Research on the cell biology of tumors. Covers cancer-cell vulnerabilities, tumor spread, nanoreactor therapies, and AI-guided cancer research.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Cancer Center have developed a new technology that uses cholesterol rafts to deliver genetic payloads into cancer cells. This innovative approach overcomes the long-standing challenge of delivering nucleic acids across cell membranes.
Researchers at University of California, San Diego Moores Cancer Center identified a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD44, directly killing chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells. The antibody, RG7356, induces apoptosis in CLL cells expressing ZAP-70, a protein found in roughly half of CLL patients.
Researchers will use photoacoustic microscopy to measure oxygen consumption rates of individual cells, mapping distributions of cellular metabolism. The technology has potential applications in gauging cellular health and metabolic state for stress response and toxicity studies.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new method to analyze single cells using quantum dots, allowing for the simultaneous testing of up to 100 biomarkers. This breakthrough enables more accurate diagnosis and treatment of cancer by examining a cell's unique behavior at its molecular level.
A team of Chilean researchers, with collaboration from Carnegie's Wolf Frommer, has devised a molecular sensor to detect lactate levels in individual cells in real-time. This breakthrough provides an unprecedented sensitivity and range of detection for non-invasively detecting cancer.
GW researcher Xiaoyan Zheng is studying the mechanism involved in the hedgehog signaling pathway's regulation of cell-cell adhesion and segregation. The goal is to find better ways to treat diseases related to these interactions, such as cancer.
Researchers at the University of New Mexico Cancer Center have identified a first-in-class chemical compound, CID2950007, that inhibits Cdc42 GTPase activity, controlling cell migration and adhesion. This novel compound shows promise in preventing cancer metastasis and may also be effective against infectious diseases.
Researchers have identified a carbohydrate modification on leukaemic cells that can be targeted to eradicate cancer. The study, published in Journal of Experimental Medicine, offers hope for new treatment options against drug-resistant forms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Researchers have found that inhibiting the Mer receptor increases sensitivity to chemotherapy in leukemia cells, reducing toxic side effects while maintaining effectiveness.
Researchers identified protein MCM that changes DNA topology, forming 'supercoils.' This can lead to cancer cells growing out of control. The study provides new insight into MCM's role in gene regulation and cancer.
University of Central Florida chemist Kevin Belfield uses acid reflux to kill certain cancer cells by making them more acidic when exposed to specific wavelengths of light. This technique could provide a way to target cancer cells deep within human tissue with minimal side effects.
Researchers found that threonyl tRNA synthetase (TARS) plays a critical role in angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, to support cancer growth. A potent inhibitor of TARS activity blocks its induction of angiogenesis.
A line of special liver cells called PICM-19 has the potential to perform many of the same functions as a human liver. The immortal cell line can be used to study various diseases, including liver cancers and cystic fibrosis, and may enable the development of artificial liver devices.
A new microscopy technique has allowed scientists to observe protein clusters in living cancer cells, enabling direct measurement of drug effects on target proteins. This breakthrough could significantly improve cancer treatment by reducing collateral damage associated with traditional therapies.
A modified Newcastle disease virus has been developed to target prostate cancer cells without harming normal cells, offering a new treatment option for hormone-refractory patients. This oncolytic virus uses a retargeted design to minimize off-target losses and reduce the amount of virus needed for treatment.
A new study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that minimally invasive therapies can effectively remove damaged cells from patients with Barrett's esophagus, reducing cancer progression. In over two-thirds of cases, patients had no signs of disease return for years.
A natural product called genistein-combined polysaccharide (GCP) may help patients with metastatic prostate cancer live longer by blocking a key mechanism used by prostate cancer cells to survive. GCP is expected to be effective in treating patients with low response to androgen-deprivation therapy.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a mathematical model that sheds light on the mechanisms causing bulges in cells' nuclear membranes. This study may provide potential therapies for related diseases by preventing bleb formation.
A Melbourne-based research team has discovered a genetic defect that can halt cell growth and force cells into a death-evading survival state. The finding reveals an important mechanism controlling rapidly-dividing cells, which may lead to the development of new treatments for diseases including cancer.
