Research on the biology of tumor cells. Covers tumor spread, cell-particle diagnostics, new anti-tumor molecules, and cancer-killing immune cells.
A UK study has identified a novel molecule called Arylquin 1 that induces Par-4 secretion from normal cells, killing cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. The researchers found that Arylquin 1 binds to vimentin, displacing the Par-4 for secretion and may be useful in inhibiting tumor metastasis.
Researchers found that cancer cells decorate their surfaces with glycans that can promote or inhibit cancer progression depending on the stage of the disease. The immune system may be a double-edged sword in cancer, with certain immune cell receptors binding to these glycans producing opposite outcomes.
Scientists have discovered a unique biochemical connection between cell membranes and mitochondria, regulating cellular energy production. This finding has implications for understanding diseases linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
A new mouse model reveals that high levels of Notch1 can transform osteoblasts into cancerous cells, leading to osteogenic sarcoma. This study supports the hypothesis that Notch activating mutations can act as a common triggering mechanism in bone cancer.
Researchers developed a new method to detect malignant brain tumors using a handheld Raman scanner, which can identify cancerous cells with high accuracy. The technique has the potential to improve surgical outcomes and reduce tumor recurrence rates.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that CTC clusters are associated with poor prognosis and metastatic potential. The presence of CTC clusters in the blood of cancer patients may identify a novel target for therapy.
Scientists discovered that the Hippo pathway, a tumor suppressor pathway, senses abnormal chromosome numbers in cells and triggers cell cycle arrest. This pathway prevents progression into cancer by halting the proliferation of tetraploid cells with double the number of chromosomes.
Brain tumors use a stealth approach to evade the body's defense forces by coating their cells with extra amounts of galectin-1, a protein that evades detection by the early-warning immune system. Blocking this protein could potentially help patients by enabling the innate immune system to recognize and attack early-stage cancer growth.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered that protein ZEB1 helps breast cancer cells repair DNA damage caused by radiation therapy, making them more resistant to treatment. This finding has significant implications for the development of new treatments targeting ZEB1 and other proteins involved in radioresistance.
Researchers found that HSF1 activates a transcriptional program in both cancer cells and stromal cells, fueling malignant processes. HSF1 activation is associated with poor patient outcomes in breast and lung cancers, making it a potential biomarker for predicting tumor progression.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute discovered that mice lacking TRAP-1 protein live longer lives with fewer age-related illnesses. TRAP-1 is an important regulator of metabolism and has been shown to regulate energy production in mitochondria, organelles that generate chemically useful energy for the cell.
Researchers at University of São Paulo identified INXS RNA, which modulates BCL-X gene and induces programmed cell death. Local injections of plasmid containing INXS reduced subcutaneous malignant tumors by 10-fold in mice.
Researchers discovered two distinct molecular clocks operating at different stages of tumor growth, with implications for chemotherapy resistance and prognosis. The study used single-cell genome sequencing to profile thousands of cells, providing insights into genomic diversity and its potential clinical applications.
Researchers at Université catholique de Louvain successfully identified a family of pharmaceutical compounds that prevent the formation of human tumor metastasis. The study found that mitochondria can promote cell migration leading to metastasis, which can be blocked by specific antioxidants.
A study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine identified an enzyme called FBP1 that regulates metabolism and restrains energy production in cells. The enzyme is missing from all kidney tumor tissue, leading to rapid cell growth. This discovery may lead to personalized approaches for treating clear cell renal cell carcino...
Researchers used game theory to study tumor cell cooperation and found that within certain ranges of mutation rates, critical transitions occur in energy metabolic strategies. This switch in tactics may make tumors vulnerable to disruption, potentially ideal for clinicians to test new therapies.
A new study has identified a previously unknown mechanism used by neurons to survive, which is also hijacked by brain cancer cells. The discovery may lead to new investigations of brain cancer treatments and provide insight into Parkinson's disease.
Recent research suggests that antioxidant supplements and foods may not reduce cancer risk, but instead accelerate cancer development. The study proposes that antioxidants accumulate at distant sites in cells, leaving tumor-promoting ROS relatively unperturbed, which can stimulate cancer cell growth.
Researchers at University College London have discovered a way to block the movement of cancer cells by targeting chemical signals that trigger their transformation into an invasive, liquid-like state. This breakthrough could lead to innovative techniques to stop cancer cells from spreading and causing secondary tumours.
