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Cellular senescence a double-edged sword

A new study reveals that cellular senescence, a natural process for fighting cancer in younger persons, can actually promote cancer in older individuals by triggering the secretion of proteins that cause inflammation. This process is linked to almost every major disease associated with aging, including many cancers.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateDec 3, 2008

Tiny protein provokes healthy bonding between cells

A team of researchers found that a tiny protein called alpha-catenin is essential for forming strong bonds between cells. Cancer cells with dysfunctional alpha-catenin can break free and spread the disease, but scientists may be able to develop therapies to repair or replace this protein and prevent cancer's progression.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2008

Misreading of damaged DNA may spur tumor formation

Researchers have discovered that cells can turn on tumor-promoting growth circuits as a result of misreading damaged DNA without copying it. The results suggest that DNA damage, if it hits certain critical genes in a cell, could lead to transcriptional mutagenesis that spurs the cell to divide.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 20, 2008

Untangling DNA regulation

A recent study by MIT biologists has found that DNA packaging plays a crucial role in directing stem cells towards becoming specific types of adult cells. The researchers discovered that chromatin structure, specifically the variant histone H2AZ, influences gene expression and cell fate.

When cells go bad

Researchers found that when a single telomere is lost, it can cause many abnormalities in a cell's chromosomes, leading to cancer. A new treatment route for cancer may be possible by interfering with the process of adding new telomeres.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGenetics·DateSep 30, 2008

A promising anti-cancer compound

Researchers developed a secretory Apoptin fusion protein that induces apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells, offering new potential for cancer gene therapy. The study's findings suggest the therapeutic usage of Apoptin may be increased with its secretory characteristic.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 24, 2008

New technology paves the way for the future of identifying proteins inside cells

Scientists have developed a new imaging technique that enables the identification of proteins in cells by analyzing their energy flow. This technique, known as coherent two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy (2DIR), has been successfully tested in laboratory experiments and holds promise for improving protein analysis and discovery.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2008

Pores open the door to death

Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology found that tiny pores on the cell surface allow granzymes to enter cells, providing a new target for therapeutic methods. The discovery could lead to improved treatments for chronic virus infections and cancer.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2008

New role for natural killers!

Scientists at the University of York have discovered a new role for Natural Killer cells, which can make diseases worse in certain cases. The research suggests that these cells produce chemicals that inhibit immune responses, leading to potential breakthroughs in treating chronic infections and cancer.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalImmunity·DateAug 27, 2008

Angiotensin inhibitors and receptor blockers linked to lower risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer

Researchers found a significant association between ACE inhibitor and ARB use and reduced incidence of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell cancers in U.S. veterans. The study revealed a 39% relative reduction in basal cell cancer and 33% relative reduction in squamous cell cancers among users compared to non-users.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 26, 2008

NYU scientists identify critical protein complex in formation of cell cilia

A protein complex regulating primary cilia formation has been identified by NYU researchers. The complex involves three proteins: CEP290, CP110, and Rab8a, which work together to promote cilia formation on mature cells. This discovery may lead to new drug targets for diseases such as polycystic kidney disease, retinal degeneration, and...

Scientists use old enemy to K.O. cancer

Researchers use ruthenium as a catalyst to increase oxidant levels in infected cells, ultimately destroying cancerous cells. The study offers a promising alternative to traditional cancer treatments, which often adapt quickly to targeted drugs.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 12, 2008

Being a control freak aids dividing cells

A new study reveals that dividing cells exhibit an unprecedented level of regulation, with over 1,000 proteins becoming highly phosphorylated. This discovery has significant implications for understanding cell cycle disorders and developing therapeutic targets.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2008

Cellular decision on the computer

Researchers at DKFZ have developed a new simulation method to predict the molecular targets that control cell behavior. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments against cancer metastasis by targeting specific genetic changes.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateJul 14, 2008

UGA researchers discover mechanism that explains how cancer enzyme winds up on ends of chromosomes

Researchers at UGA's Franklin College of Arts and Sciences have identified a mechanism that explains how telomerase enzymes are recruited to chromosome ends in cancer cells. The study highlights the potential for targeting telomerase as a means to stop cancers from spreading, providing new avenues for investigation into cancer growth.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalMolecular Biology of the Cell·DateJul 10, 2008