ATM signal pathway and its relationships with cancer development and treatment

The human ATM gene is located at 11q22.3. Studies on the ATM signaling has yielded valuable insights into the DNA damage response, redox signaling, receptor tyrosine kinase pathway, metabolic pathway, hypoxia and angiogenesis-related pathways. These pathways are strongly linked to tumor initiation and progression as well as tumor therapy. Because that mutated ATM gene carriers have increased risk of developing cancers, and ATM has been the focus of intense scrutiny over the past two decades. Here we review these findings as well as advances in the understanding of ATM signaling mechanisms underlying carcinogenesis and cancer treatment. Key words: Cancer; ATM; Signaling