Researchers at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) have discovered over 40 genes that predict melanoma aggressiveness and distinguish it from other cancers with poor prognoses. These genes are involved in the formation of endosomes, which play a crucial role in tumor cell behavior.
Mathematicians develop models to describe cell migration and tumor invasion, as well as dispersal patterns in species. The studies reveal the existence and uniqueness of traveling waves in malignant tumor invasion and show how fitness-dependent dispersal conveys advantages towards ideal free distribution in populations.
Researchers have discovered a protein called focal adhesion kinase (FAK) that plays a crucial role in ovarian cancer cell growth. A network of signals generated by osteopontin and FAK controls spheroid growth, making it a potential target for new therapies.
Researchers discovered that switching off and then reactivating the Pax5 gene can reverse cancer in a common childhood leukemia model. Restoring its function enables normal blood cell development and cures the disease. The findings offer a promising new strategy for treating leukemia with fewer side effects.
The study reveals that each glioblastoma tumor contains individual cells from multiple cancer sub-types, and that the distribution of these cells varies from tumor to tumor. This heterogeneity may contribute to drug resistance and disease recurrence, highlighting the need for personalized treatment approaches.
Scientists create ultra-small nanoparticles that can bind to cancer cells using camel antibody fragments, potentially revolutionizing tumor detection. The particles successfully evade the human immune system and reach diseased cells under conditions similar to those in patients' bodies.
A Cornell research team has developed a new microfluidic device to isolate and study the most aggressive cancer cells. The device separates these cells from less aggressive ones, enabling researchers to analyze molecular changes that contribute to metastasis.
Researchers developed a new test that assesses metastatic risk by identifying specific cell types in tumor microenvironments. The test was more accurate than existing methods in predicting distant tumor spread and showed promise in tailoring therapy for breast cancer patients.
Scientists have discovered a potential new target for cancer immunotherapy, peptide antibodies that deplete immune-suppressing MDSCs without harming other vital cells. The treatment showed promising results in preclinical experiments, shrinking tumors and improving outcomes.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have developed a new technique to grow both normal and cancer cells indefinitely, transforming basic cancer research. This breakthrough allows for faster development of certain types of breast cancer in mice, with tumors behaving similarly to human breast cancer.
Researchers found that patients with tumor cells in their blood after surgery had a higher risk of relapse and poorer survival rates. The presence and count of tumor cells also predicted disease-free survival, with those having 5 or more CTCs at higher risk of recurrent disease.
A Phase I study of an experimental antibody produced at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found tumors shrank or disappeared in some patients with advanced neuroblastoma, and disease progression was temporarily halted in 15 children.
A study led by Tufts University researchers reveals that SLUG transcription factor regulates stem cell function and determines breast cancer type, with potential implications for targeted therapies. The study found that SLUG-deficient mice exhibited defects in breast-cell differentiation and tumor formation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered a novel method cancer cells use to migrate through the body by leveraging a propulsion system based on water and charged particles. The Osmotic Engine Model reveals how sodium-hydrogen ions, aquaporins, and water create a flow that propels cells forward.
Researchers have developed tiny, biodegradable nanoparticles that can carry DNA to brain cancer cells in mice, demonstrating potential for targeted treatment. The particles selectively induce death in cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact, with the possibility of being given to patients during neurosurgery.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that a single cell type, T-helper cells, is actively suppressed in several experimental cancer vaccines. This discovery paves the way for methods to break suppression and improve cancer vaccine effectiveness.
Researchers pinpoint normal cell type that can give rise to invasive bladder cancers, explaining recurrence after therapy and potential therapeutic targets. Most bladder cancers arise from a corrupted lining with high probability of progression.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a key enzyme responsible for lactate production in cancer cells, which they inhibit to halt tumor growth and even cause regression. The study's findings offer promising results for new treatments targeting cancer metabolism.
A team of researchers identified four transcription factors that distinguish glioblastoma stem cells from more differentiated tumor cells. These factors were found to be active in 2-7% of human glioblastoma cells and could be targeted by new therapeutic approaches.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center found that cancer cells stiffen in response to mechanical force, opening gaps for immune cells to pass through. This discovery sheds new light on cancer development and metastasis, potentially leading to new therapies.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine found that breast cancer cell subpopulation cooperation can lead to increased tumor growth. The study discovered that two distinct subclones within mammary tumors relied on each other to expand, with one producing a protein called Wnt1 that promoted tumor growth.
