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Important signaling pathway in breast cancer revealed

Researchers at Kanazawa University have discovered a critical signaling pathway that drives the proliferation of cancer stem cells in breast cancer. The pathway, involving Semaphorin 3 and MICAL3 proteins, is targeted by inhibiting these proteins to reduce breast-cancer stem-like cells.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2019

Cancer stem cells get energy from protein, and it's proving to be their Achilles' heel

A recent study found that cancer stem cells rely on amino acids for energy, rather than glucose, and this difference makes them susceptible to targeting without harming healthy cells. Researchers have already shown promise with this approach in clinical trials against acute myeloid leukemia, with potential applications to other cancers.

Cellular pumps protect the gut from toxins

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School discovered that gut stem cells have a unique population of cells with intrinsic toxin resistance, enabling them to withstand drugs and spicy foods. These 'drug efflux pumps' protect the gut from toxic compounds, promoting intestinal regeneration and overall health.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 26, 2018

Vitamin A derivative selectively kills liver cancer stem cells

Researchers have discovered that acyclic retinoid targets EpCAM-positive cancer stem cells by repressing MYCN expression, slowing cell growth and leading to greater cell death. This finding has significant implications for decreasing cancer recurrence and curing patients.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2018

It's all about the (stem cell) neighborhood

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified key regulators of the intestinal stem cell niche, including hormones R-spondins and Wnts. The team's study shows that subepithelial myofibroblasts are essential sources of these hormones, highlighting the close interaction between epithelial stem cells and their niche.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2018

Malignant mitochondria as a target

A metallopeptide has been synthesized to target and disrupt mitochondrial function in breast cancer stem cells, inducing apoptosis. The peptide effectively delivers ROS and impairs mitochondrial metabolism.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 13, 2017

Anti-pancreatic cancer drug in research focus

Scientists have successfully synthesized a promising anticancer molecule, BE-43547A(2), which shows unprecedented activity against pancreatic cancer stem cells. The compound reduces cancer stem cell proliferation by 21-fold and abolishes tumor-initiating capability.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 25, 2017

Plant substance inhibits cancer stem cells

Researchers at Lund University have successfully isolated and studied the plant compound damsin, which inhibits the growth and spread of cancer stem cells. The study's findings suggest that damsin and its synthetic analogue ambrosin may contribute to the development of new drugs against cancer stem cells.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 27, 2017

New inhibitor brings new hope

Scientists at the University of Freiburg have developed a new model to isolate and study cancer stem cells from breast cancer patients. The team found that inhibiting the epigenetic regulator KDM4 can block proliferation of cancer stem cells, induce changes in their molecular make-up, and reduce tumor growth.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 14, 2017

Grape-based compounds kill colon cancer stem cells in mice

Researchers found that grape-based compounds resveratrol and grape seed extract effectively killed colon cancer cells and suppressed tumors in mice. The combination of these compounds was found to be non-toxic to healthy cells, making them a promising approach for colon cancer prevention and treatment.

SourcePenn State·JournalBMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine·DateJun 19, 2017

Targeting a tumor trigger

Researchers have devised a strategy to specifically target cancer stem cells in some cancers and reduce their tumor-generating potential. Combining Nutlin-3 and Paclitaxel showed potentiated tumor response and prevented relapse in Numb-deficient tumors, suggesting the potential of these drugs as treatment options.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateMar 15, 2017

First of its kind cancer stem cell research unlocks clues to treatment resistance

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered a link between the loss of miR-17 and oesophageal tumour resistance to radiotherapy. Higher numbers of cancer stem cells formed larger, more aggressive tumours and were more resistant to radiation-induced cell death. Synthetic miR-17 may enhance radiotherapy effectiveness in patients.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateJan 17, 2017