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Z. Vrbica
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P3.01 - Poster Session with Presenters Present (ID 469)
- Event: WCLC 2016
- Type: Poster Presenters Present
- Track: Biology/Pathology
- Presentations: 1
- Moderators:
- Coordinates: 12/07/2016, 14:30 - 15:45, Hall B (Poster Area)
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P3.01-047 - Food for Thought: Should We Analyze a Cancer Cell as a Biological Mechanism or as a Biological Computer? (ID 5302)
14:30 - 14:30 | Author(s): Z. Vrbica
- Abstract
Background:
We are presenting our view of the similarities between the human/cancer cell and a theoretical biological computer. We would like to challenge the actual view on the cancer cell actions as random processes. Our hypothesis is that cancer cell is behaving as a biological computer with programmed actions and that should have an impact on the way we are dealing with cancer.
Methods:
Section not applicable
Results:
We suggest that the cancer cell should be analyzed as a digital system. Normal versus erratic cell function could be compared to normal versus erroneous computer program. In that case, we should try to find the program that has gone awry and modify it to stop the cancer instead of trying to block the peripheral effects of that program which is leading to sub-optimal results. If the cell has a program code, it could not be in the genome that we have decoded. In the digital point of view the genome is only static part representing data sets. What really makes a difference is the program code operating on that data set. In our model, that could be only the “non-coding” DNA. From our point of view, the human cell is biological computer consisting of the input units in the cell membrane, analog/digital converters in the cytoplasm and digital processing unit in the nucleus. The result of that processing is than converted through digital/analog converters (mRNA), activating different processes in the cytoplasm or leading to the synthesis of new molecules. Blocking the effectors pathways can lead to temporary slowing down of the tumor until the program code finds the solution for that obstacle. In our model, the permanent termination can be achieved only by blocking the program code. To do so, we have to find which part of the program code is active in cancer cell and with methods of reverse engineering find the solution to correct/debug/stop that program from execution.
Conclusion:
In our opinion the shift in paradigm of cancer cell from a biological mechanism to a biological computer should be made. Tailoring research based on that premise with the tools used in analyzing the unknown program code and modified to a biological system could lead to better understanding and treatment of cancer.
