Molecular Biology and Evolution of Cancer: From Discovery to Action.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2020

Keywords

JGM, JAXCC

JAX Source

Mol Biol Evol 2020 Feb; 37(2):320-326

Volume

37

Issue

2

First Page

320

Last Page

326

ISSN

1537-1719

PMID

31642480

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msz242

Abstract

Cancer progression is an evolutionary process. During this process, evolving cancer cell populations encounter restrictive ecological niches within the body, such as the primary tumor, circulatory system, and diverse metastatic sites. Efforts to prevent or delay cancer evolution-and progression-require a deep understanding of the underlying molecular evolutionary processes. Herein we discuss a suite of concepts and tools from evolutionary and ecological theory that can inform cancer biology in new and meaningful ways. We also highlight current challenges to applying these concepts, and propose ways in which incorporating these concepts could identify new therapeutic modes and vulnerabilities in cancer.

Share

COinS