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Neoplastic transformation occurs via a series of genetic and epigenetic alterations that yield a cell population that is capable of proliferating independently of both external and internal signals that normally restrain growth. Anchorage-independent growth is one of the hallmarks of cell transformation, which is considered the most accurate and stringent in vitro assay for detecting malignant transformation of cells.

The most significant consequence of oxidative stress in the body is thought to be damage to DNA.  DNA may be modified in a variety of ways, which can ultimately lead to mutations and genomic instability. This could result in the development of a variety of cancers including colon, breast, and prostate. Here we discuss the various types of damage to DNA, including oxidative damage, hydrolytic damage, DNA strand breaks, and others.

Cells go through a natural life cycle which includes growth, maturity, and death. This natural life cycle is regulated by a number of factors, and the disruption of the cycle is involved in many disease states. For example, cancer cells do not die the way normal cells do at the end of their life cycle. Here we look at the various processes by which cells age and die, both programmed and unprogrammed.

Lentivirus vector based on the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) has become a promising vector for gene transfer studies. A popular feature of the lentivirus vector is its ability of gene transfer and integration into both dividing and non-dividing cells. The pseudotyped envelope with vesicular stomatitis virus envelope G (VSV-G) protein broadens the target cell range.

Small GTP-binding proteins (GTPases) serve to regulate a variety of cell signaling pathways and are therefore involved in a wide range of cell functions, processes, and morphology. The most studied small GTPases are Ras, Rho, Rac, Cdc42, Rap, and Arf. They regulate molecular events by cycling between an inactive GDP-bound form and an active GTP-bound form. In their active (GTP-bound) state they bind to a specific binding domain to control downstream signaling cascades.

Researchers use viral vectors for gene delivery because of their infectious nature and ability to introduce specific genes into a cell. A virus must first be packaged with the gene of interest to be introduced. The virus is then quantified, purified, and finally transduced into the target cell.