Biology behind Cancer

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What is the role of P53 in cell division?

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P53 is a tumor suppressor protein known as the 'Guardian of the Genome' that regulates the cell cycle and prevents the proliferation of cells with damaged DNA.

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What are proto-oncogenes?

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Proto-oncogenes are normal genes that promote cell growth and division. When mutated, they can become oncogenes, which can lead to cancer.

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What is an oncogene?

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An oncogene is a mutated form of a proto-oncogene that has the potential to cause cancer by promoting uncontrolled cell division.

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What is a tumor suppressor gene?

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A tumor suppressor gene is a gene that protects a cell from one step on the path to cancer. When these genes are mutated, they can lead to cancer.

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What is a point mutation?

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A point mutation is a change in a single nucleotide base pair in DNA, which can lead to changes in protein function.

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What is the function of MMP in cancer development?

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MMP (Matrix Metalloproteinases) destroy proteins in the extracellular matrix, facilitating tumor invasion and metastasis.

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What is signal transduction?

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Signal transduction is the process by which a cell responds to external signals, often involving receptor activation and a cascade of biochemical reactions.

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What is the role of Tyrosine Kinase in cell signaling?

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Tyrosine Kinase is an enzyme that phosphorylates tyrosine residues on proteins, playing a crucial role in signal transduction pathways.

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What is a loss of function mutation?

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A loss of function mutation is a genetic alteration that results in reduced or abolished protein function, which can affect cellular processes.

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What is ligand-independent signaling?

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Ligand-independent signaling occurs when a receptor is activated without the binding of its specific ligand, often leading to uncontrolled cell growth.