proto-oncogene
/ˌprəʊtə(ʊ)ˈɒŋkə(ʊ)dʒiːn/Molecular Biol.
noun
Originally: a normal cellular gene whose nucleotide sequence is similar to that of a viral oncogene. Later also: a cellular gene believed to have the capacity to become oncogenic (e.g. by mutation or overactivity).
Origin
1980s. From proto- + oncogene.