Altered Expression of the Cell Cycle Regulatory Molecules pRb, p53 and MDM2 Exert a Synergetic Effect on Tumor Growth and Chromosomal Instability in Non-small Cell Lung Carcinomas (NSCLCs)

Abstract

Our findings suggest that simultaneous deregulation of all members of the pRb-p53-MDM2 network confers an additive effect on tumor growth. The apoptotic pathway seems to be more susceptible to its defects than the cell proliferation machinery. The findings of the ploidy analysis, which are in parallel with those regarding the proliferative activity and the apoptotic rate study, further support the concept that these molecules constitute a tightly regulated network participating in cell cycle control and chromosomal stability.