CHAPTER 11 - Alteration in major cell signaling pathways in cancer

Abstract

A cancerous cell acquires numerous characteristic alterations that allow the cells to evade the mechanisms controlling their survival, proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and apoptosis. This evasion from mechanisms results from the alterations of the signaling pathways. When a protooncogene is converted to oncogene or when the tumor suppressor gene is deactivated, the signaling pathways that promote tumor growth get activated. The root cause of cancer can be better understood if the signaling pathways which mainly affect the cancer progression are studied. In this chapter, we will have a look at the major signaling pathways that affect the process of tumor progression, their mode of action and their pharmacological targets.