Question

Embryogenesis and oncogenesis (generation of cancer) share a number of features including cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration and invasion, formation of new blood vessels, and differential gene activity, Embryonic cells are relatively undifferentiated, and cancer cells appear to be undifferentiated or dedifferentiated. Homeotic gene expression directs early development, and mutant expression leads to loss of the differentiated state or an alternative cell identity. M. T. Lewis (2000. Breast Can. Res. \(2: 158-169\) ) suggested that breast cancer may be caused by the altered expression of homeotic genes. When he examined 11 such genes in cancers, 8 were underexpressed while 3 were overexpressed compared with controls. Given what you know about homeotic genes, could they be involved in oncogenesis?

Short answer

#Answer# Yes, it is reasonable to assume that homeotic genes could be involved in oncogenesis based on the similarities between embryogenesis and oncogenesis and the study by M.T. Lewis. Altered expression of homeotic genes might lead to improper cell differentiation, resulting in the development of cancer cells. However, further research and experimentation would be needed to establish a definite link between homeotic genes and oncogenesis.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the given information

First, let us understand the key terms and concepts involved in this exercise: - Embryogenesis: The process of embryo development - Oncogenesis: The process of cancer formation or development - Homeotic genes: Genes that control the body pattern formation, specifically the arrangement of organs and tissues during embryonic development We are given that embryogenesis and oncogenesis share several features, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration and invasion, formation of new blood vessels, and differential gene activity. Furthermore, it is mentioned that embryonic cells are relatively undifferentiated, and cancer cells appear to be undifferentiated or dedifferentiated.

Analyzing M.T. Lewis's study

In M.T. Lewis's study, he examined 11 homeotic genes related to breast cancer. Out of these 11 genes, 8 were underexpressed, and 3 were overexpressed compared to controls. This suggests that there might be a link between altered expression of homeotic genes and breast cancer.

Understanding the role of homeotic genes

Homeotic genes play a crucial role in directing early development by controlling the body pattern formation, arrangement of organs, and tissues during embryonic development. Mutant expression of homeotic genes can lead to the loss of the differentiated state or an alternative cell identity.

Drawing a conclusion

Given what we know about homeotic genes and their role in directing early development and the data provided by M.T. Lewis's study, it is reasonable to assume that homeotic genes could be involved in oncogenesis. The altered expression of these genes might lead to improper cell differentiation, resulting in the development of cancer cells. However, further research and experimentation would be needed to establish a definite link between homeotic genes and oncogenesis.