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Published on: December 19, 2019
Src in human carcinogenesis
Salvatore V Russello1, Scott K Shore
1Fels Institute for Cancer Research Department of Biochemistry, Temple University School of Medicine, 3307 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia PA19140, USA.
Abstract:
The signaling machinery in cells is a complex, multi-factorial network of cross-talking proteins that enables dynamic communication between upstream causal factors and downstream effectors. Non-receptor tyrosine kinases, including Src, are the intermediates of information transfer, controlling pathways as diverse as cell growth, migration, death, and genome maintenance. When expressed as viral genes these proteins are potent carcinogens, yet analogous genetic alterations are rarely observed in human tumors. In seeking to characterize the role of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase Src in neoplasia, arguments can be made that the consequences of mutation, or perturbations in the activity or expression of this protein is a determinative factor in clinical prognosis and pathogenicity. In a variety of tumor types including those derived from the colon and breast, the Src non-receptor tyrosine kinase is either overexpressed or constitutively active in a large percentage of the tumors. Increased expression or activity of Src correlates with the stage and metastatic potential of some neoplasia.
Insights
The non-receptor tyrosine kinase Src plays a crucial role in cell signaling and cancer development. Aberrant Src activity or expression in tumors like colon and breast cancer correlates with disease progression and metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Cellular signaling and molecular biology
- Oncology and cancer research
- Biochemistry of protein kinases
Background:
- Cellular signaling relies on complex protein networks for communication.
- Non-receptor tyrosine kinases, such as Src, are key intermediates in signal transduction pathways.
- While viral Src is carcinogenic, its role in human tumors requires further characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase Src in neoplasia.
- To determine if Src activity or expression impacts clinical prognosis and pathogenicity.
- To explore the association between Src and tumor progression in various cancer types.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Src protein expression and activity in tumor samples.
- Correlation studies linking Src levels to clinical parameters.
- Examination of Src's role in cell signaling pathways relevant to cancer.
Main Results:
- Src non-receptor tyrosine kinase is overexpressed or constitutively active in a significant proportion of colon and breast tumors.
- Increased Src expression or activity is associated with advanced tumor stage.
- Elevated Src activity correlates with higher metastatic potential in certain neoplasias.
Conclusions:
- Perturbations in Src activity or expression are significant factors in cancer pathogenicity.
- Src is a potential biomarker for clinical prognosis and therapeutic targeting in various cancers.
- Further research into Src's role can elucidate mechanisms of tumor progression and metastasis.
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