An Overview of the Oncogenic Signaling Pathways in Different Types of Cancers

Abstract

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. It is theorized that underlying genetic and epigenetic changes enable cells to proliferate out of control by escaping regulatory mechanisms. The progression of cancer is associated with increased cell proliferation, metabolic modifications, resistance to apoptosis, genetic instability, induction of angiogenesis and augmented migratory capability. Recent developments in DNA and RNA analysis have made it possible to study these genetic changes systematically. These advances have enabled us to possess a deeper knowledge of the signaling pathways and involved processes. In-depth studies of the pathways involved in carcinogenesis have led to the identification of pathways that may be targeted for therapeutic purposes. In this review, we provide an overview of the relevant mechanisms and pathways involved in the development and progression of cancer.

The Right Partner in Crime: Unlocking the Potential of the Anti-EGFR Antibody Cetuximab via Combination With Natural Killer Cell Chartering Immunotherapeutic Strategies

“…Several major signaling pathways such as β-catenin, Wnt, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) are recognized for their potentially oncogenic characteristics ( 1 ). Among them, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is likely the most commonly investigated signaling pathway, renowned for its fundamental role in the tumorigenesis of many cancer types ( 2 ).…”

Comprehensive analysis of microRNAs and their target genes in oral submucous fibrosis

“…During a fibrotic response, multiple signaling pathways such as MAPK, PI3K, and JAK/STAT pathways function together with TGF‐β to ensure oncogenic transformation. Incidentally, these signaling pathways are considered oncogenic driving cancer progression (Derakhshani et al., 2020). From our analysis, we infer that the oncogenic transformation in OSF is due to the activation of signaling pathways.…”

“…The miR‐200b (Liao et al., 2018) and miR‐200c (Liao et al., 2018), and miR‐203a (Chen et al., 2016b) involved in the TGF‐β pathway, PI3K pathway and mTOR pathways are involved in classic stages of cancer initiation and progression such as EMT, focal adhesion, cell cycle, and DNA damage. Incidentally, the target genes of profibrotic miRNAs (miR‐21 and miR‐31) are involved in the Ras signaling, TGF‐β pathway, and angiogenic VEGF signaling, indicating their role in oncogenic transformation in OSF (Derakhshani et al., 2020).…”

“…The miR-200b miR-200c (Liao et al, 2018), and miR-203a(Chen et al, 2016b) involved in the TGFβ pathway, PI3K pathway and mTOR pathways are involved in classic stages of cancer initiation and progression such as EMT, focal adhesion, cell cycle, and DNA damage. Incidentally, the target genes of profibrotic miRNAs (miR-21 and miR-31) are involved in the Ras signaling, TGFβ pathway, and angiogenic VEGF signaling, indicating their role in oncogenic transformation in OSF(Derakhshani et al, 2020).A possible utility of miR-200b for ameliorating the activity of myofibroblast trans-differentiation in OSF targeting F I G U R E 3 Construction of miRNA and its target gene network by Cytoscape after the miRNA-target gene interaction analysis via miRTarBase 8.0 database. A total of 371 experimentally validated genes were seen to be interacting with the OSF-associated miRNAs.…”

Molecular implications of HOX genes targeting multiple signaling pathways in cancer

“…Distinct classes of regulatory molecules govern the functional activities in a normal cell through the interaction with different signaling pathways. Any disruption of intercellular and intracellular signaling networks has wider implications on the cellular function resulting in many diseases including cancer (Derakhshani et al 2020 ; Sever and Brugge 2015 ). Accumulating evidence demonstrates that homeobox ( HOX ) genes that function as master regulators during embryogenesis have roles in both organogenesis and oncogenesis (Smith et al 2019 ).…”