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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.
Three studies provide new insights into the role of Myc in cancer; showing MYC regulates transcription elongation, that cancer risk loci in the 8q24 gene desert physically interact withMYC and highlighting the contribution of MYCNto medulloblastoma.
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.
Increasing evidence indicates that misregulation of histone modifications can contribute to cancer. This Review summarizes how misreading, miswriting and mis-erasing histone methylation marks are involved in tumorigenesis and progression, by deregulating gene expression and perturbing cellular identity.
Genomic genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) have provided a wealth of information about the genes and factors involved in tumour progression. However, various limitations exist for such models, particularly for preclinical drug development. So, what improvements can the non-germline GEMMs offer?
Cartilage tumours range from benign lesions, such as enchondromas and osteochondromas, to malignant chondrosarcoma. Cytogenetic studies and mouse models are beginning to identify genes and signalling pathways that have roles in tumour progression and potential new therapeutic approaches.
There is increasing evidence that sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), S1P receptors, sphingosine kinases, S1P phosphatases and S1P lyase are involved in cancer development and progression. This Review summarizes current research findings and discusses the potential for new therapeutics.
The cardiovascular system develops and matures through two tightly regulated processes: vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. This Opinion article discusses the parallels and differences in the angiogenic process under either a physiological or a pathological state, especially tumorigenesis.
There is an urgent need to accelerate the development of new molecularly targeted cancer therapeutics by improving early clinical anticancer drug evaluation. This article discusses current approaches and new strategies that should maximize benefit to patients and expedite the regulatory approval of new anticancer drugs.