Jack (Jie) Huang MD, PhD’s Post

Researchers have identified a critical axis that controls the formation and behavior of cancer stem cells. ⬇️ - the team focused on understanding the intricate interplay between cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous pathways that govern the stem cell-like characteristics of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in pancreatic cancer. ➡️ Using a quantitative proteomic approach to analyze the set of proteins in the secretome of pancreatic CSCs, the research reveals how a complex axis involving the retinoblastoma (RB) proteins and the E2F transcription factors controls the production of signaling molecules that promote CSC formation and chemoresistance. 💡 The researchers discovered that the E2F1 and E2F4 transcription factors induce the expression of WNT ligands, such as WNT7A, WNT7B, WNT10A, and WNT4, while the pRb and RBL2 proteins act to reduce their expression. This delicate balance is disrupted in cancer cells harboring KRAS mutations, leading to the aberrant secretion of these WNT ligands and the activation of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway in CSCs. ✅ The study's insights could pave the way for the development of more effective cancer therapies. Targeting the identified pathway could potentially disrupt the self-renewal, chemoresistance, and metastatic potential of CSCs, which are often responsible for treatment failure and disease recurrence. https://lnkd.in/eZNzFS3d #cancer #cancerresearch #oncology #precisiononcology #targetedtherapy #molecularoncology #molecularbiology #signalingpathway #CSC #cancerstemcell

New dual stem cell therapy developed to treat brain metastasis in patients with non-small cell lung cancer New research highlights the promise of a novel stem cell treatment strategy for leptomeningeal brain metastasis (LBM), a severe form of metastatic brain cancer that spreads to membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord and occurs in up to 20% of people with cancer. The researchers say their findings in newly developed preclinical models of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) support pursuing clinical trials for this treatment strategy. LBM is a severe form of disease that often occurs in those diagnosed with NSCLC, breast cancer and melanoma, and is linked to poor rates of survival, ranging from eight to 10 weeks. While first-line therapies for cancer such as chemotherapy have been shown to be ineffective in treating LBM, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) often have more success in treating NSCLC brain metastasis. However, the efficacy of ICIs in treating LBM from NSCLC has been less successful. To further investigate this, Mass General Brigham scientists first created immune-competent LBM mouse models that mimic LBM in patient settings. To enhance tumor cell killing and modulate the immune tumor environment, scientists explored testing the therapeutic activity of allogeneic dual stem cells releasing oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) and a single chain variable fragment of anti-PD-1 (scFvPD-1) in the preclinical models. https://lnkd.in/eswqUY6p https://lnkd.in/eHJtQDQh

Targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs) for the treatment of brain tumours is revolutionising the field of neuro-oncology. Recent molecular research has identified CSC-related biomarkers, including Oct-4, Sox2, NANOG and CD133, which help maintain cellular renewal, proliferation and drug resistance in Meningiomas (MGs). This study highlights new therapeutic strategies that may improve patient prognosis with more durable tumour regression. The use of combination therapies, such as hydroxyurea with diltiazem, suggests a more efficient and effective treatment of MG compared to monotherapy. Signalling pathways such as NOTCH and Hedgehog also offer additional avenues for therapeutic development. CRISPR/Cas9 technology has also been used to generate MG models, revealing pathways associated with cell growth and proliferation. As the efficacy of traditional therapies is limited in most cases due to resistance mechanisms in CSCs, further studies on the biology of CSCs are warranted to develop therapeutic interventions that are likely to be effective in MG. Consequently, improved diagnostic approaches may lead to personalised treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Link to our paper below: https://lnkd.in/emjw-Jsr

- Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a new stem cell-derived therapy to target and treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ⬇️ - The therapy involves genetically modifying natural killer (NK) cells to enhance their ability to combat HCC, a type of solid tumor known for being resistant to treatment. 💡 By turning off the receptor for transforming growth factor beta (TGF-b) in NK cells, the researchers achieved significant anti-tumor activity and prolonged survival in tests against HCC. The findings suggest that blocking TGF-b could improve the effectiveness of NK-cell and CAR T-cell therapies against solid tumors like HCC. https://lnkd.in/dV8v68Vi #cancer #cancerresearch #solidtumor #immunonology #immunooncology #immunotherapy #precisiononcology #cartcelltherapy #nkcelltherapy #immunosppressive #tumormicroenvironment #HCC #hepatocellularcarcinoma

