Neoplasia

Question 1

Explain the action of oncogenes in growth factor initiated signal transduction in normal and neoplastic cells

Answer 1

genes that promote autonomous cell growth in cancer cells. If you can target these genes with therapy, you can stop them

Question 2

Explain the action of tumor suppressor genes in growth factor initiated signal transduction in normal and neoplastic cells

Answer 2

genes that thwart neoplastic transformation by inducing transient cell cycle arrest

Question 3

interpret molecular pathogenesis of evasion of apoptosis and limitless replicative potential of cancer cells

Answer 3

translocations, mutations, and adaptations lead to over/ underexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins, thus allowing the cell to live

Question 4

delineate the steps involved in angiogenesis and of tumors

Answer 4

1. hypoxia induces transcription of VEGF and FGF
2. Increased transcription leads to growth of endothelial cells
3. 4. New endothelial cells lead to formation of new vessels

Question 5

molecular pathogenesis and factors that regulate invasion

Answer 5

Invasion of ECM

• loosening of tumor cell interactions
• degradation of the ECM
• attachment to novel ECM components

Question 6

molecular pathogenesis and factors that regulate metastasis

Answer 6

Metastasis

• loosen cadherin molecules for cell to cell adhesion
• attach to basement membrane and degrade it
• attach to ECM and degrade it
• Stimulate cell motility
• intravasate into blood vessels
• tumor emboli enter capillaries of target organ and extravasate
• tumor emboli settle

Question 7

biological behaviors of malignant cells

Answer 7

Warburg Effect- cancer cells switch to glycolysis