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Researchers develop a remote-controlled cancer immunotherapy system

A team of researchers has developed an innovative approach to remotely control genetic processes in live immune T cells, enabling them to recognize and kill cancer cells. The system uses mechanogenetics to convert mechanical signals into genetic control, with potential to increase precision and efficiency in CAR-T cell immunotherapy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2018

New research linking cancer-inhibiting proteins to cell antennae

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new mechanism by which cancer-inhibiting proteins regulate signaling molecules. The study found that primary cilia, or cellular antennae, play a crucial role in balancing PDGFRα signaling, preventing excessive receptor activation that can lead to brain and gastrointestinal t...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateDec 14, 2017

Cells bulge to squeeze through barriers

Researchers identify a fleeting, yet key structure that allows cells to break through tissues and spread to other parts of the body. A single protrusion bulges out from the cell surface, wedges a hole through the protective layer, and swells until the breach is wide enough for the entire cell to squeeze through.

SourceDuke University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateNov 27, 2017

NIST scientists discover how to switch liver cancer cell growth from 2-D to 3-D structures

Scientists at NIST have discovered a way to make tiny colonies of cells grow in three-dimensional structures inside petri dishes, paving the way for more realistic biological environments for testing pharmaceuticals. The method could help bridge the gap between lab and living creature testing, speeding up drug development.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateNov 16, 2017

Scientists figure out how cell division timer works

Researchers at KU Leuven unravelled how the cell division timer is switched on and off, potentially leading to effective cancer therapy. The discovery involves a biochemical clock that gives cells time to fix attachment-related problems, allowing for more efficient cell division.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 9, 2017

Scientists discover surprising immune cell activity that may be limiting immunotherapy

Treg cells suppress immune function, but eliminating them doesn't eliminate their effects. In fact, dying Tregs release metabolites that affect T-cells, making them unhealthy and reducing the cancer-fighting effect of immunotherapy. The study suggests a new approach to limit this function and block the suppressive activity.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 30, 2017

Cancer relapse linked to body's own immune system

A new study reveals that cancer cells can use the body's own immune system to wake themselves up and fuel their growth after treatment, leading to relapse. Researchers found that immunotherapies targeting this response could delay or prevent cancer return in mice, suggesting a promising approach for patients at risk of relapse.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateOct 16, 2017

Halting liver cancer with a sugar look-a-like

Researchers at RIKEN discovered a way to prevent liver cancer spread by treating with a modified fucose sugar. The treatment disrupts biological pathways, blocking hepatoma cells from invading healthy liver cells and suppressing migration, but not proliferation.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateOct 12, 2017

Tubules to stop cell growth

Researchers discovered how TORC1 protein complexes regulate cell growth in response to sugar availability. In the absence of sugar, these complexes self-assemble into massive tubular structures that halt cell growth. The formation and disassembly of these tubules can be easily observed in living cells.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·DateOct 4, 2017