Cell Cycle and Cancer

The relationship between the cell cycle and cancer is a pivotal topic for Zambian university and college students studying cancer genetics, molecular biology, and pathology. This subject examines how normal cell cycle regulation, governed by checkpoints and cyclin-dependent kinases, is disrupted in cancer cells. Students will explore the roles of telomeres and telomerase in cellular immortality, the hallmarks of cancer cells (e.g., uncontrolled proliferation, evasion of apoptosis), and how mutations in cell cycle control genes lead to tumorigenesis. Aligned with tertiary curricula in Zambia, this knowledge is crucial for understanding the molecular basis of cancer, a significant public health issue. It prepares learners for examinations, research projects, and careers in oncology research, molecular diagnostics, and therapeutic development, contributing to improved cancer management strategies within Zambia and the broader African context.