Decoding Cancer Evolution: Integrating Genetic and Non-Genetic Insights
The development of cancer begins with cells transitioning from their multicellular nature to a state akin to unicellular organisms. This shift leads to a breakdown in the crucial regulators inherent to multicellularity, resulting in the emergence of diverse cancer cell subpopulations that have enhan...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-09-01
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| Series: | Genes |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/14/10/1856 |
| _version_ | 1797626762248585216 |
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| author | Arghavan Ashouri Chufan Zhang Federico Gaiti |
| author_facet | Arghavan Ashouri Chufan Zhang Federico Gaiti |
| author_sort | Arghavan Ashouri |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The development of cancer begins with cells transitioning from their multicellular nature to a state akin to unicellular organisms. This shift leads to a breakdown in the crucial regulators inherent to multicellularity, resulting in the emergence of diverse cancer cell subpopulations that have enhanced adaptability. The presence of different cell subpopulations within a tumour, known as intratumoural heterogeneity (ITH), poses challenges for cancer treatment. In this review, we delve into the dynamics of the shift from multicellularity to unicellularity during cancer onset and progression. We highlight the role of genetic and non-genetic factors, as well as tumour microenvironment, in promoting ITH and cancer evolution. Additionally, we shed light on the latest advancements in omics technologies that allow for in-depth analysis of tumours at the single-cell level and their spatial organization within the tissue. Obtaining such detailed information is crucial for deepening our understanding of the diverse evolutionary paths of cancer, allowing for the development of effective therapies targeting the key drivers of cancer evolution. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-11T10:14:48Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-74ed3ab7bc6049ecb1d7918ca3f28151 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2073-4425 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-11T10:14:48Z |
| publishDate | 2023-09-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Genes |
| spelling | doaj.art-74ed3ab7bc6049ecb1d7918ca3f281512023-11-16T10:29:33ZengMDPI AGGenes2073-44252023-09-011410185610.3390/genes14101856Decoding Cancer Evolution: Integrating Genetic and Non-Genetic InsightsArghavan Ashouri0Chufan Zhang1Federico Gaiti2Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, CanadaDepartment of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, CanadaPrincess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, CanadaThe development of cancer begins with cells transitioning from their multicellular nature to a state akin to unicellular organisms. This shift leads to a breakdown in the crucial regulators inherent to multicellularity, resulting in the emergence of diverse cancer cell subpopulations that have enhanced adaptability. The presence of different cell subpopulations within a tumour, known as intratumoural heterogeneity (ITH), poses challenges for cancer treatment. In this review, we delve into the dynamics of the shift from multicellularity to unicellularity during cancer onset and progression. We highlight the role of genetic and non-genetic factors, as well as tumour microenvironment, in promoting ITH and cancer evolution. Additionally, we shed light on the latest advancements in omics technologies that allow for in-depth analysis of tumours at the single-cell level and their spatial organization within the tissue. Obtaining such detailed information is crucial for deepening our understanding of the diverse evolutionary paths of cancer, allowing for the development of effective therapies targeting the key drivers of cancer evolution.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/14/10/1856cancer evolutiongenetic alterationsepigeneticstumour heterogeneityclonal expansionsmulticellularity |
| spellingShingle | Arghavan Ashouri Chufan Zhang Federico Gaiti Decoding Cancer Evolution: Integrating Genetic and Non-Genetic Insights Genes cancer evolution genetic alterations epigenetics tumour heterogeneity clonal expansions multicellularity |
| title | Decoding Cancer Evolution: Integrating Genetic and Non-Genetic Insights |
| title_full | Decoding Cancer Evolution: Integrating Genetic and Non-Genetic Insights |
| title_fullStr | Decoding Cancer Evolution: Integrating Genetic and Non-Genetic Insights |
| title_full_unstemmed | Decoding Cancer Evolution: Integrating Genetic and Non-Genetic Insights |
| title_short | Decoding Cancer Evolution: Integrating Genetic and Non-Genetic Insights |
| title_sort | decoding cancer evolution integrating genetic and non genetic insights |
| topic | cancer evolution genetic alterations epigenetics tumour heterogeneity clonal expansions multicellularity |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/14/10/1856 |
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