DMMC Course CANCER BIOLOGY TO CANCER MEDICINE

1430-1510 Wednesday 24 May 2006.
Durkan Lecture Theatre, Institute of Molecular Medicine, TCD, St James's Hospital

Genes and Cancer
Prof Mark Lawler (St James's Hospital & TCD)

Following on from the introductory lecture, the concept of the role of different genes in the development of cancer is discussed. This lecture will define how two classes of genes, termed oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes, are implicated in cancer development. Examples are provided of how different cellular processes can be affected by mutations in these genes, which are involved in key normal cellular processes including growth, proliferation and cell division. While most cancers have an acquired genetic component, certain cancers (eg breast, colon) also display mendelian inheritance and this will be discussed in relation to our understanding of the disease and how this can be of clinical benefit. The knowledge provided in this lecture will inform the lectures, tutorials and round table discussions at later stages during the course, which illustrate how some of these genes provide key targets for cancer diagnostics and cancer therapeutics.