Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026
09:44
In Vitro Evaluation of Oncogenic Transformation in Human Mammary Epithelial Cells
Published on: September 24, 2020
Oncogenic activity of MCM7 transforming cluster
1Jian-Hua Luo, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3550 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States.
World Journal of Clinical Oncology
|May 24, 2011
Summary
The miniature chromosome maintenance complex component 7 (MCM7) drives cancer by promoting DNA replication and downregulating tumor suppressors via embedded microRNAs. Targeting MCM7 offers a potential gene therapy strategy for various human malignancies.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Oncology
Background:
- The miniature chromosome maintenance (MCM) complex is crucial for DNA replication licensing and cell cycle control.
- MCM7 is frequently overexpressed and amplified in human cancers, suggesting its role in oncogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the transforming activity and signaling of MCM7.
- To analyze the oncogenic function of the miRNA cluster within the MCM7 genome.
- To explore the potential of MCM7-targeted gene therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of in vitro and animal model studies.
- Analysis of signaling pathways involving MCM7.
- Examination of MCM7's role in cancer initiation and progression.
Main Results:
- MCM7 overexpression and amplification correlate with various human malignancies.
- An embedded miRNA cluster in MCM7 downregulates key tumor suppressors (p21, E2F1, BIM, pTEN).
- MCM7 and its miRNAs cooperate in cancer initiation and are targeted by oncogenic and tumor suppressor pathways.
Conclusions:
- MCM7 possesses significant oncogenic potential through its role in DNA replication and miRNA-mediated tumor suppressor downregulation.
- MCM7 and its associated miRNAs are critical players in cancer development.
- Targeting MCM7 presents a promising avenue for novel cancer gene therapies.
Related Concept Videos
01:06Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that divide and produce different cell types. Ordinarily, cells that have differentiated into a specific cell type are terminally differentiated; however, scientists have found a way to reprogram these mature cells so that they dedifferentiate and return to an unspecialized, proliferative state. These cells are pluripotent like embryonic stem cells—able to produce all cell types—and are called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
Somatic cells are...
Somatic cells are...
02:23Abnormal 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...
01:33Cancer-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...
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...
01:33Cancer-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...
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...
01:25Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity
Mutagenicity and carcinogenicity refer to the ability of drugs to cause genetic defects and induce cancer, respectively. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies agents into four groups based on their carcinogenic potential. Group 1 agents are known human carcinogens; group 2A agents are probably carcinogenic to humans; group 3 agents lack data to support their role in carcinogenesis; and group 4 includes agents for which data support that they are not likely to be...
03:03mTOR 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 mTOR pathway or the...