Cancer results from changes in genes Ras and p53

Cancer results from changes in genes

I. Genes contributing to cancer

A. Ras

1. Testing the idea that changes in DNA contribute to cancer

2. Identification of Ras

3. Function of Ras in control of cell proliferation

4. Oncogene vs proto-oncogene

B. p53

1. Identification of p53 from studies of familial cancer syndrome

2. Function of p53 in responding to cancer hallmarks to promote cell death

3. p53 is a tumor suppressor

Study Question:

1. What form of Ras was added (oncogene or proto-oncogene) in the experiment that identified it as contributing to cell proliferation in cancer?

2. How could you modify Ras oncogene activity in a cancer cell to inhibit its effect on cell proliferation?

3. Would excess activity of a Ras GEF or a Ras GAP promote cell proliferation?

4. Would cells with an oncogenic form of Ras require growth factors for cell proliferation?

5. How does p53 inhibit tumor formation?

6. What experiment indicates that p53 is a tumor suppressor and not an oncogene?

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