Research on the cell biology of tumors. Covers cancer-cell vulnerabilities, tumor spread, nanoreactor therapies, and AI-guided cancer research.
Researchers at IRIC found that polo kinase tells chromosomes when to condense during cell division, linking it to several cancers. Inhibiting this mechanism could lead to effective therapies for treating cancer.
Researchers identified a way to boost cisplatin's effectiveness by targeting DNA repair proteins in cancer cells. Attenuating the function of RAD50 protein complex sensitizes human tumor cells to cisplatin-based chemotherapy.
A phase I trial found a two-drug combination of temsirolimus and bryostatin to be safe and active in patients with metastatic kidney cancer. The combination showed sustained responses in some patients, particularly those with rare forms of renal cell carcinoma that don't respond well to standard therapies.
Researchers found that cancer cells use many normal proteins to cope with stress and maintain their abnormal state. This discovery highlights the importance of stress management genes as potential therapeutic targets for treating tumors driven by Ras mutations.
Researchers have identified a host of genes that cancer cells depend on for survival, including serine/threonine kinase 33 and polo-like kinase 1. Targeting these kinases could potentially lead to effective treatments for various types of cancer.
Researchers have discovered that contractile rings constrict at a constant rate proportional to cell size, maintaining consistent cell division duration despite smaller cells. This property could lead to improved therapies for cancer by preventing uncontrolled cell division.
The concentration of Hedgehog determines whether the right hand thumb grows on the left hand side, a mechanism controlled by different concentrations of the molecule. The study found that cells use various molecular mechanisms to interpret different Hedgehog concentrations.
Two Agios founders have authored a Science review on cancer metabolism, summarizing the current state of the field and suggesting new targets for therapy. The review highlights key advancements in understanding how cancer cells adapt to use more nutrients than normal cells.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have developed an efficient system for delivering siRNA into primary cells, overcoming a major hurdle in RNAi-based cancer therapy. The PTD-DRBD fusion protein enables targeted gene silencing in various cell types without toxicity or immune responses.
Scientists at A*STAR's IMCB have discovered the protein WIP1 as a critical suppressor of severe inflammation, which could lead to septic shock and death. The research also found links between chronic inflammation and cancer development.
A large population-based study found that women who have been treated for abnormal cervical cell growth are at higher risk for a recurrence of the disease or invasive cervical cancer. The study's findings should help guide physicians in making recommendations about follow-up treatment guidelines.
Researchers at Northwestern University have identified a snippet of RNA called miR-7 that helps maintain uniformity in individuals. The study found that miR-7 is critical to the molecular network regulating uniformity, which can help regulate cancer cells' behavior.
New research reveals that DNA repair enzyme TDG plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of cancer drug 5-Fluorouracil. By incorporating itself into DNA, 5FU creates an overload on the repair system, leading to cell death. This finding provides a new understanding of how 5FU kills cancer cells.
A team of researchers has discovered a missing trigger for calcium signaling in cells, which controls muscle contraction, nerve-cell transmission, insulin release, and other essential functions. The study found that two-pore channels (TPCs) cause the release of calcium when stimulated by NAADP, and are located in lysosomes and endosomes.
Professor Andrew Fry will present his latest research on understanding cell division and its role in human diseases, including cancer. His work aims to identify proteins that can target specific tumours while leaving other cells unharmed.
Researchers at Medical College of Wisconsin discovered that CXCL12 can prevent colorectal cancer cells from adhering to underlying proteins, leading to programmed cell death. The study suggests a potential mechanism for slowing cancer spread and improving patient prognosis.
The study found that thymoquinone from Nigella sativa inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines and NF-kappaB in pancreatic cancer cells, reducing tumor growth and inflammation. The herb has been used for centuries to treat various diseases, including immune disorders.
Acetylshikonin has been found to have potent anti-tumor effects on human gastric adenocarcinoma, with increased cell death and apoptosis observed in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The drug's mechanism involves the regulation of Bax and Bcl-2 levels, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine tracked how prostate cancer began in 33 men, finding a set of genetic defects in a single cell that differ for each person's cancer. The study suggests that common genetic patterns across metastatic sites indicate a single cell source.
