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Unlocking the mysteries of cell migration

Researchers led by Atsuo Sasaki aim to identify mechanisms behind cell movement and energy allocation in cancer cells, with potential applications beyond cancer treatment. They will use scanning ion-conductance microscopy and machine learning technology to study the role of GTP in cellular migration.

“Masked” cancer drug sneaks through body to deliver anti-tumor treatment with fewer side effects

Researchers at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have developed a version of interleukin-12 that is activated only when it reaches a tumor, reducing side effects. The new 'masked' molecule has shown promising results in eliminating cancer cells and outperforming existing immune therapies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 1, 2022

Rice chemists skew the odds to prevent cancer

Researchers at Rice University have developed a theoretical framework to explain how cancers caused by multiple genetic mutations can be identified and potentially stopped. By analyzing energy landscapes of cellular transformation pathways, they found that the most dominant pathways are favored by chance.

SourceRice University·JournalBiophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 17, 2022

First mutation-targeted bladder cancer drug may be under-used

A recent study analyzed a large database of bladder cancer patients and found that fewer than half had been tested for the relevant gene mutation or received erdafitinib treatment, despite its proven efficacy. The research highlights significant barriers to treatment, including obstacles in testing and education for healthcare providers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeContent analysis·DateMay 12, 2022

Tracing a cancer’s family tree to its roots reveals how tumors grow

A team of researchers used a CRISPR-based approach to study the evolution of lung cancer cells, tracking their history from the first activation of cancer-causing mutations. The study revealed significant diversity between subpopulations of cells within the same tumor, with certain groups becoming more fit and aggressive over time.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2022

Patient-derived micro-organospheres enable cutting-edge precision oncology

Researchers developed a droplet-based microfluidic technology to produce micro-organospheres from cancer patient biopsies within an hour. These miniature tumors retain the original microenvironment and can be used for testing many drug conditions, showing almost perfect correlation with actual clinical treatment outcomes.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2022

Mount Sinai researchers discover how early-stage breast cancer can become a silent killer in some patients

Researchers at Mount Sinai have discovered a previously unknown mechanism by which not-yet-malignant breast cancer cells can travel to other organs and 'turn on' to become metastatic. The study identified potential diagnostic biomarkers, including the transcription factor NR2F1, that could help predict relapse.

Lockdown for tumour cells

A novel inhibitor has been discovered that stalls a critical enzyme inside tumour cells, locking them in place and preventing invasion into healthy tissue. The findings hold promise for the development of metastasis-blocking agents.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateApr 20, 2022

Epigenetic treatments: New allies for chemotherapies?

Researchers identified genes and epigenomic marks that enable cancer cells to resist chemotherapy. By inhibiting these marks, epi-drugs can restore treatment sensitivity. Future clinical trials aim to adapt this concept for human use.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

Biodegradable gel boosts immune system's attack on several cancers in mice

A new biodegradable gel has been developed to improve the immune system's ability to combat cancer. The gel releases drugs and special antibodies that target tumor cells, slowing their growth and increasing the lifespan of mice. This breakthrough could lead to new clinical trials for human patients in the coming years.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Houston Methodist researchers identify an immunotherapy target to combat glioblastomas

Glioblastomas, the deadliest brain cancer, have evaded immune cells by promoting immunosuppressive myeloid cells. Researchers identified S100A4 as a key molecule that can selectively target these immune suppressive cells. This discovery paves the way for new therapeutic strategies to restore antitumor action in glioblastoma patients.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2022

Pancreatic cancer cells harness normal tissue turnover to build protective barriers

Researchers found that pancreatic cancer cells trigger the breakdown of collagen proteins, which increases arginine levels and signals stellate cells to build fibrotic meshes around tumors. This process, known as desmoplasia, creates a dense environment that promotes aggressive growth and blocks access to therapies.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

Distinct classes of fibroblasts in tumors play opposing roles, promoting or restraining pancreatic cancer growth

Researchers have discovered two distinct classes of cancer-associated fibroblasts that accumulate in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment and play opposing roles. The study suggests that targeting these unique cell populations may improve treatment outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022

New oncogenic mechanisms in lymphoma via extracellular vesicles discovered

Researchers have identified a new mechanism of action for extracellular vesicles in the development and progression of lymphomas. sPLA2 secreted by tumor-associated macrophages degrades EV-derived phospholipids, enhancing EV function and inducing vital phenomena. This discovery may lead to new drug targets for cancer treatment.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2022

Penn-Developed CAR T Cells Suppress GI Solid Tumor Cells, Without Toxicity to Healthy Tissue, in Preclinical Research

Researchers at Penn Medicine have discovered a new approach to treat solid cancers using CDH17CAR T cells, which selectively target and eliminate gastrointestinal (GI) solid tumors like gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers in preclinical models. Unlike other immunotherapies, CDH17CAR T cells do not show toxicity to healthy tissues.

Fundamental cancer metabolism dogma revisited

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that non-dividing colon cancer cells employ Warburg glycolysis to reduce toxic reactive oxygen species accumulation. This adaptation challenges the long-held dogma of the Warburg effect, highlighting the need for single-cell level analysis tools.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022