Cancer : approaching a universal molecular mechanism?
Date
1990
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health & Medical Publishing Group
Abstract
Accumulating evidence strongly suggests that cancer is a genetic disease, arising from mutations in DNA. These mutations alter the function or synthesis of two groups of proteins, which are the products of either proto-oncogenes or anti-oncogenes. Of the more than 30 proto-oncogenes identified, ras proto-oncogenes are most frequently found to be mutationally activated (to oncogenes) in human tumours. Developments leading to current understanding of the function of ras proto-oncogenes and of the retinoblastoma anti-oncogene are reviewed. Based on the involvement of all known oncogenes and anti-oncogenes in cellular signal transduction pathways, it is suggested that a general model for cancer at the molecular level may become a reality.
Description
CITATION: Ricketts, M. H. 1990. Cancer : approaching a universal molecular mechanism? South African Medical Journal, 77:351-353.
The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
Keywords
Cancer