Guest Editors
Dr. Shing Cheng Tan, UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia.
Email: sctan@ukm.edu.my
Dr. Md Asiful Islam, WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women’s Health, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, UK
Email: m.a.islam@bham.ac.uk
Summary
Cancer remains one of the most challenging diseases to diagnose and treat effectively. Genetic biomarkers have emerged as critical tools in the early detection, diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized treatment of cancer. However, understanding the complex interactions between these biomarkers and the molecular and cellular processes they influence is essential for translating these discoveries into clinical practice. This Themed Issue aims to highlight the latest research advancements in the identification, characterization, and functional analysis of genetic biomarkers in cancer, with a particular focus on the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms.
Topics may include but are not limited to:
1. Identification and Functional Analysis of Genetic Biomarkers:
Discovering novel genetic biomarkers associated with various cancers using cutting-edge technologies.
Elucidating the roles of these biomarkers in cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy.
2. Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer-related Genetic Variations:
Investigating how genetic mutations, copy number variations, and other alterations contribute to cancer development and progression.
Exploring the regulatory networks and gene expression changes driven by these genetic variations.
3. Interaction Between Genetic Biomarkers and the Tumor Microenvironment:
Examining the interactions between cancer cells and their surrounding microenvironment, including immune cells, fibroblasts, and extracellular matrix components.
Understanding how the tumor microenvironment influences the function and regulation of genetic biomarkers.
4. Advanced Cellular Models and Experimental Approaches:
Utilizing cell lines, organoids, and 3D cell culture systems to study the functional implications of cancer genetic biomarkers.
Applying gene editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9 to dissect the roles of specific genes in cancer.
5. Signaling Pathways and Molecular Networks:
Deciphering the signaling pathways modulated by genetic biomarkers, such as the PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and Wnt pathways.
Identifying common and unique features of these pathways across different cancer types.
6. Meta-Analysis of Genetic Biomarker Studies:
Synthesizing data from multiple genetic studies to derive robust conclusions about biomarker efficacy and relevance in cancer.
7. Translational Research and Clinical Applications:
Developing diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies based on genetic biomarkers.
Integrating genetic information to guide precision medicine approaches in cancer treatment.
8. Technological Innovations and Multi-Omics Approaches:
Highlighting recent advancements in single-cell sequencing, liquid biopsy, and other high-throughput techniques.
Leveraging multi-omics data integration to provide comprehensive insights into the molecular complexity of cancer.
Through this themed issue, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with cancer genetic biomarkers, promoting the translation of basic research findings into clinical applications. We invite researchers and clinicians to contribute original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that will collectively advance the field and pave the way for improved cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Keywords
cancer genetic biomarkers, molecular mechanisms, tumor microenvironment, gene mutations, signal transduction, meta-analysis, polymorphism, precision medicine, CRISPR-Cas9, single-cell sequencing
Published Papers