Table of contents

1. Introduction to Genetics51m
2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
8. DNA Replication1h 10m
9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
10. Transcription1h 0m
11. Translation58m
12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
14. Genetic Control of Development44m
15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
16. Transposable Elements47m
17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- Genetic Cloning
  9m
- Methods for Analyzing DNA
  9m
19. Cancer Genetics29m
- Overview of Cancer
  21m
- Cancer Mutations
  7m
20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
21. Population Genetics50m
- Hardy Weinberg
  19m
- Allelic Frequency Changes
  31m
22. Evolutionary Genetics29m

19. Cancer Genetics

Overview of Cancer

Genetics

19. Cancer Genetics

Overview of Cancer

Previous problemNext problem

2:25 minutes

Problem 24

Textbook Question

As part of a cancer research project, you have discovered a gene that is mutated in many metastatic tumors. After determining the DNA sequence of this gene, you compare the sequence with those of other genes in the human genome sequence database. Your gene appears to code for an amino acid sequence that resembles sequences found in some serine proteases. Conjecture how your new gene might contribute to the development of highly invasive cancers.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of serine proteases: Serine proteases are enzymes that cleave peptide bonds in proteins. They play a role in various physiological processes, including digestion, immune response, and tissue remodeling. In the context of cancer, they can contribute to tumor invasion and metastasis by breaking down extracellular matrix (ECM) components, allowing cancer cells to invade surrounding tissues.

Analyze the mutation in the gene: Since the gene you discovered resembles sequences found in serine proteases, the mutation might alter the enzyme's activity. Consider whether the mutation increases the protease activity, changes its substrate specificity, or affects its regulation.

Connect the mutation to cancer progression: If the mutation enhances the protease activity or allows it to degrade ECM components more effectively, it could facilitate the invasion of cancer cells into nearby tissues and promote metastasis. Alternatively, if the mutation disrupts normal regulatory mechanisms, the protease might become overactive, contributing to uncontrolled tissue degradation.

Consider the gene's expression pattern: Investigate whether the mutated gene is overexpressed in metastatic tumors compared to normal tissues. Overexpression of a protease-like gene could amplify its effects on ECM degradation and cancer cell invasion.

Propose experimental validation: To confirm the role of the mutated gene in cancer, design experiments such as knocking down or overexpressing the gene in cancer cell lines and observing changes in invasion and metastasis. Additionally, assess the impact of protease inhibitors on the invasive behavior of these cells.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Gene Mutation

Gene mutation refers to a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene. These mutations can lead to changes in the protein produced by the gene, potentially resulting in abnormal functions. In the context of cancer, mutations can disrupt normal cell regulation, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and metastasis.

Serine Proteases

Serine proteases are a class of enzymes that play critical roles in various biological processes, including digestion, immune response, and cell signaling. They are characterized by the presence of a serine residue in their active site, which is essential for their enzymatic activity. If a mutated gene resembles serine proteases, it may suggest that the protein could be involved in processes that promote cancer cell invasion and metastasis.

Metastasis

Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells spread from the original tumor site to other parts of the body, forming new tumors. This process involves several steps, including invasion of surrounding tissues, entry into the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and colonization of distant organs. Understanding how mutations in specific genes contribute to metastasis is crucial for developing targeted cancer therapies.

Watch next

Master Cancer Characteristics with a bite sized video explanation from Kylia

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Describe the difference between an acute transforming virus and a virus that does not cause tumors.

652

views

Textbook Question

Epigenetics is a relatively new area of genetics with a focus on phenomena that affect gene expression but do not affect DNA sequence. Epigenetic effects are quasi-stable and may be passed to progeny somatic or germ-line cells. What are known causes of epigenetic effects, and how do they relate to cancer?

776

views

Textbook Question

Radiotherapy (treatment with ionizing radiation) is one of the most effective current cancer treatments. It works by damaging DNA and other cellular components. In which ways could radiotherapy control or cure cancer, and why does radiotherapy often have significant side effects?

402

views

Textbook Question

Explain the apparent paradox that both hypermethylation and hypomethylation of DNA are often found in the same cancer cell.

777

views

Multiple Choice

2. What information could cancer researchers gain from using DNA microarrays?

views

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes a proto-oncogene in the context of cancer genetics?

views