Molecular Mechanisms of Tumor Pathogenesis

Dear Colleagues,

The molecular mechanisms underlying tumor initiation and progression are complex and multifaceted, involving a wide range of genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors. Although the precise mechanisms may vary depending on the tumor context, several common features have been identified that are involved in cancer development. As widely reported in the literature, both somatic and germline mutations play a critical role in tumor pathogenesis by oncogene activation or the silencing of tumor suppressor genes. Similarly, epigenetic alterations (e.g., DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNA regulation) may affect the key genes leading to the dysregulation of different signaling transduction pathways and loss of regulatory mechanisms of crucial biological processes, including cell growth, differentiation and DNA repair. In this field, recent advances in molecular biology technologies have led to the identification of the key molecular drivers of tumorigenesis and cancer progression, paving the way for the development of personalized medicine. Therefore, understanding these molecular mechanisms is mandatory to identify potential therapeutic targets, improving the management and clinical outcome of cancer patients.

This Special Issue aims to provide an overview of the recent advances into the molecular mechanisms involved in tumor pathogenesis, providing a new starting point for the development of new cancer treatment options. This Special Issue will contain original research articles, including in silico studies, and in vitro and in vivo experiments, as well as literature reviews.

We look forward to your contributions.

Dr. Saverio Candido
Dr. Alessandro Lavoro
Guest Editors

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• cancer
• therapeutic targets
• biomarkers
• epigenetics
• DNA methylation
• microRNAs
• somatic mutations
• germline mutations
• chromatin remodeling
• histone modifications