cancer biology Archives

‘Stretched’ cells promote cancer

Feb. 19, 2015—Mechanical stress appears to be a critical factor in activating normal tissue-associated fibroblasts to generate cancer-associated fibroblasts.

Gene profile predicts metastasis

Feb. 9, 2015—A specific gene expression profile represents a novel, biologically relevant “signature” for identifying colon cancers with high risk of metastatic recurrence, Vanderbilt researchers have found.

Enzyme affects tumor metastasis

Jan. 8, 2015—A protein that degrades the “matrix” between cells participates in the development of lung metastases from primary breast cancer in mouse models and may be a good target for breast cancer treatment.

Twelve Vanderbilt faculty elected AAAS fellows

Nov. 24, 2014—Twelve members of Vanderbilt's faculty have been elected fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science for their “scientifically or socially distinguished efforts to advance science or its applications.”

New insight on oral cancer culprits

Nov. 12, 2014—A new mouse model offers insight into the signaling pathways that control oral cancers – and a platform for testing anticancer therapeutics.

Protein “pockets” help ID cancer genes

Nov. 11, 2014—Vanderbilt investigators have used a computational biology approach to uncover new cancer drivers and biomarkers of anticancer drug response.

Immune cell activity and melanoma

Nov. 6, 2014—The activity of a certain factor in immune cells is essential for an anti-tumor response, emphasizing the need to consider the effects of anti-cancer therapies on immune cells.

Potential therapy for postpartum breast cancer investigated

Oct. 30, 2014—Nearly 25 percent of all breast cancers among premenopausal women occur within two to five years following a pregnancy.

Long-range signaling to stem cells

Oct. 9, 2014—The potential for long-range signaling factors – such as those identified in the current study – to regulate stem cell behaviors has implications in tumor progression and metastasis.

VU study reveals shared pathways in psychiatric disorders

Sep. 18, 2014—Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder share common genetic underpinnings. Vanderbilt researchers combined high-resolution gene expression studies with gene association data to reveal signaling pathways linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Bone healing therapy for NF1 fractures

Sep. 11, 2014—A combination treatment delivered to the site of fractures may improve bone healing in patients with the genetic disease neurofibromatosis type-1.