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Related Concept Videos

Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes01:33

Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Cancer02:18

Cancer

Cancers arise due to mutations in genes involved in the regulation of cell division, which leads to unrestricted cell proliferation. Modern science and medicine have made great strides in the understanding and treatment of cancer, including eradicating cancer in some patients. However, there is still no cure for cancer. This is largely due to the fact that cancer is a large group of many diseases.
Tumor Progression02:07

Tumor Progression

Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions01:12

Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions01:12

Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the daughter...

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Identifying, Diagnosing, and Grading Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors in Genetically Engineered Mouse Models
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The neoplastic process and the problems with the attribution of function.

Marta Bertolaso1

  • 1University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Institute of Philosophy of Scientific and Technological Activity, 00128 Rome. m.bertolaso@unicampus.it

Rivista Di Biologia
|January 16, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Cancer research traditionally focuses on molecular genetics. This study proposes cancer arises from a loss of organismal function, offering a unified view of neoplastic processes and cancer cell capabilities.

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Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Systems Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The dominant reductionist paradigm in cancer research defines cancer at the molecular genetic level, attributing its origin to accumulated somatic mutations.
  • This perspective assigns function to specific genes involved in tumor formation.
  • Recent shifts seek a definition based on the tumor's emergent functional properties, necessitating functional tests.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze how functions are attributed within the reductionist paradigm of cancer research.
  • To hypothesize cancer as a phenomenon linked to the loss of organic function.
  • To discuss the consistency of this hypothesis with existing literature and its potential for a unified interpretation of neoplastic processes.

Main Methods:

  • Critical analysis of the reductionist paradigm in cancer research.
  • Literature review to explore existing theories on cancer and organic function.
  • Conceptual framework development to link loss of organismal function with cancer emergence.

Main Results:

  • The reductionist approach presents inherent contradictions when explaining the whole system (cancer) through its parts (genes).
  • Attributing function solely at the molecular level inadequately explains the complex nature of cancer.
  • Cancer cells may exhibit 'recovered functions' that emerge concurrently with the loss of organism-level functions.

Conclusions:

  • The reductionist view of cancer is inadequate, highlighting contradictions in explaining complex biological systems by focusing solely on molecular components.
  • Viewing cancer as a loss of organismal function offers a more unified interpretation, consistent with existing theories.
  • This perspective reframes the relationship between cancer, selective pressure, and the organism's overall functional integrity.