RE: isolde16 Oct 2016 18:19
If you leave CHK1 out for the moment, firstly think of it like this:
Mutated DNA is damaged DNA. The genetic code has been altered whatever the cause may be i.e. genetic, chemical, environmental etc.
These cells are thus cancerous by definition. They CAN undergo mitosis i.e. cell division. However as they tend to multipy at a much more rapid rate than normal cells undergoing 'uncontrolled abnormal mitosis', this thus results in proliferation of the disease.
DNA damage induces activation of Chk1, which then transduces the checkpoint signal and facilitates cell cycle arrest and DNA damage repair thus promoting tumour growth and possibly playing a role in anticancer therapy resistance.
There are trials being conducted where they are investigating whether activating, rather than inhibiting, Chk1 in the absence of chemotherapy might represent an innovative approach to suppress tumour growth.
''These findings suggest unique regulation of Chk1 in cell biology and cancer etiology, pointing to novel strategies for targeting Chk1 in cancer therapy.''