Biologists identify key step in lung cancer evolution
Researchers discovered that blocking this Wnt pathway prevents tumor growth and prolongs mouse lifespan. Human lung adenocarcinoma samples also showed high levels of Wnt activation.
Tumor Cells
Articles tagged with Tumor Cells
Brain cancer discovery reveals clues in quest for new therapies
Scientists have pinpointed two molecules, FOXG1 and SOX2, that drive glioblastoma cells' rapid division and prevent specialization. These findings could lead to the development of new therapies targeting these molecules to slow or stop tumour growth.
Scrib protein identified as a natural suppressor of liver cancer
In liver cancer, Scrib's increased expression suppresses the growth of cancer cells by inhibiting three oncogenes. The study provides the first hard evidence that Scrib functions as a tumor suppressor in human and animal liver cancer.
Deadly nanoparcel for cancer cells
Scientists develop a hybrid nanomaterial that releases a free-radical-generating prodrug inside tumor cells, destroying them even in oxygen-depleted conditions. The material damages cells by a ROS-type radical mechanism without the need for oxygen.
Advanced prostate cancer treatment failure due to cell reprogramming
Researchers discovered that tumor cells in patients with advanced prostate cancer are reprogrammed, reducing response to anti-androgen therapy and creating more aggressive tumors. SOX11 acts as a key regulator in this process, which may be targeted for new treatments.
At last, a clue to where cancer metastases are born
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute discovered that invasive tumors can send out tumor cells earlier than thought, which may seed secondary tumors years later. The escaping cells enter the bloodstream by entering blood vessels deep within the dense tumor core, upending the long-held belief about metastatic cell origin.
Connecting the dots between insulin resistance, unhealthy blood vessels and cancer
Joslin Diabetes Center researchers found impaired insulin effects boost cancer risks in mice with genetically modified intestinal tumors and blood vessels. Insulin resistance may impair blood vessel health and share biological mechanisms with cardiovascular disease.
Pancreatic cancer project scores in research 'lightning round'
Researchers Melissa Skala and Matthew Vander Heiden won a $250,000 award to study the interaction between tumor cells and healthy supporting cells in pancreatic cancer. The project aims to create molecular changes that shut down the tumor's ability to scavenge nutrients, potentially leading to a new type of metabolic cancer therapy.
Defects in epithelial tissue organization -- A question of life or death
Scientists discover that physical arrangement of cells drives cell death and removal, with topological defects causing cells to realign and leading to extrusion. This finding provides new insights into tissue development and control of cell growth.
Wake Forest Baptist researchers find novel way to induce pancreatic cancer cell death
Wake Forest Baptist researchers found that MIR506 inhibits malignant cell growth and metastasis in pancreatic cancer cells. The molecule induces autophagy, a process that promotes cancer cell death.
Method identified to boost detection of highly cancerous stem cells
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University developed a new process to improve the detection of cancer stem cells in brain tumors. The approach uses iron chelation to increase fluorescence levels, allowing for more accurate identification and removal of these cells. This breakthrough has potential to translate to clinical practice.
Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals detailed composition of two major types of brain tumor
A study at Massachusetts General Hospital found that two major types of brain tumors, astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas, may originate from the same type of neural progenitor cells. The analysis revealed differences in gene mutation patterns and tumor microenvironments between the two subtypes.
New research explains why even targeted therapies eventually fail in lung cancer
A study led by Raffaella Sordella proposes a novel theory on how cancers circumvent targeted therapy killing power. The research suggests that genetic diversity in tumor cells, caused by non-genetic mechanisms, can help them survive and eventually relapse.
New research shows how metabolism and epigenetics play a role in cancer development
A study published in Briefings in Functional Genomics investigates the role of epigenetics in cancer development, showing that disruptions can activate oncogenes or shut down tumor suppressors. The paper also highlights the link between epigenetic changes and metabolites, which can target and amplify gene expression.
Single-cell analysis reveals subtypes of colorectal tumors
Researchers defined cell-type composition of cancerous cells from 11 colorectal tumors using single-cell genomics and computational techniques. The study identified two distinct subtypes of cancer-associated fibroblasts that contribute to a worse prognosis in colorectal cancer patients.
