Cancer Genetics

Cancer

A group of diseases characterized by unregulated cell division and proliferation.

Tumor

An abnormal mass of tissue formed by excessive cell division, which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Metastasis

The process by which cancer cells spread from the original tumor to other parts of the body.

Proto-oncogene

A normal gene that can become an oncogene due to mutations or increased expression, promoting cell growth.

Oncogene

A mutated proto-oncogene that leads to uncontrolled cell division and tumor formation.

Tumor suppressor gene

Genes that help regulate cell growth and prevent excessive cell division; mutations can lead to cancer.

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

Regulatory mechanisms in the cell cycle that ensure proper progression and prevent errors that could lead to cancer.

G1/S Checkpoint

A control point in the cell cycle that determines whether the cell can continue to DNA synthesis (S phase).

p53

A tumor suppressor gene that plays a critical role in preventing cancer by activating DNA repair and initiating apoptosis.

RB gene

A tumor suppressor gene that, when mutated, may lead to uncontrolled progression through the cell cycle.

Methylation

An epigenetic modification that typically suppresses gene expression by adding methyl groups to DNA.

CpG Islands

Regions of DNA with a high frequency of CG sequences, often found in promoter regions of genes, and are targets for methylation.

Clonal Evolution of Tumors

The process by which tumors accumulate mutations over time, leading to a selection of cells that promote tumor growth.

Multistep Model of Cancer

A framework explaining how multiple genetic mutations accumulate in cells leading to the development of cancer.

DNA Repair Mechanisms

Biological processes that fix DNA damage, which can help prevent mutations that lead to cancer.

Myelogenous Lymphoma

A type of cancer that originates from myeloid cells and is often associated with increased Ras-GTP levels.