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Fig. 10 | Molecular Medicine

Fig. 10

From: Altered Expression of the Cell Cycle Regulatory Molecules pRb, p53 and MDM2 Exert a Synergetic Effect on Tumor Growth and Chromosomal Instability in Non-small Cell Lung Carcinomas (NSCLCs)

Fig. 10

Hypothetical model describing the effects of the deregulated pRb/p53/MDM2 network on tumor growth and chromosomal stability. Two members of the network play a crucial role in G1/S (p53 and pRb) and G2/M (p53) transition. (A) The tumor cell with intact pRb, p53 and MDM2 has the ability to surveill the G1/S, G2/M and mitosis phases of the cell cycle. (B) The tumor cell with all three molecules impaired exhibits G1/S, G2/M and M phase checkpoint defects, leading to deregulated tumor growth (uncontrolled proliferation and decreased apoptosis) and to genomic instability. (C) Finally, the tumor cell where intermediate states of pRb/p53/MDM2 network dysfunction occur (1 or 2 alterations), impairment in cell cycle control also arises. However, cell division mechanism is less sensitive, compared with the programmed cell death procedure (see Discussion).

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