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What sea squirts can teach us about the heart

Researchers study sea squirts' simple body structure to unravel complex mechanisms of heart formation, shedding light on GATA's role in congenital heart defects. Disrupting GATA function independently in the developing gut preserves heart cell identity, while disrupting it in heart precursor cells causes limbo-like state.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalDevelopmental Biology·DateApr 8, 2011

Soy increases effectiveness of radiation at killing lung cancer, Wayne State study shows

A Wayne State University study found that soy isoflavones can sensitize cancer cells to radiation while protecting normal tissue. The study demonstrated that soy isoflavones can block DNA repair mechanisms in cancer cells, leading to increased killing of lung cancer cells by radiation

UPCI, Pitt researchers present findings of cancer studies at AACR 102nd Annual Meeting

Researchers from UPCI and Pitt will present over 80 posters, talks, and tutorials on various cancer studies, including the effects of immunomodulatory derivatives on blood cell production pathways and the role of inflammatory mediators in immune system dysfunction. Additionally, they will discuss the development of vaccines targeting p...

Soy increases radiation's ability to kill lung cancer cells, study shows

A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that soy isoflavones can sensitize cancer cells to radiation, increasing killing efficiency while protecting normal lung tissue from damage. Researchers used a soy mixture consisting of genistein, daidzein and glycitein to demonstrate this effect.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateApr 1, 2011

In search of cancer's common ground: A next-generation view

Researchers have synthesized cancer literature to introduce the concept of enabling and emerging hallmarks, which are features that set the stage for cancer and may become core characteristics in nearly all cancers. This review article provides a cohesive foundation for biomedical researchers to develop new cancer treatments.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMar 3, 2011

Designing new molecular tools to study the life and death of a cancer cell

Research team designed synthetic molecules to study proline residue's role in cancer cell apoptosis by XIAP protein. The results suggest that these tetrapeptide analogs can be further developed into new molecular tools to analyze protein-protein interactions and signal transduction pathways of XIAP in cancer cells.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateFeb 15, 2011

Method of DNA repair linked to higher likelihood of genetic mutation

A recent study published in PLOS Biology reveals that Break-induced Replication (BIR) is up to 2,800 times more likely to cause genetic mutations than normal DNA synthesis. The researchers found that this method of DNA repair can lead to sudden bursts of mutagenesis, increasing the risk of cancerous cell development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 15, 2011

New combination therapy for solid tumors?

Researchers have discovered a compound, ABT-737, that sensitizes hypoxic cancer cells to apoptosis. This compound synergizes with conventional chemotherapeutic agents in tumor-bearing mice, suggesting improved treatment of solid tumors.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 14, 2011

Detecting esophageal cancer with light

Researchers developed a device using angle-resolved low coherence interferometry to detect pre-cancerous cells in the esophagus lining. The technology holds promise for earlier detection and targeted biopsies, potentially improving treatment outcomes for esophageal cancer.

SourceDuke University·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJan 4, 2011

Zebrafish provide new hope for cancer treatment

Researchers used zebrafish to track the behavior of cancer cells and immune cells, discovering that cancer cells produce hydrogen peroxide to attract immune cells. This co-option of the immune system allows tumors to grow and spread, but blocking this interaction can prevent tumor formation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 14, 2010

New study reveals how cannabis suppresses immune functions

A new study reveals that cannabis triggers unique immune cells called myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which promote cancer growth. MDSCs actively suppress the immune system, making users more susceptible to infections and certain types of cancers.

SourceWiley·JournalEuropean Journal of Immunology·DateNov 24, 2010