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Genome-wide survey nets key melanoma gene

Researchers identified a protein, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7), that regulates melanocytes' decision to ward off cancer by entering a programmed hibernation or committing suicide. This discovery offers new hope for treating deadly melanoma by harnessing the body's natural defense pathway.

Vitamin A derivative associated with reduced growth in some lung cells

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that treatment with a vitamin A derivative called retinoic acid reduced the growth of lung cells in former heavy smokers. The researchers also found that the treatment slowed down cell growth in the parabasal layer of lung cells, but not in the basal layer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 30, 2007

Efficient crowd control in bacterial colonies

A study published in PLoS Biology investigates how bacterial cell colonies develop and self-organize to address environmental challenges. The research reveals that bacterial cells can coordinate their growth and movement to improve access to nutrients and facilitate efficient escape from crowded areas.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 29, 2007

Brain cell growth diminishes long before old age strikes, animal study shows

A Princeton University study found that brain cell growth in adult monkeys begins to decline soon after reaching adulthood, but it does not have to stop altogether. The team's research suggests that stimulating the human brain to generate neural cells more rapidly may be possible through methods such as exercise and socialization.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 15, 2007

An AIDS-related virus reveals more ways to cause cancer, Penn researchers find

Penn researchers have found a new way Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpes Virus (KSHV) causes cancer by interfering with the degradation of a crucial signaling molecule called Notch. This finding sheds light on how KSHV subverts normal cell growth, potentially leading to new treatments for viral-associated cancers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2007

Brown scientists take the petri dish to new dimensions

A team of Brown University biomedical engineers has invented a 3-D Petri dish that can grow cells in three dimensions, enabling the quick and cheap production of realistic cells for drug development and tissue transplantation. The technique employs a new dish made from a sugary substance that allows cells to self-assemble naturally and...

SourceBrown University·JournalTissue Engineering·DateSep 19, 2007

Joslin study indicates insulin receptors play a critical role in promoting islet growth

A Joslin-led study identified insulin receptors as crucial for promoting beta cell growth, a potential target for treating type 2 diabetes. The research found that mice lacking insulin receptors failed to grow more islet cells, highlighting the importance of insulin receptors in overcoming insulin resistance.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2007

Molecular differences between early and advanced melanomas could provide new drug targets

Scientists have discovered that a cell-signaling molecule Akt plays a key role in the progression of melanomas from non-invasive to invasive cancers. Understanding this molecular difference could lead to new targets for treating advanced stage melanoma, with a survival rate of 98% for radial melanomas on the surface of the skin.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 12, 2007

Triptolide: A potential drug for polycystic kidney disease

Researchers at Yale University have identified triptolide, a compound from Traditional Chinese Medicines, as a potential drug for treating polycystic kidney disease. The study shows that triptolide causes cell growth arrest and reduces cyst formation in mouse models of the disease.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2007

New protein inhibitor impedes growth of cancerous cells

Researchers developed a small-molecule inhibitor of Plk1, a key kinase controlling cell division. The compound BI 2536 effectively halts cancerous cell growth in culture and in animal models, causing cell death and tumor regression. This discovery has therapeutic potential for patients with locally advanced or metastatic cancers.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 8, 2007