Research on the biology of tumor cells. Covers tumor spread, cell-particle diagnostics, new anti-tumor molecules, and cancer-killing immune cells.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have uncovered a new structural beacon, called the C-tail, which is found in half of all telomeres in alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) tumors. This unique feature may be a key to understanding cancer cell immortality and developing effective treatments.
Binghamton University researchers are studying the role of tubulin tyrosine ligase (TTL) in cancer cells, which may lead to more effective treatments. The team has developed a new labeling technique to observe TTL's behavior in live cells, potentially allowing clinicians to personalize cancer therapies.
Researchers discovered a new way to combine anti-cancer drugs, using Gamitrinib to sensitize tumor cells to TRAIL. This combination approach kills glioblastoma cells in both mouse models and human glioblastoma cells, offering a potential treatment for aggressive brain cancer.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a laboratory model that mimics the process by which fallopian tube cells may morph into cancer cells. The model demonstrates that HGSOC begins in the fallopian tubes, providing powerful evidence for this theory.
Researchers found that healthy breast cells secrete interleukin 25 to actively kill nearby breast cancer cells without harming normal cells. This discovery suggests IL25 receptor signaling as a new therapeutic target for treating breast cancer.
A new fusion molecule with three parts activates the immune system to attack cancer cells directly, while keeping it dormant until needed. The approach has shown promising results in lab experiments and mice with cancer, inhibiting tumor growth and activating immune cells.
The sentinel node procedure has evolved to limit surgical overtreatment, but isolated tumor cells and micrometastases have led to increased surgeries. Current studies examine the role of radiotherapy, pathologic protocols, and prognostic impact of these findings on breast cancer patients.
Researchers have discovered a protein that improves vascular regeneration in mice with heart attacks, and found that manipulating this protein could be used to treat various vascular diseases. Additionally, studies on mouse models have revealed plasticity in the pathways that control insulin secretion, offering new insights into diabet...
Hebrew University researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which tumor cells become invasive, involving a program of genes that confer invasive properties on epithelial cells. The study suggests that p53, a key tumor suppressor, may play a critical role in cancer prevention through its inhibition of cell invasion.
Whitehead Institute researchers found that differentiated cells in breast tissue can convert to a stem-cell-like state, challenging scientific dogma. This behavior may have implications for cancer therapeutics and degenerative disease therapy.
Angelique Whitehurst receives grant to study genes that support tumor cell survival and develop new therapeutic targets. Her work aims to selectively destroy tumor cells while leaving normal tissue unharmed.
Researchers discovered that ionizing radiation drives overexpression and activity of MET through the ATM and NF-κB signaling pathways, making some tumor cells resistant to radiation. Inhibiting MET counteracted this increased invasiveness, promoting apoptosis in tumor cells and enhancing the effect of radiation.
Researchers discovered that cancer cells generate a 'stress response' signal that induces nearby macrophages to issue a similar stress response, promoting inflammation and tumor development. This finding presents a potential target for tumor-specific therapies.
A new microfluidic device, developed by MIT researchers, can detect single cancer cells in a blood sample and also identify viruses like HIV. This device has the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and make it more accessible in developing countries.
The American Association for Cancer Research has awarded 50 Minority Scholar in Cancer Research Awards to early-career scientists from diverse backgrounds. The recipients, who were chosen based on their qualifications and potential impact, will receive funding and support to attend the annual meeting and present their research.
Researchers found that genes similar to those in intestinal stem cells are activated in colorectal cancer cells, predicting a higher risk of relapse. The discovery opens up new possibilities for diagnosing and treating colon cancer by targeting tumour stem cells.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine identified Twist1's role in promoting invadopodia formation and matrix degradation in tumor cells. This process facilitates the spread of cancer to surrounding tissues and other parts of the body.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have identified a new mechanism driving lung cancer metastasis, involving the suppression of microRNA miR-200 by Jagged2. The study found that low levels of miR-200 may indicate susceptibility to Notch inhibitors currently in clinical trial.
A new analysis method by CSHL team suggests tumors grow through 'punctuated, clonal expansions,' providing insights into tumor growth and metastasis. By analyzing single cells from breast cancer samples, the researchers inferred three distinct subpopulations of tumor cells, each with highly similar genomic profiles.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that protein p53 controls glucose metabolism, enabling cells to grow uncontrollably in tumors. This discovery may lead to new cancer therapeutics by targeting an inefficient metabolic pathway.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered how autophagy, a process of 'self-eating', safeguards against cancer development. The discovery highlights an unexpected role for Noxa in triggering the self-destructive process that kills fledgling tumour cells.
