pathways.

PIP2

Phosphatidylinositol (4,5) diphosphate, a signaling molecule.

PIP3

Phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5) triphosphate, activates AKT.

AKT/PKB

Protein kinase B, involved in cell survival signaling.

pTEN

Tumor suppressor that dephosphorylates PIP3 to PIP2.

Sex Hormones

Hormones that influence cell proliferation and cancer risk.

Episome

Extrachromosomal DNA controlling cell proliferation.

Microbiome

Community of microorganisms in the digestive system.

p53

Tumor suppressor protein activated by DNA damage.

MDM2

Protein that regulates p53 degradation.

GPCR Signaling

Pathway activated by ligand binding to GPCR.

Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

Cell death pathway initiated by internal signals.

Ras

GTPase involved in cell signaling and proliferation.

GAP

GTPase-activating protein that deactivates Ras.