Add BrightSurf on Google Email

NIH scientists find that proteins involved in immunity potentially cause cancer

A set of proteins involved in the body's natural defenses produces a large number of mutations in human DNA, according to a study led by researchers at the National Institutes of Health. In some cancers, these naturally produced mutations can outnumber all other mutations and account for over two-thirds of tumors.

Genomics to reshape endometrial cancer treatment

A new study found that adding genomics-based testing to the standard diagnostic workup could lead to a change in recommended treatment for some women. The research identified four novel genomic-based subtypes of endometrial cancer, which suggest that genetic changes can help guide treatment decisions.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateMay 1, 2013

Exploring lincRNA's role in breast cancer

Scientists at Fox Chase Cancer Center have identified several dozen transcripts known as lincRNAs that are dysregulated in breast cancer. The study found that these lincRNAs are differentially regulated within breast cancer cell lines, indicating their potential role in tumorigenesis or regulation of other cancers.

Life's tiniest architects pinpointed by Yale researchers

A recent study published in Developmental Cell identifies piRNAs as the primary guides for epigenetic factors, controlling gene expression patterns in Drosophila. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for understanding cancer development and may lead to new therapeutic opportunities.

SourceYale University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 21, 2013

A little tag with a large effect

A recent study found that the epigenetic marker 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) plays a vital role in the selective expression of genes, particularly in healthy brain cells. The study also discovered that changes in 5hmC distribution are associated with gene silencing and may contribute to cancer development.

2013 Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine

Michael Stratton and Peter Hegemann received the 2013 Louis-Jeantet Prize for their discovery of ion channels activated by light, known as optogenetics, which holds promise for treating neurological diseases. They will use the prize money to continue their research on proteins that can be activated by light.

SourceEMBO·DateJan 22, 2013

Gene switch important in cancer discovered

Scientists have discovered that a gene switch regulates the expression of genes and promotes cancer development, according to a study published in Science. The study found that removing a specific region containing a genetic variant increased resistance to tumor formation in mice.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·DateNov 1, 2012

A protein’s role in helping cells repair DNA damage

Researchers found that TFIIB halts general transcription when DNA damage occurs, enabling cells to prioritize repair and support p53's tumor-suppressing functions. This process allows p53 to bypass the need for TFIIB phosphorylation, activating its target genes vital for DNA damage response.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 1, 2012

CNIO researchers describe new functions of cohesin relevant for human disease

Researchers identified new functions of cohesin SA1 relevant to human disease, including efficient chromosome duplication and regulation of gene expression during embryonic development. This work offers new clues to understand the pathologies observed in CdLS patients and may lead to a better understanding of cancer.

A question of gene silencing

Researchers have created a method for silencing non-protein-coding genes using zinc finger nucleases. This allows for the study of these genes' molecular and cellular functions, which are thought to play a role in cancer development.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalGenome Research·DateAug 24, 2011

Project Achilles pinpoints vulnerabilities in ovarian cancer

Researchers from the Broad Institute and Harvard identified genes essential for ovarian tumor growth, including PAX8, which is altered in nearly one-fifth of surveyed tumors. The study's findings have implications for cancer research, suggesting that classification based on genetic mutations may be more revealing than tissue origin.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 11, 2011

Novel analysis method organizes genomic cancer data

Researchers developed a novel analysis method to organize genomic cancer data, revealing previously unknown genetic connections and similarities among different types of cancers. The approach uses multiplicity to create three-dimensional models, potentially leading to trials of already approved drugs for additional cancers.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalBMC Medical Genomics·DateJun 30, 2011