Applied physicists found that migrating tissues exhibit similar behavior to colloidal glass, with cells flowing like a liquid until they reach a certain density threshold. This finding has significant implications for biological processes, including wound healing, cancer metastasis, and embryonic development.
Researchers at Emory and Georgia Tech developed nanoparticles to detect circulating tumor cells in blood samples from 19 head and neck cancer patients, achieving a positive signal for 17 patients. The 'one-tube' SERS technology could be faster and lower in costs than other detection methods.
Researchers found that photodynamic therapy can eliminate tumor-associated lymphatic vessels and in-transit tumor cells, reducing metastasis. This approach could be combined with existing surgical techniques to destroy lymphatic vessels draining from tumors.
A new study reveals that BRCA1 mutations regulate cell fate in breast tissue, leading to the formation of aggressive basal-like tumors. Cells with mutant BRCA1 exhibit elevated Slug levels and remain immature, stalled in a premature state of development.
A Princeton University research team has unraveled the mystery of how breast cancer tumors take root in the bone. The discovery highlights a specific protein called Jagged1 that sends destructive signals to cells, disrupting normal bone growth and paving the way for potential drug therapies.
Researchers are developing a new method to identify cell abnormalities, including cancer, by analyzing the shape and behavior of individual cells. They have created mathematical equations that describe cell appearance and motion, which could be used to gauge future stages of a disease.
Glioblastoma cells can transform into blood vessel cells when oxygen is scarce, making treatment efforts less effective. This transformation allows the tumor cells to continue receiving nutrients and oxygen, leading to a resurgence of cancer growth.
Research highlights the key role of estrogen signaling in maintaining energy balance, as well as the propagation of α-synuclein in Parkinson's disease. Additionally, a new immune cell activator has been identified to protect mice from tumors through an IFN-gamma-independent mechanism.
A recent study by Leif Ellisen and colleagues found that inhibiting certain microRNAs decreased tumor growth and made cells more sensitive to chemotherapy in a model of squamous cell carcinoma. The researchers identified a feedback loop between p63, microRNAs, and p73 that promotes cancer cell survival and chemoresistance.
Scientists have pinpointed the type of cell responsible for brain tumors known as oligodendrogliomas, a category of malignant brain tumors. The tumor originates in and spreads through glial progenitor cells, which are often referred to as 'daughter' cells of stem cells.
Researchers at Newcastle University found that the compounds in green tea are more effective against key triggers of Alzheimer's development when digested by enzymes in the gut. The study also suggests that these compounds have anti-cancer properties, slowing down the growth of tumour cells.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a potential therapy strategy by restoring lost microRNAs in human pancreatic tumor cells. The study found that these microRNAs put brakes on tumors when the KRAS gene is mutated, a common event in pancreatic cancer.
Researchers found that p53 mutations can allow cancer cells to acquire stem cell-like characteristics, leading to increased tumor heterogeneity and aggressiveness. The study suggests that p53 plays a critical role in preventing the emergence of more aggressive cancer cells.
A new study reveals that aggressive tumor cells lack the strong molecular 'glue' responsible for binding normal cells together. This allows tumor cells to break away, detach from their neighbors, and spread to other regions of the body.
Mr Davis McCarthy has won a $150,000 scholarship to undertake a PhD at UC Berkeley, focusing on developing statistical analysis techniques to help biologists understand the mechanisms of diseases such as cancer and diabetes. He aims to make significant scientific contributions internationally.
Researchers at the University of Georgia discovered a mechanism controlling cell movement linked to tumors becoming more aggressive. The misregulation of this switch may play a role in increased tumor cell movement and tumor aggressiveness.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center discovered a previously unknown mechanism in NSCLC cells that contributes to their ability to maintain and grow tumors. The study found that a protein factor regulates the expression of caspase-9, a main player in apoptosis, which could provide a new target for therapies.
Certain types of aggressive breast cancer cells bypass tumor suppression mechanisms due to the presence of Her2 proteins. The study found that protein Lip produced by these cells deactivates protective responses such as TGF-β and OIS, allowing them to grow uncontrolledly.
Researchers at MIT discovered that restoring the p53 gene function can slow down the spread of malignant lung tumors in mice, but not in benign ones. The study suggests that p53 restoration could help prevent aggressive cancers from metastasizing.
