Principles of Cell Proliferation

Controlled expansion of cell populations is a fundamental feature of living organisms, being a finely-tuned balance between cell proliferation and cell death. This book aims to explain the molecular mechanisms that lie behind the multiplication and survival of eukaryotic cells. This encompasses both the normal regulation of cell populations in development or physiological adaptation and pathological mechanisms of cell cycle control in cancer. Principles of Cell Proliferation progressively introduces the function of growth factors, receptors, signal transduction pathways, gene expression and the conserved mechanisms of the cell cycle engine. This provides a context for understanding the mechanistic consequences of the genetic alterations in oncogenes and tumour suppresser genes which underlie tumour formation. The book should satisfy advanced level courses in Cell Proliferation, Cell Cycle Control and Cancer Biology for biologists, biochemists and medical students. The book comes at a time when the underlying molecular mechanisms of cancer are beginning to be unravelled. Ideal for advanced level courses in Cell Proliferation, Cell Cycle or Cancer Biology. An accessible account of a subject many students find complex.