Cancer genetics and development

What is an adenoma?

A benign tumour originating from glandular epithelium.

What is an adenocarcinoma?

A malignant tumour originating from glandular epithelium.

What does apoptosis refer to?

Programmed cell death, a controlled process of cell self-destruction.

What role does β-catenin play in the cell?

It acts as a transcription factor when translocated to the nucleus in the Wnt signalling pathway.

What is a carcinoma?

A malignant tumour originating from epithelial tissue.

What are colonic crypts?

Tubular invaginations in the lining of the colon containing stem cells and responsible for epithelial renewal.

What is differentiation in biological terms?

The process by which cells become specialized in structure and function.

What does dysplasia indicate?

Abnormal cell growth and development, often a precursor to cancer.

What is E-cadherin and its significance?

A cell adhesion protein involved in maintaining epithelial integrity, where its loss is associated with increased cell motility and invasiveness.

What characterizes Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)?

An inherited condition characterized by numerous polyps in the colon, caused by germline mutations in the APC gene.

What is the function of Frizzled (Fz)?

A transmembrane receptor for Wnt proteins.

What are goblet cells?

Specialized cells in the epithelium that secrete mucus.

What does LGR5 signify?

A marker for stem cells in the colonic crypts.

What defines a malignant tumour?

A cancerous tumour that can invade surrounding tissues and metastasize to distant sites.

What is metastasis in cancer biology?

The spread of cancer cells from the primary tumour to other parts of the body.

What is a polyp?

An abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane, often benign but can progress to cancer.

What does proliferation mean in cellular biology?

Cell division and multiplication.

What is the role of Ras in cancer?

An oncogene involved in cell signalling pathways that regulate cell growth and proliferation, with mutations leading to uncontrolled cell division.

What are stem cells?

Undifferentiated cells with the ability to self-renew and differentiate into various cell types.

What is a Tumour Suppressor Gene (TSG)?

A gene that normally helps control cell growth and division, with mutations increasing the risk of cancer development.

What is the Wnt Signalling Pathway?

A crucial signalling pathway regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and other cellular processes, with disruptions implicated in various diseases, including cancer.