title: Intra-tumor heterogeneity of cancer cells and its implications for cancer treatment.
abstract: Recent studies have revealed extensive genetic and non-genetic variation across different geographical regions of a tumor or throughout different stages of tumor progression, which is referred to as intra-tumor heterogeneity. Several causes contribute to this phenomenon, including genomic instability, epigenetic alteration, plastic gene expression, signal transduction, and microenvironmental differences. These variables may affect key signaling pathways that regulate cancer cell growth, drive phenotypic diversity, and pose challenges to cancer treatment. Understanding the mechanisms underlying this heterogeneity will support the development of effective therapeutic strategies.
authors.affiliation: Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.
authors.forename: Xiao-xiao
authors.initials: XX
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.affiliation: Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.
authors.forename: Qiang
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Yu
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D042822:Genomic Instability; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational; D015398:Signal Transduction