Comparative Genomics and Functional Genomics Analyses in Cancer

Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, with conventional therapies often facing limitations in efficacy and adverse effects. To decipher the sheer complexity and multi-faceted nature of cancer, various interdisciplinary approaches such as systems biology, comparative oncology, single-cell biology, and others have been developed and applied. Recent insights in cancer cell biology have demonstrated that both carcinogenesis and tumorigenesis, as well as recurrence, lead to genomic dysfunctionality in cancer stem cells (CSCs) and progenitor cell lineages due to stress and oxygen excess. To restore the functionality and stability of the genome, dysfunctional cells with irreparable DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and aberrant tetraploid/aneuploid cell cycles are repaired through cell-to-cell fusion and epigenetic modifications, leading to the formation of polyploid/multinucleated giant cancer cells (PGCCs/MNGCs) and hyperpolyploidy. Despite these advances, there remain significant gaps in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes and how they can be leveraged for therapeutic purposes.

This research topic aims to explore the intricate mechanisms of genomic instability and repair in cancer cells, with a particular focus on the roles of polyploid/multinucleated giant cancer cells (PGCCs/MNGCs) and hyperpolyploidy. We seek to answer specific questions regarding the molecular pathways that govern these processes and how they contribute to the loss and regain of genome stability. Additionally, we aim to test hypotheses related to the differentiation and stemness potential of PGCC progeny and their impact on cancer progression and treatment resistance.

To gather further insights into the boundaries of comparative genomics and functional genomics analyses in cancer, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Mechanisms of genomic instability and repair in cancer cells
• Role of polyploid/multinucleated giant cancer cells (PGCCs/MNGCs) in cancer progression
• Epigenetic modifications and their impact on genome stability
• Single-cell genomics and its applications in cancer research
• Comparative oncology and its insights into cancer treatment
• Systems biology approaches to understanding cancer attractors
• Evolutionary and ecological perspectives on cancer development
• Quantum, entropy, and thermodynamic principles in cancer biology

By delving into these themes, we aim to advance our understanding of cancer genomics and identify novel therapeutic targets to improve cancer treatment outcomes.

Keywords: Cancer evolution, Comparative genomics, Tumor heterogeneity, Cancer ecology, Tumor ecosystem, Oncology dynamics, Tumor microenvironment, Comparative oncology, Single-cell oncology, Quantum and Chaos oncology, Omics and Evolution oncology

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.