Reproduction and Cancer: Cell-Cell Interaction and Signal Transduction
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Oncology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2024 | Viewed by 51
Special Issue Editor
Interests: reproduction; cancer cells; biomarkers;cell-cell interaction
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Cell-cell interactions play crucial roles in both reproduction and cancer. Hormones play critical roles in both reproductive physiology and cancer. Hormonal signaling pathways, such as those involving estrogen, progesterone, and androgens, regulate various aspects of reproductive function, including menstrual cycles, ovulation, and pregnancy. Dysregulation of hormonal signaling pathways is also implicated in the development and progression of hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers. Cell-cell adhesion is critical in reproduction and cancer, and involves specific interactions mediated by complementary molecules on the surfaces of interacting cells. This ensures proper recognition and binding between cells, whether these are spermatozoa and oocytes, or cancer cells and host tissues. Adhesion molecules such as cadherins, integrins, immunoglobulins and selectins play critical roles in both processes. Cell adhesion is tightly regulated by signaling events also crucial for reproductive processes, such as embryonic development, tissue remodeling, and immune regulation, are also dysregulated in cancer. Several pathways play essential roles in both normal reproductive physiology and cancer progression, and their dysregulation can lead to aberrant cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration, contributing to tumorigenesis or reproductive success and related disorders. In addition to cell-cell adhesion and signaling, angiogenesis is essential for both normal reproductive processes (e.g., placental development) and tumor growth and metastasis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other angiogenic factors regulate angiogenesis in both contexts. Dysregulated angiogenesis can lead to abnormal vascularization in reproductive disorders like preeclampsia and in cancer, where it supports tumor growth and metastasis. Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer cells, characterized by increased glycolysis, altered lipid metabolism, and dependence on certain metabolites for proliferation and survival. Interestingly, similar metabolic changes occur during normal reproductive processes, such as sperm motility, oocyte maturation, embryo implantation, and placental development, suggesting shared metabolic pathways between reproduction and cancer. On the other hand, immune responses play dual roles in both reproduction and cancer. In reproduction, the maternal immune system must tolerate the semi-allogeneic fetus to prevent rejection, while maintaining the ability to defend against pathogens. Similarly, in cancer, the immune system can either suppress tumor growth through immune surveillance or promote tumor progression through immune evasion mechanisms. Regulatory T cells, cytokines, and immune checkpoint molecules are examples of immune regulators involved in both reproductive processes and cancer. Interestingly, epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA regulation, influence gene expression patterns in both reproduction and cancer. Epigenetic changes are critical for normal embryonic development, gametogenesis, and placental function, and aberrant epigenetic modifications are implicated in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis.
While the contexts and outcomes differ significantly between these two processes, understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms can provide insights into both normal physiological processes and disease pathogenesis, with implications for therapeutic interventions in cancer and reproductive disorders. Moreover, it offers opportunities for the development of novel therapeutic strategies that target common pathways implicated in both reproductive disorders and cancer.
Dr. Mónica H Vazquez-Levin
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- fertilization
- embryogenesis
- implantation
- placentation
- tumorigenesis
- tumor progression
- metastasis
- cell-cell adhesion
- cell signaling
- invasion
- angiogenesis
- hormone regulation
- metabolic reprogramming
- epigenetics
- immune response
- spermatozoa
- oocyte
- embryo
