Oncogenes
Articles tagged with Oncogenes
Revealing the unusual ability of a protein involved in lung and thyroid cancer
Researchers have discovered that the CCDC6-RET protein can activate itself, accelerating its function and making it a promising target for cancer therapy. The study also reveals a new mechanism of action, where the protein can utilize both ATP and ADP as energy sources.
Enhancer provides a potential target for ‘undruggable’ MYC in pediatric medulloblastoma
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified a key regulatory enhancer, ecMYC E1, that drives MYC expression in pediatric medulloblastoma, a type of brain cancer with poor outcomes. Silencing this enhancer reduces MYC transcription and can be targeted to treat the disease.
New knowledge about mobile proteins linked to childhood cancer
Researchers have discovered a way to prevent the collaboration between two important cancer-related proteins, N-MYC and Aurora A. This breakthrough could lead to new medications to combat childhood cancer. The study, published in Nature Communications, provides insights into how these proteins interact with each other.
New alliance clinical trial aims to improve outcomes in brain tumors
A new clinical trial will investigate whether adding the oral medication vorasidenib to standard chemotherapy improves progression-free survival for people with newly-diagnosed, grade 3 IDH-mutant astrocytoma. The study aims to recruit 400 individuals with this type of brain cancer and evaluate the safety and side-effect profile of the...
Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology highlights new and open colorectal cancer trials in March
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is spotlighting new trials for colorectal cancer in March, focusing on early detection methods and treatments for treatment delays and loss of appetite. The trials aim to improve patient outcomes, with several enrolling patients with newly diagnosed colon or rectal cancer.
Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation awards $3.2 million to innovative early-career scientists
The foundation awarded $400,000 over two years to five early-career researchers and continuation support to three current Innovators with significant progress on their proposed research. The recipients focus on developing targeted therapeutics, decoding dendritic cell function, defining NKT cell interactions with tumors, engineering T ...
Cats could hold new keys to human cancer
Researchers analyzed tumour samples from almost 500 domestic cats across five countries, identifying specific driver genes that lead to cancer development. The study found similarities between cat and human cancers, including a common driver gene associated with worse prognosis in humans.
A new experimental strategy uses gene editing against tumours with too many oncogenes
A team of researchers uses CRISPR gene editing to eliminate cells with amplified oncogenes, reducing tumour growth and increasing animal survival. The study offers a promising approach for precision therapies in resistant cancers.
Cancer’s super-enhancers may set the map for DNA breaks and repair: A key clue to why tumors become aggressive and genetically unstable
Researchers found that cancer's powerful genetic on switches, called super-enhancers, drive intense gene activity, causing DNA breaks and stress. This can lead to accumulation of mutations over time, fueling cancer's evolution.
Short-circuiting pancreatic cancer
Researchers have discovered a complex regulatory circuit involving SRSF1, AURKA, and MYC that promotes aggressive pancreatic cancer progression. The circuit, which involves alternative splicing, can be targeted with an antisense oligonucleotide to reduce tumor cells' viability and trigger apoptosis.
Night shifts aren’t just tiring, they can be deadly
A new study from Texas A&M University reveals that circadian disruptions change the structure of mammary glands, weaken immune defenses, and fuel aggressive breast cancer. Disabling an immune checkpoint molecule called LILRB4 helps restore the immune system's ability to fight back.
Alliance webinar highlights latest advances in cancer treatment
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology will host a public webinar showcasing key findings from the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting. Researchers will discuss latest information on colorectal, squamous cell, and renal cell cancers.
Molecular Analysis for Precision Oncology Congress (MAP) 2025: Event Announcement
The Molecular Analysis for Precision Oncology Congress 2025 (MAP) brings together leading experts to explore the latest cancer research advances. Key topics include AI-integrated diagnostics and therapy, as well as immunotherapy and emerging developments in aging and cellular senescence.
Zombie cancer cells give cold shoulder to chemotherapy
Cancer cells with abundant circular DNA elements (ecDNA) carrying oncogenes like MYCN are resistant to chemotherapy. Combining standard chemotherapy with a secondary therapy targeting these senescent cells leads to improved outcomes in mouse models of neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma.
Targeting the “undruggable”: New molecular degraders offer hope for aggressive breast cancer
A team from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem has developed innovative druglike molecules capable of degrading HuR, a key RNA-binding protein that stabilizes oncogenes and fuels cancer progression. These molecular degraders improve anticancer properties by up to 3-4 orders of magnitude compared to traditional HuR-binding molecules.
