Sciencefreq: 1Discovered via Dusty Flow
Oncogene
/ˈɒn.kəʊˌdʒiːn/noun
ELI5 Mode🧒
An oncogene is a mutated or altered gene that can drive the development of cancer by promoting uncontrolled cell growth and division. Originally derived from normal genes involved in cell regulation, these genetic elements have become central in modern oncology for understanding tumor formation and designing targeted therapies.
AI-generated·
Did you know?
The discovery of the first oncogene, src, in the Rous sarcoma virus by Peyton Rous in 1911 not only earned him a Nobel Prize in 1966 but also paved the way for recognizing cancer as a genetic disease, decades before DNA's structure was even unraveled—proving that viruses could carry cancer-causing genes that integrate into host DNA.
Verified Sources
Your Usage Frequency
1 / 721