Cellular and molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis

While rapid cell proliferation, migration, and subsequent differentiation are necessary during development, such rapid expansion is in general not desirable in the adult. The balance of cell production must be equal to cell loss. Perturbations of the normal regulatory mechanisms governing cell turnover may lead to uncontrolled cell growth and the development of cancer. Over the last several decades, our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cancer of the gastrointestinal tract has increased dramatically: this article reviews current understanding in the field. Using both cell culture and animal models, researchers have gained insight into important genetic and epigenetic pathways regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and death. Increased understanding of these molecular pathways will lead to further advances in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancer.