Neoplasia and Cancer Biology · USMLE Step 1

An activating point mutation in a proto-oncogene converts it into an oncogene. What is the usual effect of this change?

  1. Decreased cell proliferation
  2. Constitutive activation of growth signaling
  3. Enhanced apoptotic cell death
  4. Improved DNA-repair capacity
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Correct answer: Constitutive activation of growth signaling

Oncogenes — mutated or overexpressed proto-oncogenes — drive constitutive activation of growth signals, promoting uncontrolled proliferation even without external growth factors.

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