RET Proto-Oncogene

• Encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase
• RET loss of function mutations are associated with Hirschsprung’s disease
• RET gain of function associated with the development of various types of human cancers including medullary thyroid carcinoma, multiple endocrine neoplasias types 2A and 2B (MEN 2a and MEN 2b), pheochromocytoma and parathyroid hyperplasia

From an insurance standpoint on RET proto-oncogene testing for MTC – found on the internet:

Aetna considers diagnostic testing for germline point mutations in the RET gene medically necessary for members with apparently sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma.

What is a proto-oncogene?

A proto-oncogene is a normal gene which can become an oncogene due to mutations or increased expression.