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Keeping at-risk cells from developing cancer

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that epigenetic changes in gene activation can lead to cancer development, and found a way to block the 'addiction' to growth factors, preventing cancer growth. The study shows that blocking this response can greatly reduce precancerous lesions in animals.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2007

Cancer-resistant mouse discovered

A team of researchers has discovered a tumor-suppressor gene called Par-4 that kills cancer cells but not normal cells. The mice born with this gene live longer and have no toxic side effects, making it a potentially therapeutic application for treating cancer without harming patients.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 27, 2007

Relationship between environmental stress and cancer elucidated

A recent study elucidates the relationship between environmental stress and cancer by revealing how stress-inducing agents reduce SIRT1 enzyme activity, leading to increased cell survival. By targeting this process, researchers aim to develop new treatments that increase SENP1 activity to promote programmed cell death in cancer cells.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateNov 5, 2007

How to design a cancer-killing virus

Researchers developed a new virotherapeutic targeting cancer cells expressing E2F and EGFR proteins, showing antitumor effects in mice and rabbits. The virus demonstrated high selectivity for cancer cells in tumor-bearing rabbits and human tissue samples.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 25, 2007

Study proposes new theory of how viruses may contribute to cancer

A new study suggests that viruses may contribute to cancer by causing excessive death to normal cells while promoting the growth of surviving cells with cancerous traits. The Phoenix Paradigm model proposes a separate mechanism where viral infection selects pre-existing mutated clones, promoting their further growth and multiplication.

New inhibitor has potential as cancer drug

A new heparanase inhibitor has shown promising results in animal models, indicating its potential as a cancer drug. The enzyme heparanase splits polysaccharides into shorter fragments, which can promote tumor growth. By inhibiting this enzyme, researchers hope to develop a new treatment for cancer.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateOct 22, 2007

Gene may hold key to future cancer hope

Scientists have identified a key gene called Bub 1 that plays a critical role in normal cell division, and deactivating it has been shown to prevent cells from dividing successfully. The team hopes that targeting this gene may selectively kill cancer cells and develop new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 8, 2007

New cell death pathway involved in sperm development

Researchers have uncovered a new pathway that regulates killer proteins called caspases, which are essential for trimming down heavy sperm to make them better swimmers. This discovery provides insights into the causes of human infertility and opens up opportunities for developing drugs that can alter cell death for therapeutic purposes.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 17, 2007

New cancer weapon: nuclear nanocapsules

Researchers at Rice University have developed a way to package radioactive particles inside DNA-sized carbon tubes to target tiny tumors. The alpha-emitting nanocapsules are designed to deliver a single, direct hit to cancer cells, making them potentially more effective than traditional beta-particle radiation.

SourceRice University·JournalSmall·DateAug 23, 2007

MIT creates 3-D images of living cell

Researchers at MIT have developed a technique to create 3D images of living cells, revealing internal structures and enabling the study of cellular function in its native state. The method uses interferometry and refractive index properties, producing high-resolution images with resolutions as low as 150 nanometers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 12, 2007

Molecular detectors may refine cancer treatment

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a new method to detect subtle differences in leukemia cells using molecular probes called aptamers. This technique has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment for cancer patients by providing more precise and personalized care.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalClinical Chemistry·DateJul 19, 2007

Penn researchers identify new combination therapy that promotes cancer cell death

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine identified a combination therapy that selectively eliminates cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact. The therapy combines TRAIL and sorafenib, reducing tumor size in mice with few side effects, demonstrating its potential effectiveness on human colon cancers.

Tumor painting revolutionizes fight against cancer

Researchers developed a new cancer treatment called Chlorotoxin:Cy5.5, which can illuminate tumor cells in the operating room, making it easier for surgeons to remove all cancerous cells without injuring surrounding healthy tissue. This technology has the potential to improve cancer therapy and save lives.

SourceSeattle Children's·JournalCancer Research·DateJul 15, 2007

New use for a cell toxin found to inhibit survival proteins in cancer cells

Scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center discovered a modified version of antimycin that selectively kills cancer cells with high levels of survival proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. The compound's unique mechanism provides a therapeutic window, making it a potential targeted molecular therapy to enhance cancer treatment effectiveness.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateJul 11, 2007

Dead on target

Researchers have developed multifunctional nanoparticles that target and image cancer cells by exploiting overexpression of folic acid receptors. These dendrimer-based systems can accumulate in diseased cells and retain bright fluorescence, allowing for easy visualization via confocal microscopy.

SourceWiley·JournalSmall·DateJun 22, 2007

Targeting key proteins of carcinogenesis

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have identified a novel Ub conjugation reaction that allows for more efficient manipulation of key proteins in the treatment of cancer and other diseases. This discovery provides a basis for novel therapeutic approaches that are more specific than existing drugs like Bortezomib.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJun 22, 2007