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Exploiting viruses to attack cancer cells

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed an adenovirus that specifically replicates in and kills cancer cells using RNA-stabilizing elements. The virus, AdARET, was found to be effective against a range of cancer types, including those without a mutated RAS gene.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCancers·DateMay 28, 2020

CSIC researchers use whole living cells as 'templates' to seek for bioactive molecules

Researchers at CSIC pioneer the use of whole living cells in dynamic combinatorial chemistry systems to discover new bioactive molecules. This methodology has great potential in rapidly identifying new molecules with potential biological activity, and could lead to faster discovery of bioactive compounds.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 27, 2020

Researchers find protein that helps cancer cells to survive

A new study has identified a crucial role for the protein RTEL1 in the survival of cancer cells, with potential implications for treating various types of cancer. Researchers found that RTEL1 prevents damaging clashes between DNA replication and transcription processes, and promotes a process called MiDAS, which is common in cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMay 12, 2020

Study finds evidence for existence of elusive 'metabolon'

Researchers at Penn State have directly observed functional metabolons involved in generating purines, the most abundant cellular metabolites. The findings suggest that enzymes are not haphazardly located throughout cells but instead occur in discrete clusters, or metabolons, that carry out specific metabolic pathways.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateApr 16, 2020

Cancer mutation in dual role

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have discovered that cancer-causing mutations in the KRAS gene lead to inflammation and slow down tumor growth. The study, led by Prof. Dr. Robert Zeiser, shows that K-Ras plays a dual role in both cancer development and immune response.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2020

NYU Abu Dhabi researchers synthesize gold nanoparticles capable of attacking cancer cells

A team of NYU Abu Dhabi researchers have developed a new, one-pot synthetic approach to obtain water-stable and ready-to-use gold nanoparticles. These nanoparticles can be heated with a simple green laser, improving their ability to penetrate and destroy malignant cells through hyperthermia while releasing chemotherapeutic drugs.

SourceNew York University·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateApr 6, 2020

RIKEN group leads world in single-cell transcriptome profiling

A team of researchers from RIKEN has developed a new single-cell RNA sequencing method called Quartz-seq2 that outperforms other methods in terms of accuracy and reproducibility. The method was benchmarked against 13 different methods using a set of approximately 3,000 cells, and it scored highest on the benchmark.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 6, 2020

Using sponges to wipe out cancer

Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina have discovered a natural product, manzamine A, that exhibits anti-cancer properties in cervical cancer cells. The compound stops cell growth and causes some cells to die, with potential applications for treatment and development.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Natural Products·DateApr 3, 2020

Virtual cell predicts how close tumor environment influences cancer metastasis

A virtual computational cell was built to predict cancer metastasis by analyzing the interaction of numerous molecules and signals within the tumor environment. The research found that hybrid cancer cells can be targeted using specific molecular signals and extracellular matrix proteins, offering new therapeutic strategies against cancer.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 31, 2020

Elucidation of mechanisms that coordinate cell memory inheritance with DNA replication

Research reveals a new mechanism for controlling DNA methylation in cells, involving the ubiquitination of PAF15, which is crucial for maintaining DNA methylation and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. The discovery has significant implications for the development of new inhibitors of DNA methyltransferase

Tissue-digging nanodrills do just enough damage

Researchers have successfully tested molecular motors that can destroy diseased cells in worms, plankton, and mice. The nanomachines caused various degrees of damage to tissues, showing their potential for treating skin diseases such as melanomas and eczema.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 5, 2020