Work

Fearful Symmetry: Subversion of Asymmetric Division in Cancer Development and Progression

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: Asymmetric division is an evolutionarily conserved process that generates daughter cells with different fates through the unequal partitioning of fate determinants. While asymmetric division is critically important in generating diversity during development, its dysregulation can also promote oncogenesis. In particular, signals that shift the normal balance of symmetric and asymmetric division can lead to a differentiation arrest and trigger cancer progression. Here, we discuss the studies that have provided increasing support for this idea. Beginning with original work carried out in Drosophila, we trace more recent work in mammalian systems that suggest that the subversion of asymmetric division can contribute significantly to the development and progression of both hematologic malignancies and solid cancers.

Source: Cancer Research

DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-2750

Authors: Jeevisha Bajaj, Bryan Zimdahl, Tannishtha Reya

Institutions: University of California San Diego, Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Developmental Biology and Gene Regulation

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Cancer Institute