New materials mimic mussel adhesive proteins to deliver self-setting antibacterial hydrogels, seal fetal membrane defects, and target cancer cells with precision. Researchers collaborate on in-vivo testing of these innovative biomedical applications.
A team from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has identified a molecular master switch for pancreatic cancer, which could serve as a potential predictor of treatment outcome. The researchers found that Prrx1 and Sox9 regulate the emergence of an intermediate cell type that can give rise to cancer.
Early-onset prostate cancer is linked to high levels of androgen receptor activity in young patients, leading to gene rearrangements that promote cancer. This discovery could lead to new diagnostic, prognostic, therapeutic, and prevention strategies for the disease.
Scientists at Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center discovered a novel combination of drugs that selectively destroys lymphoma cells through apoptosis. The experimental therapy combines ibrutinib and bortezomib, with the latter being relatively non-toxic to healthy cells.
A previously poorly investigated signalling pathway is crucial for prostate cancer cell proliferation, involving the production of cAMP at multiple locations in the cell. Inhibiting the soluble adenylyl cyclase enzyme suppresses cancer cell growth, suggesting a promising new therapeutic approach.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered an antibody that can inhibit the growth of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) cells resistant to other treatments. The antibody targets KIT receptor mutations, stimulating immune cells to kill rogue cells.
Scientists have visualized molecular changes in a critical protein involved in cell death, providing new insights into apoptosis and its role in disease. The discovery could lead to the development of new medicines that control cell life or death.
A research team in Japan has developed a new imaging method that allows for detailed intracellular temperature maps, revealing the temperature difference varies greatly depending on the location in the cell. This breakthrough may lead to a better understanding of diseases like cancer and its pathogenesis.
Researchers use picosecond ultrasonics to probe human cells' stiffness and viscosity, predicting potential applications in medical implants and cancer research. The technique could help identify cell disease and monitor cell activity without damaging the cells.
Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute discovered that tumors lacking the protein PKCζ can survive on alternative nutrients. The study suggests glucose depletion therapies may work against these tumors as long as they produce PKCζ, which is responsible for tumor metabolism.
Researchers at Georgia State University have identified a new target to stop cancer's spread, targeting the interaction between two proteins in cells. Disrupting this interaction inhibits metastasis and has implications for treating various diseases.
Silibinin kills UVA-damaged cells, protecting against DNA damage. It also protects human skin cells from UVB radiation by increasing expression of interleukin-12, promoting cell repair.
Researchers discover gene FBH1 crucial for chemotherapy's effectiveness in killing cancer cells. By understanding the role of FBH1, doctors can tailor treatment to individual patients based on genetic fingerprint.
Scientists have discovered that superoxide dismutase (SOD1) regulates cell energy and metabolism, preventing uncontrolled cell growth associated with cancer. This enzyme also protects cells from free radical damage.
A new technique called Bru-Seq allows researchers to label newly created RNA, enabling them to analyze the synthesis and stability of RNA in cancer cells. This breakthrough has the potential to provide deeper insights into gene expression and identify early warning signs of disease.
Researchers at the National Cancer Centre Singapore have discovered a crucial link between mutant p53 genes and reduced treatment response in cancer patients. The dominant-negative effect of these mutations inhibits tumor suppressor activity, leading to poor responses or earlier relapse after treatment.
A team of scientists has discovered quadruple helix DNA structures in human cells, which may be a new target for cancer treatment. The discovery was made using fluorescent biomarkers and shows clear links between quadruplexes and DNA replication.
The study found that CD4 helper T cells can transform into killer cells by overcoming a suppression mechanism triggered by a transcription factor. This transformation enables the helper cells to take on the role of killer cells in mounting an immune attack against viruses, cancerous tumors, and other damaged or infected cells.
Autophagy is triggered when cells are starved for nutrients, infected, or damaged. The study reveals that AMPK regulates Vps34 kinase complexes in different ways, inhibiting non-autophagy enzymes and activating autophagic ones.
Researchers discovered that grape seed extract selectively targets advanced colorectal cancer cells with fewer genetic mutations, leading to increased effectiveness in treatment. The compound induces oxidative stress and programmed cell death, reversing its effects when antioxidants are present.
Researchers aim to develop better ways to treat patients by eliminating all cancer cells and avoiding disease relapse. They will study how cancer cells evade treatment by hiding in protective compartments inside the body.
