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Number of cancer stem cells might not predict outcome in HPV-related oral cancers

A new study from Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center found that the quality of cancer stem cells, rather than their quantity, may be associated with better survival rates in patients with HPV-related oral cancers. Researchers discovered that HPV-positive tumors had fewer cancer stem cells, contrary to previous expectations.

Why are some cells more cancer prone?

Researchers discovered 10 specialized subregions within the midgut of fruit flies, each with unique stem cell functions. These regional differences may explain why some organs generate cancer frequently while others rarely. The study sheds light on the intricate relationships between tissue organization and stem cell function.

Unraveling tumor growth one stem cell at a time

A study published in PLOS Biology reveals that a single mutation in the JAK2 gene reduces the ability of blood stem cells to self-renew without affecting their progeny daughter cells. This finding has implications for understanding how single stem cells contribute to tumor growth in cancers suspected to have a stem cell origin.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 4, 2013

Sorting out fertility after childhood cancer

Researchers have developed a multi-parameter sorting approach to separate healthy spermatogonial stem cells from cancerous cells, enabling the removal of malignant material during transplantation. This method shows promise for preserving fertility in male childhood cancer survivors.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 15, 2013

Protein central to cancer stem cell formation provides new potential target

Researchers have identified FOXC2 as a protein vital to the formation of cancer stem cells and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer. The study found that blocking FOXC2 with the FDA-approved drug sunitinib inhibited the growth of cancer stem cells and reduced metastasis in mice with triple-negative breast cancer.

Cancer stem cells isolated from kidney tumors

Researchers have isolated cancer stem cells from kidney tumors that lead to Wilms' tumours, a type of cancer typically found in the kidneys of young children. These cancer stem cells can be targeted with an antibody drug, providing a potential new approach for treating this disease.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateDec 13, 2012

Moffitt Cancer Center researchers find possible key to regulation of ovarian cancer stem cells

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have discovered that microRNA miR-214 plays a critical role in regulating ovarian cancer stem cell properties. The study found that miR-214 induces the expression of a stem cell transcription factor (Nanog), leading to chemoresistance and potentially serving as a therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 27, 2012

JCI early table of contents for May 24, 2012

Researchers developed a new method to identify vaccine targets for Streptococcus pneumoniae, the most common cause of bacterial meningitis. Gene therapy has shown promise in treating adenosine deaminase deficiency by correcting B cell tolerance problems and supporting treatment options for patients with severe combined immunodeficiency.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 24, 2012

Therapy targets leukemia stem cells

Research identifies SIRT1 as a key enzyme protecting leukemia stem cells from stress and driving cancer recurrence. Inhibiting SIRT1 selectively reduces CML stem cell survival and growth, offering a potential therapeutic target for treatment resistance.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateFeb 13, 2012

Cell senescence does not stop tumor growth

A collaboration between researchers has shown that cell senescence occurs spontaneously in melanoma cells but does not stop their growth, which is sustained by a small population of cancer stem cells. The study explains why inducing senescence alone is difficult to treat cancer cells.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 19, 2012

Metabolic state of brain cancer stem cells significantly different than the cancer cells they create

Researchers at UCLA found that brain cancer stem cells can change their metabolic state from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation, allowing them to evade treatment. This unique ability makes glioma stem cells resistant to conventional treatments, highlighting the need for new therapies targeting these cells specifically.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2011

To combat deadly brain cancer, target the stem cells

Researchers have discovered an enzyme in glioblastoma stem cells that allows them to grow and seed tumors. Unlike normal stem cells, these enzymes are not shared, making them a potential target for therapy. The study found that inhibiting this pathway slows the growth of brain tumors in mice, offering hope for improved treatment options.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJul 7, 2011

The cellular root of colorectal cancers?

A study published in Cancer Research found a link between the ABCB5 marker and treatment resistance in colorectal cancers. The researchers discovered that eliminating cells expressing ABCB5 is crucial for successful treatment, supporting the cancer stem cell hypothesis. This finding has significant translational and therapeutic relevance.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCancer Research·DateJun 8, 2011