A new study found that boosting miR-29b levels in acute myeloid leukemia cells reverses gene changes, enabling the cells to differentiate and mature. This process could lead to a drop in global DNA methylation and reactivation of tumor suppressor genes, offering a potential treatment for AML.
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a novel optical technique called IRAM that enables rapid analysis of single human immune cells using only light. This technique allows for clear differences between two types of immune cells to be seen, providing new insights into cell activation and development.
Researchers at the University of Rhode Island have discovered a biochemical mechanism that explains how protein tyrosine kinases, such as Src and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor families, sense and respond to oxidative stress signals. This understanding may help in designing targeted therapies for specific cancers.
The study discovered a mechanism that switches on genetic instability in cancer cells, leading to growth advantage and invasion. The researchers developed an assay to determine the efficiency of DNA repair mechanisms, which could lead to developing ways to switch off this mechanism.
Researchers have developed a promising new drug treatment, NO-Cbl, which has shown significant anti-tumor efficacy with limited toxicity in dogs with cancer. The treatment uses 'biological Trojan horse technology' to target cancer cells, and could potentially be used in combination regimes to enhance its effectiveness.
A nationwide research team has identified and mapped 55,000 gene enhancers, revealing their critical role in cell-type-specific gene expression. The study broadens our understanding of the human genome and its regulation.
Researchers found that cetuximab's success in treating non-small cell lung cancer depends on the production of a specific protein called u-PAR. Higher levels of u-PAR indicate reduced responsiveness to the treatment, suggesting it could be used as a biomarker.
Researchers found frankincense oil to discriminate between normal and cancerous bladder cells, kill cancer cells, and suppress growth by arresting cell cycle progression. The oil may represent an inexpensive alternative therapy for patients with bladder cancer.
Researchers have developed nanoscale probes that can pinpoint tumors and deliver drugs directly to cancer cells using antibodies and magnetic particles. These probes offer a promising approach for more precise cancer treatment, expanding the possibilities of MRI-based tracking and optical luminescence.
Researchers have identified a master protein that maintains epithelial cell normality and prevents cancer cells from metastasizing. The Epithelial Splicing Regulatory Protein (ESRP) plays a crucial role in regulating gene splicing, and its dysregulation can lead to cancer cell migration and tissue fibrosis.
Researchers tracked viscosity changes in live cancer cells using a new Photodynamic Therapy drug. The results show that increased stickiness contributes to cell death, but also slows down the treatment's effect.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine identified CD98hc protein as essential for B lymphocyte division and antibody secretion. The protein supports integrin signaling, which controls cell migration, survival, and proliferation.
Researchers at U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center identified a gene called ATDC that is overexpressed in 90% of pancreatic cancers, making cells resistant to chemotherapy. The study found that targeting this gene may make cancer cells more sensitive to existing therapies.
Researchers at VIB have identified a key gene that suppresses cancer across species, including humans. The Atonal gene regulates the final step of cell specialization, which is lost in cancer cells, offering new hope for therapy.
Researchers discover gene ATOH1 regulates cell specialization, preventing cancer formation in organisms. Reactivating the gene in human colon cancer cells halts tumor growth and induces cell death.
The study investigates the anti-apoptotic effects of Astragalus saponin extract on human peritoneal mesothelial cells during peritoneal gastric cancer metastasis. The results show that gastric cancer cell supernatant induces apoptosis in mesothelial cells, while Astragalus injection can partly suppress this effect and regulate the expr...
Researchers found that PPAR-gamma ligands can suppress stomach cancer cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis and arresting the G1 phase. The study also showed that these compounds may be useful for targeting therapy of gastric cancer.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have discovered how the Myc cancer-promoting gene uses microRNAs to control glutamine, a major energy source for cancer cells. This finding may lead to identifying new pathways to target for designing drugs with fewer side effects.
Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have developed radioimmunotherapy to target and destroy HIV-infected cells. The treatment, which uses antibodies attached to radioactive payloads, shows promise in laboratory and animal studies, and is currently being tested in pre-clinical trials.
Researchers developed a new technique to detect early-stage pancreatic cancer by analyzing nanoscopic changes in cell biopsies. This method may help diagnose cancers earlier and treat them more effectively.
