The MYC gene family plays essential roles in normal development and in multiple cellular functions. Moreover aberrant MYC gene activation is profoundly involved in the etiology of a wide range of cancers. MYC encodes a transcriptional regulator that modulates expression of genes controlling cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, differentiation, and death. Deregulation of these expression programs has been linked to MYC's function in tumor initiation, progression, and survival. Written and edited by experts in the field, this collection from Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine covers all aspects of MYC biology. The contributors discuss its normal functions in the control of cell growth, cell competition, pluripotency, and development, as well as the molecular basis for the effects of the MYC protein on transcription. In addition, they examine how MYC interacts with other proteins, induces apoptosis, and impacts metabolism, genomic stability, and microRNA expression. The authors also provide a detailed analysis of the role of MYC in tumor initiation and progression. Its involvement in cancers such as medulloblastoma, neuroblastoma, and Burkitt's lymphoma is examined, as are the prospects for anti-MYC therapies in cancer treatment. This book is essential reading for all cancer biologists, as well as researchers studying the regulation of gene expression.

Genetic alterations in cancer, in addition to being the fundamental drivers of tumorigenesis, can give rise to a variety of metabolic adaptations that allow cancer cells to survive and proliferate in diverse tumor microenvironments. This metabolic flexibility is different from normal cellular metabolic processes and leads to heterogeneity in cancer metabolism within the same cancer type or even within the same tumor. In this book, we delve into the complexity and diversity of cancer metabolism, and highlight how understanding the heterogeneity of cancer metabolism is fundamental to the development of effective metabolism-based therapeutic strategies. Deciphering how cancer cells utilize various nutrient resources will enable clinicians and researchers to pair specific chemotherapeutic agents with patients who are most likely to respond with positive outcomes, allowing for more cost-effective and personalized cancer therapeutic strategies.

Successfully fighting cancer starts with understanding how it begins. This thoroughly revised 3rd Edition explores the scientific basis for our current understanding of malignant transformation and the pathogenesis and treatment of cancer. A team of leading experts thoroughly explain the molecular biologic principles that underlie the diagnostic tests and therapeutic interventions now being used in clinical trials and practice. Incorporating cutting-edge advances and the newest research, the book provides thorough descriptions of everything from molecular abnormalities in common cancers to new approaches for cancer therapy. Features sweeping updates throughout, including molecular targets for the development of anti-cancer drugs, gene therapy, and vaccines...keeping you on the cutting edge of your specialty. Offers a new, more user-friendly full-color format so the information that you need is easier to find. Presents abundant figures-all redrawn in full color-illustrating major concepts for easier comprehension. Features numerous descriptions of the latest clinical strategies-helping you to understand and take advantage of today’s state-of-the-art biotechnology advances.

Nearly a century of scientific research has revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the most common and consistent phenotypes of cancer cells. A number of notable differences in the mitochondria of normal and cancer cells have been described. These include differences in mitochondrial metabolic activity, molecular composition of mitochondria and mtDNA sequence, as well as in alteration of nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins. This book, Mitochondria and Cancer, edited by Keshav K. Singh and Leslie C. Costello, presents thorough analyses of mitochondrial dysfunction as one of the hallmarks of cancer, discusses the clinical implications of mitochondrial defects in cancer, and as unique cellular targets for novel and selective anti-cancer therapy.

This second edition provides new and updated chapters detailing recent advances in MYC research and current techniques. Chapters guide readers through protocols on how to express and purify MYC protein, X-ray crystallography, NMR, techniques to study how MYC is modified, apoptosis, senescence, proliferation, metabolic changes, translation, tumorigenesis,reprogramming, and clinical application of MYC studies.Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, The Myc Gene: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

An overview of the current systems biology-based knowledge and the experimental approaches for deciphering the biological basis of cancer.

Seven million people die from cancer each year around the world, and many more are impacted by this universal scourge. In Betrayed by Nature, research scientist and lecturer Robin Hesketh demystifies the nature of cancer. Hesketh provides a concise and comprehensive history of both the science and the medical advances made over the decades. He takes the reader on a riveting tour of human biology; he explains how cancers start, what is meant by ‘a mutation', and how mutations can make cells grow abnormally and spread around our bodies. Drawing on the latest discoveries from the Human Genome Project, Hesketh reveals the strides being made in understanding this malevolent disease and makes accessible the science of today's treatments. Betrayed by Nature looks forward to the day when many cancers can be treated readily and effectively. With cancer afflicting one in three people worldwide, this is an illuminating and optimistic look at the past, present, and future of cancer.

This report considers the biological and behavioral mechanisms that may underlie the pathogenicity of tobacco smoke. Many Surgeon General's reports have considered research findings on mechanisms in assessing the biological plausibility of associations observed in epidemiologic studies. Mechanisms of disease are important because they may provide plausibility, which is one of the guideline criteria for assessing evidence on causation. This report specifically reviews the evidence on the potential mechanisms by which smoking causes diseases and considers whether a mechanism is likely to be operative in the production of human disease by tobacco smoke. This evidence is relevant to understanding how smoking causes disease, to identifying those who may be particularly susceptible, and to assessing the potential risks of tobacco products.

This textbook provides a practically applicable resource for understanding the surgical oncology management of pancreatic cancer. It discusses relevant aspects of anatomy and pathophysiology along with the latest diagnostic techniques. Insightful descriptions are then provided detailing how to perform critical surgical procedures when treating these patients. Relevant perioperative management strategies and emerging themes in cancer biology critical to understanding and treating the disease are also described. The need for cross-discipline collaboration to facilitate and enhance innovation within the discipline is reinforced throughout the text. Each chapter presents the relevant current clinical standards along with areas of controversy in both research and clinical practice within “pearls and pitfalls” sections. Textbook of Pancreatic Cancer: Principles and Practice of Surgical Oncology is a detailed work covering the basic material important to trainees as well as advanced curriculum for established specialists in the field from a multi-disciplinary perspective. Therefore, it is crucial resource for all practicing and trainee professionals who encounter these patients in their day-to-day clinical practice.

One of the most exciting areas of cancer research now is the development of agents which can target signal transduction pathways that are activated inappropriately in malignant cells. The understanding of the molecular abnormalities which distinguish malignant cells from their normal counterparts has grown tremendously. This volume summarizes the current research on the role that signal transduction pathways play in the pathogenesis of cancer and how this knowledge may be used to develop the next generation of more effective and less toxic anticancer agents. Series Editor comments: "The biologic behavior of both normal and cancer cells is determined by critical signal transduction pathways. This text provides a comprehensive review of the field. Leading investigators discuss key molecules that may prove to be important diagnostic and/or therapeutic targets."