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Battling breast cancer

Researchers discovered that estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) binds to a novel enhancer in the cyclin D1 gene (CCND1), promoting estrogen-responsive cell proliferation. This basic understanding may lead to the development of improved therapies for patients with breast cancer.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateSep 14, 2006

JCI table of contents: July 20, 2006

Research reveals that nicotine stimulates cell proliferation in lung cancer cells by activating the Rb–Raf-1 pathway, which is dependent on functional nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Additionally, targeting tumor-associated macrophages holds promise as a novel strategy against breast and other cancers.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 20, 2006

Breast stem cells have features similar to 'basal' tumors

Researchers discovered that breast stem cells lack receptors for female hormones oestrogen and progesterone, resembling the aggressive 'basal' subtype of breast cancer. The findings support speculation that breast stem cells may give rise to basal tumours, which are more common in BRCA1 carriers.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 19, 2006

Tumor wizardry wards off attacks from the immune system

Researchers found that pancreatic tumors surround themselves with regulatory T cells to avoid detection by the immune system. Depleting these cells slowed tumor growth and increased survival time in mice. The study suggests a potential way to block tumor recruitment of regulatory T cells and revive cancer immunotherapy.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Immunotherapy·DateJul 13, 2006

Experiments with fruit quality improvement lead to new approach for halting spread of cancer cells

Researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem isolated malignant tumor cells from their nutritional and oxygen supplies, inhibiting growth and stopping metastases. Actibind, a protein found in black mold, was shown to bind actin in human and animal cells, halting cell growth and reducing the ability of cancer cells to form new tumors.

JCI Table of Contents, June 15 2006

Researchers found that AMP production is triggered by sterile wounding of the skin surface, independent of microbial exposure. The study also showed that activation of EGFR leads to increased antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and prevents microbial growth in human skin.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 15, 2006

Cell stress protein linked to aggressive breast cancer

Researchers found alphaB-crystallin protein promotes uncontrolled growth in breast cancer cells, suggesting it as a molecular marker for aggressive breast cancer. The study identified a key pathway activated by alphaB-crystallin and found drug inhibitors block its effects, paving the way for new targeted therapies.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 4, 2006

JCI table of contents: January 4, 2006

Researchers found that mice fed a soy-based diet had significantly worse heart problems than those on a milk protein-based diet. This is the first study to show an environmental influence can affect the heart.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 4, 2006

Researchers uncover mechanisms of estrogen in promoting cell death in breast cancer

Estradiol induces apoptosis by activating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, which controls protein expression and mitochondrial function. The study found complete tumor regression in mice with estradiol-treated breast cancer cells, suggesting a potential strategy for aromatase inhibitor resistance.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 6, 2005

Other highlights in the December 7 JNCI

A new study in mice found that chronic stress and UV radiation suppress the immune system, leading to increased tumor formation and quicker disease progression. Researchers observed suppression of T-cell function and type 1 cytokines, highlighting the potential for chronic stress to increase cancer risk.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 6, 2005

Researchers say estrogen can kill breast cancer cells once fueled by the hormone

A laboratory study demonstrates that breast cancer cells die when re-introduced to estrogen after becoming resistant to tamoxifen and other estrogen inhibition drugs. This finding has important clinical implications for long-term therapy with aromatase inhibitors, suggesting a new strategy for treating treatment-resistant breast cancer.

SourceFox Chase Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 6, 2005

Restoring silenced suppressor gene kills lung-cancer cells

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that restoring the missing or silenced WWOX gene can slow or stop lung-cancer cell growth. The study showed that reactivating the gene is highly effective in stopping human lung tumor growth in mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for lung cancer treatment.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2005