Carcinogenesis

Question 1

Carcinogenesis

Answer 1

The process normal cells undergo to become cancer cells. Requires many steps (accumulation of mutations).

Question 2

What are the 2 drivers of carcinogenesis?

Answer 2

Genetic and epigenetic change.

Question 3

What are the two types of mutation?

Answer 3

Hereditary (germline) = inherited
Somatic = due to normal exposures

Question 4

Epigenetics

Answer 4

The altering of genes without changing DNA such as gene silencing

Question 5

What are the two types of cell cycle mutation and their effects?

Answer 5

Protooncogenes mutating to oncogenes = constantly tells cell cycle to progress
Tumour suppressor gene mutations = fails to stop cell cycle
both result in accumulation of mutations which are passed on to daughter cells.

Question 6

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)

Answer 6

hereditary mutation in APC gene causing it to not be expressed. This results in easier cell cycle progression and an accumulation of mutations. Polyps develop and eventually become colon cancer.

Question 7

DNA Mismatch Repair Deficiency

Answer 7

When MSH2, MSH6, MLH1, and PMS2 proteins are mutated or silenced, therefore cannot repair mismatched DNA, resulting in dMMR. Causes different lengths of DNA (microsatellites), resulting in MSI (microsatellite instability).

Question 8

What cancer has a 15-20% cause of dMMR

Answer 8

colorectal cancer

Question 9

Tumour Heterogeneity

Answer 9

The accumulation of mutations and differentiation of cancer cells in a tumour

Question 10

What other 3 components does a Tumour microenvironment contain other than cancer cells?

Answer 10

Stromal cells + blood supplies
Immune cells
Acellular components