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Course unit title |
Scientific direction Scientific code |
Faculty |
Department (s) |
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Molecular and cellular biology of cancer |
Biochemistry N 004 Biology N 010 |
Life Sciences Center |
Institute of Biosciences |
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Total number of credits |
10 | |||
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Mode of studies |
Number of credits |
Mode of studies |
Number of credits |
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Lectures |
0 |
Consultations |
0 |
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Self-studies |
10 |
Seminars |
0 |
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Aims of course |
Deepen knowledge in the field of molecular cellular mechanisms of cancer development and progression. Aims to educate: 1) ability to select proper information and data bases for cancer biology knowledge deepening; 2) ability to systematize, interpret, and analyze new research data and information; 3) ability to apply the knowledge to fulfill practical tasks in research, clinical or bioindustrial activities. |
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Main topics |
Molecular characteristics of cancer cell. Modern theory of cancer development and molecular pathways of carcinogenesis. Cell cycle regulation and the changes during carcinogenesis. Molecular mechanisms of checkpoints in cell cycle. DNA repair and cancer. Chromosomal and microsatellite instability. Cell signaling and deregulation of the process in cancer. Growth factors, cytokines, cell survival factors in cancer cell survival. Cellular interactions, cell junctions, connections to extracellular matrix and deregulation in cancer. The mechanisms of cell differentiation, cell plasticity and malignization. Cancer stem cells. The mechanisms of cellular senescence, replicative senescence, telomeres, telomerase. Mechanisms of cellular immortalization. Programmed cell death, unprogrammed cell death. Cell death forms induced by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Changes of cell death mechanisms during acquired resistance to anticancer therapy. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of carcinogenesis. Cancer risk factors, carcinogens, their classification. Multistage cancer development model, monoclonal and polyclonal development of cancer. Cancer genes. Oncoviruses, viral carcinogenesis. Cancer susceptibility syndromes. Genetic changes during carcinogenesis: gene mutations, epigenetic changes, genetic instability of cancer, deregulation of molecular pathways through changes in gene expression. Genomics, proteomics and other -omics of cancer. Multigene panels for cancer risk prediction and outcome prediction. Cancer progression and Modern cancer therapy. Molecular mechanisms of cancer metastasis. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition, cell motility, immune suppression during cancer metastasis. Mechanisms of multidrug resistance, resistance to anticancer therapy. Tumor angiogenesis and hypoxia. Immune response in cancer, the concept of cancer immunotherapy. Complex interactions in tumor microenvironment. Targeted therapy of cancer and companion diagnostics for cancer treatment individualization. Main concepts of precise oncology, new technologies for cancer detection and therapy. Liquid biopsy, circulating cancer cells and nucleic acids. Modern approach in cancer prevention and cancer screening programs. |
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Main literature |
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Assessment strategy |
Assessment criteria |
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Exam or seminar |
Basic knowledge and ability to systematize novel data must be demonstrated during exam. Max 3 open questions or PPT presentation during open seminar at LSC. |
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Coordinator(s) Name, surname |
Pedagogical rank |
Scientific degree |
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Sonata Jarmalaitė |
prof. | dr. (HP) | |
| Juozas Rimatas Lazutka | prof. | habil. dr. | |
| Rasa Sabaliauskaitė | assoc. prof. | dr. |
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Approved by the Council of Doctoral School of Life Sciences Center No (4.10)600000-KT-… on the 14th of October 2021 |
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Chairman dr. Daiva Baltriukienė |