GENES OF DNA STABILIZATION AND CARCINOGENESIS

Identification of genes involved malignant transformation of cells and tumor progression is a key problem in modern medicine. In the last tw o decades, a considerable number of genes have been found that partici pate in these processes. These genes can be conventionally divided int o several groups; among them protooncogenes, whose activation promotes cell proliferation; and suppressor genes, whose activation results in inhibition of cell proliferation. Recently, several more genes have b een isolated that can be combined in a group providing for stabilizati on of the DNA structure (i.e., its size and secondary ordering). This group includes genes of the telomerase complex and of the DNA repair s ystem. Impairment of the functional activity of these genes plays an i mportant part in the initiation and progression of cancer.