An Overview

     An oncogene is a gene that has the potential to cause cancer. Most normal cells undergo apoptosis, or programmed cell death, however, activated oncogenes can cause those cells that should die to survive and reproduce instead. Most oncogenes require an additional step, such as mutations in another gene or environmental factors, such as viral infection, to cause cancer. Since 1970’s, dozens of oncogenes have been identified in human cancer and many cancer drugs are working to target the proteins that encode the oncogene.

     A proto-oncogene is a normal gene that can become an oncogene due to mutations or increased expression.  They code for proteins that help regulate cell growth and differentiation the resultant protein can be called an oncoprotein. Proto-oncogenes are often involved in signal transduction and execution of mitogenic signals, usually through their protein products. Upon activation, a proto-oncogene, or its product, can become a tumor-inducing agent, an oncogene. Examples include RAS, WNT, MYC, ERK, and TRK.

8 thoughts on “An Overview

  1. This is one of the best wiki’s I have seen so far! I really like what you have done with each and every tab. The information is in depth and covered every question that popped up while reading through the wiki. The only thing that bothered me was the format was not carried through on every tab; for example there are no pictures on the oncology and oncogenomics tab, but there is pictures on all the other slides. I would try to remain consistent with your format.

    I really can’t think of anything else to say besides great job!

  2. The information presented well is very comprehensive and written exceptionally. You also use media and images well and they aid your discussion effectively. My only suggestion with your wiki is that you divide into small subsections. Although I would not omit any of the information, I would try dividing it into small sections just so the reading does not look to overwhelming. I would hate for someone interested in this topic to get distracted by the length of the content and not read it. Putting it in smaller chunks makes it much more “manageable” but you still convey the information you want.

  3. the overview is very clear, straight forward and gives the whole idea of this type of gene. it is very important to give an overview that gives a new info to the reader which can push any reader to be excited to continue reading. I just have one note that I think it will add a good point to the overview how about talking briefly about cancer before mentioning the gene? like saying its the most common fatal disease that is incurable … etc then talk about the gene that can cause cancer

  4. other than the overview anything else is just perfect I cant think of any way to improve it because you did a really good job, I liked the idea of adding a brief history which adds a sort of sophistication, everything is very clear the description, definition, the effects of each gene and how each cause cancer. however I would like to see some pictures in your page because with this interesting topic and depth pictures would be such a good idea. well done!

  5. I’d have to agree with the precious posts. The content is very thorough and not too scientific that someone without prior knowledge would lose interest or feel overwhelmed. I do think that each section might benefit from being shortened into smaller more specific sections, they are a touch on the long side, but I like the layout overall. Well place pictures help convey the points and overall it is VERY informative. Well done!

  6. Wow… Just wow!

    This is a very informative and interesting wiki and it answers many questions.
    I also agree with the previous posts. Perhaps splitting the information into smaller sections and subcategories would help shorten the overall page.

    Your pictures are awesome!
    Could you possibly add a video or two to give another graphical representation on oncogenes and cancer? Try to find a unique video that is clear, effective and also doesn’t detract from the grand quality of the wiki!

    Well done!
    -David Burns

  7. Hey all! Your wiki is very well put together, with information seamlessly coinciding between sections and good visual representations to aid the reader in understanding the concept. What I really appreciate about this wiki is the fact that you seem to blend scientific explanations with intriguing readability to keep the reader engaged throughout. One small suggestion I would have is to maybe include some more pictures or videos in your oncogenomics section. The language is very heavy in that section and I think it would benefit from some more visual aids. Other than that, however, this is a very fine wiki! Well done guys/gals!

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