Cell signaling in cancer

The pathways that control cell differentiation and growth are almost always compromised in cancer. Although in the last years there have been major advances in understanding these changes and how they contribute to tumor initiation and growth, the task is far from complete. In this review we discuss some of the factors that are found in major key nodes of the signaling pathways. Included among them are the nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) that has a quite central role in inflammation, and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase. Also an eminent role is played by the EGF (epidermal growth factor) and the Snail/Slug family of repressors. Since the expansion of tumor cells depends heavily on nutrient and oxygen supply, it requires the growth of new blood vasculature which is directed by the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF).