v-src gene

The v-src gene is a version of the src gene found in viruses, specifically in the Rous sarcoma virus, which can cause cancer in chickens. It encodes a protein called Src kinase, an enzyme that helps control how cells grow, divide, and communicate. When the v-src gene is active in cells, it can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, contributing to tumor formation. This gene was instrumental in understanding how normal cellular processes can go awry in cancer, providing insights into cancer biology and potential therapeutic targets.