Learning Objectives
Master the Oncogenes by their specific associated tumors. Understand the gain-of-function mutations that require damage to only one allele and identify the specific cellular products—from tyrosine kinases to transcription factors—that drive malignancy.
1. Tyrosine Kinase Oncogenes
Many oncogenes encode kinases that permanently switch on growth signaling. These are major targets for modern biological therapies.
| Associated Tumor | Oncogene | Gene Product Type |
|---|---|---|
| Lung Adenocarcinoma | ALK, EGFR (ERBB1) | Receptor Tyrosine Kinase |
| Breast & Gastric Carcinoma | HER2 (ERBB2) | Receptor Tyrosine Kinase |
| MEN 2A/2B & Medullary Thyroid | RET | Receptor Tyrosine Kinase |
| CML & ALL | BCR-ABL | Non-receptor Tyrosine Kinase |
2. Transcription Factors & GTPases
These oncogenes move the “control center” of the cell. Transcription factors like MYC directly tell the nucleus to divide, while RAS acts as a binary switch for growth.
| Associated Tumor | Oncogene | Gene Product Type |
|---|---|---|
| Burkitt Lymphoma | c-MYC | Transcription Factor |
| Neuroblastoma | N-MYC | Transcription Factor |
| Pancreatic & Colorectal Cancer | KRAS | RAS GTPase |
| Melanoma & Hairy Cell Leukemia | BRAF | Serine/Threonine Kinase |
Activity:
3. Hematologic & Specialized Oncogenes
Certain oncogenes are diagnostic markers for specific blood cancers or rare stromal tumors.
| Associated Tumor | Oncogene | Gene Product Type |
|---|---|---|
| Follicular B-cell Lymphoma | BCL-2 | Antiapoptotic molecule |
| Myeloproliferative Neoplasms | JAK2 | Non-receptor Tyrosine Kinase |
| GIST (GI Stromal Tumor) | c-KIT | Cytokine Receptor (CD117) |
Activity
High-Yield Mnemonics & Tips:
- The “MYC” Mapping: c-MYC is for the “common” Burkitt Lymphoma. N-MYC is specifically for Neuroblastoma.
- BCL-2: Think “Be Careful, Live” — it stops apoptosis. High levels in Follicular Lymphoma prevent cells from dying, even when they should.
- BRAF: Highly associated with Melanoma. V600E is the classic mutation targeted by vemurafenib.