Editing Protein biosynthesis (section)

=== Cancer ===
[[File:Cancer requires multiple mutations from NIHen.png|thumb|300x300px|Formation of cancerous genes due to malfunction of suppressor genes.]]
Cancers form as a result of gene mutations as well as improper protein translation. In addition to cancer cells proliferating abnormally, they suppress the [[Gene expression|expression]] of anti-apoptotic or pro-apoptotic genes or proteins. Most cancer cells see a mutation in the signaling protein Ras, which functions as an on/off signal transductor in cells. In cancer cells, the RAS protein becomes persistently active, thus promoting the proliferation of the cell due to the absence of any regulation.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Cell Division, Cancer {{!}} Learn Science at Scitable |url=https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/cell-division-and-cancer-14046590/ |access-date=30 November 2021 |website=Nature |language=en}}</ref> Additionally, most cancer cells carry two mutant copies of the regulator gene p53, which acts as a gatekeeper for damaged genes and initiates apoptosis in malignant cells. In its absence, the cell cannot initiate apoptosis or signal for other cells to destroy it.<ref>{{Cite web |title=p53, Cancer {{!}} Learn Science at Scitable |url=https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/p53-the-most-frequently-altered-gene-in-14192717/ |access-date=30 November 2021 |website=Nature |language=en}}</ref>

As the tumor cells proliferate, they either remain confined to one area and are called benign, or become malignant cells that migrate to other areas of the body. Oftentimes, these malignant cells secrete proteases that break apart the extracellular matrix of tissues. This then allows the cancer to enter its terminal stage called Metastasis, in which the cells enter the bloodstream or the lymphatic system to travel to a new part of the body.<ref name=":0" />