Research on the cell biology of tumors. Covers cancer-cell vulnerabilities, tumor spread, nanoreactor therapies, and AI-guided cancer research.
Scientists studied how cancer cells divide in capillaries using transparent nanofilms. Cell structures changed significantly, with membrane blebbing helping keep genetic material stable for healthy cell division.
A new tool for precision medicine has been developed through epigenetic analysis, which addresses key limitations of genetic testing. This technology provides unprecedented insights into disease mechanisms and can help identify suitable treatments for individual patients.
A team of researchers at KIT developed a 3D model for prostate cancer research using cryogels, which can replicate natural processes and examine tumor development. The model has been recognized as the top story on Prostate Cell News.
Researchers develop Poisson filter, a single-gene noise filter that can cancel out molecular environment effects, enabling context-independent behavior in biological circuits. The filter has potential to improve specificity and efficacy of synthetic biology applications such as new therapeutics or biosensing.
A new study reveals that a single gene can drive prostate differentiation in seminal vesicle epithelial cells, suggesting potential insights into prostate cancer development. The research found that inducing expression of the Nkx3.1 gene caused seminal vesicle cells to convert into a prostate-like state.
Researchers have discovered a new molecular mechanism that directs cellular DNA repair proteins to lesions in DNA, making it an attractive target for cancer therapy. By understanding how this mechanism works, scientists can design small molecule inhibitors that block the function of TONSL protein and promote cancer cell death.
Researchers found that cancers in several species of bivalves are caused by independent clones of cancer cells with distinct genetic profiles. In one species, cross-species transmission was observed, revealing a previously unknown mechanism of disease spread among marine animals.
The 2016 Blavatnik National Awards recognize David Charbonneau's exoplanet discoveries, Phil Baran's natural product synthesis research, and Michael Rape's fundamental discoveries in ubiquitylation. The three Laureates receive $250,000 cash awards to support their future work.
Researchers have discovered new drugs that can break resistance to Gab2 in CML cells, a type of blood cancer. The study found that sorafenib and axitinib are effective in treating CML model systems, providing potential alternatives for patients who have developed resistance to existing medications.
A ketogenic diet has shown promise in reducing tumor size and progression in ovarian cancer, with a new clinical trial aiming to replicate these results in humans. The trial aims to investigate the effects of a low-carbohydrate diet on ovarian cancer patients' quality of life and cancer-related measures.
Researchers identified TIP60 as an enzyme required for HIF1A activity in human colorectal cancer cells, showing its potential as a target for cancer treatment. The study also revealed the molecular mechanisms by which TIP60 promotes HIF1A activity and highlights the importance of basic research in cancer discovery.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma have developed a new mass spectrometry technique that can quantify anti-cancer drugs in individual cancer cells. This breakthrough technology aims to improve treatment efficacy and reduce toxicities for cancer patients.
Researchers used FDG-PET imaging to monitor atezolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, in NSCLC patients. The study found that higher baseline tumor volumes were predictive of reduced patient survival, and further increase in tumor volume after treatment was associated with decreased survival.
Researchers block glutamine breakdown in liver cancer cells, preserving normal cells, and reduce tumor development in mice. The study identifies LRH-1 as the key protein involved and suggests it as a new target for treating liver cancer.
A new mutation in the ZBTB7A gene boosts energy metabolism in leukemia cells, promoting their growth and survival. This discovery offers a promising therapeutic target for treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients.
Researchers have identified essential aspects of the regulation of the anti-tumor protein p53, with surprising results suggesting that only a few ribosomal proteins are required to maintain nucleolar structure. This discovery has significant implications for cancer research and development of new biomarkers.
Researchers at Kyoto University have identified a genetic mechanism that could predict effectiveness of cure for certain cancers. Genetic alterations affecting the PD-L1 protein allow cancer cells to escape immune detection, but these abnormalities were found in many common cancer types.
A $1.7 million NIH grant will help a Florida State University scientist uncover how cancer-causing viruses manipulate cell communication through exosomes. The research could lead to more effective and less harmful ways to treat diseases like cancer.
Researchers at Lund University discovered that cancer cells can accumulate fat droplets, making them more aggressive and increasing their ability to spread. The fat serves as fuel for the stressed cells, allowing them to grow and spread.
