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Glite Dictionary
proto-oncogene

proto-oncogene

9.7
A normal gene that can change and make cells grow too much, causing cancer
  • noun
  • /ˌproʊtoʊ-ˈɑːŋkəˌdʒiːn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : proto-oncogén
  • Scientists discovered that the proto-oncogene MYC plays a significant role in cell growth and proliferation.

Examples

  • Furthermore, it has been shown that aberrant expression of miRNAs contributes to carcinogenesis by promoting the expression of proto-oncogenes or by inhibiting the expression of tumor suppressor genes.

    Blog text (18)

  • The proto-oncogene RAS is often mutated in various types of cancer.

  • For instance, the down-regulation of let-7, which represses the expression of the proto-oncogene RAS, has been found in a large proportion of lung cancer specimens.

    Blog text (18)

  • The overexpression of the proto-oncogene AMPK can lead to uncontrolled cell division, contributing to tumor formation.

Surface Forms

proto-oncogene singular
proto-oncogenes plural

Morphology

proto-oncogene = oncogene (semi-transparent) = proto + onco + gene

The prefix proto- clearly signals a precursor or earlier stage, but the meaning depends on the technical base oncogene.

Etymology

Proto-oncogene breaks into proto- 'first' or 'before', onco- 'tumour' as in oncology, and gene 'a unit that carries traits'. So, a proto-oncogene is a normal gene that is the 'first' form of an oncogene and can change into a gene that makes cells grow too much, which can lead to cancer.