Should We Consider Cancers as Embryonic Diseases or as Consequences of Stem-Cell Deregulation?
2008
Cancers as Embryonic Diseases or Stem-Cell Deregulation
Commentary
Author Information
Author(s): Bastid Jérémy, Puisieux Alain, Ansieau Stéphane
Primary Institution: Inserm U590, Lyon, France
Hypothesis
Are cancers the result of embryonic diseases or stem-cell deregulation?
Conclusion
Cancers may originate from adult stem cells or progenitor cells, and the reactivation of embryonic genes could play a role in tumor progression.
Supporting Evidence
- Cancers show heterogeneity, suggesting they may originate from multipotent cells.
- Embryonic genes are reactivated in cancers, indicating a link to developmental processes.
- EMT is crucial in both embryonic development and cancer progression.
Takeaway
Cancers might start from special cells in our body that can change and grow, similar to how cells work during early development.
Limitations
The article discusses theoretical concepts without presenting experimental data.
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