Chinese Neurosurgical Journal report identifies FAM111B as key molecular driver of glioma progression
Researchers have identified FAM111B as a promising candidate for glioma treatment. The study found that FAM111B overexpression enhances glioma malignancy through the PI3K/AKT pathway, providing a novel avenue for therapeutic intervention.
Breakthrough in childhood brain cancer research reveals possible new target for therapies
A rare form of childhood brain cancer called Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) hijacks gene control machinery to fuel its growth. A specific gene-silencing complex, CBX4/PCGF4-cPRC1, is essential for tumour growth and could be a promising drug target.
Scientists develop super strong antibodies for new cancer treatment
Researchers from the University of Southampton engineered a new type of super-strong antibody that triggers a stronger response from the immune system compared to naturally produced antibodies. The study confirms that making subtle increases in rigidity stimulates immune activity, creating a powerful immune response against disease.
Discovery of FOXR2 activation in various brain tumors refines diagnosis to improve care
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered FOXR2 activation in multiple pediatric CNS tumor types, including high-grade gliomas and pineoblastomas, with significantly different clinical outcomes. The study highlights the importance of combining molecular findings with other diagnostic approaches to improve treatment...
The secret DNA circles fueling pancreatic cancer’s aggression
Researchers found that pancreatic cancer cells gain a survival edge by carrying copies of critical cancer genes on circular pieces of DNA outside chromosomes. The discovery highlights the importance of targeting extrachromosomal DNA in treating the disease.
Hollings scientist develops new model for ovarian cancer – with crossover to uterine cancer
Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center have developed a new model for ovarian cancer that suggests serous uterine cancer may originate in the fallopian tubes, rather than the uterus. The model has already shown promising results in replicating high-grade serous ovarian and uterine cancers.
Scientists learn how to drug wily class of disease-causing enzymes
Researchers at UCSF develop a method to target GTPases, enzymes involved in Parkinson's and many other diseases, by using drugs targeting the K-Ras oncogene. This approach reveals new drug binding sites that could not be predicted by computational tools.
Scientists discover how the body's killer cells attack cancer
Researchers have found that natural killer cells instinctively recognize and attack the XPO1 protein, which drives cancer growth. By targeting this protein, scientists may be able to activate more killer cells to destroy cancer cells. The study suggests that this approach could lead to personalized cancer treatment with less side effects.
Newly discovered mechanism halts tumor cell replication
Researchers at the University of Bologna have identified a specific location and genomic context where DNA breaks occur due to topoisomerase I inhibition. This discovery could lead to new cancer treatments by inducing DNA damage and genomic instability in cancer cells.
Drug developed for pancreatic cancer shows promise against most aggressive form of medulloblastoma
A new study has shown that a drug developed for pancreatic cancer is effective in treating the most aggressive form of medulloblastoma, a childhood brain tumor. The drug, Minnelide, reduced tumor growth and increased the efficacy of chemotherapy, offering hope for improved survival rates for children with this disease.
A very long, winding road: Developing novel therapeutics for metastatic tumors
Researchers highlight difficulties in targeting metastatic tumors and propose two- and three-drug combinations to achieve effective tumor control. They also emphasize the need for simultaneous blocking of primary driving oncogene, evolving resistance mechanism, and secondary survival pathway.
Brain protein’s virus-like structure may help explain cancer-induced memory loss
Researchers have found that some tumors release a protein with a virus-like structure, triggering an out-of-control immune reaction that can damage brain cells. The immune system targets this protein as if it were a foreign invader, leading to rapid-onset memory loss and cognitive deficits.
Case report: Lazarus effect in a patient treated with osimertinib for NSCLC with leptomeningeal disease
Researchers report a case of a patient with EGFR L858R mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who experienced durable disease improvement after empirical treatment with osimertinib. The 'Lazarus effect' refers to the phenomenon where cancer appears to recur after seeming to be in remission.
One protein is key to the spread of lung cancer. Now, a new study has found a way to stop it
A new study by Tulane University has identified a previously unknown molecular pathway that could halt lung cancer growth. The research found that protein RBM10 can suppress lung cancer by targeting the function of c-Myc, a protein that drives cancer cell growth and proliferation.
