Mast cell tumours in dogs less than 12 months of age: a multi-institutional retrospective study.

Objectives: To describe the clinicopathological and genetic characteristics of mast cell tumours in dogs less than 12 months old.

Materials And Methods: Retrospective review of dogs aged less than 12 months when diagnosed with mast cell tumours at three referral hospitals in the UK.

Results: Sixteen pure-bred dogs were included, of which 11 were female.

A synonymous germline variant in a gene encoding a cell adhesion molecule is associated with cutaneous mast cell tumour development in Labrador and Golden Retrievers.

Mast cell tumours are the most common type of skin cancer in dogs, representing a significant concern in canine health. The molecular pathogenesis is largely unknown, but breed-predisposition for mast cell tumour development suggests the involvement of inherited genetic risk factors in some breeds. In this study, we aimed to identify germline risk factors associated with the development of mast cell tumours in Labrador Retrievers, a breed with an elevated risk of mast cell tumour development.

Identification of molecular genetic contributants to canine cutaneous mast cell tumour metastasis by global gene expression analysis.

Cutaneous mast cell tumours are one of the most common canine cancers. Approximately 25% of the tumours metastasise. Activating c-kit mutations are present in about 20% of tumours, but metastases occur in the absence of mutations.

Inhibition of pRB Pathway Differentially Modulates Apoptosis in Esophageal Cancer Cells.

Esophageal cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Current chemotherapy regimens include a combination of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin, but more efficient therapy strategies are needed to increase 5-year survival. Alterations in the signaling pathway of the tumor suppressor gene Rb-1, which encodes a phosphoprotein (pRB) that negatively regulates the G1/S transition of the cell cycle, are present in 70% of all tumors, but its role in esophageal cancer is still unclear.

The Complex Link between Apoptosis and Autophagy: a Promising New Role for RB.

Physiological processes, as autophagy, proliferation and apoptosis are affected during carcinogenesis. Restoring cellular sensitivity to apoptotic stimuli, such as the antineoplastic cocktails, has been explored as a strategy to eliminate cancer cells. Autophagy, a physiological process of recycling organelles and macromolecules can be deviated from homeostasis to support cancer cells survival, proliferation, escape from apoptosis, and therapy resistance.