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Basic science reviews: Tumor suppressor genes
Author(s) -
Lee Norris K.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.2880140513
Subject(s) - suppressor , gene , carcinogenesis , function (biology) , biology , tumor suppressor gene , loss function , dna damage , genetics , cell , cell function , dna , microbiology and biotechnology , cancer research , phenotype
Tumor suppressor genes are negative regulators of cell growth. When their normal function is compromised, absence of their inhibitory effects can lead to unrestrained cell cycling and growth. Strong evidence now confirms that loss of proper function of these genes is a common occurrence leading to cancer. Their failure can be caused by alterations in the gene DNA or malfunction of their protein products. The recent extraordinary accumulation of knowledge about these genes reveals that normal carcinogenesis represents breakdown of normal regulatory processes. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.