proto oncogene
/ˌproʊtoʊˈɑŋkəˌdʒin/
noun
- A normal gene that can become a cancer-causing gene (oncogene) if it mutates or is expressed at high levels.
- Mutations in a proto-oncogene can lead to uncontrolled cell growth.
- Scientists study how a proto-oncogene turns into an oncogene during cancer development.
- The research focused on a specific proto-oncogene linked to breast cancer.