[Key role of apoptosis in progressing uveal melanoma].
Apoptosis is known as a major achievement of biological world evolution aimed at eliminating "genetic waste," transformed or obsolete cells, and hence at controlling neoplastic processes. At the same time, clinical data point to an inverse effect. Thorough fundamental studies at the levels of light and electron microscopy allowed us to reveal several disturbances in physiological course of apoptosis. We discuss possible recruitment of this mechanism by tumor aimed at self-selection for a cell clone with maximum malignant potential and at elimination of less aggressive populations where the set of point mutations is abortive for further tumor progression.
Ziangirova
G G
GG
Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, ul. Rossolimo 11, Moscow, 119849 Russia. eyeacademy@mail.ru
Likhvantseva
V G
VG
Ukhov
Iu I
IuI
Sutulov
A Iu
AIu
D017209:Apoptosis; D018450:Disease Progression; D005123:Eye / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D014604:Uveal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure