Research on the cell biology of tumors. Covers cancer-cell vulnerabilities, tumor spread, nanoreactor therapies, and AI-guided cancer research.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that cancer cells metabolize glucose in their mitochondria, following conventional biochemical patterns. The study suggests that limiting glucose uptake may not be an effective strategy to target cancer cells, and glucose metabolism may need to be reevaluated as a therapeutic target.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have found that CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing can trigger cell toxicity and genomic instability, particularly in regions near the tumour suppressor protein p53. The study identified 3,300 targeted spots with strong toxic effects, highlighting the need for safer CRISPR reagents.
Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a cancer therapy model that utilizes a protein degrading system to transiently degrade and reduce the PD-1 protein, which blocks immune function. This approach has shown high therapeutic efficacy in inhibiting cancer cell growth in mice.
Researchers developed a monoclonal antibody that binds E-cadherin, strengthening cell adhesion and preventing cancer metastasis. The antibody, 19A11, has two binding modes that increase adhesive strength through salt bridge formation.
ARID1A-deficient bladder cancers are sensitive to combination therapies with the EZH2 inhibitor GSK-126 and inhibitors of PI3K, acting synergistically. The research found that tumors deficient in ARID1A protein have elevated levels of PIK3R3 and phosphoAKT.
A new sample preparation method called 'water droplet-in-oil' (WinO) has been developed to improve efficiency in single-cell proteomics. The technique reduces sample loss and increases throughput by up to 10-fold compared to conventional methods.
Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation have identified PDIA6 as a key protein involved in driving melanoma malignancy. The study found that PDIA6 promotes melanoma cell growth by binding to RNA molecules inside tumor cells, making it a promising therapeutic target.
SLFN11 acts as a surveillance factor for protein homeostasis by alleviating proteotoxic stress derived from protein synthesis and maturation. Its lack makes cells vulnerable to anticancer drugs inducing ER and proteotoxic stress, leading to chemoresistance. SLFN11 is also involved in regulating immune response and inflammation.
University of Cincinnati researchers have discovered a technique using light-activated proteins to normalize dysfunctional mitochondria in cells. This method has the potential to treat certain diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
A new study by Tokyo University of Science researchers reveals that dendritic cell immunoreceptor (DCIR) plays a crucial role in the development of colorectal tumors. Blocking DCIR may prevent ulcerative colitis and colon cancer, offering a potential therapeutic target for treating these diseases.
Leukemia cells exploit metabolic pathways to evade programmed cell death, but researchers identified a weak spot in acute lymphoblastic leukemia that can be targeted with experimental drugs. Inhibiting glutathione metabolism induces ferroptosis, leading to the death of malignant lymphocytes.
Researchers created a novel tumor organoid system to examine the impact of bacterial metabolites on immune checkpoint blockage, a promising cancer treatment. The system showed that certain bacterial-released factors improved immune cell viability and increased treatment efficacy.
Researchers discover gene AVIL responsible for deadly brain tumor also causes two forms of childhood cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma. Blocking AVIL activity prevents formation of the disease in lab samples and mouse models.
Researchers used Guardant NGS to analyze nearly 17,000 lung cancer samples and found MET amplification in 1.2% of cases, with 20.8% having overlapping oncogenic drivers. The study suggests that high gene copy numbers and smaller amplified regions can be used to enrich for the true MET-sensitive population.
A study published in Nature Physics reveals that specialized cell movement may explain the progression of cancer and cystic fibrosis. Cells with ruffled edges sense viscosity and adapt to increase their speed, moving faster through mucus than blood. This discovery sheds light on disease mechanisms and potential treatments.
A new study from Tel Aviv University found that CRISPR therapeutics can lead to a significant loss of genetic material in treated cells, potentially destabilizing the genome and promoting cancer. The researchers detected up to 10% of cells with lost chromosomes, highlighting the need for extra care when using this technology.
Researchers discovered cancer cells produce a unique collagen that alters the tumor microbiome and promotes cancer progression. Loss of this collagen reduces cancer cell proliferation and boosts anti-tumor immune response, offering a potential therapeutic strategy.
A new study from MIT and Broad Institute researchers analyzed interactions between nanoparticles and nearly 500 types of cancer cells, revealing thousands of biological traits that influence cell response. The findings could help tailor drug-delivery particles to specific types of cancer.
Researchers developed a new blood test that analyzes circulating tumour DNA, providing unprecedented insight into cancer make-up. The test reveals unique characteristics of each patient's cancer, enabling personalized treatment plans. It also sheds light on treatment resistance and helps predict effective treatments.
Scientists from A*STAR and NUS Cancer Science Institute identified a key cancer progression mechanism that could lead to more effective treatments. The discovery involves reactivating the hTERT gene, which is responsible for prolonging telomeres in cancer cells.
Scientists use a unique tool to apply mechanical forces that affect protein folding, revealing talin's interaction with tumor-suppressing protein DCL1. This discovery provides insight into the antitumor effect of DCL1 and potential new treatments for metastatic cancer.
Researchers at Edith Cowan University have found a genetic link between human leukocyte antigens and immunotherapy side effects in non-small cell lung cancer patients. The discovery enables doctors to tailor treatment to individual patients, reducing the risk of toxicities and improving overall outcomes.
The Mount Sinai Hospital has been awarded $4.2 million over five years to establish a Proteogenomic Data Analysis Center, which will help identify potential biomarkers and drug targets for cancer and new insights into cancer biology.
Researchers have successfully mapped the atomic structure of the nuclear pore complex using X-rays, providing a framework for understanding cell function and developing new therapies. The completed human NPC puzzle will enable future experiments on NPC function and its relationship to diseases.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed novel complex-peptide hybrids that induce programmed cell death in apoptosis-resistant cancer cells through paraptosis. The compounds, syn-6 and anti-6, inhibit cell death by uncoupling mitochondrial calcium uptake and inducing cytoplasmic vacuolization, leading to cell death.
Researchers at Osaka University identified Src as a key molecule in the process of epithelial cells becoming invasive and cancerous. The study found that CDCP1 forms a molecular scaffold that activates Src, promoting cancer cell invasion.
A new machine learning model uses network-based biomarkers to predict patient response to immunotherapy in multiple cancer types, enabling personalized treatment plans. The study improves upon conventional methods, increasing accuracy and benefiting more patients.
Researchers have found that high levels of iron can generate toxic free radicals, which damage lipids and ultimately lead to cell death. The team is exploring the use of compounds like JKE-1674 to induce ferroptosis in prostate cancer cells, making them more vulnerable to treatment.
A new atlas of tissue-resident memory T cells reveals their adaptation to distinct tissue environments, offering insights into immune defense strategies. The study's findings could inform the development of targeted vaccines and therapies, leveraging 'first responders' in tissues vulnerable to infection.
A recent survey revealed significant gaps in cancer screening among women aged 50-64, with rates as low as 50% for colorectal cancer and 46.5% for both cancers. The study found that patient-centered approaches to screening can facilitate timely testing and management of abnormal results.
Researchers have found a new approach to treat cancer by using plasma treatment, which induces apoptosis in cancer cells without harming normal cells. The equivalent total oxidation potential (ETOP) has been defined as a plasma dose, providing a dose-response relationship for different cell types.
Researchers found that suppressing an enzyme called MSRA, which fixes oxidative damage to proteins, sparks the metastatic spread of pancreatic cancer cells. The discovery suggests that similar switches may exist in other cancers and lays the groundwork for redox-based targeted therapies.
Research reveals cancer cells use fat synthesis pathways that are sensitive to oxygen availability, leading to a crucial dependency on environmental fats. This vulnerability can be targeted by drugs, and altering diet composition may also influence cancer growth.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet has identified a key mechanism behind treatment resistance in a deadly form of kidney cancer. By increasing mitochondrial content in cancer cells, researchers found that these cells became susceptible to the cancer drug sorafenib. This breakthrough offers hope for more targeted cancer treatments.
Researchers discovered a rare type of thymocyte cell, known as EADN, which can transform into leukemia in some patients. The discovery could lead to personalized treatments for each person's unique cancer case.
Researchers have developed an app to help doctors identify patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) at risk of developing infections, allowing for earlier treatment. The app uses blood test results and genetic data to predict patient risk, improving treatment outcomes and reducing pressure on the healthcare system.
Researchers found that circulating cancer cells form metastases mainly during sleep phases, with higher cell division rates at night, suggesting a link between hormone regulation and tumor growth. This discovery highlights the need for healthcare professionals to record the time of biopsies to ensure comparable data.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered a protein interaction that may be an Achilles heel of tuft cell lung cancer. Disrupting this interaction could lead to more targeted therapies for the deadly disease, which originates from cells known as tuft cells.
Researchers have discovered the process of incorporating selenium into 25 specialized proteins, essential for various cellular and metabolic processes. The study provides critical insights into the workings of these vital mechanisms, which could lead to the development of new medical therapies.
Researchers developed a mathematical technique to measure total tumor-specific mRNA levels from bulk tumor sequencing data, associating higher mRNA levels with reduced patient survival. The study suggests this approach could serve as a prognostic biomarker for various cancers, guiding treatment selection.
A new machine learning algorithm called 'ikarus' has found a gene signature characteristic of tumors, distinguishing between healthy and tumor cells in various types of cancer. The algorithm was trained on single-cell sequencing data sets and demonstrated an extraordinarily high success rate in distinguishing between different cell types.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are studying how lipids help fortify lung cancer cells and if targeting them can lead to better outcomes. The team discovered that lipids play a crucial role in cancer cell growth, membrane fortification, and energy production.
Researchers led by Atsuo Sasaki aim to identify mechanisms behind cell movement and energy allocation in cancer cells, with potential applications beyond cancer treatment. They will use scanning ion-conductance microscopy and machine learning technology to study the role of GTP in cellular migration.
A Phase 3 clinical trial is investigating the effectiveness of a combination of two immunotherapy drugs, nemvaluekin alfa and pembrolizumab, compared to standard chemotherapy for patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. The trial aims to provide a novel treatment option with better efficacy and safety profiles.
A new study found that circulating tumor DNA can identify stage II colon cancer patients who benefit from chemotherapy, sparing others the need for treatment. The study showed reduced use of chemotherapy without compromising survival rates.
A combination of ramucirumab and pembrolizumab reduced the risk of death by 31% compared to standard care in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients who had previously failed immunotherapy. The study found that these patients lived significantly longer, with a mean overall survival time of 14.6 months.
Researchers have identified new biomarkers to detect non-small cell lung cancer in its early stages through a blood test, offering improved survival chances. The approach can also identify potential drug resistance, allowing clinicians to choose alternative treatment options.
A study found that high fat diets and synthetic substances in unregulated athletic performance enhancers can activate a receptor accelerating the progression of pre-cancerous lesions to pancreatic cancer in mice. Limiting exposure to these substances may help prevent pancreatic cancer development.
Researchers have discovered a membrane lipid called PI(18:1/18:1) that significantly involves in preventing programmed cell death. This finding opens up new therapeutic approaches for diseases such as diabetes, cancer and neurodegeneration.
Researchers from Arizona State University investigate autoantibodies in healthy individuals, revealing their pervasiveness and role in human health and disease. The findings aim to improve diagnostics and therapeutics for a range of illnesses.
A recent study published in Pharmaceutics suggests that berberine can suppress the proliferation of lung cancer cells, reduce airway inflammation, and modulate genes involved in inflammation. The researchers used liquid crystalline nanoparticles to enhance safety and effectiveness.
New research suggests vitamin D can effectively prevent ovarian cancer by restoring the body's natural defenses. The study found that vitamin D counteracts the process of peritoneal metastasis, which allows cancer cells to spread, and strengthens the barrier effect of mesothelial cells.
MD Anderson research highlights new treatments for skin cancers, including novel therapies. The institution also showcased improved goals of care programs, which demonstrated significant reductions in ICU mortality and improved patient outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A team of researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi has discovered a novel structural modification in AMP-activated protein kinase that could pave the way for more effective cancer treatments. The study found that a specific enzyme cleaves and traps the protein in the cell nucleus, rendering it resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have discovered two new DNA repair genes, SETD1A and BOD1L, which can make cancer cells more sensitive to radiotherapy. These findings may lead to improved treatment efficiency and patient outcomes by allowing clinicians to identify targeted treatments for specific patients.
A multidisciplinary research group uses magnetotactic bacteria to create nanomagnetic structures, which can be steered through the human body via external magnetic fields. They have developed a new method to measure the magnetic properties of individual nanomagnets in biological entities, enabling precise control over these structures.
A study published by Mayo Clinic Cancer Center investigates the reasons for decreasing remission rates for patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma treated with CAR-T cell therapy. The team found that a gene called TIGIT drives CAR-T cell exhaustion and dysfunction, suggesting its blocking strategy may improve treatment efficacy.
A new mathematical theory explains how cells navigate the risk-speed tradeoff when dividing, balancing risk and speed to ensure survival. The theory applies broadly to all organisms, despite differences between yeast and mammalian cells.
A recent study analyzed a large database of bladder cancer patients and found that fewer than half had been tested for the relevant gene mutation or received erdafitinib treatment, despite its proven efficacy. The research highlights significant barriers to treatment, including obstacles in testing and education for healthcare providers.
A UC Davis study found a critical agent keeping KSHV dormant and undetected by the immune system. The virus is linked to various cancers and AIDS-related diseases. The researchers identified CHD4 as a key regulator of the latency-lytic switch, allowing the virus to stay silent.