Leukemia cells exhibit stiffer mechanical signatures compared to healthy cells. The study suggests that these mechanical data can be used to grade the loss of cell mechanical functions depending on leukemia progression. This approach may aid in cancer diagnosis and provide insights into disease evolution
Researchers report that two topical creams are effective in most primary, low-risk superficial BCC patients, with favorable comparison to photodynamic therapy. The study found high clearance rates for imiquimod and fluorouracil treatments, but noted a higher recurrence rate for fluorouracil.
Researchers at Center for Genomic Regulation discover a new pathway generating energy in the cell nucleus to deal with stressful situations and high levels of DNA damage. The key enzyme NUDIX5 is identified as crucial for nuclear ATP synthesis, which could lead to targeted cancer medicine and biomarker development.
Researchers discovered leukemia cells harvest mitochondria from normal cells during chemotherapy, allowing them to survive and thrive. This finding offers new hope for developing better treatments for acute myeloid leukemia by targeting the energy-boosting mechanism.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a novel immunotherapy approach that activates the STING pathway, which has shown promising results in treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in animal models.
Researchers discovered that pancreatic cancers acquire metastatic capacity before transforming into cancer cells. Low miR-192 levels in tumor tissue are associated with rapidly progressing disease. miR-192 may serve as a clinical marker and potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer treatment.
For the first known time, researchers have tracked heme movement inside cells, revealing it is not always static. Labile heme serves as a nutrient and needs to be carefully trafficked through the cell to stay available.
Researchers have found that a combination of vitamin A and chemotherapy can reduce cancer cell proliferation and invasion in pancreatic cancer. The approach targets both cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells, blocking multiple cell signalling pathways used by cancer cells to become aggressive.
Researchers introduce a novel method for labelling individual cells using photobleaching, enabling precise targeting of unique cells in vast populations. This technology has the potential to transform our understanding of diseases by allowing researchers to study specific cells responsible for disease progression.
Researchers found that inhibiting an enzyme adds palmitate onto proteins creates dependence on EGFR signaling for survival. Inhibiting this enzyme makes cancer cells more sensitive to EGFR inhibitors, which could lead to a new treatment option for lung cancers.
Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University develop nanoparticles that can efficiently penetrate into cancer cells, emitting light to aid in early diagnosis. The particles can also be used as targeted drug delivery systems, offering a promising approach for cancer treatment.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered a new way to kill off resistant leukemia cells via necroptosis, a cell death program that can bypass traditional apoptosis. SMAC mimetics, which activate necroptosis, showed promise in killing leukemia cells in 33% of patient samples tested.
Researchers have identified a new connection between inflammatory signals and cell division, revealing how cells adapt to environmental changes. The discovery sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of diseases such as Crohn's disease and cancer.
Researchers have discovered a tollerance mechanism in NK cells that restrains their ability to kill cancer cells. Increasing IL-15 levels may improve immune responses against tumors.
Researchers evaluated an IHC screening tool for ROS1 gene rearrangements in a cohort of 170 patients. The results showed high sensitivity and specificity rates, making it a feasible option for first-line screening in a lung cancer setting.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that gamma-retroviruses preferentially insert near cancer-associated genes, suggesting a new tool for identifying genes driving specific cancers. This discovery could lead to the identification of potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers have developed a technology allowing them to visualize single molecules of messenger RNA as they are translated into proteins in living mammalian cells. Initial findings suggest that this may shed light on neurological diseases such as Fragile X Syndrome and Alzheimer's, as well as cancer.
Researchers identified a vital supply route for cancer cells to obtain nutrients, blocking this pathway led to significant tumor growth reduction. The discovery offers new hope for developing targeted treatments with fewer side effects.
Researchers have identified a signaling pathway that prevents DNA damage during cell division, ensuring identical copies are passed on to daughter cells. Chromatin bridges can form if DNA replication is problematic, but these bridges do not always trigger an alarm signal.
Researchers discovered a tension-sensitive molecule, Stu2, that ensures correct chromosome distribution during cell division. This 'fail safe' mechanism helps prevent aneuploidy, a genetic abnormality common in tumor cells.
A recent study has shown that combining radiation therapy with an immune system-strengthening compound can increase the immune response against tumors, even those outside the radiation field. This breakthrough could lead to longer treatment durations and reduced side effects, as well as new curative options for patients.
A study by University of Minnesota researchers reveals a pathway that enables cancer cells to tolerate faulty DNA replication, potentially leading to new anti-cancer therapies. The discovery was made possible by the development of a tool to analyze protein regulation triggered by DNA errors.
