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Growth factor signaling in cell survival: implications for cancer treatment
1Department of Cancer Biology, Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6160, USA.
Abstract:
Cells of multicellular organisms require extracellular signals to survive. Numerous studies have implicated a variety of intracellular signaling pathways, including PI-3 kinase/Akt, Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase, and Jak/signal transducers and activators of transcription, as effectors of these extracellular trophic factors. Binding of growth factors to their respective receptors results in the activation of individual and combined pathways resulting in pleiotropic effects on cellular biochemistry. Over the past decade, investigation of these pathways has provided insight into the mechanism of cell survival and apoptosis itself. The results of these studies are providing new clues for therapeutic intervention in human disease. In this review, we focus on advances in our current understanding of the receptor signaling pathways that regulate apoptosis. Implications for the pharmacological manipulation of apoptosis in the treatment of cancer are also discussed.
Insights
Extracellular signals regulate cell survival by activating intracellular pathways like PI-3 kinase/Akt. Understanding these receptor signaling pathways offers new therapeutic strategies for diseases, including cancer.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Multicellular life depends on extracellular signals for cell survival.
- Intracellular pathways such as PI-3 kinase/Akt, Ras/MAPK, and Jak/STAT mediate responses to these signals.
- Growth factor receptor binding initiates signaling cascades with diverse cellular effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding receptor signaling pathways that control apoptosis.
- To discuss the role of these pathways in cell survival and programmed cell death.
- To explore therapeutic implications for cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on intracellular signaling pathways.
- Analysis of receptor-mediated signaling mechanisms.
- Discussion of pharmacological targeting of apoptosis.
Main Results:
- Receptor signaling pathways are crucial for regulating apoptosis.
- These pathways influence cell survival and programmed cell death.
- Dysregulation of these pathways is implicated in human diseases.
Conclusions:
- Advances in understanding receptor signaling pathways provide insights into apoptosis.
- Pharmacological manipulation of apoptosis holds promise for cancer therapy.
- Targeting these pathways could lead to novel treatments for various diseases.