Somatic evolution in cancer

Somatic Evolution in Cancer

Resected colon segment showing cancer and nearby polyps, illustrating somatic evolution.

Somatic evolution in cancer refers to the process by which cancer cells undergo genetic and epigenetic changes that allow them to proliferate uncontrollably, invade surrounding tissues, and metastasize to distant sites. This evolutionary process is driven by the accumulation of mutations and other genomic alterations within somatic cells, leading to the development of cancer.

Mechanisms of Somatic Evolution

Somatic evolution in cancer is characterized by several key mechanisms:

Genetic Mutations

Genetic mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can occur spontaneously or be induced by environmental factors. These mutations can affect oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and other regulatory elements, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and division.

Epigenetic Alterations

Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation and histone modification, can alter gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. These changes can contribute to cancer progression by silencing tumor suppressor genes or activating oncogenes.

Clonal Selection

Clonal selection is a process by which cells with advantageous mutations are selected for survival and proliferation. This leads to the emergence of dominant cancer cell clones that drive tumor growth and metastasis.

Genomic Instability

Genomic instability refers to an increased rate of mutations and chromosomal alterations in cancer cells. This instability can result from defects in DNA repair mechanisms and contributes to the genetic diversity of cancer cells.

Implications for Cancer Treatment

Understanding somatic evolution in cancer has important implications for the development of effective cancer therapies. Targeted therapies that specifically inhibit the function of mutated oncogenes or restore the function of tumor suppressor genes can be developed based on the genetic profile of a patient's tumor.

Related Pages

• Cancer
• Oncogene
• Tumor suppressor gene
• Metastasis
• Genomic instability