Recent advancements in stem cell therapy offer promising avenues for treating leptomeningeal brain metastasis (LBM) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. A novel dual stem cell approach, utilizing oncolytic herpes simplex virus and anti-PD-1 fragments, has shown potential in preclinical models. This strategy, delivered via intrathecal injection, enhances tumor cell death and immune response, potentially improving outcomes for LBM patients. As traditional therapies like chemotherapy fall short, this innovative method could pave the way for more effective treatments, warranting further exploration in clinical trials. The findings are published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

New Discovery in Pancreatic Cancer Research: How Cancer Stem Cells Evade the Immune System 🧬 A recent study sheds light on a breakthrough finding in the fight against pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest cancers with limited treatment options. Researchers have discovered a unique mechanism that pancreatic cancer stem cells (CSCs) use to evade immune detection and continue growing unchecked. Here’s what you need to know: 🌟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐆𝐋𝐘𝐑𝐏𝟏 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 Pancreatic cancer stem cells produce a protein called PGLYRP1, typically found in neutrophils to combat bacteria. This protein effectively masks these cancer stem cells, rendering them invisible to the immune system. By producing PGLYRP1, CSCs in pancreatic tumors can avoid immune cell attacks and grow resiliently. 🔬 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐬 The research team, led by Dr. Bruno Sainz Jr. at Sols-Morreale Biomedical Research Institute, tested the effects of removing PGLYRP1 from CSCs in mice. The results were striking: when PGLYRP1 was eliminated, immune cells recognized and attacked the cancer stem cells, highlighting PGLYRP1's critical role in immune evasion. 💡 𝐀 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲 Understanding this unique defense mechanism opens up exciting possibilities for treating pancreatic cancer. Targeting PGLYRP1 could enable immune cells to identify and eliminate these previously hidden cancer stem cells, potentially making immunotherapy a viable treatment option for pancreatic cancer. 🚀 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 Researchers are developing a potential vaccination against PGLYRP1 and testing it in preclinical models. The goal is to see if this approach can prevent tumor development and recurrence by enabling the immune system to attack pancreatic cancer stem cells from the onset. This discovery provides hope that targeting PGLYRP1 may one day make immunotherapy effective against pancreatic cancer, offering a new treatment pathway for patients battling this aggressive disease. 📜 Paper: https://lnkd.in/dNr7HN2Q Visit Medvolt for more: https://www.medvolt.ai #PancreaticCancer #Immunotherapy #CancerResearch #Oncology #PGLYRP1 #StemCells #ImmuneEvasion #HealthcareInnovation

Hydrogel Reverts Cancer Cells to Stem Cells in Just One Day: Japanese researchers have developed an innovative hydrogel, known as a double network (DN) gel, which can rapidly reprogram cancer cells into cancer stem cells within 24 hours. The study demonstrated that the DN gel successfully reverted differentiated cells in six different cancer types, including brain, uterine, lung, colon, bladder, and sarcoma cancers. This breakthrough could help researchers better understand cancer stem cells and develop more effective therapies targeting these elusive and treatment-resistant cells. Cancer stem cells play a critical role in cancer recurrence and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These cells act as hidden "roots," either remaining dormant or circulating throughout the body, making them difficult to identify and target with conventional treatments. The DN gel mimics biological tissues, and when cancer cells are placed on it, they form spherical structures and produce molecular markers associated with cancer stem cells. This reprogramming process provides researchers with new tools for studying these cells and creating targeted therapies. One notable finding involved brain cancer cells on the DN gel, which expressed specific receptors linked to cancer stem cells. By applying molecular inhibitors targeting these receptors, researchers successfully eradicated the reprogrammed cancer stem cells. In the future, the DN gel could revolutionize cancer treatment by enhancing cancer type diagnosis, supporting the development of personalized medicines, and providing new strategies to eliminate cancer stem cells more effectively. #trending #viral #news #india

