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How cells sense nutrients and fuel cancer cell growth

Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have identified a new component of the cellular machinery that senses dietary amino acids, which is essential for mTORC1 activation. This finding provides new information about mTORC1 and its role in cellular metabolism in both normal cells and cancer cells.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalMolecular Cell·DateOct 6, 2011

Modeling cancer using ecological principles

A new study uses the Tilman model of competition between invasive species to understand how prostate cells invade bone marrow and take over the microenvironment. The research reveals that cancer cells follow a similar path to ecological invasions, highlighting the potential for ecological modeling to understand metastasis.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalTheoretical Biology and Medical Modelling·DateOct 2, 2011

Vacuum-like device makes cellular exploration easier

A team of researchers at McGill University developed a new device that can float over cell surfaces without touching them, allowing for the study of cellular processes such as cancer cell formation and neuron alignment. The device uses quadrupoles to create force fields and deliver molecules selectively to cells.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 20, 2011

UCSB develops breakthrough technology in identification of prostate cancer cells

A team of researchers at UC Santa Barbara has developed a novel technique using laser spectroscopy and silver nanoparticles to discriminate between cancerous and non-cancerous cells. The technology can help identify unique tumor cells that may spread to other parts of the body, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2011

BVES butts heads with colorectal cancer

Researchers at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine found that BVES regulates EMT in human colon cancer cells and is silenced via promoter methylation in human colorectal carcinoma. Restoring BVES expression decreased cancer cell characteristics.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 12, 2011

Nickel nanoparticles may contribute to lung cancer

New research from Brown University finds that nickel nanoparticles can activate a cellular pathway that contributes to cancer in human lung cells. The study shows that smaller nanoscale particles are more harmful and potentially cancer-causing than larger microscale particles.

SourceBrown University·JournalToxicological Sciences·DateAug 23, 2011

Pitt cancer researchers find key oncoprotein in Merkel cell carcinoma

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute have identified the small tumor protein (sT) as the oncoprotein that triggers Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC), a rare but deadly skin cancer. The discovery could improve diagnosis and understanding of MCC, potentially shedding light on other cancers.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 15, 2011

Sea squirt cells shed light on cancer development

A research team led by Bradley Davidson discovered that specialized structures in sea squirt cells, called invadopodia, may help cancer cells evade elimination processes. In contrast to cancer cells, sea squirt cells use these structures to pick up chemical signals for development, not invasion.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJul 26, 2011

University of Maryland researchers discover possible drug targets for common non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have found a complex molecular relationship between ERK and CHK2 proteins, which could lead to new treatments for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The study showed that inhibiting both proteins simultaneously killed more cancer cells than treating them separately.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 2011

New mouse model for testing cancer drugs

Researchers developed a new mouse model to test cancer drugs by simulating gene inhibition, preventing rapid cell division in cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected. The study published in Nature Communications validates the preclinical relevance and predictive value of the inducible RNAi-based mouse model.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 2011

New insights into origin of deadly cancer

Researchers discovered that Barrett's esophagus, a precursor to esophageal cancer, arises from a small group of leftover embryonic cells present in all adults. This finding opens up new avenues for therapeutic intervention to prevent the progression of cancer. The study used mouse models and identified specific cell surface markers to ...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateJun 23, 2011

Molecular glue sticks it to cancer

Researchers developed a novel approach to cancer therapy by creating a drug that inhibits the mobility of cancer-promoting proteins within cells. The treatment uses a 'glue' molecule that binds to these proteins, forcing them to the cell membrane and making cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJun 22, 2011

How dense is a cell?

Using Archimedes' principle, MIT scientists have devised a method to measure the density of individual cells, which could provide biophysical insight into fundamental cellular processes. The new device rapidly exchanges fluids, allowing for rapid measurement and potentially screening potential cancer drugs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2011

Survival niche for cancer cells

Researchers have discovered that cancer cells use specific chemokines to create a survival niche in the lymph nodes and spleen, allowing them to grow and develop. This niche is created by the interaction between cancer cells and stromal cells, which secrete increased quantities of chemokines CCL19/CCL21.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalBlood·DateJun 6, 2011

Combo method reveals cells' signal systems

Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a new method to study signal systems in individual cells, revealing the molecular effect of drugs and facilitating the discovery of targeted pharmaceuticals for cancer treatment. This tool provides insight into how cancer cells communicate with normal cells and exploit their functions.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 25, 2011

HIV drug could prevent cervical cancer

Researchers discovered that lopinavir selectively kills HPV-infected non-cancerous cells while leaving healthy cells relatively unaffected. The study suggests a potential treatment for HPV-related cervical cancer using locally applied lopinavir cream or pessary.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalAntiviral Therapy·DateMay 3, 2011

Motor protein may offer promise in ovarian cancer treatment

Researchers have found that over-expression of motor protein km23-1 can block human ovarian tumor growth, leading to eventual cancer cell death. This discovery offers promise for new therapies to treat ovarian cancer, a disease affecting U.S. women with an estimated 21,880 new cases and 13,850 deaths in 2010.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateApr 26, 2011

A new ending to an old 'tail'

Researchers at the Salk Institute have uncovered a new structural beacon, called the C-tail, which is found in half of all telomeres in alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) tumors. This unique feature may be a key to understanding cancer cell immortality and developing effective treatments.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 21, 2011