Cell proliferation

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Cell proliferation refers to the process that results in an increase of the number of cells, and is defined by the balance between cell divisions and cell loss through cell death or differentiation. Cell proliferation is the key mechanism that replenishes cells in the body, allowing for growth and repair.

Mechanism[edit | edit source]

Cell proliferation involves both the creation of new cells through cell division and the elimination of existing cells through apoptosis or programmed cell death. The balance between these two processes is regulated by a complex network of signaling pathways, which respond to a variety of internal and external stimuli.

Cell Division[edit | edit source]

Cell division is the process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells. It is a crucial process in cell proliferation. There are two types of cell division: mitosis and meiosis. Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Meiosis, on the other hand, results in four daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell.

Apoptosis[edit | edit source]

Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms. It is a crucial process in maintaining the balance of cell proliferation. Cells that are damaged, infected, or no longer needed are eliminated through apoptosis, preventing them from proliferating uncontrollably and potentially causing harm to the organism.

Regulation[edit | edit source]

The regulation of cell proliferation involves a complex network of signaling pathways. These pathways respond to a variety of internal and external stimuli, including growth factors, hormones, and environmental stresses. Key regulators of cell proliferation include the cell cycle, growth factors, and oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.

Cell Cycle[edit | edit source]

The cell cycle is the series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication. It is a crucial regulator of cell proliferation. The cell cycle is divided into four distinct phases: G1, S, G2, and M. The G1, S, and G2 phases are collectively known as interphase, during which the cell grows and duplicates its DNA. The M phase, or mitosis, is when the cell divides.

Growth Factors[edit | edit source]

Growth factors are proteins that stimulate cell proliferation. They bind to specific receptors on the cell surface, triggering a cascade of signaling events that ultimately lead to cell division.

Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor Genes[edit | edit source]

Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are key regulators of cell proliferation. Oncogenes promote cell proliferation, while tumor suppressor genes inhibit it. Mutations in these genes can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation, which is a hallmark of cancer.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Abnormal cell proliferation is a hallmark of many diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and certain types of heart disease. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate cell proliferation is therefore crucial for the development of new treatments for these diseases.


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD