Genome and Cancer
After determination of a sequence of the human genome it was found that only 10% of genes are active in adult life. This means that approximately 90% of our genes are silenced. The system of biochemical factors called epigenome consists of molecular switches that silence and activate the genes during our life.
At the age of 25, the body has the optimal combination of active genes, but soon thereafter, groups of genes are gradually turned off during the aging process. Silencing of tumor suppressor genes triggers increased activity of oncogenes leading to mutations and increasing the risk of cancer. Decreased activity of tumor suppressors and increased activity of oncogenes lead to cancer.
Based on the current knowledge of the epigenetic mechanisms the new approach in medical oncology is to reverse the relationship between the oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.
Genome Cancer
It is estimated that there are 2,400 genes involved in cancerous growth, but the current list of the targets of prime importance in oncology is approaching 400 genes.