oncogene

American  

[ong-kuh-jeen] / ˈɒŋ kəˌdʒin /

noun

Genetics.

1. any gene that is a causative factor in the initiation of cancerous growth.

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oncogene British  

/ ˈɒŋkəʊˌdʒiːn /

noun

1. any of several genes, first identified in viruses but present in all cells, that when abnormally activated can cause cancer

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oncogene Scientific  

/ ŏn′kə-jēn /

1. A gene that causes normal cells to become cancerous either because the gene is mutated or because the gene is expressed at the wrong time in development.

2. See Note at cancer

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oncogene Cultural  

1. Genes in animal DNA that cause cancer.

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Discover More

Every cell contains genes that, when altered slightly, can become oncogenes.

Etymology

Origin of oncogene

First recorded in 1965–70; onco- + gene

Compare meaning

How does oncogene compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• proto-oncogene vs. oncogene

Example Sentences

It is also a potent oncogene, meaning the very growth it promotes in skeletal muscle could stimulate cellular proliferation if overexpressed in organs like the liver, resulting in tumors.

From Science Daily

Houlahan and Curtis decided to focus on oncogenes, normal genes that, when mutated, can free a cell from regulatory pathways meant to keep it on the straight and narrow.

From Science Daily

He expressed optimism by saying, "Given ETV4's substantial implications as a critical oncogene, we envision leveraging this insight to devise technologies aimed at controlling cancer cells through mechanical cues."

From Science Daily

Having shown that quelling the fused oncogene killed tumor cells, they decided to experiment with derailing kinase A activity, which research indicated was driving tumor growth.

From Science Daily

TRABI-Seq is being tested on various cancer cells to determine trabectedin's efficacy in targeting tumors with advanced DNA repair capabilities, often associated with elevated transcription levels due to oncogene activation.

From Science Daily