Mutations Associated with Cancer (Session 35)

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to mutations associated with cancer, including oncogenes, tumor suppressors, and associated pathways.

Oncogene

A gene that has the potential to cause cancer, often through mutations that lead to a gain of function.

Point-mutation

A dominant mutation that can cause a gain of function, driving the cell cycle forward or inhibiting apoptosis.

Gene Fusion

A chromosomal rearrangement that fuses regulatory regions of one gene to another, potentially leading to continuous activity of proteins.

Gene Amplification

The process of increasing the number of copies of a gene which can lead to overexpression of the protein, such as Myc, a transcription factor driving the cell cycle.

Proto-oncogenes

Normal genes that can become oncogenes due to mutations; they often play roles in regulating cell growth and division.

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes that normally prevent uncontrolled cell growth; their loss of function can lead to cancer.

Microsatellite Instability

A condition of genetic hypermutability that results from impaired DNA mismatch repair, associated with cancers like HNPCC.

Germline mutations

Inherited genetic mutations that are present in the egg or sperm and can be passed from parents to offspring.

Somatic mutations

Acquired mutations that occur in non-reproductive cells and cannot be passed to offspring.

Wnt signaling pathway

A complex network of proteins that plays an important role in regulating cell development and growth, influenced by various positive and negative regulators.