Evolution by Tumor Neofunctionalization - 9780128001653

Evolution by Tumor NeofunctionalizationThe Role of Tumors in the Origin of New Cell Types, Tissues and Organs\nAuthor(s): Andrei P. Kozlov\nFormat: Paperback\nPublisher: Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc, United States\nImprint: Academic Press Inc\nISBN-13: 9780128001653, 978-0128001653\nSynopsis\nEvolution by Tumor Neofunctionalization explores the possibility of the positive role of tumors in evolution of multicellular organisms. This unique perspective goes beyond recent publications on how evolution may influence tumors, to consider the possible role of tumors in evolution. Widespread in nature tumors represent a much broader category than malignant tumors only. The majority of tumors in humans and other animals may never undergo malignant transformation. Tumors may differentiate with the loss of malignancy, and malignant tumors may spontaneously regress. Cellular oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes play roles in normal development. Many features of tumors could be used in evo.