Oncogene (None)

An oncogene is a mutated or aberrantly expressed gene that causes or contributes to the transformation of a normal cell into a cancer cell by driving uncontrolled proliferation and/or evasion of cell death. Oncogenes originate from normal proto-oncogenes, which are essential for regulating normal cell division and survival; once mutated or over-expressed, they act like a stuck accelerator in cell growth, leading to cancer. Oncogenes encompass many distinct molecules—such as growth factors, receptors, signaling molecules, and transcription factors—and many cancer therapies target their protein products, but the term itself does not designate a specific molecular target. For structured data and drug development, it is necessary to specify the individual oncogene involved (e.g., BCR-ABL, MYC, EGFR), not the generic "oncogene."

Other names

Oncogenescancer genes

None universally; specific mechanisms target individual oncogene proteins (e.g., kinase inhibition for BCR-ABL)