1. The Mystery of Tissue Specificity. As a result of advanced genetic and molecular techniques, many germline mutations (inherited mutations passed down to offspring as opposed to somatic mutations acquired during the adult lifetime) associated with an increased risk of developing cancer have been identified(see the COSMIC database)Choose one germline mutation as your topic focus. Discuss the normal function of the gene as well as the role of the mutated gene in cancer development and/or progression, the type of cancer(s) associated with this mutation (keeping in mind classifications from Ch. 2), and the role of the tumor microenvironment in the development and/or progression of the specific cancer discussed. If specific information is not available on the influence of the microenvironment on this particular tumor type, provide informed speculation based on your reading.

2. Tumor viruses.

Choose a well characterized tumor virus as your topic focus (note: you may choose a virus that infects either humans or animals). Discuss the nature of the virus, the type of cancer(s) associated with this virus (keeping in mind classifications from Ch. 2), the role of the virus in tumor formation and/or progression, and the role of environment/microenvironment in the development of the virus-associated cancer. More specifically, being infected with a tumor causing virus does not guarantee the development of cancer (for example, HPV infection and cervical cancer). What environmental factors influence the risk of developing cancer if infected with this virus? If specific information is not available on the influence of environmental/microenvironmental factors on this particular virus-associated tumor type, provide informed speculation based on your reading.