Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
b.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin: a malignant cancer, which
generally progresses less rapidly than melanoma and is less likely to
cause death.
c.
Basal cell carcinoma of the skin: a slow-growing skin cancer appearing
predominantly in older people.
d
n
0
t
2
n
g
|
2
d.
Photoaging: a loss of skin tightness and the development of solar
keratoses.
N
UV radiation appears to diminish the effectiveness of the immune system by
changing the activity and distribution of the cells responsible for triggering
immune responses. Immunosuppression can cause reactivation of the herpes
simplex virus in the lip (''cold sores'').
Key Facts of PTEN
N
PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10) is one
of the most frequently mutated tumor suppressor genes in human cancer.
N
In 1997, PTEN was first discovered by independent groups (Li group and
Steck et al) and recognized as the frequently lost tumor suppressor gene on
human chromosome 10q23, a locus that is highly susceptible to mutation in
primary human cancers.
N
The frequency of monoallelic mutations at this locus has been estimated at
50-80% in sporadic tumors (including endometrial carcinoma, glioblas-
toma, and prostate cancer) and at 30-50% in breast, colon, and lung
tumors.
N
Complete
loss
of
PTEN
is
observed
at
the
highest
frequencies
in
endometrial
cancer
and
glioblastoma
and
is
generally
associated
with
advanced cancers and metastases.
N
A recent landmark study reveals that PTEN loss is a common event in
breast cancers caused by BRCA1 deficiency.
Definitions of Words and Terms
Apoptosis: A form of cell death in which a programmed sequence of events
leads to the elimination of cells without releasing harmful substances into the
surrounding area. Apoptosis plays a crucial role in developing and maintaining
health by eliminating old cells, unnecessary cells, and unhealthy cells. The
human body replaces about a million cells a second. Too little or too much
apoptosis plays a role in many diseases. Reduced apoptosis can lead to cancer,
while increased apoptosis contributes to neurodegenerative diseases such as
Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's.
COX-2: Cyclooxygenase-2, a protein, acts as an enzyme and specifically
catalyzes the production of certain chemical messengers called prostaglan-
dins. Some of these messengers are responsible for promoting inflammation.
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