Gene Expression In Normal And Transformed Cells

This volume is based on the proceedings of a NATO-Gulbenkian Foundation sponsored Summer School held in May-June 1982 in Sintra Estoril, Portugal. Given the accelerated growth of knowledge in the field of eukaryotic gene expression, it seemed timely to hold a NATO Advanced Study Institute to discuss current developments in this area of biology and to evaluate the potential of emerging technologies such as gene transfer, recombinant DNA cloning and quantitative high resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The initial articles in t~is volume describe various differentiation models and address questions such as the relationships between differentiation and cell proliferation, biochemical changes accompanying differen tiation, expression of differentiated gene products and their regulation as well as gene organization of cytoskeletal proteins. The second section describes properties of neoplastic cells, surveys current assays for transformation and offers some new insights into the mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis. The third part is dedicated to viral oncogenesis and to the role of onco genes in cell transformation. Particular emphasis is given to the role of tyrosine kinases in cell transformation. The concluding section deals with various aspects of gene expression in normal and transformed cells with special emphasis given to studies using two dimensional gel electrophoresis, cell hybridization, gene transfer and immunological techniques.

The Transformed Cell deals with many of the differences that may exist between transformed cells and their normal counterparts. Topics covered range from malignancy and the cell surface to cell cycle regulation in normal and transformed cells; phenotypic expression of malignant transformation and its relationship to energy metabolism; and virus-induced transformation. The involvement of cyclic nucleotides in transformation is also discussed, together with intracellular pH and growth control in eukaryotic cells. This book is comprised of 12 chapters and begins with a brief description of terminology and basic concepts relating to cancer cells, as well as some comments on tumorigenicity and cell transformation. The next two chapters explore the evidence for and against the possible correlation of in vivo tumorigenicity to in vitro changes in the cytoskeletal system; anchorage-dependent growth; plasminogen activator production; agglutinability by lectins; and cell surface and plasma membrane properties. The regulation of cell proliferation and the relationships between ion movement and energy metabolism in normal and transformed cells are then examined, along with the transformation of normal cells by infection with new genetic material from tumor viruses. The remaining chapters focus on selected cellular properties that have been purported to differ between the normal and transformed cell, with particular reference to cyclic nucleotides; polyamine metabolism; cell viscosity; mobility of cellular water; intracellular pH; and element concentration. This monograph will be of interest to biologists and medical practitioners devoted to understanding cancer cell biology and cancer therapy.

This book, part contributed volume, part proceedings, discusses state-of-the-art advances on human cell transformation in cell models for the study of cancer and aging. Several of the chapters are from the Human Cell Transformation: Advances in Cell Models for the Study of Cancer and Aging conference that was held in June 2018 at McGill University. The authors represent international expertise on a wide variety of topics ranging from different types of cancer (prostate, bone, breast, etc.) to tumor microenvironment, tumor progression, homogeneity, and possible therapies and treatments.