Related Experiment Videos
Common critical pathways in embryogenesis and cancer
Fergal C Kelleher1, David Fennelly, Mairin Rafferty
1Department of Medical Oncology, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. fergalkelleher@hotmail.com
Acta Oncologica (Stockholm, Sweden)
|June 9, 2006
Summary
Cancer can arise from corrupted embryonic developmental programs, particularly epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Aberrant signaling pathways like Wnt and Hedgehog are implicated in tumor development and recapitulate embryonic roles.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Cancer biology
- Cell signaling
Background:
- Cancer may stem from corrupted embryonic developmental programs.
- Cellular memory of developmental processes can lead to cancer later in life.
- Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) during embryogenesis is a key focus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review small molecules and pathways involved in epithelial homeostasis and embryonic development.
- To highlight five conserved mammalian pathways: Wnt, Hedgehog, Notch, PAR, and Bone Morphogenetic Peptide/TGF-beta.
- To explore the role of these pathways in cancer, especially in childhood tumors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of developmental pathways.
- Analysis of conserved signaling pathways in mammals.
- Examination of pathway involvement in embryogenesis and adult epithelial function.
Main Results:
- Five key pathways (Wnt, Hedgehog, Notch, PAR, BMP/TGF-beta) are crucial in embryogenesis and adult homeostasis.
- These pathways are frequently dysregulated in childhood tumors.
- Altered pathway expression can recapitulate developmental roles in cancer, resembling primitive cells.
Conclusions:
- Corrupted developmental pathways, including EMT, are linked to cancer initiation.
- Conserved signaling pathways play critical roles in both normal development and disease.
- Understanding these pathways offers insights into tumor biology and potential therapeutic targets.