They have lost the genetic ability to stop
dividing; they are immortal; they show no
contact inhibition; they are
de-differentiated cells; they show no
tissue affinity and can metastasize;
neo-angiogenesis (can stimulate the
development of new blood vessels
Often called transformed cells
Growth factors
Proteins that diffuse through the
body making contact with many
cells; bind to membrane receptors
in lock and key fashion
Encoded by proto-oncogenes,
which sometimes become
oncogenes
Ocogenes: altered
proto-oncogenes;
can produce too
much growth factor
or an altered growth
factor
Chromosomal events that
convert proto-oncogenes to
oncogenes
1. Point mutations; 2. Deletion mutations; 3. Chromosomal
translocations that create novel fusion proteins; 4.
Chromosomal translocations that move a strong promoter
upstream of a proto-oncogene so that it is inappropriately
expressed; 5. Gene amplification resulting in
over-expression of a protein; 6. A virus can carry a
proto-oncogene to a new chromosomal location, a virus can
insert itself near a proto-oncogene and the viral regulatory
elements can cause over-expression of the proto-oncogene
Tumor Suppressor
Genes: Encode proteins
that turn OFF cell division
The
environment
plays a role in
cancer
Certain
viruses, toxins,
or radiation can
cause
mutations
Cancer Chemotherapy
Drugs are used
to stop
uncontrolled cell
division
Prevent cells from
entering S phase.
Antibodies can block
growth factor receptors
Block S phase.
Certain drugs
can stop DNA
synthesis
Block or stop mitosis
Stop neo-angiogenesis
Can affect all dividing cells
Hair follicle cells (baldness), skin cells (cuts &
wounds heal slowly), cells that line the digestive
tract (nausea, mouth ulcers, bacterial infections),
blood stem cells (reduced RBCs - leads to
anaemia, reduced WBCs - leads to infections