Oncogene

Oncogenes are genes that have the potential to cause cancer when they are mutated or expressed at high levels. Oncogenes are normally involved in normal cell growth and development, but when altered, can cause cells to divide and grow uncontrollably, resulting in tumor formation. Oncogenes have been linked to many types of cancer, including breast, lung, and colorectal cancer, and play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. In addition, oncogenes can be used to identify individuals at high risk for developing a particular cancer and provide information about a cancer’s genetic makeup, which can guide treatment decisions.