Tethered nanoparticles make tumor cells more vulnerable
Researchers at MIT developed a strategy to make tumor cells more susceptible to certain types of cancer treatment by coating them with nanoparticles. The particles increase the forces exerted on the cells, making them more likely to die, and were found to be 50% more effective in tests in mice.
Researchers create viruses to selectively attack tumor cells
Scientists at IDIBAPS and IRB Barcelona developed a novel strategy to genetically modify viruses that selectively target tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue. The study's results show promising effectiveness in controlling tumor growth and destroying cancer cells, offering hope for new cancer therapies.
Dartmouth researchers use new computational method to define immune cell interactions
A new computational method allows researchers to quickly compute immune cell infiltration and calculate personal immune response profiles for thousands of patients. The study reveals complex interactions between different immune cell types in the tumor microenvironment play meaningful roles in patient survival.
A novel protein regulates cancer immunity and could offer a therapeutic target
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina found that inhibiting moesin reduces numbers of regulatory T cells, enabling the immune system to see and attack cancer. This could lead to new treatments for cancer and Treg-related immune disorders.
Reprogrammed blood vessels promote cancer spread
Researchers found high levels of activated Notch in tumor endothelium, promoting cancer cell invasion into bloodstream and forming lung metastases. Blocking Notch with antibodies reduced metastasis and immune cell invasion.
Cell 'stickiness' could indicate metastatic potential
Researchers discovered that weakly adherent cancer cells are more likely to migrate and invade other tissues compared to strongly adherent cells. This finding suggests that adhesion strength may serve as a general marker of metastatic cells.
Tumor protein could hold key to pancreatic cancer survival
Researchers identified PAK1 as a key player in aggressive tumor growth, fibrosis, and chemotherapy resistance. Targeting PAK1 may increase survival rates for patients with pancreatic cancer.
Penn/Wistar study finds 'sweet spot' where tissue stiffness drives cancer's spread
Researchers found that cancer cells can spread through the extracellular matrix with optimal tissue stiffness. Drugs targeting ECM stiffness could prevent metastasis, providing a new approach to diagnostics and treatment.
Prostate cancer cells grow with malfunction of cholesterol control in cells
Prostate cancer cells grow with malfunction of cholesterol control in cells, a process that allows them to accumulate fat and stimulate uncontrolled growth. Identifying this process could inform the development of better ways to control cholesterol accumulation in tumors.
How cancers trick the immune system into helping rather than harming them
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin discovered how cancers hijack the immune system's wound-healing response to receive help. They found that a molecule called TRAIL can be re-wired in certain tumors to send an inflammatory signal, tricking the immune system into assisting cancer growth.
Adenoviruses and the immune system join forces against cancer
Researchers at IDIBELL have developed an oncolytic virus that redirects the patient's immune system against tumor cells, increasing antitumor efficacy. The virus uses BiTE antibodies to activate T lymphocytes and capture them to attack adjacent cancer cells.
Scientists identify aggressive pancreatic cancer cells and their vulnerability
Researchers identified a gatekeeper protein SMARCB1 that prevents aggressive pancreatic cancer cells from transitioning into a resistant type. Depletion of SMARCB1 leads to mesenchymal status, a mobile and invasive cell state, making these cells vulnerable to therapies targeting proteostasis.
Nixing the cells that nix immune response against cancer
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study characterizes the uptick of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in human cancer patients' spleens, revealing their immunosuppressive function. Higher splenocyte counts were associated with increased risk of death and decreased overall survival.
New genome-mapping technique opens new avenues for precision medicine
Researchers at OHSU developed a method for quickly mapping single cell genomes, expanding the analysis of cancerous tumors and other diseases. This breakthrough enables precise targeting of cancer cells, offering new avenues for personalized medicine.
'Listening' to single cells may uncover cancer origins
A new technique called MATQ-seq increases the accuracy of detecting gene expression in single cells to 90%, allowing scientists to study how cancerous tumors begin and potentially uncover better treatments, diagnosis, and prevention strategies.
