Biochim Biophys Acta. 2014 Jan 31. pii: S0304-419X(14)00015-8. doi: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2014.01.008. [Epub ahead of print]

The role of key genes and pathways involved in the tumorigenesis of malignant mesothelioma.

de Assis LV1, Locatelli J2, Isoldi MC3.

Author information

• 1Laboratory of Hypertension, Campus Universitário Morro do Cruzeiro; Pharmacy School, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
• 2Laboratory of Hypertension, Campus Universitário Morro do Cruzeiro; Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Biológicas (NUPEB), Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brasil.
• 3Departament of Biological Science, Institute of Exact and Biological Sciences; Laboratory of Hypertension, Campus Universitário Morro do Cruzeiro; Núcleo de Pesquisa em Ciências Biológicas (NUPEB), Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, MG, Brasil. Electronic address: mauroisoldi@hotmail.com.

Abstract

Malignant Mesothelioma (MM) is a very aggressive cancer with low survival rates and often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Several players have been implicated in the development of this cancer, such as asbestos, erionite and the simian virus 40 (SV40). Here, we have reviewed the involvement of erionite, SV40, as well as, the role of several genes (p16INK4a, p14ARF, NF2, LATS2, SAV, CTNNB1 and among others), the pathways (RAS, PI3K, Wnt, BCL and Hippo), and their respective roles in the development of MM.