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Related Concept Videos

Aging01:26

Aging

Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
The Effect of Aging on Tissues01:19

The Effect of Aging on Tissues

Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway01:22

PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway

The mammalian target of rapamycin  (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1  (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2  (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast,  mTORC2 consists of a rapamycin-insensitive companion...
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells02:53

Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells

Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Evaluating the Effect of SASP Factors on the Proliferation of Cancer Cells Using a Comparative Analysis of Three Distinct Methodologies
08:57

Evaluating the Effect of SASP Factors on the Proliferation of Cancer Cells Using a Comparative Analysis of Three Distinct Methodologies

Published on: September 19, 2025

Cancer and aging: the molecular pathways.

PierFrancesco Bassi1, Emilio Sacco

  • 1Department of Urology, Agostino Gemelli Hospital, Catholic University Medical School, Rome, Italy. bassipf@gmail.com

Urologic Oncology
|November 3, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Aging and cancer share common molecular pathways. Cellular aging mechanisms, including DNA damage and cell cycle disruption, contribute to cancer development.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Gerontology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Aging and cancer are complex processes with shared molecular underpinnings.
  • Accumulated cellular damage and dysfunction characterize aging.
  • These aging hallmarks are increasingly implicated in cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular pathways common to aging and carcinogenesis.
  • To highlight how aging-related cellular dysfunctions contribute to cancer.
  • To consolidate evidence linking aging mechanisms to cancer initiation and progression.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of experimental evidence.
  • Analysis of molecular pathways in aging.
  • Comparison of aging hallmarks with cancer mechanisms.

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A Sensitive Method to Quantify Senescent Cancer Cells

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Last Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Evaluating the Effect of SASP Factors on the Proliferation of Cancer Cells Using a Comparative Analysis of Three Distinct Methodologies
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Published on: September 19, 2025

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Main Results:

  • Shared pathways include genetic/epigenetic alterations, telomere attrition, DNA repair defects, metabolic dysregulation, cell cycle control loss, and stem cell exhaustion.
  • These aging-associated dysfunctions promote cellular senescence, apoptosis, and replicative loss.
  • Evidence indicates these mechanisms are involved in cancerogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Aging and cancer share significant molecular pathways.
  • Cellular aging processes are critical contributors to cancer development.
  • Understanding these shared pathways is crucial for both aging and cancer research.