OCPEG_Cancer

1 EJC H2 Biology T1W3 Control of Prok and Euk Genomes I Cancer 1. Introduction Cancer is a range of diseases that is characterised by uncontrolled cell growth and division, as well as the subsequent spread of abnormal cells to surrounding tissues and other parts of the body. Many describe cancer a s a genetic disease, and indeed so, for it results from the accumulation of mutations of cancer critical genes that lead to uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation. It can also result from the loss of normal cell cycle and growth control. Understanding the multi -step development of tumors and cancers enable us to develop spec ific interventions for cancer treatment. In this part of the lecture series, you will gain an understanding of the various factors that cause cancer, the cancer critical genes and changes to them that result in cancer, as well as appreciate how cancer development is a multistep process. 2. Learning Outcomes 2 (p) Identify the causative factors, including genetic, chemical carcinogens, ionising radiation and loss of immunity, which may increase the chances of cancerous growth. 2 (q) Explain how the loss of function mutation of tumour suppressor genes, including p53, and gain in function mutation of proto-oncogenes, including ras, results in uncontrolled cell division. 2 (r) Describe the development of cancer as a multi-step process that includes accumulation of mutations, angiogenesis and metastasis. 3. References Campbell, N.A. and Reece, J.B. (2008). Biology, 8th edition. Pearson.

2 EJC H2 Biology T1W3 Control of Prok and Euk Genomes I 4. Organisation of Lecture Content 1. Introduction 1 2. Learning Outcomes 1 3. References 2 4. Organisation of Lecture Content 2 5. Overview 3 1. Definition of Cancer 3 2. Dysregulation of Cell Cycle Checkpoints and its Link to Cancer 3 3. Types of Tumours 5 6. Molecular Basis of Cancer 5 1. Cancer as a Genetic Disease 5 2. Genes Involved in Cancer Development 6 A. Proto-oncogenes 8 B. Tumour Suppressor Gene 11 C. Gene Encoding Telomerase 13 D. Genes Encoding Proteins Involved in Angiogenesis 13 E. Genes Encoding Proteins Involved in Metastasis 14 3. Summary 15 A. Multi-step Process of Cancer 15 B. Differences Between Normal and Cancer Cells 16 7. Factors which Increase the Chance of Cancer Occurrence 17 1. Genetic Predisposition/ Heredity 17 2. Carcinogens 18 A. Chemical Carcinogens 18 B. Radiation 19 C. Viruses 21 D. Loss of Immunity 21 E. Other Factors 21

3 EJC H2 Biology T1W3 Control of Prok and Euk Genomes I 5. Overview 5.1 Definition of Cancer  Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by o Uncontrolled cell division and o Metastasis: the s pread of abnormal cells to surrounding