title: Multi-layered cancer chromosomal instability phenotype.
abstract: Whole-chromosomal instability (W-CIN) - unequal chromosome distribution during cell division - is a characteristic feature of a majority of cancer cells distinguishing them from their normal counterparts. The precise molecular mechanisms that may cause mis-segregation of chromosomes in tumor cells just recently became more evident. The consequences of W-CIN are numerous and play a critical role in carcinogenesis. W-CIN mediates evolution of cancer cell population under selective pressure and can facilitate the accumulation of genetic changes that promote malignancy. It has both tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressive effects, and their balance could be beneficial or detrimental for carcinogenesis. The characterization of W-CIN as a complex multi-layered adaptive phenotype highlights the intra- and extracellular adaptations to the consequences of genome reshuffling. It also provides a framework for targeting aggressive chromosomally unstable cancers.
authors.affiliation: Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD , USA.
authors.forename: Anna V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Roschke
authors.affiliation: Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD , USA.
authors.forename: Ester
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rozenblum
keywords: W-CIN; aneuploidy; cancer; chromosomal instability; intra-tumor heterogeneity