A clinical trial has shown that 27 of 29 advanced leukemia patients went into remission after their T cells were genetically engineered to fight cancer. The therapy, known as CAR T-cell therapy, uses a synthetic receptor molecule to empower the T cells to recognize and kill cancer cells.
Alterations in chromatin structure are essential for cancer development, accelerating cell cycle progression and malignant transformation. Changes in epigenetic factors and histone variants confer to cancer cells the ability to reprogram their genomes.
Researchers at UT Knoxville have discovered a novel regulatory pattern for cytokinesis, the final stage of cell division, triggered by the signaling protein Cdc42. This finding has implications for understanding cancer and other diseases, where defects in Cdc42 control are associated.
Using a simple circuit pattern with three electrodes, researchers assign unique digital identification numbers to each cell passing through the channels on the microfluidic chip. This technique captures information about cell sizes and movement speeds, allowing for automated counting and analysis of cells sorted on the chip.
A biomarker associated with basal cell carcinoma, EZH2, has been identified in a study published in JAMA Oncology. Higher levels of EZH2 and Ki67 were found in more aggressive tumors, suggesting that the protein may serve as a marker for increased cancer recurrence or tumor aggressiveness.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center are developing engineered T cells to recognize and attack cancer cells. Preliminary data from a clinical trial shows promising results in treating acute myeloid leukemia, with patients experiencing stable disease and significant tumor regression. Next-generation strategies aim to improve ant...
In a clinical trial, half of 25 patients with Merkel cell carcinoma experienced substantial tumor shrinkage lasting nearly three times as long as conventional chemotherapy. Several patients had no remaining evidence of disease. The results suggest that immunotherapy drugs may be effective for other virus-associated cancers.
Researchers developed Monovar to analyze multiple single cells, detecting subtle DNA changes that can inform personalized medicine and cancer care. The method shows promise for diagnosing and treating various diseases, including pre-natal genetic diagnosis.
Scientists have identified a mechanism behind pancreatic cancer's resistance to certain drugs and found a way to block it, making the cancer susceptible to formerly ineffective therapies. By targeting a protein called HuR, researchers can revive abandoned drugs and develop more effective combination therapies.
Researchers at EMBL have determined the structure of the nuclear pore complex's inner ring, a crucial component in controlling molecular traffic to the cell's nucleus. The discovery brings the nuclear pore into focus and holds potential implications for understanding its role in cancer and aging.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified molecular ties between cancer cell growth and heart cell enlargement, potentially leading to repurposed cancer treatments for heart disease. The study found that inhibiting enzymes called HDACs can blunt excess heart muscle cell growth and slow the spread of cancer.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have developed a modified flu virus that can re-sensitize resistant pancreatic cancer cells to chemotherapy. The virus enhances the efficacy of the drug by preventing cancer cells from repairing themselves, leading to increased cell killing with lower doses.
A new study reveals how cancer cells turn healthy cells to the 'dark side' by using a mutant KRAS gene to release unique growth signals. This discovery could open up new approaches to cancer treatment by understanding the communication loop between cancer-causing genes and healthy stromal cells.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered a compound that not only lowers cholesterol but also kills prostate cancer cells. The study found that the compound, initially developed as a cholesterol-fighting molecule, reduced prostate cancer cell growth and caused cancer cell death in human and mouse models.
Researchers at Umeå University found that mutations in the SAMHD1 protein lead to an imbalance of DNA building blocks and increased mutation rates in colon cancer cells. This discovery suggests that changes in dNTP levels may contribute to the development of colon cancer.
Researchers have identified six newly discovered proteins that may help prevent diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and other age-related illnesses. The tiny proteins are produced in the mitochondria of cells and play a significant role in metabolism and cell survival.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) researchers have improved their models of the disease by understanding how cancer cells differentiate into antibody-secreting plasma cells in mice. Patient-derived T cells play a crucial role in this process, and therapies promoting differentiation may offer new treatment options for CLL.
Researchers at CRI identified a new metabolic pathway that allows cancer cells to survive in conditions toxic to normal cells. The study reveals that cancer cells use an alternate version of the pentose phosphate pathway and the Krebs cycle to defend against reactive oxygen species.
Two drugs, Vismodegib and Sonidegib, target the Hedgehog pathway to treat basal cell carcinoma, a common skin cancer affecting nearly 2.8 million Americans annually. The FDA-approved treatments have shown promise in shrinking tumors and improving response rates.