A proto-oncogene is a regular gene that plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth and cell division. It is a "healthy" gene, so to speak, that is involved in controlling the cell cycle, cell maturation and programmed cell death (apoptosis).
Proto-Onkogene
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Important features of a proto-oncogene:
- It promotes normal cell growth and cell division.
- It often codes for growth factors, receptors, signaling proteins or transcription factors.
As long as a proto-oncogene is regulated, cell proliferation remains controlled.
If a proto-oncogene is altered by a mutation, it transforms into a so-called oncogene. Oncogenes are pathologically altered genes that activate cell growth in an uncontrolled manner. This is a central step in the development of cancer.