47. Which one of the following statements about cancers is INCORRECT?
    (1) The c-myc gene is translocated to one of the immunoglobulin loci in a majority of Burkitt’s
    lymphomas.
    (2) Viral integration into the cellular genome may convert a proto-oncogene into an oncogene.
    (3) The functions of p53 and Rb are augmented by E6 and E7 proteins of human papillomavirus.
    (4) Many cases of metastatic breast cancer display increased expression of human epidermal-
    growth-factor—like receptor 2(HER2).

he statement that is INCORRECT about cancers is:

(3) The functions of p53 and Rb are augmented by E6 and E7 proteins of human papillomavirus.

Explanation

• The c-myc gene is indeed translocated to immunoglobulin loci in a majority of Burkitt’s lymphomas, leading to its overexpression and increased proliferation (statement 1 is correct).​

• Viral integration into the cellular genome can convert a proto-oncogene into an oncogene by insertional mutagenesis or expression of viral oncogenes (statement 2 is correct).

• However, the HPV oncoproteins E6 and E7 do not augment but rather inactivate the functions of the tumor suppressors p53 and Rb, respectively. E6 promotes degradation of p53, and E7 binds and inactivates Rb, leading to uncontrolled cell cycle progression and oncogenesis (statement 3 is incorrect).​

• Many cases of metastatic breast cancer show increased expression of HER2, contributing to aggressive tumor behavior and poorer prognosis (statement 4 is correct) [general knowledge].