Johns Hopkins researchers have identified a protein mechanism that coordinates and regulates the dynamics of shape change necessary for cell division. The discovery has immediate medical implications, as cell division is a major target of anticancer drugs.
Researchers create a nanobioconjugate drug that specifically targets glioblastoma multiforme by blocking the production of laminin-411, promoting tumor cell death. Human clinical trials are anticipated to begin soon, offering new hope for brain cancer treatment.
A new study identifies a novel cancer-specific protein present in various types and stages of tumors. The PL2L protein might play a role in tumor initiation and progression, offering a potential target for anticancer therapies.
Researchers have found that cancer cells are accompanied by growth-enabling stromal cells when they travel to new sites in the body. This discovery challenges current understanding of metastasis and has implications for effective treatments.
A new clinical study reveals a technique called partial wave spectroscopic microscopy can differentiate individuals with lung cancer from those without, even in lifetime smokers or COPD patients. The findings suggest that this minimally invasive test could lead to personalized screening for lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deat...
A novel nanoscale protein measurement technology, NIA, can be used in clinical trials to learn how drugs work and tailor therapy for each patient. The test distinguishes tumor cells from normal cells using protein profiles in the RAS and MAP kinase pathways.
Researchers have identified LIMK as a crucial regulator of actin cytoskeleton dynamics in cancer metastasis. Inhibiting LIMK function blocks collective invasion of tumor cells, preventing metastasis in breast and squamous carcinoma cells.
Scientists at the University of Granada have developed a new therapy for skin and lung cancer using a suicide coliphage-gene, demonstrating effectiveness in vitro and in vivo. The treatment involves inducing cell death in tumour cells, potentially reducing the need for chemotherapy.
Researchers found that fat-derived stem cells are safe to use in breast tissue reconstruction after mastectomy as long as there is no evidence of active cancer. The study suggests that dormant cancer cells are not sensitive to the growth signals sent by the stem cells.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover a novel mechanism by which adenovirus disables p53 in infected cells, paving the way for targeted cancer therapies. The study reveals two key proteins, E1B-55K and E4-ORF3, that work together to neutralize p53's tumor suppressor function.
A CSHL-led team found that increased IL-6 secretion can lead to decreased sensitivity to Tarceva, a targeted therapy for lung cancer. They also discovered that tumor cells with up-regulated TGF-β and increased IL-6 secretion were resistant to treatment independently of the EGFR pathway.
Researchers have identified a new cellular communication mechanism in glioblastoma cells, which could be targeted to slow tumor growth. If blocked, this pathway may significantly reduce GBM malignancy.
A new cellular mechanism has been identified for modulating blood vessel permeability, which could have a significant impact on the treatment of cancerous tumours. Nitrosylation of beta-catenin protein by nitric oxide increases vascular permeability, potentially leading to the blockage of tumour growth.
Researchers found that prostate basal cells can spawn tumors in the prostate gland, providing a new originator of prostate cancer. The study used human prostate tissue samples to develop new techniques and identified unique cell surface markers to distinguish luminal cells from basal cells.
Scientists discovered that inhibiting a protein called N-cadherin prevents cancer cells from forming groups and migrating. This new approach could lead to more effective therapies for cancer treatment.
Agricultural Research Service chemist Thomas Wang found that resveratrol, a bioactive compound in grapes and plant foods, can inhibit cancer cell growth but also increase tumor vessel development with prolonged exposure. The study suggests that diet complexity and gene expression are key layers in cancer development.
The current standard of care for brain cancer triggers biological responses that may feed the disease, according to Boston College researchers. This can lead to an escalation of conditions favorable to tumor cell survival and growth.
A team of investigators has identified a series of proteins that may make it easier to diagnose the more metastatic forms of prostate cancer. The study uncovers a protein named Siah2, which initiates a cascade of molecular events that turns a non-malignant tumor into a metastatic neuroendocrine tumor.
Researchers at Oregon State University discovered that the genetic regulator Ctip2 controls the formation of T cells, a type of white blood cell crucial for immune function. This finding may lead to new immune system-based therapies for diseases like HIV/AIDS and autoimmune disorders.
Researchers identified a protein marker, CD271, on cancer cells in human melanomas that evade current treatments. The cancer-initiating cells were found to be self-renewing and differentiating into other tumor cell types, making them resistant to therapies.