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When cells reach out and touch

Scientists at Johns Hopkins discovered that cell-to-cell contact revs up microRNA production, a key regulator of gene expression. The study found that physical contact is the critical factor influencing microRNA abundance, with increasing cell density leading to increased microRNA production in all tested cell lines.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2009

WA discovery a key to blood cell development

Researchers have identified a key molecule called Liar that leads other molecules into the nucleus of blood cells, offering a potential treatment for cancer. A cellular enzyme known as Lyn has also been found to 'turn on' blood cell development, highlighting a new target for cancer therapy.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalBlood·DateApr 28, 2009

When cancer cells can't let go

FAK coordinates movement of migrating cancer cells by balancing the number of invadopodia that create a path for migration and the number of focal adhesions that hold the cell back. In its absence, breast cancer cells sprout extra invadopodia and form large, sticky focal adhesions.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateApr 13, 2009

Small molecules block cancer gene

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine identified three small molecules that block the activity of Stat 3, a key enzyme in cancer cell survival. The compounds showed promise in inducing programmed cell death in breast cancer cells, offering new hope for cancer treatment.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 10, 2009

Also in the Feb. 24 JNCI

Researchers found that gene expression profiles differed between tumor samples from patients who had taken vitamin E, selenium, or both supplements compared to those on placebo. The study provides insight into the effects of preoperative supplement use on prostate cancer gene expression, a potential area for future investigation.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 24, 2009

Metastasis-promoting protein identified; could provide a prognostic test or target for breast cancer

A study by Boston Children's Hospital researchers has identified lipocalin 2 as a protein that triggers the epithelial to mesenchymal transition in human breast cancer cells, increasing invasiveness and metastasis. The protein is detectable in urine samples, suggesting it may be used for prognostic testing.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2009

In flurry of studies, researcher details role of apples in inhibiting breast cancer

Recent studies by Cornell researcher Rui Hai Liu found that fresh apple extracts significantly inhibited the size of mammary tumors in rats, with greater inhibition seen at higher doses. The findings highlight the potential health benefits of consuming more fruits and vegetables, including apples, to reduce breast cancer risk.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateFeb 17, 2009

New treatment hope for prostate cancer

Researchers at Burnet Institute develop a potential new treatment for prostate cancer using a monoclonal antibody targeting the PIM-1 molecule, which plays a critical role in cell survival and proliferation. Laboratory models show significant inhibition of cancer cell growth, paving the way for clinical trials.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 5, 2009

A fantastic voyage brought to life

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a nano-sized medical submarine that can target specific cells and deliver effective drugs to kill cancer cells and eradicate faulty proteins. The technology uses RNAi compounds and aims to treat various pathologies, including cancer, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Absence of CLP protein can be indicative of oral cancer

A new study published in the Journal of Prosthodontics found that the absence of Human calmodulin-like protein (CLP) in oral epithelial cells may indicate oral cancer. The researchers used staining to compare CLP expression in normal and cancerous tissues, revealing a significant decrease or complete lack of CLP in malignant regions.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Prosthodontics·DateJan 7, 2009

Also in the Dec. 30 JNCI

Research suggests cisplatin ototoxicity is due to higher platinum concentration in inner ear, while high insulin levels are an independent risk factor for breast cancer. Studies found significant correlations between fasting insulin and increased breast cancer risk.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 30, 2008

Also in the Nov. 11 JNCI

A recent study discovered that the Overexpressed in Lung Cancer 1 (OLC1) gene is consistently expressed at high levels in most lung cancers, particularly in smokers. OLC1 overexpression was also shown to induce tumor formation in tissue culture cells and mouse models of lung cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 11, 2008

Egg whites solve the 3-D problem

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found a solution to the high cost of commercial media for 3D cell cultures using chicken egg whites. The process enables normal and cancer cells to be grown in three dimensions, allowing scientists to study cell signaling and tumor microenvironments.