on·co·gene ( ng k -j n)n. A gene that causes the transformation of normal cells into cancerous tumor cells, especially a viral gene that transforms a host cell into a tumor cell. |
Oncogene
A gene that has to do with regulation of cancer growth. An abnormality can produce cancer.
Mentioned in: Breast Cancer
oncogene
[ong′kōjēn]
Etymology: Gk, onkos + genein, to produce
a potentially cancer-inducing gene. Under normal conditions such genes play a role in the growth and proliferation of cells, but, when altered in some way by a cancer-causing agent such as radiation, a carcinogenic chemical, or an oncogenic virus, they may cause the cell to be transformed to a malignant state.
oncogene (ong´k
jēn),n a potentially cancer-inducing gene.
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