Characterizing the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of cancer

Nastaran Zahir, Ruping Sun, Daniel Gallahan, Robert A. Gatenby, Christina Curtis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

71 Scopus citations

Abstract

Tumor initiation and progression are somatic evolutionary processes driven by the accumulation of genetic alterations, some of which confer selective fitness advantages to the host cell. This gene-centric model has shaped the field of cancer biology and advanced understanding of cancer pathophysiology. Importantly, however, each genotype encodes diverse phenotypic traits that permit acclimation to varied microenvironmental conditions. Epigenetic and transcriptional changes also contribute to the heritable phenotypic variation required for evolution. Additionally, interactions between cancer cells and surrounding stromal and immune cells through autonomous and non-autonomous signaling can influence competition for survival. Therefore, a mechanistic understanding of tumor progression must account for evolutionary and ecological dynamics. In this Perspective, we outline technological advances and model systems to characterize tumor progression through space and time. We discuss the importance of unifying experimentation with computational modeling and opportunities to inform cancer control.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)759-767
Number of pages9
JournalNature Genetics
Volume52
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2020

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020, Springer Nature America, Inc.

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