Oncoprotein

Oncoproteins are proteins encoded by oncogenes that possess the potential to cause the transformation of a normal cell into a tumor cell (National Cancer Institute, 2024). They are typically derived from proto-oncogenes—normal cellular genes involved in growth and differentiation—that have undergone gain-of-function mutations, gene amplifications, or chromosomal translocations (StatPearls, 2023). These proteins often function as growth factors, receptor tyrosine kinases, signal transducers, or transcription factors that become constitutively active, driving uncontrolled cell proliferation and survival (Nature Education, 2014). In clinical oncology, oncoproteins serve as the primary targets for precision therapies, such as small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies (PubMed, 2021). For instance, the BCR-ABL fusion protein is targeted by imatinib in chronic myeloid leukemia, while the HER2 protein is targeted by trastuzumab in breast cancer (NIH, 2023). Despite their therapeutic utility, targeting oncoproteins often faces challenges like the development of secondary mutations leading to acquired drug resistance (Cell, 2020).

Other names

Transforming proteinTumor proteinOncogene productCancer-causing protein

Inhibition of constitutive enzymatic activity, competitive binding to ATP pockets, monoclonal antibody-mediated receptor blockade, or targeted protein degradation.