-Sanket Roy, Amity University Kolkata
Our life forms and progress depends upon the central dogma of life. DNA gets transcripted to RNA and RNA further translates Protein. The genetic code initiates and controls the growth and physiology of any cell. Our body is made up of a community of individual cells having specific activities to perform. Cells divide by replicating its genetic material (mainly DNA) but due to some factors, it gets mutated which leads to cancer. Mutations can be acquired (when a cell goes into the division cycle several times and form tumors) or Germline (mutation in reproductive cells). Acquired mutations are the most common in nature which causes cancer. In this, tumor forms. The tumor is abnormal biomass can be benign and malignant. The malignant tumor causes Cancer. Due to the effect of UV radiation, Tobacco, Microbes, or Age, these kinds of mutations happen. While germline mutation inherits to the infant from parents directly.
Certain tumor suppressor genes in our body prevent abnormal cell growth by repairing DNA mismatch and controlling cell death. If these genes get mutated due to the exposures of any carcinogenic substances or UV rays, the cell grows in a random manner that eventually forms Tumor. Mutation in p53, TP53, or in BRCA tumor suppressor genes leads to the formation of abnormal biomass and Cancer. BRCA genes regulate the development of Breast and Ovarian Cancer in Women and Prostate cancer in men. P53 or TP53 genes, also known as “The Guardian of the Genome” conserve stability by preventing the genome mutation. It controls apoptosis (programmed cell death). Mutation in P53 leads to the proliferation of abnormal cells, resulting in cancer.
Scientists have studied a lot about cancer-causing genes. Mutation in multiple genes is involved to form Cancer. Along with the tumor suppressor genes, certain other genes can induce Cancer named Oncogenes. Oncogenes can transform a normal cell into a malignant cell. More than 100 different oncogenes have been identified but some of them are associated with human cancer.
Cancer is mainly caused by a mutation in genes but only 5-10% of cancers are hereditary. Breast cancer, Bowel cancer, Stomach cancer are some of the examples which may have some genetic links.
We have an idea that some environmental toxic exposures or sun rays and increase the risk of cancer but everyone has not an equal probability of having cancer. Our genetics plays a big role in that. If our genes have that capacity to meet the challenge of the damage that happened due to the causative agents or control the inflammation more efficiently will not have cancer in the future. If a person has genes that can quench the oxidative stress that occurs with radiation exposure will have a lesser chance of having cancer. Cytochrome P450 and other enzymes can regulate the chances of having cancer. So our genetics can have that power to decide whether we will have cancer or not and that makes Cancer a Genetic Disease.
Source:
- NIH Curriculum Supplement Series: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK20362/
- Is Cancer a Genetic Disease or a Metabolic Diseases?, David S. Wishart, NCBI, 2(6): 478–479, doi: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2015.05.022
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