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New protein inhibitor impedes growth of cancerous cells

Researchers developed a small-molecule inhibitor of Plk1, a key kinase controlling cell division. The compound BI 2536 effectively halts cancerous cell growth in culture and in animal models, causing cell death and tumor regression. This discovery has therapeutic potential for patients with locally advanced or metastatic cancers.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 8, 2007

'Quiet revolution' may herald new RNA therapeutics

Scientists at Oxford University have identified a surprising way to switch off a gene involved in cell division using a previously unknown type of RNA. This discovery could lead to new anti-cancer treatments by inhibiting the production of an enzyme that controls thymine production.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalNature·DateJan 21, 2007

Other highlights in the June 21 JNCI

A new study finds that high cadmium levels may increase breast cancer risk, while silibinin has been shown to inhibit lung tumor blood vessel formation. Additionally, researchers have identified a potential anticancer compound in milk thistle and explored the role of KGF and FGFR2b in cancer treatment.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 20, 2006

Manipulating master molecule shown to disrupt vascular environment for tumors in animal models

A study published in Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that blocking hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) significantly impairs tumor growth by damaging the vascular microenvironment. The tumors were smaller and had thin-walled, lumenless blood vessels compared to control mice.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 15, 2004

JCI Table of Contents, 15 August 2003

Asthma patients treated with bronchodilating beta-agonist medications may develop increased sensitivity to airway constriction, experience exacerbation of their condition. Researchers suggest that therapeutics targeting phospholipase C-beta may have substantial benefit in the treatment of asthma.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 15, 2003

Decrypting the role of Cripto in tumor growth

Researchers found that Cripto overexpression inhibits Activin signaling, leading to increased tumor cell growth. Antibody blockade of Cripto suppresses tumor cell growth in xenograft models, suggesting a central role for Cripto in tumorigenesis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 15, 2003

Physics tip sheet #34 - April 1, 2003

Researchers are investigating new methods to combat cancer growth through computer models and cytotoxic treatments. They also discovered that a process called Auger emission can cause electrons to be emitted in well-defined directions by single molecules, leading to potential breakthroughs in physics research.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 1, 2003

Other highlights of the December 18 JNCI

Researchers investigated the association between alcohol consumption and lung cancer risk, finding no statistically significant link. The Journal of National Cancer Institute also published studies on body surface area-based dosing for anticancer drugs and carbohydrate binding protein's potential to inhibit tumor growth.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 17, 2002

Nature's cycles in a fractal state of mind

Scientists Yonathan Shapir and Jacob Jorné discovered that natural cycles generate fractal patterns, governing everything from weather to cauliflower heads. This breakthrough enables the prediction of events like car battery lifespan, lawn growth, and tumor cell behavior, with potential applications in engineering and medicine.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 16, 2000

PSA level predicts future prostate growth

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that higher PSA levels are associated with faster prostate growth, allowing doctors to predict and potentially slow growth through treatment. This study provides critical information for planning a treatment, emphasizing the importance of annual PSA tests for men over age 50.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateFeb 10, 2000

Appetite-boosting antibodies for poultry

Poultry farmers can stop using antibiotics to promote growth in birds by adding antibodies against appetite-suppressing neurotransmitters and a fatty acid found in hamburgers. This alternative method produces similar growth gains as antibiotics, with improvements of 3-5% in growth rates.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateJan 11, 2000