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Article: Tumor Suppressor Genes
- Article from:
- Genetics
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 The Gale Group Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Tumor Suppressor Genes
Tumor suppressor genes regulate
mitosis
and cell division. When their function is impaired, the result is a high rate of uncontrolled cell growth or cancer. Damage to tumor suppressor genes contributes to a large number of different types of
tumors
.
The Balancing Act of Regulating the Cell Cycle
The
cell cycle
is a fundamental process of life, regulated by a balance of positive and negative mechanisms that act at key points during cell growth and differentiation. Proto-oncogenes tend to "push" the cell cycle (in a positively acting manner) by activating various cell cycle pathways within the developing cell. By contrast, tumor suppressor genes normally ...