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Can recycling be used to treat cancer?

Scientists discovered a compound, STF-62247, that induces autophagy in VHL-deficient kidney cancer cells, leading to selective cell death. This finding represents a new direction for targeted therapy against kidney cancer.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateJul 7, 2008

Self-assembled viruses

Researchers have developed artificial viruses that can transport genes and drugs into cancer cells, eliminating immune responses and potential side effects. The viruses are self-assembled using a ribbon-like protein structure, allowing for precise control over their size and shape.

SourceWiley·DateMay 30, 2008

Regulatory B cells exist -- and pack a punch

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a subset of immune system B cells that can regulate inflammation. These regulatory B cells, called B10 cells, produce a potent cytokine that inhibits immune responses. Depleting or enhancing these cells may lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancer.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalImmunity·DateMay 27, 2008

Key step in the 'puncture' mechanism of cell death revealed

Researchers at Melbourne's Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have discovered a key step in the 'puncture' mechanism of cell death, which drives apoptosis. The discovery has important implications for the development of drugs that can regulate cell death, with potential applications in cancer and degenerative disease treatments.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 11, 2008

Synergistic growth inhibitory effect of herbal extracts against HCC and lung cancer cells

Research found that herbal extracts from Phyllanthus emblica and Terminalia bellerica exhibit synergistic growth inhibitory effects when combined with conventional cytotoxic agents like doxorubicin and cisplatin. This enhances therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects, offering a potential new approach to cancer treatment.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 30, 2008

Gene therapy protocol at UCSD activates immune system in patients with leukemia

Researchers at UCSD developed a gene therapy protocol that successfully activated the immune system in six patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The protocol introduced a gene with potential to activate an immune response and resulted in the production of antibodies reacting against leukemia cells.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2008

Light powered platinum more targeted and 80 times more powerful than similar cancer treatments

Researchers have discovered a new platinum-based compound that is up to 80 times more powerful than current anti-cancer drugs and can target cancer cells with high accuracy using light activation. The compound's stability and non-toxicity in the dark make it an attractive alternative for treating surface cancers.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2007

Why don't we get cancer all the time?

A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology suggests that the inefficient process of replacing worn-out cells is a defense against cancer. The researchers found that multicellular organisms use a complex system to replace lost cells, which suppresses mutations that could lead to uncontrolled cell growth.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 19, 2007

Why the switch stays on

Researchers found that a specific protein-protein interaction, involving the rogue Ras protein and its binding partner Raf, blocks the switch from being turned off, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. The study resolves a paradox in the behavior of Ras mutants in cells versus solution.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalStructure·DateDec 12, 2007