CANCER AND CELL
DIFFERENTIATION
Done by:Aly shoieb 11B
WHAT ARE CELLS?
Cells are the smallest biological unit and make
up all living organisms.
introduction
1. CELLULAR DIFFERENTIATION IS THE PROCESS WHERE A STEM CELL TRANSFORMS
INTO A SPECIALIZED CELL TYPE.
2. IT OCCURS DURING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MULTICELLULAR ORGANISM, FROM
A ZYGOTE TO A COMPLEX SYSTEM OF TISSUES AND CELL TYPES.
3. DIFFERENTIATION ALSO HAPPENS IN ADULTHOOD AS ADULT STEM CELLS DIVIDE
AND CREATE SPECIALIZED DAUGHTER CELLS FOR TISSUE REPAIR AND CELL
TURNOVER.
4. SOME DIFFERENTIATION CAN OCCUR IN RESPONSE TO ANTIGEN EXPOSURE.
5. CHANGES DURING DIFFERENTIATION INCLUDE ALTERATIONS IN CELL SIZE,
SHAPE, METABOLIC ACTIVITY, AND RESPONSIVENESS TO SIGNALS, PRIMARILY
CONTROLLED BY MODIFICATIONS IN GENE EXPRESSION AND EPIGENETICS.
introduction
6. CELLULAR DIFFERENTIATION DOES NOT TYPICALLY INVOLVE CHANGES IN THE DNA
SEQUENCE BUT CAN SIGNIFICANTLY ALTER THE METABOLIC COMPOSITION OF CELLS.
7. STEM CELLS ARE RICH IN METABOLITES WITH UNSATURATED STRUCTURES, WHICH
DECREASE AS THEY DIFFERENTIATE, LEADING TO DISTINCT PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN
DIFFERENT CELL TYPES DESPITE SHARING THE SAME GENOME.
TYPES OF CELL DIFFERENTIATION
Totipotent differentiation: This refers to the ability of a fertilized egg
(zygote) to differentiate into all the cell types that make up an organism,
including embryonic and extraembryonic tissues like the placenta.
Pluripotent differentiation: These cells, like embryonic stem cells, can
differentiate into most, but not all, cell types of an organism.
Multipotent differentiation: These stem cells, found in adults (e.g., bone
marrow), can differentiate into a limited number of closely related cell types
within a specific lineage. For example, a hematopoietic stem cell can become
various blood cell types.
Unipotent differentiation: These are mature, specialized cells that can only
reproduce themselves (e.g., red blood cells).
TYPES OF CELL DIFFERENTIATION
Pluripotent cell differentiation is a complex and highly regulated process where
pluripotent stem cells, which have the potential to develop into any cell type in the body,
transform into specialized cell types with specific functions. This differentiation process
involves a series of molecular and cellular events that lead to the activation or repression
of specific genes, ultimately guiding the pluripotent cells towards a particular lineage.
differentiation based on cell types :
Myogenesis: Differentiation into muscle cells.
Adipogenesis: Differentiation into fat cells.
Osteogenesis: Differentiation into bone cells.
Neurogenesis: Differentiation into nerve cells.
CANCER AS A DISEASE OF DYSREGULATED DIFFERENTIATION
Cancer can be viewed as a disease of dysregulated
differentiation, where normal cellular differentiation
processes are disrupted, leading to uncontrolled growth and
proliferation of cells. In healthy tissues, cellular
differentiation is tightly regulated to ensure that cells
mature into specific types with defined functions and stop
dividing when necessary. However, in cancer, genetic
mutations, epigenetic changes, and alterations in signaling
pathways can disrupt this balance, causing cells to lose
their ability to differentiate properly. As a result, cancer
cells often exhibit characteristics of undifferentiated or
partially differentiated cells, allowing them to continuously
divide and evade normal growth control mechanisms.
