Question 59

Question:

X is an oncogene. Y is a tumor suppressor gene. Which of the following molecular events is commonly implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer?

Correct Answer: E.  Y deletion

Any event that disrupts the function of a tumor suppressor gene or enhances the function of an oncogene is usually associated with cancer. Therefore, deletion of a tumor suppressor gene (E), such as p53, is the correct answer. The other answer choices are not commonly implicated in cancer pathogenesis. On the contrary, an inactivating mutation of a tumor suppressor gene, or an activating mutation/amplification of an oncogene are common events in the pathogenesis of cancer.