Research discovers that tumor cells' reliance on glucose for energy is driven by a defective gene that fails to degrade glucose receptors, making them 'addicted' to sugar. The study offers new insights into the Warburg effect and potential treatment strategies.
Researchers at Lund University have developed a technique using magnetically controlled nanoparticles to selectively kill cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. This method has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment by reducing side effects associated with traditional therapies.
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a paper filter that can remove virus particles with efficiency matching the best industrial filters. The filter uses 100% high purity cellulose nanofibers directly derived from nature, overcoming previous limitations in virus removal.
Researchers discovered that p53 acts to prevent cancer cell invasion by initiating a chain of events that ultimately prevents the formation of lamellipodia. This process involves the activation of a mitochondrial protease called Omi, which cleaves actin filaments and suppresses the activity of focal adhesion signaling protein p130Cas.
Scientists at Northwestern University have discovered that cancer cells rely on the FAS receptor and its binding component for survival, making them vulnerable to elimination. The team created a cancer cell completely devoid of CD95, which resulted in DNA damage and cell death, offering a promising new approach to kill cancer cells.
Researchers developed a comprehensive measurement method to visualize tumor cells and their interactions, providing insights into the heterogeneity of tumors. The new technique can simultaneously record 32 biomarkers and has the potential to pinpoint weak points in the control system, leading to more effective therapeutic approaches.
Researchers discovered that cancer cells hug capillaries and express specific proteins to survive in the brain. The tumor cells produce a protein acting like Velcro to attach themselves to blood vessels, allowing them to grow into new tumors.
Researchers have developed a cancer vaccine that utilizes the immune system to target and destroy tumor cells producing a specific protein. The vaccine, which involves genetically modified tumor cells producing IL-15 and its receptor, shows promise in slowing tumor growth and increasing survival rates in animal models.
Researchers evaluated the effectiveness and safety of an anti-FGF23 antibody in patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia, finding improved renal phosphate reabsorption and increased serum phosphate levels. Additionally, studies on natural killer cells suggest that targeting specific ligands may enhance cancer therapies by protecting tum...
Research reveals that Mdm2 suppresses tumor growth by inhibiting glycolysis through the degradation of PGAM. This process prevents cells from entering senescence and allows them to continue proliferating. The study provides new insights into how damaged cells respond to stress and offers potential avenues for cancer treatment.
Researchers created computer models using PySB framework to explore biochemical processes driving cancer growth. The models aim to identify what goes wrong in cancer cells' self-destruction signals, potentially leading to novel therapies.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a new drug candidate, VLX600, that selectively kills dormant cancer cells in solid tumors by starving them. The drug works by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration, causing the cells to die from starvation. A clinical study is planned to take place this year.
Scientists use nanofibers to trick glioblastoma cells into moving away from inoperable brain locations and towards a 'tumor collector' gel containing a toxic drug. This technique may allow patients to live with slow-growing tumors, controlling their growth rather than eradicating the cancer.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that acidic tumor pH counteracts chloroquine's ability to inhibit autophagy in cancer cells. The results may explain the lack of efficacy of chloroquine in clinical studies, particularly in tumors with low oxygen and acidic pH.
Researchers at CNIO propose a new combined therapy to treat cancer by combining etoposide with compounds that interfere with the cell cycle, increasing specificity and improving the therapeutic window. This approach aims to reduce toxicity and increase effectiveness in treating tumour cells.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers reveals that brain tumor cells with diverse physical traits are safer due to chromosomal abnormalities. These abnormalities lead to cell diversity and survival of brain tumors.
Researchers have developed a natural polysaccharide-based delivery system that enhances the targeting of DNA aptamers to vimentin in tumor cells, leading to increased cell death. The study uses arabinogalactan from the larch tree as a carrier and shows improved efficacy when combined with the aptamer drug.
A new study published in Cancer Research found that fragmented sleep accelerates cancer growth by altering the immune system's response to tumors. Well-rested mice had primarily M1-type tumor-associated macrophages, while sleep-fragmented mice had primarily M2-type macrophages that promoted tumor growth.
Researchers developed a tool to predict which direction a breast cancer tumor is most likely to go and how it will respond to chemotherapy. The study's findings reveal general rules, including genetic diversity within tumors and the importance of analyzing individual cells.
Researchers found that focal adhesion kinase (FAK) plays a crucial role in enabling cancer cells to enter the bloodstream. FAK helps open endothelial cell layers, allowing tumor cells to metastasize.