Genetic and Epigenetic Regulation of Tissue Homeostasis in Cancer

Dear Colleagues,

Epithelial tissues represent the dynamic barriers between the external environment and internal surfaces of our bodies. This vital function requires extended networks of cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix interactions which stabilize tissues but also facilitate communication with the microenvironment. To support tissue homeostasis and injury-induced repair, a hierarchical cellular architecture, with tissue-specific stem/progenitor cells, differentiating into a whole range of specialized cells is maintained and tightly regulated. These tissue homeostasis processes are driven and defined by specific transcriptional and epigenetic landscapes that determine the cellular identity within tissue. As a result, epithelial integrity and homeostasis are safeguarded by a finely tuned balance between proliferation and differentiation. Similar principles apply to nonepithelial tissues, including the nervous system, the hemopoietic system and endothelial and stromal tissues.

Early stages of carcinogenesis are characterized by genomic and epigenetic alterations that lead to tissue disorganization, as poorly differentiated transformed cells exhibit a marked loss of traits associated with epithelial integrity.

For this Special Issue of Cancers, we invite authors to submit contributions that provide novel findings in the field of cancer progression in epithelia. In particular (though not limited to), insights in developmental pathways, epigenetic and transcriptional changes, tissue repair and regeneration, extracellular matrix–epithelial cell communication, with respect to loss of epithelial integrity during early phases of carcinogenesis, are of great interest. Reviews that highlight new findings in the above areas are also welcome.

Dr. Apostolos Klinakis
Dr. Theodoros Rampias
Dr. Panagiotis Karakaidos
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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