Question

How do incipient cancer cells eliminate the 2nd healthy allele of TSGs?

Answer 1

Incipient cancer cells can eliminate the second healthy allele of TSGs through gene mutation, epigenetic silencing, or loss/deletion of the allele.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the development of cancer, both copies of a tumor suppressor gene (TSG) need to be inactivated or mutated. This process is known as loss of heterozygosity (LOH). In the case of incipient cancer cells, they can eliminate the second healthy allele of TSGs through various mechanisms:

1. Gene mutation: The incipient cancer cells can acquire a mutation in the second healthy allele of TSGs, rendering it nonfunctional. This mutation can occur spontaneously or due to exposure to carcinogens.
2. Epigenetic silencing: Another mechanism is through epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, which can silence the expression of the second healthy allele of TSGs.
3. Loss or deletion: In some cases, the incipient cancer cells may lose or delete the second healthy allele of TSGs through chromosomal abnormalities, such as deletions or loss of the entire chromosome.