RB1
RB1
The RB1 gene, pronounced as /ɑːr biː wʌn/, is a human gene that produces a protein called the retinoblastoma protein. It is named after the disease it is associated with, retinoblastoma, a rare type of eye cancer that typically develops in early childhood.
Etymology
The RB1 gene is named for its role in retinoblastoma, a cancer that primarily affects the retina of the eye. The "R" stands for "retinoblastoma" and the "B1" indicates that it was the first gene discovered that is associated with this disease.
Function
The RB1 gene provides instructions for making a protein that helps control cell growth. This protein acts as a tumor suppressor, which means it keeps cells from growing and dividing too rapidly or in an uncontrolled way.
Related Terms
- Retinoblastoma: A rare type of eye cancer that typically develops in early childhood, often before the age of five years. It is associated with mutations in the RB1 gene.
- Tumor suppressor: A type of gene that makes a protein to control cell growth and prevent tumors from forming. The RB1 gene is an example of a tumor suppressor gene.
- Mutation: A change in the DNA sequence of a gene. Mutations in the RB1 gene can lead to the development of retinoblastoma.
See Also
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