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Role of enzyme SMYD3 clarified in prostate cancer progression

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the enzyme SMYD3's involvement in prostate cancer's progression to a more aggressive stage. The study found that adding methyl groups to the MAP kinase protein is likely SMYD3's role in driving metastasis, and compounds that can inactivate SMYD3 are already available

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

A sugar analysis could reveal different types of cancer

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a way to distinguish different types of structural changes in glycan molecules linked to various cancers. The AI-enhanced method uses mass spectrometry to identify patterns in data sets, providing a precise answer to what will change for a specific disease.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2023

Mass General Brigham researchers develop ‘potent and specific’ compounds to curb cancer growth

Researchers at Mass General Brigham have developed a new class of proteasome inhibitors that specifically target the β2 active site in cancer cells. The newly synthesized compounds effectively inhibit multiple myeloma cell growth and show promise for reducing therapeutic resistance and side effects when combined with existing drugs.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2023

Unlocking the secrets of cells with AI

Researchers developed GraphNovo, a program that provides accurate understanding of peptide sequences in cells, improving immunotherapy for unique cases. The AI model enhances de novo peptide sequencing accuracy, filling gaps with precise mass data.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateNov 28, 2023

Seeing cancer’s spread through a computational window

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new computational model called Adaptive Physics Refinement (APR) that can simulate the movement of individual cancer cells across long distances within the entire human body. This approach captures detailed cellular interactions and their effects on cellular trajectory, providing valuable...

SourceDuke University·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Where DNA copying into RNA starts could determine whether cancer cells are receptive to treatment

Researchers found that cancer cells are more vulnerable to radiotherapy when using the less common 'YC' first-base-cytosine site instead of the usual 'YR' adenine or guanine start sites. This discovery enables further understanding of gene regulation in cancers and potential targets for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 23, 2023

Lidocaine may be able to kill certain cancer cells by activating bitter taste receptors

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that lidocaine activates the bitter taste receptor T2R14, which triggers apoptosis in cancer cells. This mechanism could lead to improved treatment options for patients with head and neck cancers, particularly those associated with human papillomavirus.

Scientists engineer potent immune cells for ‘off-the-shelf’ cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at UCLA have developed a new method to engineer more powerful immune cells that can potentially be used for 'off-the-shelf' cell therapy to treat challenging cancers. Gamma delta T cells with high expressions of CD16 surface marker exhibited increased ability to recognize and kill cancer cells.

A potential target for new anti-cancer agents

The study found that SPT5 plays an important role in the development of MYC-dependent tumors, with reduced levels leading to significant regression of tumors. The researchers suggest that SPT5 could be a potential target for pharmacological inhibitors to combat cancer.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2023

An ancient anti-cancer mechanism: DISE

Researchers at Northwestern University identified a new evolutionarily conserved RNAi-based form of cell death called Death Induced by Survival gene Elimination (DISE), which targets essential survival genes in cancer cells. This mechanism is ancient and effective against all cancers tested.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 3, 2023

Better together against cancer

Researchers combined three highly potent cancer drugs in a single prodrug that is activated in tumor cells, resulting in improved efficacy and reduced side effects. The new approach has shown promise as a potential solution to reduce the burden on patients' bodies during cancer treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2023

CityU researchers develop novel photo-oxidation therapy for anticancer treatment

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a new class of near-infrared-activated photo-oxidants that can effectively kill cancer cells without requiring oxygen. The discovery offers a promising direction for developing anti-cancer drugs and could overcome existing limitations of photodynamic therapies.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2023

New insight into crosstalk between cancer cells and their environment

A new study by University of Illinois researchers has collected gene expression data in response to mechanical stiffness in tumors, providing insights into the crosstalk between cancer cells and their environment. The study found that colorectal cancer-associated fibroblasts can sense changes in stiffness and adapt, leading to dramatic...

Personalized combination treatment turns on an immunometabolic switch to effectively control an aggressive form of prostate cancer

Researchers developed a personalized combination treatment that turned on an immunometabolic switch to effectively control aggressive prostate cancer. The treatment showed complete tumor control and long-lasting survival without side effects in a mouse model of advanced prostate cancer.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateSep 18, 2023

NYU Abu Dhabi researchers develop novel tumor-targeting nanospheres with the potential to dramatically improve light-based cancer diagnosis and treatment

Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have developed acidity-triggered rational membrane peptide-functionalized nanospheres that combine tumor detection and monitoring with potent, light-triggered cancer therapy. These nanospheres enable improved efficacy of phototherapies with minimal systemic toxicity.

SourceNew York University·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 13, 2023