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Breaking down cancer's defense mechanisms

Researchers develop new treatment for pancreatic cancer by using a drug that breaks down the protective barrier surrounding cancer tumours. The approach enables T cells to get through and kill cancer cells, resulting in almost complete elimination of cancer cells in initial tests.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 20, 2013

Cancer 'avalanche effect' refuted

A research group at Lund University has shown that the 'avalanche effect' theory of cancer development is not correct. Cancer cells can have over 100 chromosomes, but a single initial change does not lead to unstoppable further mutations.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2013

New sensor tracks zinc in cells

A new optical sensor created at MIT can track zinc within cells, shedding light on its functions and helping researchers study zinc trafficking in prostate cells. The sensor supports the theory that cancerous prostate cells banish zinc from mitochondria to produce extra energy.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2013

Scientists discover how leukemia cells exploit 'enhancer' DNA elements to cause lethal disease

Researchers discovered a unique leukemia-specific DNA enhancer element that enables cancerous blood cells to proliferate in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), a devastating and incurable cancer. The study also reveals how a new class of promising drugs, including JQ1, halt the growth of cancer cells by targeting this enhancer element.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 26, 2013

Gene plays major role in suppressing cancer

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered a gene that plays a crucial role in suppressing lymphoma, a type of blood cell cancer. Caspase-2 helps maintain healthy chromosome numbers in cells, preventing them from becoming cancerous.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2013

Life, but not as we know it

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have found a type of archaea that can reproduce without normal replication processes, growing faster in its absence. This discovery challenges existing understanding of DNA replication and has implications for cancer research.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature·DateNov 3, 2013

CNIO researchers propose a new therapeutic target that prevents cell division

Researchers at CNIO's Cell Division & Cancer Group have discovered that the protein Greatwall is essential for preventing mitotic collapse in mammals. By inhibiting Greatwall, cells can no longer divide properly, which may lead to slowed-down cancer growth and potentially reactivated tumour suppressor PP2A

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2013

Battling defiant leukemia cells

A study finds that chronic myeloid leukemia cells with activating beta-catenin mutations are highly aggressive and resistant to Imatinib. Combined treatment with drugs restoring IRF8 expression and inactivating beta-catenin may prevent fatal leukemia progression.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 7, 2013

Proteins that deliver leucine to prostate cancer cells are therapeutic targets

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that proteins delivering leucine to prostate cancer cells are therapeutic targets. Inhibition of these proteins inhibits nutrient signaling pathways and over 100 metastasis-related genes, leading to cell cycle inhibition and reduced tumor growth.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 19, 2013

'Vicious cycle' shields, spreads cancer cells

Cancer cells exploit a vicious cycle of mucus production to protect themselves from the immune system and promote tumor growth. Researchers at Rice University have identified a potential therapeutic target in rosiglitazone, a diabetes medication that can attenuate this cycle.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Cellular Biochemistry·DateSep 16, 2013

Discovery of cell division 'master controller' may improve understanding and treatment of cancer

Researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine discovered that cyclin A plays a crucial role in ensuring faithful chromosome segregation during cell division. In contrast to normal cells, cancer cells often fail to correct errors, leading to abnormal numbers of chromosomes and resistance to chemotherapy treatments.

Anchoring ABL for a better fate

Researchers uncover how ABL regulatory unit controls cell fate in CML, with implications for cancer treatment. The study finds that anchoring ABL on the cell membrane is essential for apoptosis, highlighting a potential target for novel therapies.

SourcePublicase International·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 27, 2013

Celery, artichokes contain flavonoids that kill human pancreatic cancer cells

Researchers found that flavonoids in celery, artichokes and Mexican oregano can kill human pancreatic cancer cells by inhibiting the GSK-3β enzyme. This pre-treatment approach may prolong life without curing the disease, while preventing it could reduce cancer risk with chronic flavonoid exposure.