Cell survival

Understanding the Molecular Basis of Cell Survival

An important prerequisite in our efforts to prevent, treat, and cure cancer and other catastrophic diseases is to have a basic understanding of how cells adapt to changing demands and dynamic environmental conditions in the context of normal growth and development. Cells encounter various stresses, and survival depends on their ability to mount an appropriate response to specific intracellular or extracellular stimuli.

Recent discoveries by St. Jude scientists using cutting-edge experimental approaches have further advanced our understanding of the basic molecular pathways that cells use to deal with stress and prevent disease.


Selected Research Highlights


Looking Ahead

Understanding the molecular basis of cell survival is essential for preventing, treating, and curing cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases. St. Jude researchers are using cutting-edge approaches to elucidate these mechanisms with the ultimate goal of fostering the development of disease prevention guidelines and the discovery of novel therapies.


Photo: Daniel Scott, PhD, Brenda Schulman, PhD, and Asad Taherbhoy, PhD