| Introduction (basic terminology and nomenclature, historical milestones in cancer research). Molecular basis of neoplastic transformation (chromatin structure, classification of mutations, mutagens and carcinogens, genetic instability). Regulation of gene expression (transcription factors, epigenetic changes of chromatin). Telomeres and telomerases (structure and function, immortalization). Cell cycle (growth and division, phases, regulation mechanisms, check points in normal and cancer cell). Apoptosis (types of cell death, intrinsic and extrinsic pathway, proteases and DNases). Growth factor signaling and oncogenes (growth factor receptor pathway, classification of oncogenes, oncogenic activation). Tumor suppression (evidence of existence, discovery, classification, two-hit hypothesis). Cancer stem cells (cellular hierarchy, features of normal and cancer stem cells, self-renewal, differentiation, malignant hematopoiesis). Metastasis and angiogenesis (intravasation, extravasation, adhesion molecules, proteases, angiogenesis and neovascularization). Therapeutical approaches (cytotoxic chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, radiotherapy). Modern targeted therapy (design and development of modern anticancer drugs, inhibitors of oncogenes, reactivation of tumor suppressors, oncolytic viruses, immunotherapy, vaccination). Recommended knowledge: Basic knowledge of cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry. Attendance of Cell Cycle and Apoptosis (BUCY) is strongly recommended. |
Laboratory of Growth Regulators
Palacký University Olomouc