Genetic Mutation
Mutations in genes that control cell division are the cause of cancer. Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are two main types of gene. The tumor suppressor gene, such as TP53, is mutated to the point that it loses its ability to control cellular proliferation. Cells continue to multiply uncontrollably, and quickly become abnormal tumor cells.
In some cases, a mutation may activate a gene that is responsible for cell division. Oncogenes are responsible for this. The RB gene has been found to be mutated frequently in a variety of cancers. Its role in brain tumor development is currently being studied.
The chromosomes, which carry the genes, and therefore, the codes for the cellular proteins can be mutated. This can result in an abnormality of protein. IDH is mutated by 12 patients with gliomas, while the MMAC is mutated by 40 patients with glioblastomas. These records provide clues to the genomic basis for tumor development.
