Checkpoint Regulation Genes and Cancer

Flashcards for cancer biology exam review.

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes that reduce or halt cell division, functioning mainly in G1, S, or G2M phases.

Proto-oncogenes

Genes that initiate or sustain cell growth and division, driving cell division in response to signals.

Oncogenes

Proto-oncogenes that are permanently activated, leading to uncontrolled cell division.

RAS

A family of proto-oncogenes coding for signal transducers, relaying messages via RAS protein at the cell surface.

Repair Genes

Genes involved in DNA repair, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)

A condition characterized by the development of numerous polyps in the colon, leading to a high risk of colon cancer.

APC Gene

A tumor suppressor gene; patients that inherit one copy of mutated APC gene will divide into small growth polyps.

KRAS Gene

Mutations to this gene turn polyps into ADMS mutations leading to finger like growths

Microsatellites

Repeating DNA segments, when not functioning properly, increase the mutation rate.

Cancer Treatments

Treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.

Immunotherapy

Checkpoint inhibitors that enable T cells to identify and attack cancer cells and immune stimulants.

Oncolytic Virus Therapy

Viruses that infect and destroy cancer cells.

Targeted Therapy

Drugs targeting specific molecules within cancer cells, and monoclonal antibodies designed to target cell surface markers.