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How cancer cells escape from tumors and spread

Cancer cells' ability to slide past obstacles and travel out of primary tumors is enabled by abnormal protein fiber scaffolding and the agility of cancer cells themselves. The researchers developed a model environment that mimics protein fibers, allowing them to observe and quantify the behavior of breast cancer cells.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateApr 28, 2016

Breast cancer progression -- the devil is in the detail

Breast cancer cells challenged with a small-molecule inhibitor targeting specific invasive properties switch to an alternative mode-of-action, rendering them even more aggressive. The results suggest that inhibiting one pathway may not block all aggressiveness in breast cancer cells.

How breast cancer cells slide to metastasis

Researchers found that breast cancer cells spread by sliding around other cells blocking their escape route out of the original tumor. The study identified molecular pathways that regulate cell-sliding behavior and showed that increased levels of E-cadherin can diminish this behavior.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateApr 26, 2016

Primate evolution in the fast lane

Researchers at Cornell University and Bar-Ilan University discovered a novel mechanism for mutation in primates triggered by the APOBEC family of virus-fighting enzymes. These enzymes can rapidly generate large changes in genes through 'friendly fire' events, which may have been passed on to subsequent generations.

SourceCornell University·JournalGenome Research·DateApr 7, 2016

Physical parameters matter in terms of cancer cells' metastatic ability

A recent study found that the presence of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) promotes the motility of elongated mesenchymal tumour cells in breast cancer cells, which migrate along collagen fibres. This increased persistence and moderate speed suggests that EGF contributes to modulating the mobility of tumour cells.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateFeb 1, 2016

Cancer riddle, solved

University of Iowa researchers track cancerous human breast tissue cells' motion and accretion into tumors, discovering that only five percent of cancerous cells are needed to form a tumor. The team finds that cancer cells actively recruit healthy cells by extending cables to grab their neighbors, forming a larger mass.

Study reveals potential therapy targets for triple-negative breast cancer

A multi-institutional international study has revealed new information about the interaction between long non-coding RNAs and HIF-1 signaling pathways in triple-negative breast cancer. The study identifies four previously unknown phosphorylation sites, which predict a worse outcome for TNBC patients, suggesting that these sites could s...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 11, 2016

Epigenetic regulation of metastatic breast cancer progression may guide prognosis and future therapy

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine identified a metastasis suppressor gene called serum deprivation response (SDPR), which plays a role in breast cancer progression. Over-expression of SDPR reduces the incidence of metastatic disease in models of aggressive, metastatic breast cancer cells.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2016