Evolved dependence is a process through which one species becomes ‘dependent’ on another following a long evolutionary history of interaction. This happens when adaptations selected in the first species for interacting lead to fitness costs when the second species is not encountered. Evolved dependence is frequent in host–parasite interactions, where hosts may achieve a higher fitness in the presence of the parasite than in its absence. Since oncogenic manifestations are (i) ubiquitous across multicellular life, (ii) involved in parasitic-like interactions with their hosts, and (iii) have effectively driven the selection of numerous adaptations, it is possible that multicellular organisms display evolved dependence in response to oncogenic processes. We provide a comprehensive overview of the topic, including the implications for cancer prevention and treatment.
History
Publication title
Trends in Ecology and Evolution
Volume
33
Issue
4
Pagination
269-276
ISSN
0169-5347
Department/School
School of Natural Sciences
Publisher
Elsevier Science London
Place of publication
84 Theobalds Rd, London, England, Wc1X 8Rr
Rights statement
Copyright 2018 Elsevier Ltd.
Repository Status
Restricted
Socio-economic Objectives
Control of pests, diseases and exotic species in terrestrial environments