Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
somatic mutation
A genetic alteration that occurs in non-reproductive cells during a person's lifetime, often associated with cancer development.
Full Definition
A somatic mutation is a genetic change that occurs in body cells (excluding sperm and egg cells) after conception. In cancer genomics, these mutations are acquired during a person's lifetime and are not inherited from parents or passed to offspring. Somatic mutations can drive cancer initiation and progression by affecting genes that control cell growth, division, and death. Understanding the specific somatic mutations present in a patient's tumor is crucial for personalized cancer treatment approaches.
Usage
Usage note: Often confused with germline mutations; ensure clarity about inheritance patterns when editing.
In Context
- "The tumor sequencing report identified multiple somatic mutations in the TP53 gene." — Pathology report
- "Unlike germline mutations, somatic mutations are not present in every cell of the patient's body." — Clinical research paper
Also known as
acquired mutation
non-germline mutation
Contrasted with
germline mutation
inherited mutation
Don't confuse with
germline mutation