oncogenic mutations

Oncogenic mutations are changes in a gene that can drive the development of cancer. These mutations often affect genes called proto-oncogenes, which normally help regulate cell growth and division. When mutated, they become permanently active or overactive, causing cells to grow uncontrollably. This uncontrolled growth leads to tumor formation. Essentially, oncogenic mutations turn the cell’s growth signals into a faulty recipe, promoting cancer development. Understanding these mutations helps in developing targeted therapies to block or reverse their effects and treat cancer more effectively.