noun
- a gene that has the potential to cause cancer when mutated or expressed at high levels
Usage: medical; genetics
Examples
- Scientists discovered that the oncogene was activated in most of the tumor samples.
- Mutations in this oncogene can lead to uncontrolled cell growth.
- The research team studied how oncogenes contribute to breast cancer development.
- When the oncogene is turned on, it promotes rapid cell division.
- Understanding oncogenes helps doctors develop targeted cancer therapies.
- The oncogene was first identified in studies of viral infections.