Noun
a normal gene that has the potential to become an oncogene
Source: WordNetThe oncovirus can switch this pre-existing benign proto-oncogene on, turning it into a true oncogene that causes cancer. Source: Internet
This growth factor receptor is called c-kit and is produced by a proto-oncogene (c-kit). Source: Internet
Recent evidence also indicates that several genes (including the proto-oncogene c-myc ) have G-quadruplex motifs as potential regulatory signals. Source: Internet