Phenotypic noise and plasticity in cancer evolution.
Embargo End Date
Authors
Whiting, FJH
Househam, J
Baker, A-M
Sottoriva, A
Graham, TA
Househam, J
Baker, A-M
Sottoriva, A
Graham, TA
Document Type
Journal Article
Date
2023-11-13
Date Accepted
2023-10-04
Abstract
Non-genetic alterations can produce changes in a cell's phenotype. In cancer, these phenomena can influence a cell's fitness by conferring access to heritable, beneficial phenotypes. Herein, we argue that current discussions of 'phenotypic plasticity' in cancer evolution ignore a salient feature of the original definition: namely, that it occurs in response to an environmental change. We suggest 'phenotypic noise' be used to distinguish non-genetic changes in phenotype that occur independently from the environment. We discuss the conceptual and methodological techniques used to identify these phenomena during cancer evolution. We propose that the distinction will guide efforts to define mechanisms of phenotype change, accelerate translational work to manipulate phenotypes through treatment, and, ultimately, improve patient outcomes.
Citation
Trends in Cell Biology, 2023, pp. S0962-8924(23)00206-4 -
Source Title
Trends in Cell Biology
Publisher
CELL PRESS
ISSN
0962-8924
eISSN
1879-3088
1879-3088
1879-3088
Collections
Research Team
Genomics & evolut dynam
Cancer Genomics
Cancer Genomics