Growth Factors And Their Receptors In Cancer Metastasis

about the involvement of signaling Transforming growth factor in tumor development and metastasis. plays a central role in the signaling network that controls morphogenesis, 2. THE BASICS OF growth and cell differentiation in SIGNALING multicellular organisms. The different members of this pleiotropic family of 2. 1. receptor signaling growth and differentiation factors seem to The family of growth factors regulate many processes in human disease consists of more than thirty members in and, in particular, tumor development. humans alone (15, 16). They cluster in Our understanding of how two major groups, the group composed of initiated signals are mediated has both the bone morphogenetic proteins increased dramatically in the last fifteen (BMP) and growth and differentiation years. Firstly, the prototype of factors (GDFs), and the group formed by this still constantly growing family, was the Activins, and Nodals. The two identified and cloned (1). Secondly, the groups differ in their use of receptors for family receptors were transmembrane receptors and the identified by expression cloning from subsequent activation of the mammalian tissue culture (2-7). Thirdly, transcriptional mediators (for recent genetic screens in Drosophila reviews see (13, 14, 17)).

Recent years have seen a considerable emphasis on growth factors and the elucidation of their mode of function, which has led to the recognition that growth factors, their receptors as well as downstream elements of signalling associated with their function might be potential targets in therapeutic management of human diseases. Humanised monoclonal antibodies raised against growth factor receptors have proved to be valuable for targeted cancer treatment and in patient management. This book reviews the latest developments providing insights into the signalling processes involved in morphogenesis and pathogenesis with emphasis on using the elements of the signalling cascades as targets for therapeutic deployment. Provides a fundamental understanding of the basic functions of growth factors and their receptors, describing how they are linked in biological processes Aids the development of therapeutic treatments for cancer Focuses on the interrelationships and convergence of growth factors and their receptors in development and pathogenesis and encourages greater cooperation and integration in the areas of developmental, cancer and cancer therapeutic research

Lymphangiogenesis and Cancer Metastasis introduces the new field of lymphatic vessel growth and development, and its relationship to the metastatic spread of cancer cells. The book covers all aspects of this new field from the fundamental role that protein growth factors and their receptors play in lymphangiogenesis to the potential application of these advances to cancer diagnosis and treatment. Other clinical aspects explored include the mechanisms and importance of lymph node metastasis, the role of the lymphatics in lymphangioleiomyomatosis and Kaposi’s sarcoma, and approaches for imaging lymphatics in cancer. The book also covers the innovative approaches taken by researchers to explore new roles for lymphatic vessel biology in the context of cancer. The information presented in this volume, which describes the revolutionary concepts of tumor lymphangiogenesis, will be of interest to all students, scientists and oncologists who are seeking to understand the complexities of tumor metastasis. Key Features: Presents fundamental concepts of tumor lymphangiogenesis and the molecules which control this process Provides a comprehensive summary of current research in this ground breaking area Provides a book which links progress in basic tumor and developmental biology with current and future oncology practise Is an essential text for molecular biologists, cell biologists and oncologists seeking to understand the implications of this rapidly developing area.

Written by internationally recognized experts, The Genetics of Cancer provides up-to-date information and insight into the genetic basis of cancer and the mechanisms involved in cancer invasion and its secondary spread. This volume presents the deregulation of the cell cycle in tumor development and integrates the function of tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes, and metastasis-associated genes in the pathogenesis and progression of cancer. The Genetics of Cancer will be useful to all graduate students, clinicians, and researchers working in the fields of cancer biology, genetics, and molecular biology. Clonal evolution of the metastasis phenotype Cell Cycle regulation Apoptosis in tumour growth and metastasis Angiogenesis in cancer Cell surface glycoproteins and their receptors Proteinases and their inhibitors in cancer invasion Oncogenes and cancer metastasis Developmental genes Tumour suppressor genes Metastasis suppressor genes Dominant metastasis-associated genes

Now in paperback, the Oxford Textbook of Oncology reflects current best practice in the multidisciplinary management of cancer, written and edited by internationally recognised leaders in the field. Structured in six sections, the book provides an accessible scientific basis to the key topics of oncology, examining how cancer cells grow and function, as well as discussing the aetiology of cancer, and the general principles governing modern approaches to oncology treatment. The book examines the challenges presented by the treatment of cancer on a larger scale within population groups, and the importance of recognising and supporting the needs of individual patients, both during and after treatment. A series of disease-oriented, case-based chapters, ranging from acute leukaemia to colon cancer, highlight the various approaches available for managing the cancer patient, including the translational application of cancer science in order to personalise treatment. The advice imparted in these cases has relevance worldwide, and reflects a modern approach to cancer care. The Oxford Textbook of Oncology provides a comprehensive account of the multiple aspects of best practice in the discipline, making it an indispensable resource for oncologists of all grades and subspecialty interests.

The contribution of epithelia-mesenchyme interaction to normal development (eg., tissue formation) and to neoplasia has become a subject of increasing interest to scientists because of recent progress in deciphering the molecular signals that mediate this interaction. Clearly, some of the same types of molecules (eg., growth factors and their receptors, proteolytic enzymes, cell adhesion molecules, and structural proteins of the extracellular matrix) mediate exchange of information between epithelia and mesenchyme during normal development and malignant growth. However, defects in the regulation of this exchange appear to contribute to malignancy by allowing growth promoting, invasogenic, and angiogenic factors to accumulate within the microenvironment of the tumor. For example, recent studies suggest that abnormal interactions between tumor epithelial cells and stromal mesenchymal cells contribute to the overproduction and accumulation of scatter factor (hepatocyte growth factor), an invasogenic and angiogenic cytokine, in certain types of tumor. The production and and activation of type IV collagenase, a matrix-degrading enzyme required for tumor cell invasion, appears to require intimate cooperation between tumor and stromal cells. The material contained in this volume highlights the state-of-the-art of knowledge of the molecular mechanisms by which epithelia and mesenchyme collaborate, and the abnormalities in these mechanisms that may lead to the development of cancer.