RET

gene

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Last updated

July 17, 2026

Quick Summary

The RET gene, or "rearranged during transfection" proto-oncogene, is a gene that can become a cancer-causing gene, or oncogene. Mutations in the RET gene are associated with hereditary disorders like medullary thyroid carcinoma and multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN2).12

In medullary thyroid carcinoma, RET mutations lead to abnormally high levels of calcitonin, a hormone that regulates calcium in the blood. While calcitonin levels are elevated, patients do not experience low blood calcium because their tissues are resistant to the hormone.1

For individuals carrying a RET mutation, there is a high risk of developing medullary thyroid carcinoma, often at a young age. Consequently, a thyroidectomy (removal of the thyroid gland) is typically recommended early in life to prevent tumor development.1

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medullary thyroid carcinoma
…have hereditary mutations in the RET (rearranged during transfection) proto-oncogene (a gene that can become a cancer-causing gene, or oncogene). Patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma should be tested for mutations in RET; if a mutation is detected, other family members should also be tested. Some people carrying hereditary mutations in…
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…have hereditary mutations in the RET (rearranged during transfection) proto-oncogene (a gene that can become a cancer-causing gene, or oncogene). Patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma should be tested for mutations in RET; if a mutation is detected, other family members should also be tested. Some people carrying hereditary mutations in…
Read More

multiple endocrine neoplasia
MEN2
…germ line mutations in the RET (rearranged during transfection) proto-oncogene (a gene susceptible to mutations that transform it into an oncogene, or cancer-inducing gene). The RET gene codes for a transmembrane protein receptor that contains an intracellular signaling region called a tyrosine kinase domain. The kinase domain is fundamental in
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…germ line mutations in the RET (rearranged during transfection) proto-oncogene (a gene susceptible to mutations that transform it into an oncogene, or cancer-inducing gene). The RET gene codes for a transmembrane protein receptor that contains an intracellular signaling region called a tyrosine kinase domain. The kinase domain is fundamental in
Read More