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Exposing cancer's lethal couriers

Researchers developed a new nanotechnology that detects micrometastases in mouse models of breast cancer, marking them for early diagnosis and treatment. The technology uses nanochains to target cancer cells with integrins, allowing doctors to guide surgery or deliver cancer-killing drugs directly to the cells before a tumor forms.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 24, 2012

How breast cancer spreads

Breast cancer cells spread to surrounding lymph nodes through invasion into lymph vessels. Johns Hopkins researchers discover protein HIF-1 triggers this process by stimulating the growth of new blood vessels and activating genes involved in lymph vessel formation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2012

Genetic copy-number variants and cancer risk

A new study has found a significant increase in rare de novo genetic mutations in individuals with testicular cancer, suggesting these mutations may be indicative of conditions that result in reduced fertility. The researchers propose that the paradigm of a de novo germline disease etiology may be less applicable to late-onset cancers.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateAug 2, 2012

Judging DNA by its cover

A new Weizmann Institute-led study identifies a potential molecular mechanism behind the link between cancer and faulty stem cell differentiation. The researchers discovered that the tagging of DNA pieces with ubiquitin is crucial for proper stem cell differentiation, and disruptions in this process can lead to cancer.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 23, 2012

Loss of protein SPDEF allows prostate cancer cells to gain foothold at possible sites of metastasis

A study published in Journal of Biological Chemistry found that prostate cancer cells lacking the protein SPDEF are unable to establish colonies at possible sites of metastasis, highlighting a potential biomarker for untreated cancers. Researchers hope to regulate SPDEF expression to prevent cancer cell metastasis.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 5, 2012

Aging and breast cancer

Researchers have identified changes in adult stem cells and tumor suppressors that contribute to age-related breast cancer vulnerability. The 'HMEC Aging Resource' provides a valuable resource for studying cellular aging, allowing researchers to explore potential preventative measures.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalCancer Research·DateJun 4, 2012

Novel discovery by NUS scientists paves the way for more effective treatment of cancers

Researchers from NUS have discovered how a drug-lead compound named BPTES can deprive cancer cells of energy and stop them from growing into a tumour. Building on these findings, they also derived positive results for a novel dual-drug treatment regime that kills kidney and breast cancer cells more effectively.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2012

New findings in breast cancer

A recent study published in PNAS contradicts the prevailing belief that basal-like cells are responsible for invasive tumors. Luminal-like cells, previously thought to lack stem cell properties, have been found to be highly tumorigenic and capable of generating larger tumors than their basal-like counterparts.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 18, 2012