ROLE OF CANCER STEM CELLS
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a group of versatile cells that have
been found in various types of solid and blood cancers. They possess
similar traits to normal stem cells, including the ability to self-
renew and differentiate, indicating their potential role in promoting
cancer growth. CSCs play a crucial role in tumor formation, cell
multiplication, and the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
Despite being a small fraction of the overall tumor cells, they have
the ability to resist treatment methods like chemotherapy and
radiotherapy.
TUMOR HETEROGENEITY AND RESISTANCE TO
THERAPY
Tumor heterogeneity refers to the existence of different groups of cells within a
single tumor, which can cause uneven distribution across and within tumor sites, as well
as changes in the molecular characteristics of cancer cells over time. This
heterogeneity plays a role in the development of resistance, highlighting the
importance of accurately assessing it in order to develop effective treatments.
Resistance can arise from the growth of pre-existing subgroups of cells or cells that
can tolerate drugs, leading to the evasion of immune response and suppression. A
thorough understanding of these molecular and cellular mechanisms can offer
valuable knowledge for the development of more efficient therapies for cancer.
RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CANCER DEVELOPMENT
There are several risk factors associated with the development
of cancer. Some of the common risk factors include:
1. Age: Advancing age increases the risk of developing cancer.
Cancer is more common in individuals over the age of 65.
2. Tobacco Use: Smoking or using tobacco products is a significant
risk factor for various types of cancer, including lung, bladder,
mouth, throat, and kidney cancer.
3. Family History: Having a family history of certain types of
cancer, such as breast, ovarian, colorectal, or prostate cancer,
can increase the risk of developing the disease.
4. Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain environmental
factors, such as chemicals, radiation, asbestos, and pollutants,
can increase the risk of cancer.
cancer.
RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CANCER DEVELOPMENT
5. Unhealthy Lifestyle: Poor diet, lack of physical activity, obesity,
and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to the
development of cancer.
6. Certain Infections: Chronic infections with certain viruses,
bacteria, or parasites can increase the risk of developing specific
types of cancer, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical
cancer, hepatitis B and liver cancer, and Helicobacter pylori and
stomach cancer.
7. Hormonal Factors: Hormonal factors, such as hormone
replacement therapy, certain contraceptives, and exposure to
estrogen, can increase the risk of breast and uterine cancer.
It's important to note that having one or more of these risk
factors does not necessarily mean a person will develop cancer.
Additionally, some individuals may develop cancer without having
any known risk factors.
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT STRATEGIES
Prevention:
1. Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of
cancer. This includes maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains,
regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, and practicing
safe sun exposure.
2. Vaccinations: Certain vaccines can help prevent infections that are known to increase the
risk of specific cancers. For example, the HPV vaccine can protect against cervical, anal, and
other HPV-related cancers, while the hepatitis B vaccine can reduce the risk of liver cancer.
3. Screening and Early Detection: Regular screenings for various types of cancer, such as
breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancer, can help detect cancer at an early stage
when it is more treatable. It is important to follow the recommended screening guidelines based
on age, gender, and individual risk factors.
4. Environmental Awareness: Minimizing exposure to environmental risk factors, such as harmful
chemicals, radiation, and pollutants, can help reduce the risk of cancer. This can involve using
protective measures and following safety guidelines in the workplace and at home.
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT STRATEGIES
Treatment :
1.Surgery: Surgery is a common treatment option for cancer and involves the removal of the
tumor and surrounding tissues. It may be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
2. Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer
cells. It can be delivered externally or internally, depending on the type and location of the
cancer.
3. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It can be
administered orally or intravenously and may be used as the primary treatment or in
combination with other therapies.
4. Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically target cancer cells or
specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer. It can help block the growth
and spread of cancer cells while causing less harm to healthy cells.
5. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and
attack cancer cells. It can enhance the body's natural defenses against cancer and has
shown promising results in various types of cancer.
6. Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy is used to treat cancers that are hormone-sensitive,
such as breast and prostate cancer. It involves blocking or suppressing the hormones that
fuel the growth of cancer cells.
Case study
JOHN, A 55-YEAR-OLD MAN, BEGAN EXPERIENCING PERSISTENT FATIGUE, WEIGHT LOSS, AND
ABDOMINAL PAIN. CONCERNED ABOUT HIS SYMPTOMS, HE VISITED HIS PRIMARY CARE
PHYSICIAN, WHO ORDERED SEVERAL TESTS, INCLUDING BLOOD WORK AND IMAGING SCANS.
THE RESULTS REVEALED A TUMOR IN HIS LIVER, INDICATING HE HAD LIVER CANCER.
JOHN'S JOURNEY WITH LIVER CANCER INVOLVED A COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT PLAN
TAILORED TO HIS SPECIFIC CONDITION. HERE IS A SUMMARY OF HIS TREATMENT:
1. SURGICAL INTERVENTION: AS JOHN'S TUMOR WAS DETECTED AT AN EARLY STAGE, HE WAS A
CANDIDATE FOR SURGICAL REMOVAL. HE UNDERWENT A PARTIAL HEPATECTOMY, WHERE THE
AFFECTED PORTION OF HIS LIVER WAS SURGICALLY REMOVED. THE SURGERY WAS SUCCESSFUL,
AND THE REMAINING LIVER TISSUE WAS HEALTHY.
2. CHEMOTHERAPY: FOLLOWING SURGERY, JOHN'S ONCOLOGIST RECOMMENDED ADJUVANT
CHEMOTHERAPY TO TARGET ANY REMAINING CANCER CELLS AND REDUCE THE RISK OF
RECURRENCE. HE RECEIVED SEVERAL CYCLES OF CHEMOTHERAPY OVER THE COURSE OF
SEVERAL MONTHS. THOUGH HE EXPERIENCED SIDE EFFECTS SUCH AS NAUSEA, HAIR LOSS, AND
FATIGUE, JOHN REMAINED COMMITTED TO COMPLETING HIS TREATMENT.
Case study
3. TARGETED THERAPY: AFTER COMPLETING CHEMOTHERAPY, JOHN'S ONCOLOGIST
RECOMMENDED TARGETED THERAPY. HIS LIVER CANCER WAS FOUND TO HAVE SPECIFIC
GENETIC MUTATIONS THAT COULD BE TARGETED WITH A MEDICATION DESIGNED TO INHIBIT
THE GROWTH OF CANCER CELLS. THIS THERAPY HELPED SLOW DOWN THE PROGRESSION OF THE
DISEASE AND PROVIDED HIM WITH ADDITIONAL TREATMENT OPTIONS.
4. RADIOEMBOLIZATION: AS THE CANCER PROGRESSED, JOHN'S TREATMENT PLAN INCLUDED
A PROCEDURE CALLED RADIOEMBOLIZATION. THIS INVOLVED THE INJECTION OF TINY
RADIOACTIVE BEADS INTO THE BLOOD VESSELS SUPPLYING THE TUMOR. THE BEADS DELIVERED
RADIATION DIRECTLY TO THE CANCER CELLS WHILE SPARING THE HEALTHY LIVER TISSUE.
THROUGHOUT HIS TREATMENT, JOHN FACED VARIOUS CHALLENGES. HE EXPERIENCED
PHYSICAL SIDE EFFECTS, SUCH AS FATIGUE, LOSS OF APPETITE, AND WEAKNESS. ADDITIONALLY,
THE EMOTIONAL TOLL OF LIVING WITH A CANCER DIAGNOSIS AND UNDERGOING TREATMENT
AFFECTED HIS MENTAL WELL-BEING. HOWEVER, WITH THE SUPPORT OF HIS FAMILY, FRIENDS,
AND HEALTHCARE TEAM, JOHN REMAINED DETERMINED TO FIGHT HIS CANCER.
