lecture 4 - molecular characteristics of cancer

Question 1

What kind of mutation causes sporadic cancer?

Answer 1

Somatic mutation

Question 2

What kind of mutation causes an inherited cancer susceptibility?

Answer 2

Germline mutation

Question 3

What are the 8 molecular hallmarks of cancer?

Answer 3

1. sustained proliferative signalling
2. evasion of growth supressors
3. resistance to cell death
4. limitless replication
5. invasion/metastasis
6. evasion of immune system
7. reprogramming cellular metabolism

Question 4

How do cancer cells develop limitless replication potential?

Answer 4

They have a telomerase enzyme that maintains the telomeres so that they can divide infinitely like stem cells

Question 5

How are cancer cells able to metastasise, while normally cells remain in their tissues?

Answer 5

They has decreased cell-to-cell adhesion and degrade the ECM, allowing them to move

Question 6

How are cancer cells able to access a blood supply, even when they grow rapidly?

Answer 6

They have the ability to produce rapid angiogenesis and promote the growth of a capillary network, by increasing expression of vascular endothelial growth factor.

Question 7

How are large tumours able to adapt to poor oxygen supply?

Answer 7

They are able to reprogramme cell metabolism to become more anaerobic, allowing them to survive off of glycolysis.