What Are the Key Biological Processes Involved in Cancer?
Several key biological processes are disrupted in cancer:
1. Cell Cycle Regulation: Normal cells undergo a controlled series of events leading to cell division. In cancer, this regulation is lost, leading to unchecked cell proliferation. Proteins like cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) play crucial roles in cell cycle control, and their dysregulation is common in cancer.
2. Apoptosis: Also known as programmed cell death, apoptosis is a mechanism that allows the body to remove damaged or unnecessary cells. In cancer, the pathways that regulate apoptosis are often altered, allowing cancer cells to evade this process and survive longer than they should.
3. Angiogenesis: Tumors need a blood supply to grow beyond a certain size. Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels, and it is often hijacked by cancer cells to supply nutrients and oxygen. The VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) pathway is a critical regulator of this process.
4. DNA Repair: The ability to repair DNA damage is essential for maintaining genomic integrity. Cancer cells often have defects in DNA repair mechanisms, leading to the accumulation of genetic mutations. Genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 are important for DNA repair, and mutations in these genes can increase the risk of cancer.
