Programmed cell removal: a new obstacle in the road to developing cancer

Nat Rev Cancer. 2011 Dec 8;12(1):58-67. doi: 10.1038/nrc3171.

Abstract

The development of cancer involves mechanisms by which aberrant cells overcome normal regulatory pathways that limit their numbers and their migration. The evasion of programmed cell death is one of several key early events that need to be overcome in the progression from normal cellular homeostasis to malignant transformation. Recently, we provided evidence in mouse and human cancers that successful cancer clones must also overcome programmed cell removal. In this Opinion article, we explore the role of programmed cell removal in both normal and neoplastic cells, and we place this pathway in the context of the initiation of programmed cell death.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD / physiology
  • Apoptosis*
  • CD47 Antigen / physiology
  • Calreticulin / physiology
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Phagocytosis
  • Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 / physiology

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • CD47 Antigen
  • Calreticulin
  • Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1
  • antigens, CD200