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proto-oncogene

American  
[proh-toh-ong-kuh-jeen] / ˌproʊ toʊˈɒŋ kəˌdʒin /

noun

  1. a normally present gene that appears to have a role in the regulation of normal cell growth, but that is converted to an oncogene by mutation.

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Example Sentences

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Examples of proto-oncogene products include cell-surface receptors for growth factors, or cell-signaling molecules, two classes of molecules that can promote DNA replication and cell division.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Once a proto-oncogene has been altered such that there is an increase in the rate of the cell cycle, it is then called an oncogene.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013

Explain the difference between a proto-oncogene and a tumor suppressor gene.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.