Tumor Biology: Regulation of Cell Growth, Differentiation and Genetics in Cancer (NATO ASI Series / Cell Biology)

This book provides both basic aspects and the latest findings in the molecular and cellular biology of malignant tumors. The focus is on the mechanisms by which normal and neoplastic cells proliferate, differentiate and undergo apoptosis. The differentiation of hemopoietic, epithelial and neuronal cells is treated with respect to growth factors, signal transduction, transcription factors, and genes regulating the cell cycle and the commitment to maturation. The role of oncogenes in neoplastic cell growth and cell death is also covered. The book deals with the regulation of globin gene expression by the LCR locus and the mechanisms of RNA stability for iron-binding and other proteins. The induction of differentiation of neoplastic cells as an alternative approach to cancer therapy is discussed.