MGMT stands for O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase, which is a type of DNA repair protein. Its main job is to protect cells by fixing a specific kind of damage to DNA caused by chemicals called alkylating agents. These agents are sometimes used in chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells, but MGMT can repair this damage and make the …
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A gene is a small section of DNA that provides the instructions for making a specific protein. These proteins help the body grow, develop, and carry out important functions. Genes are found inside almost every cell in the body and are passed down from parents to children. Each person has approximately 20,000 genes, and each …
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A tumor suppressor gene is a type of gene that helps protect the body from cancer. These genes normally control how cells grow, divide, and repair themselves. When working correctly, tumor suppressor genes act like brakes that slow down cell division, fix DNA damage, or cause unhealthy cells to die before they can become cancer. …
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ATRX stands for alpha-thalassemia/mental retardation X-linked. The ATRX gene provides instructions for producing the ATRX protein, which plays a crucial role in the packaging and repair of DNA within our cells. This protein helps control which genes are turned on or off, supports DNA repair, and maintains the ends of chromosomes, known as telomeres. ATRX …
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NTRK refers to a family of genes—NTRK1, NTRK2, and NTRK3—that provide instructions for making proteins called Trk-A, Trk-B, and Trk-C. These proteins are located on the cell surface and play a crucial role in regulating essential processes, such as cell growth and survival. In early development, they help nerve cells grow and form connections. In …
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PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) is a gene that gives instructions to make the PTEN protein. This protein acts as a tumor suppressor, meaning it helps stop cells from growing and dividing too quickly. When PTEN is lost or changed, cells may grow out of control and form tumors. What does the PTEN protein do? …
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IDH1 and IDH2 are genes that provide instructions for making proteins called isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2. These proteins help cells produce energy by participating in a normal chemical process that converts one molecule (isocitrate) into another (α-ketoglutarate), a process essential for many cellular functions. These proteins also help regulate the balance of other molecules …
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Benign vascular proliferation is a term pathologists use to describe a non-cancerous growth of small blood vessels. These growths are made up of endothelial cells, which are the cells that line the inside of blood vessels. The word “benign” means the lesion is not cancer, and “vascular proliferation” means there is an increased number of …
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A spindle cell lesion is a descriptive term used by pathologists to describe a tissue sample containing spindle-shaped cells. These are cells that are longer than they are wide and resemble elongated ovals, thin cigars, or grains of rice when viewed under the microscope. Spindle-shaped cells are normally found in many connective tissues, including muscle, …
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Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) is a rare, low-grade skin tumor that usually affects older adults with sun-damaged skin. It most often develops in areas exposed to long-term ultraviolet (UV) light, such as the scalp, face, and ears. Although AFX can look alarming under the microscope, with cells that vary greatly in size and shape, it is …
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