Related Experiment Videos
[Molecular mechanisms of chemically induced carcinogenesis]
D Palut1, G Kostka, M Adamczyk
1Zakład Toksykologii Srodowiskowej, Państwowy Zakład Higieny, Warszawa.
Abstract:
In this review recent point of view concerning the molecular mechanisms of chemically induced carcinogenesis is presented. The new and promising trends of neoplasia investigations are based on discovery of protooncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, which maintain tissue homeostasis by controlling cellular proliferation and differentiation. It is generally recognised, that mutations induced by genotoxic carcinogens, particularly those resulting in activation of protooncogenes and inactivation of suppressor genes, play a crucial role in the initiation step of multistage process of tumorigenesis. Tumor promotion is recognized as a process whereby initiated cells are stimulated to selective growth and then, to develop into the cancer during progression step. Tumor promotion can be affected by many nongenotoxic carcinogens. In this review the attention is given to the mutational activation of the c-ras oncogenes and inactivation of p53 suppressor gene in rodent and human cancers by genotoxic carcinogens. Moreover, the significance of nongenotoxic carcinogens and the mechanisms by which these compounds may accelerate tumorigenesis are discussed.
Insights
This review details chemical carcinogenesis mechanisms, focusing on how genotoxic carcinogens activate protooncogenes and inactivate tumor suppressor genes, initiating cancer. Nongenotoxic carcinogens also influence tumor promotion and progression.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Context:
- Chemically induced carcinogenesis involves complex molecular pathways.
- Protooncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are key regulators of cellular processes.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for cancer research.
Purpose:
- To present recent viewpoints on the molecular mechanisms of chemically induced carcinogenesis.
- To discuss the roles of protooncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in tumorigenesis.
- To explore the significance of both genotoxic and nongenotoxic carcinogens.
Summary:
- Genotoxic carcinogens initiate cancer by mutating protooncogenes (e.g., c-ras activation) and tumor suppressor genes (e.g., p53 inactivation).
- Tumor promotion involves the selective growth of initiated cells, influenced by nongenotoxic carcinogens.
- This review highlights the molecular events in multistage carcinogenesis, from initiation to progression.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the molecular basis of cancer initiation and promotion.
- Discusses the dual role of genotoxic and nongenotoxic agents in carcinogenesis.
- Contributes to the understanding of neoplasia and potential therapeutic targets.