The study reveals that PHD2-blockers can convert abnormal endothelial layers into tightly aligned cells, allowing anti-cancer medicines to reach their destination more easily. This improves the effectiveness of chemotherapy and reduces cancer cell migration.
Researchers have identified a new biological marker, sarcosine, that indicates prostate cancer progression and spreading. Sarcosine levels increase in tumor cells and urine samples as the disease develops.
Researchers developed a new 3-D microscope to visualize cells, which could improve early cancer detection. The technique bridges the gap between research and clinical practices, allowing for more accurate diagnoses.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition reveals that quercetin can help prevent colon cancer by reducing inflammation and promoting apoptosis. Quercetin is a natural compound found in many plant-based foods, including vegetables and fruit.
Researchers found that Snail1 promotes tissue invasion and angiogenesis in cancer cells by stimulating fibroblast function. Fibroblasts without Snail1 are less able to degrade the extracellular matrix and form invadopodia, key structures for cell invasion.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a protein called TCAB1, which is crucial for telomerase to repair the ends of chromosomes. This discovery may lead to new anti-cancer therapies by blocking the inappropriate expression of TCAB1 in human cancer cells.
Researchers developed an imaging method to analyze thousands of living cells and reveal how a chemotherapy drug affects each one. They identified two proteins, DDX5 and RFC1, that play a role in cancer cell survival and boosted the effectiveness of current drugs.
A study found that most gene switch sites occur on nearby regions, called CpG shores, not just isolated DNA islands in the human genome. This discovery has significant implications for understanding disease and developing new treatments against colon cancer.
Researchers have determined the three-dimensional structure of TIGAR, an enzyme that helps regulate energy production in cells. The discovery may lead to earlier cancer detection or preventative treatments.
Scientists at A*STAR's IMCB have discovered a human protein called Bax-beta (Baxβ) that can induce cancer cell death. The protein is normally degraded by proteasomes in healthy cells, but its levels are elevated in cancer cells, leading to apoptosis.
Portuguese scientists identify Slimb molecule controlling centrosome number in cells, associated with disease and cancer. Understanding this mechanism offers new avenues for researching tumour development.
University of Michigan researchers have identified the protein Mre11 as a 'caretaker' that repairs DNA damage, in addition to its existing role as a 'gatekeeper' signaling injury. This discovery may lead to new cancer treatments by predicting tumor sensitivity to radiation and therapies.
Researchers identified a key role for the kinase Aurora A in stabilizing N-Myc, a primary driver of aggressive childhood cancer. The findings suggest that targeting Aurora A may not be effective in inhibiting cancer growth, highlighting the need for new therapeutic approaches.
Researchers developed a hybrid SPECT-CT camera to accurately distinguish cancerous cells from healthy tissue in regional lymph nodes. This technology enables earlier detection and individualized treatment of thyroid cancer.
Researchers have identified a gene mutation in SFTPA2 that is linked to an inherited form of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a lethal lung disease affecting older adults. The same mutation is also associated with lung cancer.
Researchers use atomic force microscopy to probe individual bonds between asbestos fibers and human cells, revealing potential triggers for cancer. The study aims to understand how asbestos interacts with cell surface receptors, which could aid in drug development efforts targeting mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.
Researchers at University of California, Berkeley discovered that blocking proteins coded by notorious gene MYC can stop ovarian cancer cell proliferation. By using RNA interference and small interfering RNA to silence L-Myc and N-Myc proteins, the scientists were able to shut down growth in non-amplified MYC tumors.
Cancer cells and nerve cells share a common way to survive by inhibiting apoptosis through glucose metabolism. This pathway allows both cells to evade death and proliferate uncontrollably in cancer cells but is essential for nerve cell survival.
A Cornell University researcher has developed a tiny, implantable device that captures and kills up to 30% of tumor cells in the bloodstream before they spread. The 'lint brush' uses naturally occurring proteins to attract and kill cancer cells without harming healthy cells.
A Phase I study combining Revlimid and Vidaza found the combination was well-tolerated and had high activity in treating higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The therapy resulted in a 39% complete response rate and 72% overall response rate among patients.
A Northwestern University team developed partial-wave spectroscopy (PWS) to detect subtle abnormal changes in human colon cancer cells. The technique can identify cell nanoarchitecture and detect changes before conventional microscopy can.