Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 26, 2026
07:14
A Culture Method to Maintain Quiescent Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Published on: May 17, 2021
5.3K
Lessons we can learn from neurons to make cancer cells quiescent
Myrna A R Dent1, Armando Aranda-Anzaldo1
1Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Toluca, Mexico.
Journal of Neuroscience Research
|April 16, 2019
Summary
Neurons resist cancer due to their stable nuclear structure, not just their non-dividing state. This structural stability acts as a tumor suppressor, offering potential strategies for cancer treatment in non-neural cells.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cancer incidence varies across tissues, with neurons exhibiting remarkable resistance.
- The postmitotic state of neurons is the traditional explanation for their cancer resistance.
- Neurons accumulate mutations without becoming neoplastic, challenging mutation-centric cancer models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural basis of neuronal cancer resistance.
- To challenge the paradigm that mutations alone drive carcinogenesis.
- To explore the potential of inducing a tumor-suppressive state in non-neural cells.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on neuronal cell division and cancer.
- Analysis of nuclear structure stability in neurons versus other cell types.
- Discussion of experimental induction of postmitotic states in non-neural cells.
Main Results:
- Neuronal resistance to cancer is linked to the high stability of their nuclear higher-order structure.
- This stable nuclear structure functions as an intrinsic tumor suppressor.
- Mutations alone are insufficient for carcinogenesis in non-experimental settings.
Conclusions:
- The structural integrity of the neuronal nucleus is a key factor in preventing cancer.
- This structural postmitotic state can potentially be replicated in non-neural cells to combat cancer.
- Targeting nuclear structure offers a novel therapeutic avenue for cancer treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Avoidance Learning and Learned Helplessness
2.5K
Avoidance learning and learned helplessness are critical concepts in understanding behavioral responses to negative stimuli.
Avoidance learning occurs when an organism learns that a specific behavior can prevent an unpleasant outcome. For example, a student who receives a bad grade may start studying harder to avoid future poor grades. This behavior persists even when the negative outcome is no longer present. Avoidance learning is powerful because it maintains behavior in the absence of the...
Avoidance learning occurs when an organism learns that a specific behavior can prevent an unpleasant outcome. For example, a student who receives a bad grade may start studying harder to avoid future poor grades. This behavior persists even when the negative outcome is no longer present. Avoidance learning is powerful because it maintains behavior in the absence of the...
2.5K
01:25Learning Disabilities
586
Learning disabilities are cognitive disorders caused by neurological impairments that affect cognitive functions like language and reading, without indicating overall intellectual or developmental challenges. These disabilities differ from global intellectual or developmental disabilities as they are limited to distinct cognitive functions. Common learning disabilities include dysgraphia, dyslexia, and dyscalculia, each of which impacts unique aspects of learning.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
586
01:27Associative Learning
1.3K
Associative learning is a fundamental concept in behavioral psychology, wherein a connection is established between two stimuli or events, leading to a learned response. This process is critical in understanding how behaviors are acquired and modified. Conditioning, the mechanism through which associations are formed, can be divided into two main types: classical conditioning and operant conditioning, each elucidating different aspects of associative learning.
Classical conditioning, also known...
Classical conditioning, also known...
1.3K
01:22Purposive Learning
464
E. C. Tolman emphasized the purposiveness of behavior — the idea that much of our behavior is goal-directed. For instance, employees who aim for a promotion work diligently to meet their targets. Tolman argued that when classical conditioning and operant conditioning occur, the organism acquires certain expectations. In classical conditioning, a child might fear a dog because they expect it to bite. In operant conditioning, a person might consistently work overtime because they expect a...
464
01:12Observational Learning
878
Albert Bandura's observational learning, also known as imitation or modeling, occurs when a person observes and imitates another's behavior. It is a quicker process than operant conditioning. A well-known example is the Bobo doll study, where children who saw an adult acting aggressively towards the doll were more likely to act aggressively when left alone, compared to those who observed a nonaggressive adult. Many psychologists view observational learning as a form of latent learning...
878
01:18Introduction to Learning
1.0K
Learning is the process of acquiring knowledge or skills through practice or experience, leading to long-lasting behavioral changes. This acquisition occurs through interaction with the environment and requires practice or experience. For instance, mastering a skill such as surfing requires considerable practice and experience, highlighting the essential role of repeated interactions with the environment in learning.
In contrast to learned behaviors, unlearned behaviors such as crying, sexual...
In contrast to learned behaviors, unlearned behaviors such as crying, sexual...
1.0K