Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Research reveals how disordered protein regions contribute to cancer-causing condensates

Researchers developed a machine learning model that predicts which intrinsically disordered protein regions form condensates in cells, finding they are linked to RNA biology and occur in only about 12% of human proteins. The model, IDR-Puncta ML, provides a valuable resource for studying condensate formation in cancer and RNA biology.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 3, 2025

Sizing up a weakness in synovial sarcoma’s genes

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute found that using a drug as a blocker to outcompete the SUMO2 protein may be a winning strategy against synovial sarcoma. This approach aims to reverse aberrant epigenetic rewiring driven by the SS18::SSX fusion oncoproteins and impair sarcomagenesis.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2025

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.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

The dark side of 'junk' DNA

Scientists at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center found that certain short, repetitive DNA sequences contribute to the development of Ewing sarcoma by enhancing susceptibility to an oncoprotein. These sequences interact with histones in a way similar to stem cells, allowing the oncoprotein to change gene expression.

A*STAR scientists make headway for cancer treatment and cancer prevention with landmark discovery

Scientists at A*STAR's IMCB discover that antibodies can directly target intracellular oncoproteins like PRL-3 to suppress cancer growth. This breakthrough finding offers hope for cancer prevention and has the potential to expand the scope of tailor-made antibody therapy and cancer vaccines.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 8, 2011

Viral oncoprotein inactivation of p53

A team of scientists led by Dr. Xiaojiang Chen have uncovered the molecular mechanism behind how a viral oncoprotein inactivates p53. The study reveals that the viral protein binds to p53, causing a conformational change that prevents it from binding to DNA and thus abolishes its tumor-suppressing function.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 31, 2006