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Published on: August 19, 2014
Karyotypic Aberrations in Oncogenesis and Cancer Therapy
Ilio Vitale1, Gwenola Manic2, Laura Senovilla3
1Department of Biology, University of Rome 'TorVergata', Rome, Italy; Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy; These authors share senior coauthorship.
Abstract:
The propagation of whole-chromosome (aneuploid) or whole-genome (polyploid) defects is normally prevented by robust cell-intrinsic mechanisms. Moreover, non-diploid cells are under strict immunological surveillance. Nonetheless, tumors contain a high percentage of non-diploid genomes, indicating that malignant cells acquire the ability to bypass these control mechanisms and obtain a survival/proliferation benefit from bulky karyotypic defects. The non-diploid state imposes a significant metabolic burden on cancer cells and hence can be selectively targeted for therapeutic purposes. Here we discuss the impact of abnormal karyotypes on oncogenesis, tumor progression, and response to treatment, focusing on the biochemical and metabolic liabilities of non-diploid cells that can be harnessed for the development of novel chemo(immuno)therapeutic regimens against cancer.
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