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Ch. 14 - Analysis of Gene Function via Forward Genetics and Reverse Genetics
Sanders - Genetic Analysis: An Integrated Approach 3rd Edition
Sanders3rd EditionGenetic Analysis: An Integrated ApproachISBN: 9780135564172Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksSanders 3rd EditionCh. 14 - Analysis of Gene Function via Forward Genetics and Reverse GeneticsProblem C.1b
Chapter 14, Problem C.1b

Identify the normal functions of the following genes whose mutations are associated with the development of cancer.
c-MYC(Burkitt lymphoma)

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1
Understand that c-MYC is a proto-oncogene, which means its normal function is to regulate cell growth and division by encoding a transcription factor that controls the expression of genes involved in cell cycle progression.
Recognize that in normal cells, c-MYC helps promote controlled cell proliferation and apoptosis, maintaining a balance necessary for healthy tissue function.
Note that mutations or translocations involving c-MYC, such as those seen in Burkitt lymphoma, lead to its overexpression, causing uncontrolled cell division and contributing to cancer development.
Summarize that the normal function of c-MYC is to act as a regulator of gene expression that promotes cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis under tight control.
Conclude that understanding the normal role of c-MYC helps explain how its dysregulation through mutation or translocation can lead to oncogenesis.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Oncogenes and Proto-oncogenes

Proto-oncogenes are normal genes that regulate cell growth and division. When mutated or abnormally expressed, they become oncogenes that can promote uncontrolled cell proliferation, leading to cancer. Understanding the role of proto-oncogenes like c-MYC is essential to grasp how their mutations contribute to tumor development.
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Function of c-MYC Gene

The c-MYC gene encodes a transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes involved in cell cycle progression, metabolism, and apoptosis. Normally, c-MYC controls cell growth and proliferation, but its overexpression or mutation can drive oncogenesis, as seen in Burkitt lymphoma.
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Molecular Basis of Burkitt Lymphoma

Burkitt lymphoma is characterized by a chromosomal translocation involving c-MYC, leading to its deregulated expression. This translocation places c-MYC under the control of immunoglobulin gene enhancers, causing excessive cell proliferation in B lymphocytes and contributing to cancer development.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Identify the normal functions of the following genes whose mutations are associated with the development of cancer.

Which of these genes would you classify as a proto-oncogene and which as a tumor suppressor gene? Explain your categorization for each gene.

Textbook Question

Identify the normal functions of the following genes whose mutations are associated with the development of cancer.

p53(Li–Fraumeni syndrome)

Textbook Question

Identify the normal functions of the following genes whose mutations are associated with the development of cancer.

RB1(retinoblastoma)

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Textbook Question

Identify the normal functions of the following genes whose mutations are associated with the development of cancer.

APC(familial adenomatous polyposis)

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Textbook Question

You conduct a study in which the transcriptional fusion of regulatory sequences of a particular gene with a reporter gene results in relatively uniform expression of the reporter gene in all cells of an organism. A translational fusion with the same gene shows reporter gene expression only in the nucleus of a specific cell type. Discuss some biological causes for the difference in expression patterns of the two transgenes.

Textbook Question

A tumor is a growing mass of abnormal cells. What must happen for a benign tumor to become malignant?

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