The Impact of Copy-Number Alterations on Human Cell Viability

Are there human genes that make a cell die when they undergo copy-number alterations?

Yes, there are human genes that can cause cells to die when they undergo copy-number alterations. Copy-number alterations refer to changes in the number of copies of specific genes or genomic regions within a cell’s DNA. These alterations can occur due to various events, such as DNA replication errors, chromosomal rearrangements, or gene amplifications.

When copy-number alterations affect critical genes involved in cell survival or function, they can have significant consequences for cell viability. For instance, an increase in the copy number of oncogenes, which are genes that have the potential to cause <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer when overexpressed, can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and ultimately cell death due to the genomic stress caused by the overactive signaling pathways.

On the other hand, loss or reduction in the copy number of certain genes that are essential for cell survival can also induce programmed cell death or apoptosis. For example, tumor suppressor genes can induce cell death when their copy number is decreased, compromising their ability to regulate cell growth and prevent the formation of tumors.

One well-studied example is the tumor suppressor gene TP53, also known as the p53 gene. TP53 plays a crucial role in maintaining genomic stability and preventing the formation of <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancerous cells. When TP53 is deleted or mutated, cells become more susceptible to undergo uncontrolled growth and evade cell death, contributing to the development of various tumors. Thus, alterations in the copy number of TP53 can have detrimental effects on cell survival.

In summary, alterations in copy numbers of specific genes can indeed lead to cell death in human cells. Such alterations can disrupt critical cellular pathways involved in cell growth, survival, or DNA damage repair, potentially resulting in programmed cell death or promoting the development of diseases, including <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>cancer.

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