Affiliation:
1. King Khalid University,College of Pharmacy,Abha,Saudi Arabia,62529,
2. King Khalid University,Pharmacology & Toxicology Department,Abha,Saudi Arabia,
Abstract
This chapter on “Cancer Traits; Present and Future” begins with a
description of the process of carcinogenesis and, finally, the abnormal process leading
to carcinogenesis.
Cancer is a multi-step mechanism in which cells undergo biochemical and behavioral
changes, causing them to proliferate in an unnecessary and untimely manner. These
changes occur from modifications in mechanisms that regulate cell proliferation and
longevity, relationships with neighboring cells, and the ability to escape the immune
system. Modifications that contribute to cancer require genetic modifications that alter
the DNA sequence. Another way to alter the program of cells is to adjust the
conformation of chromatin, the matrix that bundles up DNA and controls its access
through DNA reading, copying and repair machinery. These modifications are called
“epigenetic. The abnormal process that leads to carcinogenesis includes early
mutational events in carcinogenesis, microRNAs in human cancer and cancer stem cell
hypothesis, Contact inhibition of proliferation, autophagy, necroptosis, signaling
pathways, telomere deregulation, microenvironment, growth suppressors evasion,
resisting cell death and sustained cell survival, enabling replicative immortality through
activation of telomeres, inducing angiogenesis, ability to oppose apoptosis, and
activating invasion and metastasis. Intensive research efforts during the last several
decades have increased our understanding of carcinogenesis and have identified a
genetic basis for the multi-step process of cancer development. Recognition and
understating of the prevalent applicability of cancer cell characterization will
increasingly affect the development of new means to treat human cancer.<br>
Publisher
BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBLISHERS