What is driver mutation?

A driver mutation is a genetic alteration that provides cancer cells with a growth advantage. Driver mutations typically occur in genes that are involved in cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, or signal transduction pathways. These mutations can cause cells to grow and divide uncontrollably, leading to the development of cancer.

There are two main types of driver mutations: oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Oncogenes are genes that have been mutated to encode proteins that promote cell growth and division. Tumor suppressor genes are genes that have been mutated to encode proteins that inhibit cell growth and division.

Driver mutations can be inherited or acquired. Inherited driver mutations are present in all cells of the body, while acquired driver mutations occur in cells that have undergone somatic mutations. Somatic mutations are changes in the DNA that occur after birth.

Driver mutations are a key factor in the development of cancer. By understanding the genetic alterations that drive cancer growth, scientists can develop new treatments to target these mutations and prevent cancer from developing or spreading.