Stability genes
From Inside Cancer Wiki
Stability Genes & Their Roles in Carcinogenesis
Lesson Overview
Students read an overview of the types of gene mutations can contribute to carcinogenesis. They learn about stability genes and how defects in these genes promote cancer development in the "Promoting Mutations" subsection of the "Hallmarks of Cancer" section of the InsideCancer.org site. Each student pair will select a specific stability gene linked to cancer and will compare its wild type function in normal cells with its transformed function in tumor cells.
Goals and Objectives
Students will:
1. Explain what a stability gene is and the role that they play in cancer development and promotion.
2. Choose a specific hallmark gene and describe its role in certain cancers
Common Misconceptions
Students are frequently taught that two types of genes mutate during carcinogenesis: those that promote progression through the cell cycle, and those that inhibit such progression. While this generalization is accurate, it is not complete. For example, it leaves out stability gene mutations, which result in an overall net increase in new mutations, thus enhancing the likelihood that tumor cells will develop new phenotypes.
The Lesson
Preparation Before class:
A concise document, based on the article "The Hallmarks of Cancer" will be provided to give background about the mechanisms of carcinogenesis.
During class
Initiate discussion with the following question: "If specific cancers arise as a result of, typically, 5-7 mutations in key genes, how does one explain the progression of tumors from being localized in the tissue of origin to being metastatic such that they can invade distant sites in the body?"
Have students go to [[1]] and watch the section on "Promoting Mutations"
Divide students into pairs and help them choose a specific stability gene to research
Describe the activity.
Student partners will select (or be assigned) a stability gene and will utilize web-based resources, including www.insidecancer.org, to explore molecular mechanisms by which tumors progress through stages and alter their phenotypes.
Time required
2-3 class periods, the last of which will include an informal presentation to the rest of the class.
