You discovered a new gene and cloned it into a plasmid vector. You have reason to suspect this gene is a proto-oncogene. Explain how you can test your hypothesis to experimentally determine if the new gene is a proto-oncogene
Proto-oncogenes are promoters of cell proliferation. If the given gene is suspected to be a Proto-oncogene, generate a gain-of-function line in a model system and observe the cell proliferation phenotype. The gain of function form can be overexpression of the gene or stabilized form of RNA/protein or mislocalization of the protein.
If the transgenic overexpressing the gain-of-function form exhibits increased cell proliferation, the given gene can be considered as a Proto-oncogene.
If the transgenic overexpressing the gain-of-function form exhibits
decreased cell proliferation, the given gene can be considered as a
tumor suppressor gene.
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