| oncogenes | Genes which can potentially induce neoplastic transformation. They include genes for growth factors, growth factor receptors, protein kinases, signal transducers, nuclear phosphoproteins, and transcription factors. When these genes are constitutively expressed after structural and/or regulatory changes, uncontrolled cell proliferation may result. Viral oncogenes have names of the form v-onc; cellular oncogenes (proto-oncogenes) are designated c-onc. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| oncogenesis | <oncology> The causation or production of tumours. (16 Dec 1997) |
| oncogenic | Causing, inducing, or being suitable for the formation and development of a neoplasm. Synonym: oncogenic. (05 Mar 2000) |
| oncogenic virus | <oncology, virology> A virus capable of causing cancer in animals or in humans. These include DNA viruses, ranging in size from Papova viruses to Herpes viruses and the RNA containing retroviruses. See: Oncovirinae. (18 Nov 1997) |
| oncogenic viruses | Viruses that produce tumours. (12 Dec 1998) |
| oncogenous | Causing, inducing, or being suitable for the formation and development of a neoplasm. Synonym: oncogenic. (05 Mar 2000) |