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Cancer Genetic Mutations

A large number of genes have been characterized due to their effects in cancer cell phenotype. These include translocations especially, as well as deletions, point mutations, and other mutations.

 

Can be somatic or germline

 

Clonal expansion

Multistep carcinogenesis

 

Genes that are affected in Cancer

Oncogenes

Tumor Supressor Genes

• front and back brakes: need to knock out both copies to get things going

DNA Repair Genes

• mechanic of the car; if the mechanic is sick, no good

 

RET

 

Translocations

 

Lymphoma

• Burkitt's - c-Myc
• Follicular Lymphoma - Bcl-2
• Mantlw Cell - Bcl-1
• Anaplastic Large Cell - Alk

Leukemia

CML - BCR-Abl

APL - RARα