Gene

Organism

Mutant

Cell

Archaeology

Ecology

Model organism

Battle

Genetics

Biology

Competition (biology)

Cell biology

History

Development

ABSTRACT The process of cell competition results in the elimination of cells that are viable but ‘less fit’ than surrounding cells. Given the highly heterogeneous nature of our tissues, it seems increasingly likely that cells are engaged in a ‘survival of the fittest’ battle throughout life. The process has a myriad of positive roles in the organism: it selects against mutant cells in developing tissues, prevents the propagation of oncogenic cells and eliminates damaged cells during ageing. However, ‘super-fit’ cancer cells can exploit cell competition mechanisms to expand and spread. Here, we review the regulation, roles and risks of cell competition in organism development, ageing and disease.

Cell competition: the winners and losers of fitness selection