Cell of origin affects malignancy and drug sensitivity of brain tumors
Researchers at Uppsala University discovered a correlation between brain tumor cell origin and its growth rate, malignancy, and response to cancer drugs. The study found that tumors originating from immature neural stem cells were more aggressive and less sensitive to treatment than those from differentiated glial cells.
Massachusetts General researchers identify new target for cancer immunotherapy
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have found that tumor necrosis factor receptor type II (TNFR2) may be a major target for immuno-oncology treatments. The team's findings suggest that blocking TNFR2 could restore the ability of a patient's immune system to attack tumors, while also directly killing cancer cells.
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.
How well do we understand the relation between incorrect chromosome number & cancer?
Researchers found that cells with an extra chromosome grew more slowly and formed smaller tumors than comparable cells with normal chromosome number. However, after weeks of growth, these cells rapidly evolved to acquire new mutations that enabled them to grow rapidly.
PKM2 promotes exosome release via phosphorylating SNAP-23
A research team at Nanjing University found that PKM2 promotes exosome release by phosphorylating SNAP-23, which controls the dock and release of secretory granules or exosome-containing multivesicular bodies. This study demonstrates for the first time that PKM2 plays an essential role in promoting tumor cell exocytosis.
Cancer cells' transition can drive tumor growth, UF Health researchers find
Researchers have discovered how cancer cells convert into blood vessel-supporting cells that drive tumor growth. The process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) sustains blood vessels and fuels tumor expansion.
Penn: Epigenetic change ties mitochondrial dysfunction to tumor progression
Researchers at Penn have identified a mechanism by which mitochondria can drive changes in nuclear gene expression associated with tumor progression. The epigenetic process involves a protein triggered by mitochondrial oxidative or metabolic stress, leading to reduced cancer gene expression when blocked.
Spicy molecule inhibits growth of breast cancer cells
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum found that capsaicin, an active ingredient in chilli peppers, inhibits the growth of triple-negative breast cancer cells by activating the TRPV1 receptor. The treatment also causes tumour cells to die and reduces their ability to form metastases.
The way you move: Tumor cells move differently than normal ones
Researchers found that fibrosarcoma cells can't perform piston movement to get through tight squeezes, leaving them intact while normal cells use molecular motors to muscle forward.
Newly identified pathway in mitochondria fuels tumor progression across cancer types
Scientists at The Wistar Institute have identified a novel protein pathway in mitochondria that controls energy production for cell invasion and metastasis across multiple cancer types. This pathway, previously observed in neurons, has strong clinical implications and represents a potential therapeutic target for several types of cancer.
Coping mechanism suggests new way to make cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapies
Researchers found that KRAS mutant cancer cells form more stress granules in response to chemotherapy, making them harder to kill. A new compound target, 15-d-PGJ2, may help improve treatment outcomes by blocking this coping mechanism.
Immunotherapy for cancer: New method identifies target antigens by mass spectrometry
A new method has been developed to identify suitable protein structures directly from patients' tumor cells using mass spectrometry. This approach allows for the identification of mutated peptides presented on the surface of cancer cells with high accuracy and speed.
Blood test could provide cheaper, better way for doctors to manage lung cancer
A new blood test may provide a cheap and effective way for doctors to manage lung cancer by analyzing genetic profiles of tumor cells in patient blood samples. The test is safer, cheaper, faster, and more effective than alternative diagnostic approaches, costing less than $30.
Anti-tumor synergy
Researchers have developed biocompatible nanocapsules that transport glucose oxidase and L-arginine into tumor cells, starving them of nutrients while releasing toxic nitrogen monoxide. This synergistic treatment concept successfully inhibits cell growth, initiates cell death, and shrinks tumors in mice.
2017 Brupbacher Cancer Research Prize for Adrian Bird, Guido Kroemer & Laurence Zitvogel
Three researchers were awarded the Brupbacher Cancer Research Prize for their work on epigenetics, which regulates gene activity and is linked to cancer development. The team's findings suggest that epigenetic changes can trigger abnormal gene inactivation in tumor cells.
Tracking breast cancer cell genetics reveals longer potential treatment window
A team of scientists tracked the genetics of disseminated tumour cells in breast cancer patients, finding they are genetically similar to the original tumour. This knowledge could help clinicians choose the most effective therapy, potentially leading to better outcomes and a more accurate prognosis.
