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Related Concept Videos

Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells02:53

Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells

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Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
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Cancers Originate from Somatic Mutations in a Single Cell02:21

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Cancer arises from mutations in the critical genes that allow healthy cells to escape cell cycle regulation and acquire the ability to proliferate indefinitely. Though originating from a single mutation event in one of the originator cells, cancer progresses when the mutant cell lines continue to gain more and more mutations, and finally, become malignant. For example, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) develops initially as a non-lethal increase in white blood cells, which progressively...
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Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
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Such genes that act...
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Tumor Progression02:07

Tumor Progression

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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.
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Cancer02:18

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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.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 10, 2025

Generation of Heterogeneous Drug Gradients Across Cancer Populations on a Microfluidic Evolution Accelerator for Real-Time Observation
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Genetic and Non-Genetic Mechanisms Underlying Cancer Evolution.

Yelyzaveta Shlyakhtina1, Katherine L Moran1, Maximiliano M Portal1

  • 1Cell Plasticity and Epigenetics Lab. Cancer Research UK-Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, SK10 4TG, UK.

Cancers
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Cancer evolves through genetic and non-genetic mechanisms, mirroring macro-evolutionary paths. Understanding these processes is key to developing new cancer therapies and overcoming drug resistance.

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Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Cancer development is a microevolutionary process within tumors.
  • Mechanisms driving tumor evolution remain poorly understood.
  • Tumors exhibit diverse evolutionary paths, aligning with macro-evolutionary models.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated view of genetic and non-genetic mechanisms in tumor evolution.
  • To integrate understanding of evolutionary forces in cancer emergence, progression, and therapeutic resistance.
  • To establish a framework considering both genetic and non-genetic factors in tumor evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Review and synthesis of current data on tumor evolution.
  • Analysis of genetic and non-genetic factors contributing to cancer progression.
  • Exploration of evolutionary models applied to cancer biology.

Main Results:

  • Tumor evolution involves diverse genetic and non-genetic mechanisms.
  • Macro-evolutionary principles are applicable to cancer biology.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for predicting and overcoming therapeutic resistance.

Conclusions:

  • An integrated framework of genetic and non-genetic factors is essential for understanding tumor evolution.
  • This framework aids in addressing cancer progression and treatment resistance.
  • Further research into these intertwined networks will advance cancer therapy.