Mammary Cell News Volume 3.34 | Sep 1 2011

Epigenetic Regulation of Normal Human Mammary Cell Type Specific miRNAs
In order to identify cell type specific miRNAs regulated by epigenetic mechanisms, scientists undertook a global analysis of miRNA expression and epigenetic states in three isogenic pairs of human mammary epithelial cells and human mammary fibroblasts each with a distinct phenotype and a distinct epigenotype. [Genome Res] Abstract

LABORATORY RESEARCH

Signaling Pathway for RKIP and Let-7 Regulates and Predicts Metastatic Breast Cancer
Here, scientists demonstrate an integrated approach combining statistical analysis of breast tumor gene expression data and experimental validation to extend the signaling pathway for Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP). [EMBO J] Abstract

An Iron Regulatory Gene Signature Predicts Outcome in Breast Cancer
Scientists capitalized on publicly available microarray datasets comprising 674 breast cancer cases to systematically investigate how expression of genes related to iron metabolism is linked to breast cancer prognosis. [Cancer Res] Abstract

Pivotal Role of Reduced Let-7g Expression in Breast Cancer Invasion and Metastasis
Investigators identify let-7g as a unique member of the let-7 miRNA family which can serve as a prognostic biomarker in breast cancer and also propose a paradigm utilized by specific signaling molecules via let-7g to cooperatively promote breast cancer invasion and metastasis. [Cancer Res] Abstract

Activation of the Glucocorticoid Receptor Is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Estrogen Receptor-Negative Breast Cancer
Because glucocorticoid receptor signaling initiates anti-apoptotic pathways in estrogen-negative (ER⁻) breast cancer cells, researchers hypothesized that activation of these pathways might be associated with poor prognosis in ER⁻ disease. [Cancer Res] Abstract

Introduction of Simian Virus 40 Early Region and hTERT into Mammospheres Generates Breast Cancer Cells with Stem Cell Properties
In this study, investigators have exploited the ‘mammosphere’ system that selects for primitive mammary stem/progenitor cells to explore their potential and requirements for transformation. [Oncogene] Abstract

Dicer-Mediated Upregulation of BCRP Confers Tamoxifen Resistance in Human Breast Cancer Cells
Using microarray analysis, scientists observed that metastatic breast tumors resistant to tamoxifen therapy had elevated levels of Dicer. [Clin Cancer Res] Abstract

Involvement of Akt and mTOR in Chemotherapeutic- and Hormonal-Based Drug Resistance and Response to Radiation in Breast Cancer Cells
In the following studies researchers have examined the effects of activation of the Ras/PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR cascade in the response of MCF-7 breast cancer cells to chemotherapeutic- and hormonal-based drugs and radiation. [Cell Cycle] Abstract

ADAM12 Produced by Tumor Cells Rather Than Stromal Cells Accelerates Breast Tumor Progression
In the present study, investigators found that ADAM12 deficiency reduces breast tumor progression in the mouse model of breast cancer. [Mol Cancer Res] Abstract

CLINICAL RESEARCH

Risk of Breast Cancer in Women with a CHEK2 Mutation with and without a Family History of Breast Cancer
The purpose of this study is to estimate the risk of breast cancer in a woman who has a CHEK2 mutation depending on her family history of breast cancer. [J Clin Oncol] Abstract | Press Release

Mortality Rates Among Early-Stage Hormone Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer Patients: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Denmark
Researchers aimed to define subgroups of patients who may or may not benefit from adjuvant endocrine therapy. [J Natl Cancer Inst] Abstract | Press Release

Randomized Phase II Trial of Letrozole Plus Anti-MUC1 Antibody AS1402 in Hormone Receptor-Positive Locally Advanced or Metastatic Breast Cancer
Investigators compared the outcomes of patients with breast cancer treated with letrozole with or without AS1402. [Clin Cancer Res] Abstract

CIRM Commits $1.8 Million to Build Stem Cell Teams, Accelerate New Therapies
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) approved funding $1.8 million to support 19 researchers in their effort to assemble competitive teams to develop applications for the Disease Team Therapy Development Awards, which will be due in winter 2012. [California Institute for Regenerative Medicine] Press Release

Causes of African-American Breast Cancer Incidence Study Receives $19.3 Million: UNC Partners to Form Largest US Database
Robert Millikan will partner with Christine Ambrosone and Julie R. Palmer in the most ambitious study to date of breast cancer among younger African-American women. [University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center] Press Release

Biocept and Clarient Announce Collaboration on First Test for Circulating Tumor Cells and HER2 Status in Breast Cancer Patients
Biocept, Inc. and Clarient, Inc. announced a collaboration on the commercialization of a proprietary blood test for circulating tumor cells in breast cancer patients, which includes the determination of HER2 status. [PR Newswire] Press Release

Boehringer Ingelheim Broadens Its Breast Cancer Trial Program for Afatinib
Boehringer Ingelheim announced the initiation of two phase II studies, 1200.89 and LUX-Breast 2, evaluating afatinib in patients with metastatic breast cancer, who have an overexpression of the erbB2 protein. [Boehringer Ingelheim] Press Release

Britain to Launch Personalized Medicine Project
Led by the charity Cancer Research UK, the Stratified Medicine Program will enroll 9,000 people with breast, colorectal, lung, prostate, ovarian and skin cancer in the first, two-year phase of the project. [NatureNews] Press Release

National Institutes of Health (United States)

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Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)

European Medicines Agency (European Union)

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Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

NEW 2nd Annual “Cancer Immunotherapy: A Long-Awaited Reality” Conference
October 6, 2011
New York, United States

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