The use of information stored in our genes is tightly controlled. The active use of a geneA stretch of DNA that leads to the production of an RNA. The RNA is produced during the process of transcription. This RNA can be used to guide the formation of a protein via translation or can be used directly in the cell. (called gene expressionThe act of transcription and, if needed, translation of a gene. Regulation of gene expression is tightly regulated. Genes must only be expressed in the correct cells, at the right time and in the correct amount. Abnormal gene expression is always found in cancer cells.) is involves the production of RNAAlso: ribonucleic acid. RNA is a polymer comprised of the nucleotides A, C, G and U. RNA is the working form of our genetic information. RNA is produced via the process of transcription. Some RNA is used to help build ribosomes (rRNA) and some (mRNA) are used to guide the formation of proteins. Other forms of RNA are used to perform specialized functions in the nucleus. based on the DNAAbbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid. Composed of very long strings of nucleotides, which are abbreviated as A, C, G and T. DNA is the storage form of our genetic material. All of the instructions for the production of proteins are encoded in our DNA. code (transcriptionThe production of an RNA molecule from a DNA template. An RNA copy of a gene is produced by an enzyme, RNA polymerase. The RNA produced can either be used directly in the cell or can be used to direct the production of a protein through the process of translation. Many of the genes that are altered in cancer cells have potent effects on the process of transcription. See transcription factor.) into messenger RNA (mRNAMessenger RNA, an RNA molecule is a copy of a particular gene that is used in the production of a protein. Messenger RNA is produced in the nucleus via the process of transcription and is exported through holes or pores in the nuclear envelope into the cytoplasm. mRNA then attaches to a ribosome where the encoded message is read to produce a protein in the process termed translation.). This mRNA is then 'read' and used to produce proteins via a four-step process called translationThe formation of protein by a ribosome reading a messenger RNA (mRNA). The RNA is produced in the nucleus via the process of transcription and shipped to the cytoplasm via the nuclear pores. The RNA is bound by ribosomes and the catalytic activity of the ribosomes allows the reading of the RNA and the formation of a protein based on the information encoded in the mRNA.. Regulation of elongation, the third step in translation, can play a key role in controlling cancer development (tumorigenesis).
An international team of scientists has recently discovered that control of elongation is important in a process known as the epithelialA type of tissue (epithelium) that covers our exposed surfaces, such as skin. Also lines our hollow or tube-like organs/tissues such as the digestive tract. Since these tissues are often exposed to environmental insults such as chemicals and solar radiation and are often divide rapidly to replace lost cells, many cancers arise in epithelial tissues.-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is a common feature of cancer cells during which they become less like normal adult tissues. EMT is directly correlated to tumor growth and metastasis.The TGF-β-activated-translational mRNP complex prevents tumorigenesis by inhibiting the translation of proteins that drive EMT. The researchers showed how this works by converting noninvasive breast epithelial cells into aggressive, metastaticThe term for a cancer that has spread beyond its point of origin. Metastatic disease is responsible for the majority of cancer deaths. cells.
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