Tumor Suppressor Genes: Functions, Regulation and Health Effects

Cancer is a devastating disease lacking an exact treatment. Recent advances in genetics and biotechnology have provided a deeper understanding of cancer biology, out of which aberrations in oncogenes and tumour suppresser genes have arisen as important etiological factors. Inactivation of tumour suppresser genes is one of the initial cellular changes that ultimately lead to tumour development. Thus, increasing knowledge about these genes aids in the development of novel therapeutic applications as well as identification of more effective and rapid molecular markers for early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation. This book provides up-to-date information on the structure, function and roles of the main tumour suppresser genes thus far identified. An important addition to the current literature in the field, this book is intended to help instructors for teaching purposes and researchers in the field of cancer biology as an overview of current knowledge.