Tumor cell malignancy: A complex trait built through reciprocal interactions between tumors and tissue-body system
Jean Feunteun1,2, Pauline Ostyn2, Suzette Delaloge3
1INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France.
Iscience
|May 2, 2022
Summary
Cancer research traditionally focuses on tumor cells, but non-cell autonomous factors are also crucial. This review redefines malignancy as a complex genetic trait involving interactions between tumor cells and their ecosystem.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Systems Biology
Background:
- Cancer research has historically prioritized cell-autonomous genetic events (oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes).
- Emerging evidence highlights the significant role of non-cell autonomous factors in tumor progression and metastasis.
- The interplay between cell-autonomous and non-cell autonomous events complicates understanding cancer initiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the challenge of distinguishing the origins of malignancy (cell-autonomous vs. non-cell autonomous).
- To propose a new framework for defining cancer as a complex genetic trait.
- To emphasize the reciprocal interactions between tumor cells and the tissue-body ecosystem.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cancer genetics and tumor microenvironment.
- Conceptual synthesis of cell-autonomous and non-cell autonomous cancer models.
- Development of a systems biology-based definition of malignancy.
Main Results:
- Malignancy arises from complex genetic traits, not solely from intrinsic tumor cell mutations.
- Reciprocal interactions between tumor cells and the surrounding tissue-body ecosystem are integral to cancer development.
- The traditional driver/passenger genetic model is insufficient to explain cancer initiation and progression.
Conclusions:
- Redefining malignancy as a complex genetic trait incorporating ecosystem interactions offers a more comprehensive understanding of cancer.
- Future cancer research should integrate cell-autonomous and non-cell autonomous perspectives.
- Understanding the tissue-body ecosystem's role is critical for developing effective cancer therapies.
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