Mammary Cell News Volume 6.32 | Aug 21 2014

GD3 Synthase Regulates Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Metastasis in Breast Cancer
Scientists demonstrate that the inhibition of GD3 synthase using small hairpin RNA or triptolide compromises the initiation and maintenance of epithelial-mesenchymal transition instigated by various signaling pathways, including Snail, Twist and transforming growth factor-β1 as well as the mesenchymal characteristics of claudin-low breast cancer cell lines. [Oncogene] Abstract

Estrogen Receptor-Alpha 36 Mediates the Anti-Apoptotic Effect of Estradiol in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells via a Membrane-Associated Mechanism
17β-Estradiol can promote the growth and development of several estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancers. Researchers determined if ERα36 mediates this anti-apoptotic effect, and elucidated the mechanism involved. [Biochim Biophys Acta] Abstract

Enriched CD44⁺/CD24^– Population Drives the Aggressive Phenotypes Presented in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
Investigators found the CD44⁺/CD24^– cell population was enriched in TNBC tissues and cell lines, with a higher capacity of proliferation, migration, invasion and tumorigenicity as well as lower adhesion ability. [Cancer Lett] Abstract

Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Inhibition Enhances Trastuzumab Antitumor Activity in HER2 Overexpressing Breast Cancer
Investigators tested poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibition, alone or combined with the anti-HER2 antibody trastuzumab on HER2⁺ breast cancer. They used two PARP inhibitors in clinical development, olaparib and rucaparib, as well as genetic downmodulation of PARP-1 for in vitro studies. [Eur J Cancer] Abstract

Vaccination with ErbB-2 Peptides Prevents Cancer Stem Cell Expansion and Suppresses the Development of Spontaneous Tumors in MMTV-PyMT Transgenic Mice
Researchers investigated a peptide-based vaccine, which consists of two MHC class II epitopes derived from murine ErbB-2, to prevent the occurrence of spontaneous tumors in breast and assess immune impact on breast cancer stem cells. [Breast Cancer Res Treat] Abstract

Snail Promotes Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer Cells in Part via Activation of Nuclear ERK2
MAPK (ERK1/2) signaling regulates cellular processes including cell motility, adhesion, and invasion. Scientists investigated the regulation of ERK1/2 by Snail in breast cancer cells. [PLoS One] Full Article

ARID3B Expression in Primary Breast Cancers and Breast Cancer-Derived Cell Lines
AT-rich interaction domain 3 (ARID3B) has been linked to cellular immortalization, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumorigenesis. Given the emerging role of ARID3B in tumor development, researchers examined its expression in primary patient-derived breast cancer samples and breast cancer-derived cell lines. [Cell Oncol] Abstract

CLINICAL RESEARCH

Lapatinib with Trastuzumab for HER2-Positive Early Breast Cancer (NeoALTTO): Survival Outcomes of a Randomized, Open-Label, Multicenter, Phase III Trial and Their Association with Pathological Complete Response
Findings from the randomized Phase III NeoALTTO trial in women with HER2-positive early breast cancer showed that the combination of lapatinib and trastuzumab significantly improved rates of pathological complete response compared with either drug alone. Researchers report data for the prespecified secondary endpoints of event-free and overall survival, and assess the association between these outcomes and pathological complete response. [Lancet Oncol] Abstract

Phase II Gemcitabine and Capecitabine Combination Therapy in Recurrent or Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients Pretreated with Anthracycline and Taxane
Investigators conducted a Phase II study evaluating safety and efficacy of combination gemcitabine and capecitabine therapy for metastatic breast cancer patients following anthracycline and taxane treatment in Korea. [Cancer Chemother Pharmacol] Abstract

The Significance of Circulating Tumor Cells in Breast Cancer: A Review
In breast cancer, circulating tumor cell enumeration is being used as a prognostic biomarker, a predictive biomarker of treatment response and is being assessed to guide treatment in both the early and metastatic setting. [Breast] Abstract

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Research Study at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center Tests New Drug to Fight BRCA-Associated Breast Cancer
A cutting-edge research study at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center is testing the safety and effectiveness of a new investigational drug that, when combined with chemotherapy, may make a major difference in treating breast cancer in patients who carry harmful mutations on either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. [Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center] Press Release

Pfizer Announces Submission of Palbociclib New Drug Application to the FDA
Pfizer Inc. announced it has completed the submission of a New Drug Application (NDA) to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for palbociclib. This NDA requests FDA approval of palbociclib, in combination with letrozole, for the treatment of postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative advanced breast cancer who have not received previous systemic treatment for their advanced disease. [Pfizer Inc.] Press Release

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Postdoctoral Position – Cancer Biology (Weizmann Institute of Science)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Cell Cycle Regulatory Pathways in Breast Cancer (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Breast Cancer Research (Albert Einstein College of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Breast Cancer Metastasis (University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center)

Postdoctoral Position – Triple Negative Breast Cancer (Weizmann Institute of Science)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Mechanisms that Contribute to Metastases of Breast Cancer Cells (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)

Postdoctoral Position – Breast Cancer Research (University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center)

Scientist – Mammary Cell Research (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cell Media Development, High Throughput Screening (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Cell Culture Support Products (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Immunology/Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Associate – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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