Researchers found that blocking a particular pathway in cancer cells makes it easier for common drugs to annihilate tumors. By targeting this pathway, scientists aim to enhance the impact of current therapies and design new drugs to disrupt it.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered AMPK's role in restricting cancer cell growth by regulating metabolism and preventing the use of sugar to fuel growth. AMPK, a tumour suppressor, can help control tumour development by targeting energy levels and promoting healthy cellular function.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a novel approach to sorting out cancer-causing genetic mutations in cancer cells. By testing proteins produced by genes with random mutations, they created a catalog of mutants with cancer-promoting potential. This could lead to more personalized treatment strategies for patients.
Researchers have identified 7 new genes with a key role in T-ALL, a form of leukemia primarily affecting children. The study also found that defects in the ribosome can play a role in cancer activation, offering potential new targets for treatment.
Researchers found that cancer cells use unfolded protein response (UPR) to manipulate immune cells, making them ineffective against tumors. Tumor cells exploit UPR to promote their survival and growth, and this mechanism is being targeted for potential therapy and improved cancer vaccines.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine found that targeting km23-1, a motor protein involved in cell migration, can slow the spread of cancer cells. By inhibiting km23-1, cancer therapies may be developed to prevent tumor cells from migrating to other parts of the body.
The American Society for Cell Biology's Celldance awards recognized top videos showcasing cellular mechanisms in development, health, and disease. Winners included a time-lapse of fruitfly embryonic development and a cancer cell movement video.
Researchers discover that cells under oxidative stress deposit oxidized glutathione in a cellular waste repository called the vacuole, protecting themselves from damage. This finding challenges previous assumptions about oxidative stress and its link to various diseases.
Researchers have discovered a new type of cell division called klerokinesis, which appears to be an evolutionary failsafe mechanism that could rescue cell functions during embryonic development. By analyzing human retinal pigment epithelial cells, the team found that klerokinesis can help maintain genomic integrity and potentially prev...
Cedars-Sinai researchers have successfully converted ordinary heart cells into pacemaker cells using a single gene, Tbx18. The new cells generate electrical impulses and are indistinguishable from native pacemaker cells, offering a potential alternative to electronic pacing devices.
Researchers have developed a new technique to create targeted immunotherapies for cancer, recognizing antigens on cancer cells that are not found on healthy cells. The approach uses chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and costimulatory receptors (CCRs), allowing T cells to attack specific types of cancer cells while sparing normal cells.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have identified a rare type of cancer suppressor that can trigger cell death when targeted. By inactivating this gene, cancer cells are destroyed while healthy cells remain intact.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a vegetable compound that can reduce the number of acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells. Sulforaphane, found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, was shown to kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected in lab tests.
A team of investigators has identified a previously unknown mechanism regulating oncogene-induced senescence (OIS), a natural response to tumor development. Down-regulation of deoxyribonucleoside pools causes DNA damage, leading to cell cycle arrest and senescence. Restoration of depleted dNTP pools can suppress DNA damage and OIS.
In pre-clinical experiments, Angiocidin reduced acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells by almost two-thirds, demonstrating its potential as a safer treatment alternative to standard-of-care chemotherapy agents like Ara-C. The protein also stimulated maturation in affected white cells, causing them to behave like normal cells.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center review suggests rice bran offers anti-cancer properties due to its synergistic bioactive compounds. The clinical trial tests rice bran's effectiveness in preventing colon cancer recurrence, with researchers exploring the optimal composition and daily intake for chemoprevention.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine used a synthetic molecule to stimulate cell movement, bypassing the cells' usual sensing mechanism. This breakthrough provides powerful tools for studying cell movement and its role in cancer progression and immunity.
The study, led by Peter Jones, identified specific genes that must be turned off for cancer cells to survive. The findings provide a new target for cancer treatments and may lead to more effective medicine.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a way to selectively kill some diseased cells while treating others in the same sample using tunable plasmonic nanobubbles. The process activates with a pulse of laser light and leaves neighboring healthy cells untouched.
Researchers identified a transporter molecule on the surface of cancer cells that can take in a toxic substance, allowing it to kill cancer cells. This discovery could lead to more targeted and effective cancer treatments.