Cancer Development and Progression

Catalog description

BMB 480 / MICRB 480 Cancer Development and Progression (3) explores how cancer initiates and progresses with a focus on the interactions between tumor cells and normal tissues in the body. The goal of the course is to build fundamental knowledge of the mechanisms that drive cancer, and the current advances and challenges in cancer treatment. Genetic, biochemical, mechanical, and metabolic aspects of cancer will all be discussed along with relevant experimental techniques. RNA and DNA viruses that cause cancer will be highlighted as agents leading to the discovery of oncogene and tumor suppressor signaling pathways, and as ongoing contributors to cancer-related death. Significant attention will be given to the role of the immune system in cancer development, prevention, and treatment. By understanding mechanisms leading to the disruption of signaling pathways in cancer, students will develop a framework of how hallmark features of cancer arise and what corresponding therapeutic strategies have been developed to target them. Students are expected to participate in lectures and take part in discussion and analysis of scientific literature. This course applies core concepts from genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology to the study of cancer and provides a useful foundation for students interested in pursuing related graduate research or medical studie