The first oncogene was found more than 40 years ago. CNIO researchers have just discovered that it has a previously unknown mechanism of action
CNIO researchers have discovered a previously unknown mechanism of action for the first oncogene, c-Src. The study reveals that c-Src can autonomously activate itself through autophosphorylation, leading to cancer formation. This finding has significant implications for the development of new drugs targeting this enzyme.
Potential target for reversing drug resistance in ovarian cancer identified
A team of Chinese and UK researchers has identified superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) as a potential target for reversing drug resistance in ovarian cancer. By using nanoparticles to deliver siRNA that reduces SOD1 levels, the study showed reduced growth and decreased resistance to cisplatin in female mice.
Application of base editors in organoids opens new doors for cancer research
Researchers used base editors to introduce specific combinations of activating and inactivating mutations into healthy organoids, creating realistic models for various types of cancer. This allows for further investigation into the development and treatment of cancer, with potential applications including testing new drugs.
NUS researchers develop novel approach for predicting resistance against cancer therapy
Researchers at NUS developed a mathematical formula to predict the fraction of cells with a unique oncogenic combination linked to low survival rates in DLBCL patients. This combination involves high MYC and BCL2 positivity, but negative BCL6 expression, suggesting BCL6 plays a protective role.
‘Revolutionary’ research discovers new cause of cancer coming from inside us
Australian researchers have discovered a link between circular RNAs and DNA mutations that cause cancer. The study found that specific circular RNAs can bind to DNA, leading to mutations and cancer development. This discovery opens the door for using these molecules as new therapeutic targets and markers of disease.
Differential silencing of STAT3 isoforms leads to changes in STAT3 activation
Researchers investigated the roles of STAT3α and STAT3β in aggressive breast cancer and found that differential silencing of these isoforms leads to changes in STAT3 activation. This study emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between STAT3 isoforms for accurate cancer diagnosis and therapy.
St. Jude tool targets cancer-causing fusions’ weak spot
Researchers at St Jude Children's Research Hospital have developed a tool to comprehensively characterize oncogenic fusions in pediatric cancer cells. The tool has the potential to cure certain tumors by targeting these fusion genes with CRISPR-Cas9, selectively killing cancer cells while leaving healthy ones intact.
Scientists identify the mechanisms leading to resistance to lung cancer treatment with Sotorasib, the first KRAS inhibitor
Researchers studied how tumors adapt to Sotorasib and found that gene amplification and transcriptional programs lead to resistance. This knowledge can help develop targeted treatments for patients with KRAS mutations, potentially increasing survival rates.
How genome doubling helps cancer develop
Cancer develops when genome doubling leads to chromatin disorganization, promoting oncogene activation and genomic instability. Researchers found that WGD causes sub-compartment repositioning and loss of chromatin segregation.
Oncotarget | Unveiling the non-canonical functions of EZH2 in prostate cancer
Researchers from Northwestern University discuss the multifaceted tumorigenic functions of EZH2, including its role in regulating translation and coactivating transcription. This new understanding may provide novel insights into advancing EZH2-targeting strategies for prostate cancer patients.
Oncotarget | Oncogenic driver FGFR3-TACC3 requires 5 coiled-coil heptads for activation and disulfide bonds for stability
Researchers identify the minimum contribution of TACC3 for FGFR3-TACC3 fusion protein activation, revealing a novel target for treating FGFR translocation-driven cancers. The study shows that clinically identified FGFR3-TACC3 fusion proteins differ in biological activity depending on specific breakpoints.
New targets in the fight against pancreatic cancer
The study reveals that SETD1A overexpression is associated with poorer disease-free survival in pancreatic cancer patients. Artificially cultured cells showed increased cell growth and migration when SETD1A levels were overexpressed, while knocking down SETD1A expression led to decreased RUVBL1 gene expression.
Flipping the switch: Salk scientists shed new light on genetic changes that turn “on” cancer genes
Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified mechanisms that activate oncogenes in cancer cells, providing insights into predicting and treating the disease. The study found that structural variants in DNA can impact gene expression, leading to cancer, but most variants have no effect.
Promising new drug target for a rare liver cancer
Researchers have discovered that targeting a specific mutation in fibrolamellar tumors can reduce tumor growth in mice, offering a promising approach to treating this nearly incurable cancer. The findings highlight the potential for novel therapies against an intractable disease.
Targeted lung cancer drug shows promise in phase I/II clinical trial
The TRIDENT-1 trial suggests that repotrectinib could be effective for treating ROS1 positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients who have received other targeted treatments and those who have not. The drug showed promising results, with an objective response rate of 79% in patients not previously treated with a ROS TKI.
UArizona researchers develop 'Goldilocks drug' to treat triple-negative breast cancer
Researchers have developed a drug compound that stops cancer cell growth in mice with little effect on normal healthy cells, making it potentially nontoxic for patients. The therapy targets the epidermal growth factor receptor gene, which is overexpressed in about half of all triple-negative breast cancer cases.
Do human embryos and cancer share the same starting fuse?
Researchers have developed a model of how human embryos are formed, revealing that genes are switched on almost immediately after fertilization. This discovery may also shed light on the origins of cancer, which is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Genetic scissors helping cancer research: removing binding sites for an oncogene can slow down cancer cell growth
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have identified target genes of the MYC oncogene responsible for its growth-promoting effects. By modifying these genomic binding sites, they slowed down cell growth. This finding has significant implications for developing new cancer treatments.
The structure of protein RAF1 revealed: a key step in the development of new drugs against lung cancer
A team of scientists has determined the structure of the RAF1 protein, a therapeutic target against cancers associated with KRAS oncogenes. The study reveals structural vulnerabilities in RAF1, making it possible to design drugs capable of destroying it.
Protein that detects light may play a role in the origin and progression of melanoma, study suggests
Researchers at the University of São Paulo found that deactivating the light-sensitive protein melanopsin slows melanoma progression in animal experiments. The study, published in Communications Biology, suggests that melanopsin acts as an oncogene in melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
Gene that causes deadliest brain tumor also causes childhood cancers, new research shows
Researchers discover gene AVIL responsible for deadly brain tumor also causes two forms of childhood cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma. Blocking AVIL activity prevents formation of the disease in lab samples and mouse models.
CU Cancer Center study aims to predict critical markers for lung cancer treatments
Researchers used Guardant NGS to analyze nearly 17,000 lung cancer samples and found MET amplification in 1.2% of cases, with 20.8% having overlapping oncogenic drivers. The study suggests that high gene copy numbers and smaller amplified regions can be used to enrich for the true MET-sensitive population.
Breakthrough in study of how epithelial cells become cancerous
Researchers at Osaka University identified Src as a key molecule in the process of epithelial cells becoming invasive and cancerous. The study found that CDCP1 forms a molecular scaffold that activates Src, promoting cancer cell invasion.
Pioneering new targeted treatments
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are studying how lipids help fortify lung cancer cells and if targeting them can lead to better outcomes. The team discovered that lipids play a crucial role in cancer cell growth, membrane fortification, and energy production.
Drugs used to treat blood cancer could activate “sleeping” cancer-causing gene
Researchers found that hypomethylating agents can activate the SALL4 oncogene in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome, resulting in poor survival outcomes. Early intervention targeting SALL4 pathways may improve treatment and patient outcomes.
Treatment for Myelodysplastic syndrome by hypomethylating agents (HMA) may activate an oncogene
Research found that hypomethylating agents (HMAs) activated the oncofetal protein SALL4 in up to 40% of patients with MDS, resulting in poor patient survival. This activation is linked to demethylation and upregulation of oncogenes, suggesting a need for additional combination therapy.
NCCN Annual Conference focuses on cancer patient journey; with cutting-edge research and latest evidence-based care recommendations
The NCCN Annual Conference focuses on the cancer patient journey, featuring state-of-the-art practice algorithms, updates to clinical guidelines, and new therapies. Leading experts present treatment recommendations for various cancer types, including breast, colorectal, and lung cancer.
When and how mutant clones expand in normal endometrium
A recent study found that mutant clones expand in the normal endometrium through a rhizome structure, which arises from a common ancestral clone. This expansion increases the risk of developing endometriosis and endometrial cancer. The study proposes a new model of clonal expansion in the normal endometrium.
Genetic remodeling in tumor formation
A recent study published in Developmental Cell reveals that Kras mutation causes chromatin rearrangement, leading to stem-like cell regeneration and tumor onset. The team discovered a protein complex called AP-1 as the mediator of this process, which can be targeted with small-molecule drugs.
CHOP researchers define a 3-tiered molecular classification of pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer, where fusion oncogenes predict the most invasive behavior
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia define a 3-tiered molecular classification system for pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer, where fusion oncogenes are associated with more invasive disease and lower remission rates. The study contrasts findings from adults, who have a two-tiered system based on BRAF mutations.