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Metastatic cancer gorges on fructose in the liver

Researchers found that metastatic cancer cells reprogram their metabolism to capitalize on fructose levels in the liver, leading to unchecked growth and proliferation. This discovery could lead to new therapies targeting metastatic cells and provide insight into how cancers adapt to new environments.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 26, 2018

An advance for precision medicine

Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University have developed a new method to quickly and efficiently recognize the subtypes of cells within the body. This technology, led by Andrew Adey, allows for profiling thousands of cells simultaneously, improving our understanding of disease at the molecular level.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 9, 2018

Biological ballet: Imaging technique reveals complex protein movements in cell membrane

Researchers have developed an imaging method for live cells that suppresses photobleaching, allowing observation of individual molecules for up to 400 seconds. This enables study of protein movements and interactions in the cell membrane, shedding light on cellular behavior and potential targets for cancer treatment.

Flipping lipids for cell transport-tubules

Researchers developed a process to observe lipid-flipping enzymes' activity in conjunction with membrane deformation. They found that ATP10A enzyme flips phosphatidylcholine lipids, causing curvature changes that trigger tubule formation, enhancing endocytosis and membrane dynamics.

SourceKyoto University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMar 29, 2018

Programming DNA to deliver cancer drugs

A research team at the University of Delaware has developed technology to program strands of DNA into switches that turn proteins on and off. The technology could lead to the development of new cancer therapies and other drugs by activating non-toxic cancer prodrugs into their therapeutic forms.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 19, 2018

Nanostructures created at UCLA could make gene therapies safer, faster & more affordable

Researchers at UCLA have created a new method for targeted gene delivery using 'nanospears,' which can enable safer, faster and more cost-effective gene therapies. The nanostructures are biodegradable and can be mass-produced inexpensively, delivering genetic information with minimal impact on cell viability and metabolism.

Scientists create hybrid nanomaterials in fight against cancer and bacteria

Researchers have created BN/Ag hybrid nanomaterials that demonstrate effectiveness as catalysts, antibacterial agents, and drug delivery systems for treating oncological diseases. The hybrids show high potential for cancer therapy and water disinfection, offering a new approach to combatting these threats.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalBeilstein Journal of Nanotechnology·DateMar 13, 2018

CRISPR enhances cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at WashU Medicine used CRISPR to engineer human T cells that can attack human T cell cancers without succumbing to friendly fire. The new approach also allows for the use of therapeutic T cells from any healthy donor, eliminating the need for a matched donor or patient's own T cells.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalLeukemia·DateMar 6, 2018

Biochemists zero in on key molecules that enable cells to crawl

Biochemists have made a discovery that sheds light on the molecular machinery that allows some cells to wiggle their way through tissues. The researchers identified two locations on Arp2/3 where an activator protein touches, promoting cell motility and potentially leading to new opportunities for cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2018

Daffodils to fight against cancer

Researchers discovered that a natural alkaloid extracted from Daffodils, called haemanthamine, blocks the production of proteins by ribosomes in cancer cells, leading to their elimination. The study provides a molecular explanation for the anti-tumoral activity of Daffodils used in folk medicine.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalStructure·DateFeb 26, 2018

Stiffness matters

Research by Prof. Dr. Prasad Shastri at the University of Freiburg found that cancer cell membrane stiffness affects nanoparticle internalization; increasing stiffness enhances polymer nanoparticle entry through pathways rich in cholesterol.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalSmall·DateFeb 22, 2018

Starving liver cancer

Researchers discover a two-step process to kill liver cancer cells by silencing an enzyme and adding metformin, potentially accelerating new treatments for this deadly disease. This approach has shown promise in treating liver cancer, where surgery is often not an option and available drugs are only moderately effective.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2018

Starving cancer cells of sugar -- does it work?

A new study reveals that starvation of sugar can trigger a unique signaling function in cancer cells, leading to cell death. By manipulating this property, researchers propose a potential combination therapy to target cancer metabolism and selectively kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalScience Signaling·DateJan 25, 2018