Cancer stem cells are a cell type that was previously little known. They are resistant to irradiation and prevent the effective treatment of many types of cancer. A research group from Innsbruck has now identified two genetic mechanisms that produce this radioresistance. Continue reading “How cancer cells defend themselves against radiotherapy”
In order for a tumour to grow, it needs cholesterol to build new cell walls. At the same time, the so-called “good” cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is regarded as a protective factor against cancer. Schrödinger fellow Raimund Bauer investigated the effect of HDL on tumours more closely and was able to show that a […] Continue reading “How “good cholesterol” gets to do even more good work”
The aim of a European project (TRANSCAN) is to identify metabolite signatures that are associated with all stages in the development of colorectal cancer. Metabolomic analysis was performed on more than 2,000 plasma samples from individuals with colorectal cancer, colorectal adenoma and a control group. Continue reading “From metabolite profiles to molecular biomarkers for colorectal cancer”
The ILEI protein transforms sedentary into mobile cells and is therefore regarded as an important signal inducer for the metastasis of cancer cells. ILEI is only one member of a protein family that has not been widely researched. With the support of the Austrian Science Fund FWF, cancer researcher Agnes Csiszar has demonstrated that one […] Continue reading “A power couple mobilises cancer cells”
In a project funded by the FWF, a research group from Innsbruck investigated how cancer cells in the large intestine can be made to glow in order to facilitate early detection. Continue reading “Luminescent nanoparticles help with early cancer detection”
Like all other cells in the body, skin cancer cells need a cholesterol metabolism. With the support of the Austrian Science Fund FWF, a Viennese research group discovered deviations and particularities of this process in malignant melanoma that could help improve prognosis and therapy. Continue reading “Proven biochemistry methods for new skin cancer therapy”
A group of researchers from Innsbruck has been the first to describe how damaged cells can be inhibited from multiplying further after incomplete division. In a project funded by the FWF, the team disproved the previous assumption that the mechanism is triggered by defective genetic information. Continue reading “Discovery of new mechanism for tumour suppression”
In a project funded by the Austrian Science Fund FWF, a team of researchers from Graz investigated the role played by the body’s receptors for cannabinoids in the case of colon cancer. They have been able to show that some of these receptors can promote cancer. Continue reading “Doubts about the effectiveness of cannabis against cancer”