Research Highlights in 2010

The tumour suppressor ASPP2 is involved in the regulation of cell polarity.

A new family of microRNAs induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition and metastases formation by inhibiting DICER.

Two papers reveal more about MYC addiction and regulation in cellular transformation.

Four recent papers extend the MLL interactome.

Three papers identify a new role for RB1 in regulating sister chromatid cohesion, which suppresses tumorigenesis by preventing chromosome instability

Having an extra copy of an anti-angiogenic gene and several endothelial cell-specific genes on chromosome 21, which is present in triplicate in individuals with Down's syndrome, is sufficient to slow tumour growth by preventing angiogenesis.

Pseudogenes regulate the expression of their corresponding gene by functioning as miRNA decoys.

A new inhibitor of the androgen receptor for use in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Increased INSR signalling is implicated in intrinsic resistance to anti-IGF1R therapy.

Amoebae and neutrophils can swim, and the mechanisms by which they do so share similarities with cell movement across a solid surface.

In nematodes, HIF1 can suppress p53-mediated apoptosis in response to DNA damage through a systemic pathway involving a secreted neuronal tyrosinase.

Two recent papers increase our understanding of mechanisms that might keep primary melanoma and metastases in check.

CpG content influences the mutation rate of surrounding DNA sequences, with increased CpG content correlating with an increased rate of transversions — a characteristic of 'mutator phenotypes' in some cancers.

Regulating p53 binding to DNA may affect cell fate decisions.

Two papers indicate that mammary stem cells can respond to changes in the levels of oestrogen and progesterone despite lacking receptors for both of these hormones.

Co-administration of the cyclic peptide iRGD with cancer drugs improves efficacy.

Myofibroblasts establish stem cell properties in colon cancer cells through the regulation of Wnt signalling.

Fascin1 is the target of migrastatin analogues in inhibiting tumour metastasis.

The NLRP3 inflammasome protects against tumorigenesis in an experimental mouse model of colitis-associated cancer.

Three recent papers extend the list of upstream regulators of the Hippo pathway and identify links between this pathway and Wnt signalling.