Evolutionary Transcriptomics of Cancer Development
Roman Ivanov1, Dmitry Afonnikov1,2, Yury Matushkin1
1Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Lavrentiev Avenue 10, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
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View abstract on PubMed
Cancer progression shows an "hourglass" pattern in gene expression, with early and late stages featuring novel genes and intermediate stages using older genes. This evolutionary insight aids understanding of tumor development.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Cancer biology
- Transcriptomics
Background:
- Cancer progression involves complex molecular changes.
- Understanding these changes can reveal tumorigenesis mechanisms and therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the evolutionary transcriptomics of cancer using the Transcriptome Age Index (TAI).
- To investigate the TAI pattern across different pathological stages in various cancers.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Transcriptome Age Index (TAI) across four pathological stages.
- Examination of ductal carcinoma of the breast, bladder carcinoma, and liver carcinoma.
Main Results:
- A significant "hourglass" pattern was identified in the TAI of breast ductal carcinoma, bladder carcinoma, and liver carcinoma.
- Early and late cancer stages showed higher TAI (novel gene expression).
- Intermediate stages exhibited lower TAI (ancient gene expression).
Conclusions:
- The "hourglass" pattern suggests conserved evolutionary trajectories and constraints during tumor progression.
- Evolutionary principles are integral to cancer biology, influencing gene expression dynamics.
- Findings offer new perspectives on tumor development and potential therapeutic strategies.
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