Significance of Somatic mutation
Somatic mutation refers to genetic changes occurring in non-germline cells that can affect cellular behavior and potentially lead to malignancies. These mutations can manifest in various ways, such as contributing to chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms, altering drug resistance, and spurring tumor progression, including in cancers like leukemia and prostate cancer. As somatic mutations accumulate, they can impact critical oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, playing a significant role in cancer development and disease evolution.
Synonyms: Acquired mutation, Genetic alteration
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The concept of Somatic mutation in scientific sources
Somatic mutation pertains to genetic changes occurring in non-germ cells, accumulating in tumor cells during disease progression, contributing to drug resistance, metastasis, and potential malignancy, particularly observed in conditions like leukemia.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) These are genetic alterations occurring in non-germline cells, and are associated with elevated PSA levels in prostate cancer patients, and are observed throughout the entire mitochondrial genome, and play a role in the development of the disease.[1] (2) These mutations, such as those in the Janus kinases-signal transducers and activators of transcription signaling pathway, are implicated in the development of chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms.[2] (3) These mutations, along with germline mutations of the normal allele or loss of the normal allele, lead to inactivation of APC, which precisely commences carcinogenesis.[3]