Regeneration and Cancer: Molecular Drivers and Therapeutic Implications
摘要
Regeneration is a highly complex process involving cellular differentiation and proliferation, orchestrated by important signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, mitogen-activated protein kinase/ extracellular signal-related kinase (MAPK/ERK), Notch, and Hedgehog. These pathways play fundamental roles in both physiological tissue repair and pathological conditions, including cancer. Dysregulation of these signaling mechanisms can lead to aberrant growth and malignancy, supporting the concept that cancer represents a dysregulated form of regeneration. Furthermore, factors such as microenvironment, inflammation, and epigenetic modifications significantly influence both regeneration and cancer progression, revealing shared molecular pathways that may serve as therapeutic targets. Insights derived from highly regenerative organisms provide a valuable framework for developing novel cancer therapies aimed at restoring controlled cellular behavior and enhancing tissue repair. This chapter comprehensively examines the intersection between regenerative biology and tumorigenesis, emphasizing the potential to leverage regenerative mechanisms for cancer treatment strategies.