How Do You Spell ABL ONCOGENES?

1. ABL oncogenes are a group of genetically altered versions of the ABL (Abelson) gene that play a significant role in the development and progression of certain types of cancer, particularly chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The ABL gene normally encodes a protein called Abelson tyrosine kinase, which is a key component in regulating cell growth and division. However, when the ABL gene becomes mutated or rearranged, it can result in the formation of ABL oncogenes.

   These oncogenes are characterized by their ability to enhance the tyrosine kinase activity of the ABL protein, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and survival. The abnormal activation of ABL pathways can disrupt the delicate balance between cell growth and death, contributing to the formation of tumors and facilitating the spread of cancer cells.

   ABL oncogenes can arise from chromosomal translocations, where a piece of one chromosome fuses with another chromosome, leading to the formation of a hybrid gene. The most well-known example is the Philadelphia chromosome, a specific chromosomal abnormality found in CML patients, where the ABL gene on chromosome 9 fuses with the BCR (breakpoint cluster region) gene on chromosome 22.

   Targeting ABL oncogenes has revolutionized the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia. Various tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been developed to specifically block the activity of ABL oncogenes, thereby halting the abnormal cell proliferation and inducing remission in many patients. The discovery and understanding of ABL oncogenes have greatly contributed to advancements in targeted therapies for cancer treatment.

Common Misspellings for ABL ONCOGENES

The word "abl oncogene" is a scientific term that refers to a specific type of oncogene, named after the Abelson (abl) gene. The etymology of the term can be broken down as follows:

1. Abl: The prefix "abl" refers to the Abelson gene, which was discovered and named after a scientist named J. Michael Bishop (M.D.) and his colleague Harold E. Varmus (M.D.). In the 1970s, Bishop and Varmus identified and studied a specific gene that played a role in the formation of cancerous tumors in a type of leukemia called acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). They named this gene the abl oncogene.

2. Oncogene: The term "oncogene" comes from the combination of two Greek words.