more concise cell mo exam 3

OCT4

expressed in the ICM and required for establishing the ICM in vivo

CDX2

expressed in the TE and required for implantation

NANOG

promotes rapid cell division and entry into the S-phase, ensuring ICM cells stay undifferentiated (pluripotent)

In the absence of CDX2,

OCT4 is expressed in the TE

Trophectoderm

forms the outer layer of the embryo

OCT4 SOX2

essential for developing mature pluripotent cells

klf and c-Myc

increase efficiency & accelerate iPS generation.

Amyloid-β (Aβ) & Tau

Core

Core to Alzheimers disease, forming plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, respectively

Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn)

aggregates into Lewy bodies in Parkinsons disease

TDP-43

accumulates in conditions like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Huntingtin

forms aggregates in Huntingtons disease

Unlocking phenotypic plasticity

cancer cells gain the ability to change their identity or developmental state. This allows them to adopt stem cell-like or mesenchymal traits, increasing survival invasion metastasis and resistance to therapy

nonmutational epigenetic reprogramming

cancer cells alter gene expression through epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation or histone modification without changing the DNA sequence itself. These changes can activate oncogenes, silence tumors suppressor genes, and promote progression

polymorphic microbiomes

changes in the composition of microorganisms associated with the body and can influence cancer development and progressioin. Certain microbes can promote inflammation, alter immune responses, damage DNA, or affect responses to cancer therapy

senescent cells

cells that permanently stop dividing but remain metabolically active. They secrete inflammatory molecules that can promote chronic inflammation, tissue remodeling, and tumor growth in surrounding cells

Leptotene stage

prophase begins and duplicated chromosomes start to condense. Each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids

Zygotene stage

homologous chromosomes begin to pair up by formation of the synaptonemal complex. The bivalent is formed at this stage

pachytene stage

homologous chromosomes are fully synapsed and crossing over occurs between non-sister chromatids

diplotene stage

synaptonemal complex disassembles, homologous chromosomes being to separate but remain connected at the chiasmata

diakinesis stage

nuclear membrane disintegrates. chiasma become more evident. homologous chromosomes move farther.

proto-oncogene

a normal gene that promotes controlled cell growth, division, or survival. when mutated or overexpressed, it can become an oncogene that contributes to cancer development

oncogene

a mutated or abnormally activated form of a proto-oncogene that drives uncontrolled cell proliferation and promotes cancer progression

tumor supressor gene

a gene that normally prevents excessive cell divison, repairs DNA damage, or promotes apoptosis. Loss or inactivation of these genes can contribute to cancer development

dysbiosis

an imbalance in your body’s microbial communities, where harmful microbes outnumber beneficial ones. Leads to digestive issues like bloating, gas, diarrhea, and systematic problems such as inflammation, malnutrition and links to chronic conditions like diabetes.

chornic inflammation

slow long term immune response where the body releases inflammatory cells for months or years, even without injury or infection.

Stem cell exhaustion

the age-related decline in stem cell number and regenerative function, leading to reduced tissue repair and maintenance, which contributes to aging and age-related dysfunction

cellular senescence

the permanent cell-cycle arrest of damaged or stressed cells. while initially protective, the accumulation of senescent cells and their inflammatory secretions over time contributes to tissue dysfunction and aging