Revolutionizing Cancer Detection: The Power of Stem Cell Markers 🌟 Early detection of #cancer is crucial for effective treatment. #Research by ( Tripathi et al., 2021) have unveiled a groundbreaking approach using embryonic stem cell markers to enhance cancer diagnostics. The cancer stem cells, known for their self-renewal and differentiation capabilities, are often linked to resistance against #chemotherapy and #radiotherapy, posing challenges in treating breast cancer and other CSC-related cancers. 🔬 Key Insights: ➡ Oct 4A Marker: A significant marker expressed by embryonic stem cells, observed in peripheral blood correlates with cancer stages. ➡ HrC Scale: A novel numerical scoring system developed to stage cancer based on Oct 4A expression levels. This scale ranges from non-cancer to stage 4 cancer, providing a clear diagnostic pathway. ➡ Noninvasive Testing: The study introduces a noninvasive test with absolute specificity and sensitivity, paving the way for early cancer prediction, screening, and diagnosis. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding the differences between cancer stem cells and normal embryonic stem cells. The development of the HrC scale based on Oct4A expression represents a significant advancement in cancer diagnostics. This non-invasive test offers the potential for early detection, improved staging, and more effective treatment options. As researchers continue to explore the role of cancer stem cells and their unique characteristics, we may be on the cusp of a new era in cancer care. If you are interested to know more about this amazing research. The link is here 👇 Tripathi, V., Bhartiya, D., Vaid, A., Chhabria, S., Sharma, N., Chand, B., Takle, V., Palahe, P., & Tripathi, A. (2021). Quest for Pan-Cancer Diagnosis/Prognosis Ends with HrC Test Measuring Oct4A in Peripheral Blood. Stem cell reviews and reports, 17(5), 1827–1839. https://lnkd.in/dqnF-9Jh #cancerresearch #earlydetection #cancertherapy #medicaladvancements #healthtech

Cancer Stem Cells: An Overview Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a unique subset of cancer cells with the ability to initiate tumors, drive relapse, and promote metastasis. Their self-renewal and tumor-initiating capabilities make them a focal point in understanding cancer biology and treatment resistance. CSCs exhibit characteristics similar to stem cells, including self-renewal, pluripotency, differentiation, resistance to apoptosis, and tumorigenicity. These properties enable CSCs to generate heterogeneous cancer cell populations, contributing to treatment resistance and tumor progression. One of the critical challenges in cancer treatment is the resistance of CSCs to standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Our research at the Institute of Development (I.D. Institute) has confirmed that CSCs play a pivotal role in cancer relapse and metastasis, making them a target for innovative therapies. Moreover, our findings suggest that the unique microenvironments—or niches—where CSCs reside are critical for their survival and function. These niches, composed of immune cells, stromal cells, epithelial cells, and extracellular matrix components, protect CSCs from conventional treatments and enable their self-renewal and differentiation. The groundbreaking discovery of CSCs in 1994 by John Dick's team paved the way for understanding their role in cancer. Building on this foundation, our experiments at the Institute of Development (I.D. Institute) have demonstrated their presence in various solid tumors, including breast, brain, colon, pancreas, lung, prostate, melanoma, mesenchyme, and glioblastoma cancers. These results highlight the potential of targeting CSCs to overcome treatment resistance and improve outcomes for cancer patients. At the Institute of Development (I.D. Institute), we continue to explore innovative strategies to combat CSCs and disrupt their niches. Our mission is to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and clinical application, driving forward the fight against cancer. #CancerStemCells #CSCs #CancerResearch #InstituteOfDevelopment #IDInstitute #MedicalInnovation #Oncology #TumorResistance #ScientificBreakthroughs #CancerTherapies #HealthcareResearch #Islam_dababseh

Dual Stem Cell Therapy Shows Promise for Treating Leptomeningeal Brain Metastasis (LBM) in lung cancer   Our latest work published in the JNCI unveils a promising new treatment strategy for leptomeningeal brain metastasis (LBM), a devastating complication of cancers like NSCLC. We developed a dual stem cell therapy that delivers oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) that directly targets and destroys cancer cells and immune checkpoint inhibitor (scFvPD-1) which unleashes the body's own immune system to fight the tumor. A powerful one-two punch against LBM tumors!! In advanced preclinical models, this dual-pronged approach significantly improved survival rates and showcased a remarkable ability to: ✅ Induce immunogenic cell death ✅ Activate anti-tumor T cell signaling ✅ Disrupt tumor metabolism, enhancing sensitivity to chemotherapy This breakthrough offers renewed hope for patients with LBM, a disease with historically limited treatment options. Our team is excited to advance this research towards clinical trials and ultimately bring this innovative therapy to those in need. Congratulations to Dr. Shah and the entire research team at CSTI for their dedication and hard work in advancing cancer treatment! Nobu Kanaya Waleed Seddiq Kok Siong Chen Lucía Moreno Lama, Ph.D Paulo Borges Hiroaki Wakimoto Khalid Shah MGB Innovation MGB Research MGB Neurosurgery MGB Research Link to publication: https://lnkd.in/dtYDPbqN Link to press release: https://lnkd.in/d7rkefVe #BrainTumorAwareness #CancerResearch #StemCellTherapy #Immunotherapy #PrecisionMedicine #NeuroOncology #clinicaltrials #NSCLC