title: Signal transduction pathways and chromatin structure in cancer cells.
abstract: Molecular mechanisms controlling gene expression include cell shape, mechanical and chemical signal transduction pathways, chromatin remodeling, and DNA methylation. In this article, we will review the contribution of these molecular mechanisms and structural alterations in the malignant transformation of cells. The mechanical signaling pathway consists of the tissue matrix system that links together the three-dimensional skeletal networks, the extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton, and nuclear matrix. The cytoskeleton array is a dynamic system that transmits signals from the cell exterior to nuclear DNA. The composition and function of this mechanical signaling pathway is altered in cancer cells. Chemical signaling pathways such as the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway stimulate the activity of kinases that modify transcription factors, histones, and chromatin remodeling factors. Oncoproteins deregulating this signaling pathway set in motion a series of events that cumulate to chromatin remodeling and aberrant gene expression. J. Cell. Biochem. Suppl. 35:27-35, 2000.
authors.affiliation: Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology and the Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3E OV9.
authors.forename: V A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Spencer
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Davie
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002843:Chromatin / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000378:metabolism; D019175:DNA Methylation; D006657:Histones / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D002843:Chromatin; D006657:Histones