autocrine hypothesis

au·to·crine hy·poth·e·sis

hypothesis that tumor cells containing viral oncogenes may have encoded a growth factor, normally produced by other cell types, and thereby may produce the factor autonomously, causing uncontrolled proliferation.

au·to·crine hy·poth·e·sis

(aw'tō-krin hī-poth'ĕ-sis) That tumor cells containing viral oncogenes may have encoded a growth factor, normally produced by other cell types, and thereby produce the factor autonomously, leading to uncontrolled proliferation.