LABORATORY RESEARCH Control of FLIPL Expression and TRAIL Resistance by the Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase1/2 Pathway in Breast Epithelial Cells Researchers showed that inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling in non-transformed breast epithelial cells by EGF deprivation or gefitinib causes the upregulation of the long isoform of caspase-8 inhibitor FLICE-inhibitory protein (FLIPL) and makes these cells more resistant to the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). [Cell Death Differ] Abstract Rational Design of Small Molecule Inhibitors Targeting RhoA Subfamily Rho GTPases Researchers suggest that by suppressing RhoA or RhoC activity, Rhosin could inhibit mammary sphere formation by breast cancer cells, suppress invasion of mammary epithelial cells, and induce neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells in synergy with NGF. [Chem Biol] Abstract | Press Release Distinct Regulation of Cytoplasmic Calcium Signals and Cell Death Pathways by Different Plasma Membrane Calcium ATPase Isoforms in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells Scientists assessed the impact of plasma membrane calcium ATPase isoform 1 (PMCA1) and PMCA4 silencing on cytoplasmic free Ca2+ signals and cell viability in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article Stable Inhibition of Specific Estrogen Receptor α (ERα) Phosphorylation Confers Increased Growth, Migration/Invasion, and Disruption of Estradiol Signaling in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells Attenuated phosphorylation of ERα at serines 118 (S118) and S167 significantly affected cellular physiology and behavior in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, resulting in increased growth, migration/invasion, compromised expression of ERα target genes, and markedly altered gene expression patterns. [Endocrinology] Abstract The Opposite Effects of Doxorubicin on Bone Marrow Stem Cells versus Breast Cancer Stem Cells Depend on Glucosylceramide Synthase Scientists report that, due to the difference of glucosylceramide synthase, catalyzing ceramide glycosylation, doxorubicin eliminates bone marrow stem cells and expands breast cancer stem cells. [Int J Biochem Cell Biol] Abstract Measles Virus Selectively Blind to Signaling Lymphocyte Activation Molecule as a Novel Oncolytic Virus for Breast Cancer Treatment Researchers used reverse genetics to generate a recombinant measles virus selectively unable to use SLAM (rMV-SLAMblind). They showed that, unlike the MV vaccine strains, rMV-SLAMblind used polio virus receptor-related 4 as a receptor to infect breast cancer cells and not the ubiquitously expressed CD46. [Gene Ther] Abstract Hornerin, an S100 Family Protein, Is Functional in Breast Cells and Aberrantly Expressed in Breast Cancer Scientists investigated hornerin’s potential role in normal breast cells and breast cancer. [BMC Cancer] Abstract | Full Article CLINICAL RESEARCH Electrochemotherapy for Large Locoregional Recurrence of Breast Cancer: Results from a Phase II Clinical Trial Showing Efficacy in Heavily Pretreated Patients This first phase II study indicated that electrochemotherapy is a promising treatment alternative for cutaneous recurrences of breast cancer. [Acta Oncol] Abstract Phase II Trial of Nab-Paclitaxel Compared With Docetaxel as First-Line Chemotherapy in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer: Final Analysis of Overall Survival A randomized phase II study in first-line metastatic breast cancer demonstrated superior efficacy and safety of weekly nab-paclitaxel compared with docetaxel. Final survival analyses and updated safety results were reported. [Clin Breast Cancer] Abstract |