Tumor cells are dependent on fat to start metastasis
Researchers at IRB Barcelona identify CD36 as a general marker of metastatic cells, which are responsible for initiating and promoting metastasis in several types of human tumors. High-fat diets have been shown to enhance the formation of metastases in mice inoculated with oral cancer cells.
Johns Hopkins researchers uncover more genetic links to brain cancer cell growth
Researchers identified altered genes and noncoding genetic material that could serve as predictive treatment biomarkers or targets for therapy. The study found that ATRX mutations were associated with aggressive NF1-related brain cancers, while a microRNA called miR-487b was underexpressed in tumor tissue.
PharmaMar presents positive results with ADC MI130110 in CD13-expressing tumor cells
ADC MI130110 shows remarkable antitumoral activity in CD13-expressing tumor cells, impairing tubulin polymerization and disrupting the microtubule network. The treatment resulted in significant reduction in tumor size, complete remission, and increased median survival time.
TGen awarded $200,000 by NVIDIA Foundation to accelerate its technology
The grant will help TGen accelerate the computer processing of transcriptomes from thousands of cells using a complex computational algorithm. This process will advance precision medicine by quickly informing doctors with the best options for attacking each individual patient's cancer.
Cancer cells 'talk' to their environment, and it talks back
Researchers have developed a method to measure the mechanical force that cancer cells exert on their fibrous surroundings. This study found that as cancerous cells migrate through 'cross-talk' with the matrix, it stiffens, causing the cell to pull harder and potentially promote metastasis.
Researchers uncover a survival mechanism in cancer cells
A study published in Science reveals a key role for the protein H1.0 in turning cancer tumor cells into cancer stem cells with the ability to sustain long-term growth and cause recurring disease outbreaks. The discovery could lead to medical interventions targeting these cells to prevent cancer spread.
Cellular starvation kills treatment-resistant breast cancer
Researchers found that triple-negative breast cancer cells are addicted to cystine and die rapidly when deprived of it, suggesting a potential new treatment. Cystine-blocking molecules may be effective in targeting this pathway, which is also used by other aggressive cancers.
Study reveals genetic explanation for cancer's higher incidence in males than females
A study published in Nature Genetics found that certain genetic mutations more frequently occur in male cells, potentially leading to cancer. The researchers identified six genes on the X chromosome that are more likely to be mutated in males, suggesting a new theory behind the sex disparity in cancer incidence.
The cell of origin in childhood brain tumors affects susceptibility to therapy
Research reveals that childhood brain tumors originating from undifferentiated stem cells are more frequent and aggressive than those from oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Tumor cells from stem cells also show increased susceptibility to cancer drugs, according to a new study published in Cancer Research.
Marker for aggressive prostate cancer doubles up as a drug target
Researchers have discovered that the NAALADL2 molecule, which indicates more aggressive prostate cancer, can also be used to guide treatments. This new marker has the potential to distinguish between slow-growing and fast-growing prostate cancers.
Silencing SIRT2, a sirtuin enzyme, reduces malignancy in deadly breast cancer subtype
Researchers silenced SIRT2 to accelerate the degradation of Slug protein, reducing tumor growth and invasiveness in basal-like breast cancer cells. The study revealed a direct relationship between SIRT2, Slug stability, and malignant behavior, providing new insights into treating aggressive basal-like breast cancers.
Is prolactin inducible protein (PIP) protective against breast cancer?
Researchers link PIP to cell-mediated immunity, suggesting its potential as a new target for immunotherapeutic agents. PIP may help the immune system recognize and destroy foreign cells, including tumor cells, offering a protective effect against breast cancer.
3-D tumors grown in the lab provide new perspective for cancer drug discovery
Researchers at Uppsala University developed a new approach to study cancer cells' reactions to treatments, enabling the identification of promising drug combinations. 3D tumor models mimic real-world conditions, where cancer cells have limited access to nutrients and oxygen.
Self-renewable cancer killer cells could be key to making immunotherapy work
A small molecule can turn short-lived T-cells into long-lived, renewable cells that destroy tumour cells. Researchers have identified a way to increase the life-span of these T-cells, overcoming a key hurdle in immunotherapy.