oncogene

[ong-kuh-jeen]

noun

Genetics.

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

oncogene

/ ˈɒŋkəʊˌdʒiːn /

noun

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

oncogene

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

oncogene

1. Genes in animal DNA that cause cancer.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of oncogene¹

First recorded in 1965–70; onco- + gene

Word History and Origins

Origin of oncogene¹

C20 from Gk onkos mass, tumour + _gene

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.

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Amplifications in specific oncogenes drive different cancer pathways and were used to differentiate one breast cancer subtype from another in Curtis' original studies.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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