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Signal transduction pathways and chromatin structure in cancer cells
1Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology and the Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3E OV9.
Journal of Cellular Biochemistry. Supplement
|June 5, 2001
Summary
Cellular mechanical and chemical signals, including the cytoskeleton and Ras/MAPK pathways, are crucial for gene expression. Alterations in these pathways contribute to malignant transformation and aberrant gene expression in cancer.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Cell biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Gene expression is regulated by molecular mechanisms including cell shape, signal transduction, chromatin remodeling, and DNA methylation.
- Malignant transformation involves structural alterations and dysregulation of these molecular mechanisms.
- Mechanical signaling involves the extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton, and nuclear matrix, transmitting signals to nuclear DNA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the contribution of molecular mechanisms and structural alterations in cellular malignant transformation.
- To elucidate the role of mechanical and chemical signaling pathways in cancer development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on molecular mechanisms of gene expression and cancer.
- Analysis of the components and functions of mechanical and chemical signaling pathways in normal and cancer cells.
Main Results:
- The mechanical signaling pathway, involving the cytoskeleton, is altered in cancer cells.
- Chemical signaling pathways, such as Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), regulate transcription factors and chromatin remodeling.
- Oncoproteins disrupt these pathways, leading to chromatin remodeling and aberrant gene expression.
Conclusions:
- Dysregulation of mechanical and chemical signaling pathways is a key factor in malignant transformation.
- Aberrant gene expression resulting from these disruptions drives cancer development.