Overview of Cancer Resistance Mechanisms Observed in Mammals

Cancer is a global health challenge, affecting various species across the mammalian kingdom and it is a complex and ubiquitous disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth with the potentiality to disrupt the physiological integrity of an organism. It is important to understand the mechanisms underlying cancer resistance in different mammals for elucidating the evolution of cancer defenses. The investigation begins with an examination of Peto's paradox, a phenomenon that challenges conventional theories of cancer development concerning body size and lifespan. Despite the expected correlation between increased cell count and heightened cancer risk, some long-lived mammals, such as elephants and whales, exhibit a paradoxically low incidence of cancer. This observation has prompted inquiries into their unique anti-cancer defenses. Continuing, exploring the intricate cancer resistance mechanisms observed in long-lived bats, naked mole rats, and blind mole rats. These species have evolved a repertoire of strategies, including telomerase expression, genomic adaptations, and specific protein interactions, to mitigate the risk of tumorigenesis. Elephants, renowned for their remarkable cancer resistance, emerge as a focal point of this investigation. Their defenses includes an abundance of TP53 gene copies, a heightened DNA damage response, and an intriguing susceptibility to hyperplasia-induced cell death. Additionally, investigating into the captivating variation in cancer susceptibility between Asian and African elephants. While both species share some resistance mechanisms, the Asian elephant's heightened susceptibility to cancer challenges. In conclusion, understanding these adaptations and mechanisms of cancer resistance in these species not only enriches the understanding of cancer biology but also offers potential avenues for advancing cancer research and treatment in humans.