Embryogenesis and carcinogenesis share many similarities. A high rate of cell proliferation, reprogramming of cell plasticity, cell migration, and invasion are all common hallmarks of both processes. In addition, embryonic stem (ES) cells and cancer stem cells can have overlapping gene expression profiles that, when observed in cancer patients, usually associate with worse overall survival. Similarities between embryonic and cancer cells are also found in DNA methylation patterns, transcription factors and proteins regulating chromatin organization. Additionally, aberrant spatial-temporal expression of genes implicated in physiological development can promote and support cancer cell transformation, proliferation, and survival.
Among them, there are different categories:
● Genes/pathways that are active during embryonic life, essential for proper development, but not for adulthood, and if mutated cause cancer.
● Genes/pathways that are active during embryonic development and, if aberrantly expressed, can cause “embryonal tumours”.
● Genes/pathways that are active during development in which germline mutations cause genetic diseases/syndromes, whereas their somatic variants can cause and promote cancer.
The goal of this Research Topic is to deepen the knowledge about physiological mechanisms and pathways underlying embryonic development that, if temporally or spatially altered, could induce malignant transformation. A deeper understanding of these processes could lead to a better characterization of cancer pathogenesis. In addition, identifying cancer-specific profiles will redefine diagnostic tools able to deeply characterize genetic-driven subgroups of patients and link them to their outcomes. This together with a comprehensive understanding of mechanisms of treatment resistance will open new insights for targeted therapeutic approaches and personalized therapy.
We welcome articles as Original Research, Review, Methods, and Perspective on in vitro and in vivo studies falling under the following topics:
• Misregulation of signaling pathways in developmental processes and cancer such as transcription factor expression, chromatin organization and methylation patterns.
• Cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating both development and tumorigenesis
• Role of the microenvironment in the development of specific tissues/organs or cell population and cancer stemness
• New insights on environmental cues influencing development and tumour transformation (e.g., microbiome, metabolism)
• New and advanced models of development and carcinogenesis (e.g., 3D models, in vivo models, pre-clinical models)
• NGS sequencing and identification of novel variants in genes with a role in development and driving cancer transformation
Please note: studies consisting solely of bioinformatic investigation of publicly available genomic/transcriptomic/proteomic data do not fall within the scope of the section unless they are expanded and provide significant biological or mechanistic insight into the process being studied.
Keywords: Embryonic development, tumorigenesis, transcriptional programs, cell-development, signalling, mutation, genomics, cancer
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
