Carcinogenesis definition

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Carcinogenesis Definition and Key Concepts

Carcinogenesis is the process by which normal cells transform into cancer cells. This transformation is not a single event but a complex, multi-step process involving various genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors 12345710.

Multistep and Multistage Nature of Carcinogenesis

Carcinogenesis typically occurs in several stages: initiation, promotion, and progression. The initiation stage involves irreversible genetic changes, often caused by mutations in DNA. The promotion stage is usually reversible and involves changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. The final progression stage is marked by further genetic instability and the development of malignant characteristics 145710.

Genetic and Epigenetic Changes in Carcinogenesis

The process is driven by both genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations. Mutations can activate oncogenes or inactivate tumor suppressor genes, giving cells a growth advantage and leading to clonal expansion. Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation and histone modification, also play a significant role in regulating gene expression during carcinogenesis 4510.

Role of Aneuploidy and Chromosomal Instability

Aneuploidy, which is an abnormal number of chromosomes, is a hallmark of cancer cells and contributes to genetic instability. This instability can lead to further chromosomal changes, driving the evolution of increasingly abnormal and malignant cell phenotypes .

Influence of the Tumor Microenvironment

Carcinogenesis is not only a cellular process but also involves the surrounding tissue environment. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and other components of the tumor microenvironment can promote cancer development by creating inflammation, fibrosis, and immunosuppression 269.

Theories of Carcinogenesis

There are different theories explaining carcinogenesis. The somatic mutation theory (SMT) focuses on genetic mutations within individual cells, while the tissue organization field theory (TOFT) emphasizes the importance of tissue-level interactions and the disruption of normal cell communication and organization 69.

Role of Carcinogens and Oxidative Stress

Carcinogenic substances such as chemicals, radiation, viruses, and parasites can initiate carcinogenesis by causing DNA damage. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by these agents can further damage cellular components and activate signaling pathways that contribute to cancer development 3410.

Conclusion

In summary, carcinogenesis is a complex, multi-stage process involving genetic mutations, epigenetic changes, chromosomal instability, and interactions with the tissue environment. It is driven by both internal cellular changes and external factors, ultimately leading to the transformation of normal cells into cancerous ones 12345679+1 MORE.

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Multistep Carcinogenesis: A Chain Reaction of Aneuploidizations

Carcinogenesis is driven by the inherent instability of aneuploid karyotypes, resulting in a chain reaction of abnormal combinations and rearrangements of chromosomes, ultimately leading to cancer-specific phenotypes.

Highly Cited

2003·

197citations

·P. Duesberg et al.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts in carcinogenesis

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a crucial role in carcinogenesis by promoting inflammation, fibrosis, and immunosuppression, contributing to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.

2025·

4citations

·Shufen Zhou et al.

Oxidative Stress and Oxidative Damage in Carcinogenesis

Carcinogens induce cancer through production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause oxidative damage to cellular macromolecules and alter gene expression patterns, potentially affecting cancer susceptibility.

Highly Cited

2010·

946citations

·J. Klaunig et al.

Chemical and physical carcinogenesis: advances and perspectives for the 1990s.

Carcinogen-induced genetic and epigenetic damage in susceptible cells leads to carcinogenesis, with both exogenous and endogenous mechanisms contributing to the process.

Highly Cited

1991·

408citations

·C. Harris

The molecular biology of carcinogenesis

Carcinogenesis involves three stages: initiation, promotion, and progression, with key molecular targets including proto-oncogenes, cellular oncogenes, and tumor suppressor genes.

Highly Cited

1993·

224citations

·H. Pitot

Carcinogenesis explained within the context of a theory of organisms.

Carcinogenesis can be explained as a relational problem involving cell interactions and biophysical forces, rather than just cellular proliferation and motility.

Highly Cited

2016·

102citations

·C. Sonnenschein et al.

When DNA Mutations Interplay with Cellular Proliferation: A Narrative History of Theories of Carcinogenesis

The current theories of carcinogenesis are the result of a long history of thoughts and beliefs, from the humoral theory to the notions of initiation, promotion, and progression, and the recent discovery of the protein ATM.

2024·

4citations

·Laura El Nachef et al.

Carcinogenesis

Carcinogenesis is a multi-disciplinary journal focusing on research leading to the prevention of cancer in humans, covering viral, physical, chemical, and environmental aspects.

2020·

0citations

·James E. Klaunig

From epithelial remodelling to carcinogenesis.

The tissue organization field theory suggests that carcinogenesis is analogous to embryonic development, and studying the relationship between epidermal growth factor receptor, hypoxia inducible factor, and gut breathing fish can help better understand carcinogenesis.

2019·

4citations

·L. Satora et al.

Mechanisms Involved in Carcinogenesis

Carcinogenesis involves DNA mutations, epigenetic events, and micro-RNAs, with carcinogenic substances driving the process and cellular DNA mutations contributing to its initiation and progression.

2021·

1citation

·Chandramohan Kiruthiga et al.

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