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Updated: Mar 7, 2026
09:44
In Vitro Evaluation of Oncogenic Transformation in Human Mammary Epithelial Cells
Published on: September 24, 2020
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A response to "Concepts in malignant transformation" - a pathologists perspective.
1Consulting histopathologist, Judith Whittaker & Associates Consulting Pathologists.
South African Journal of Surgery. Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Chirurgie
|February 28, 2017
Summary
Aging and malignant transformation may be programmed cellular events essential for population survival. Eukaryotic cells might possess an epigenetic ability to trigger organism demise, suggesting cancer is a de-suppressed ancient instruction offering evolutionary advantages.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Cell biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Aging is a programmed cellular process linked to population survival.
- Eukaryotic cells may possess inherent mechanisms for organismal demise.
- Malignant transformation and aging share potential epigenetic origins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the evolutionary and epigenetic concepts of aging and malignant transformation.
- To theorize the role of programmed cell death in population survival.
- To investigate cancer as a potential de-suppression of ancient epigenetic instructions.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of evolutionary and cellular aging processes.
- Review of epigenetic mechanisms in eukaryotic cells.
- Conceptual framework linking aging, cell death, and malignant transformation.
Main Results:
- Aging, as a programmed event, is proposed as essential for population survival.
- Eukaryotic cells may retain epigenetic control over organismal demise.
- Malignant transformation could represent a de-suppressed ancient epigenetic program.
Conclusions:
- Cancer may be an evolutionary advantage, despite individual disadvantage.
- Epigenetic reprogramming could underlie aging and cancer.
- Understanding these programmed events offers insights into evolution and disease.
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