Chapter 12, Problem 18QP

You are in charge of a new gene therapy clinic. Two cases have been referred to you for review and possible therapy.

Case 1. A mutation in the promoter of a proto-oncogene causes the gene to make too much of its normal product, a receptor protein that promotes cell division. The uncontrolled cell division has caused cancer.

Case 2. A mutation in an exon of a tumor-suppressor gene makes this gene nonfunctional. The product of this gene normally suppresses cell division. The mutant gene cannot suppress cell division, and this has led to cancer. What treatment options can you suggest for each case?