International Journal of Cell Cloning, Vol 5, 255-266, Copyright © 1987 by AlphaMed Press
Oncogene expression in myelopoiesis
PT Rowley and GR Skuse
Oncogenes are a class of genes hypothesized to be causally related to
neoplasia. To date, specific oncogenes have been recognized chiefly by
their ability to transform test cells to a neoplastic phenotype. This has
been accomplished largely through mutational analysis of the genotype of
retroviruses or through the analysis of tumor cell DNA by in vitro
transfection of rodent fibroblasts. Oncogenes are believed to arise by some
genetic alteration from normal cellular genes called proto-oncogenes.
Although the normal function of most proto-oncogenes is unknown, it has
been proposed that they may function as tissue- specific and temporally
specific regulators of differentiation. The role of oncogenes in lymphoid
malignancies has been extensively analyzed. Less is known about their role
in myeloid leukemias and especially in normal myelopoiesis. Space
limitations permit discussion of only salient features of a limited number
of oncogenes; we have arbitrarily selected myc, myb, fos, fms, fes, sis,
and abl.
