Review Article

Redox-Related Mechanisms to Rebalance Cancer-Deregulated Cell Growth

Author(s): An-Sofie Stevens, Nicky Pirotte, Annelies Wouters, Andromeda Van Roten, Frank Van Belleghem, Maxime Willems, Ann Cuypers, Tom Artois and Karen Smeets

Volume 17, Issue 12, 2016

Page: [1414 - 1437] Pages: 24

DOI: 10.2174/1389450116666150506112817

Price: $65

Abstract

A delicate balance exists between the process of carcinogenesis and tissue regeneration. A number of malignant tumours are considered the outcome of an impaired or incomplete regeneration process, resulting in persistently dividing cells. Regeneration-competent tissues and animals are able to prevent and counteract growth abnormalities and seem to have a low vulnerability to chemical carcinogenesis. Cancer cell survival depends, among other things, on various redox-related mechanisms, which are targets of currently developed therapies. Disadvantages of these therapies are a lack of specificity and drug resistance. As the majority of these redox-related mechanisms also play an important role in successful and coordinated cell functioning and reproduction, the regeneration process offers a unique parallel context for modern cancer research. This review focuses on the interconnections between regeneration and carcinogenesis and how an understanding of regenerative forces and redox-controlled mechanisms could contribute to the identification of new therapeutic targets to block the growth and survival of cancer cells.

Keywords: Anticarcinogenic therapies, carcinogenesis, redox-related mechanisms, regeneration, stem cells.

Graphical Abstract

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