Mammary Cell News Volume 7.04 | Feb 5 2015

Reprogramming of the ERRα and ERα Target Gene Landscape Triggers Tamoxifen Resistance in Breast Cancer
Investigators analyzed estrogen-related receptor-α (ERRα) and estrogen receptor-α (ERα) in recurrent tamoxifen-resistant breast tumors and conducted a genome-wide target gene profiling analysis of MCF-7 breast cancer cell populations that were sensitive or resistant to tamoxifen treatment. [Cancer Res] Abstract

The Breast Cancer Susceptibility FGFR2 Provides an Alternate Mode of HER2 Activation
Scientists show that mouse mammary tumor virus-neu mice develop breast carcinomas with fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) immunoreactivity that parallels HER2 expression. Functionally, FGFR2 facilitates HER2-mediated cell proliferation, acinar growth in three-dimensional morphogenesis assays and promotes tumor progression in mouse xenografts. [Oncogene] Abstract

Beclin 1 Regulates Growth Factor Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer
Investigators describe an alternative mechanism of action for beclin 1 in breast cancer involving its control of growth factor receptor signaling. Suppression of BECN1 sustains growth factor-stimulated AKT and ERK activation resulting in increased breast carcinoma cell invasion. [Oncogene] Abstract

Mechanisms of Gefitinib-Mediated Reversal of Tamoxifen Resistance in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells by Inducing ERα Re-Expression
By investigating the phenomenon that gefitinib can re-sensitize tamoxifen (TAM)-resistant MCF-7 breast cancer cells to TAM, researchers verified that gefitinib could reverse the acquired drug resistance in endocrine therapy and further explored the underlying mechanism. [Sci Rep] Full Article

ZnT2 Is a Critical Mediator of Lysosomal-Mediated Cell Death during Early Mammary Gland Involution
The Zinc (Zn) transporter ZnT2 imports Zn into vesicles and mitochondria and ZnT2-overexpression activates cell death in mammary epithelial cells. Researchers tested the hypothesis that ZnT2-mediated Zn transport is critical for mammary gland involution in mice. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Elimination of ALDH⁺ Breast Tumor Initiating Cells by Docosahexaenoic Acid and/or Gamma Tocotrienol through SHP-1 Inhibition of STAT3 Signaling
Scientists investigated the ability of docosahexaenoic acid alone and in combination with gamma-tocotrienol to eliminate aldehyde dehydrogenase positive (ALDH⁺) cells and to inhibit mammosphere formation, biomarker and functional assay for tumor initiating cells. [Mol Carcinog] Abstract

mTOR/MYC Axis Regulates O-GlcNAc Transferase (OGT) Expression and O-GlcNAcylation in Breast Cancer
The authors show that the PI3K/mTOR/MYC signaling pathway is required for elevation of OGT and O-GlcNAcylation in breast cancer cells. Treatment with PI3K and mTOR inhibitors reduced OGT protein expression and decreased levels of overall O-GlcNAcylation. [Mol Cancer Res] Abstract

miR-200b Expression in Breast Cancer: A Prognostic Marker and Act on Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis by Targeting Sp1
Researchers investigated the roles and mechanisms of microRNA (miR)-200b in human breast cancer (BC). They found that miR-200b was significantly down-regulated in both BC tissues and cell lines. [J Cell Mol Med] Full Article

TOX3 Is Expressed in Mammary ER⁺ Epithelial Cells and Regulates ER Target Genes in Luminal Breast Cancer
In vitro studies were performed on MCF7, BT474 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines to study the effects of TOX3 modulation on gene expression in the context of breast cancer cells. Scientists found TOX3 expression in estrogen receptor-positive mammary epithelial cells, including progenitor cells. [BMC Cancer]
Abstract | Full Article

CLINICAL RESEARCH

A Phase II Study of a Dose-Density Regimen with Fluorouracil, Epirubicin, and Cyclophosphamide on Days One and Four Every 14 Days with Filgrastim Support Followed by Weekly Paclitaxel in Women with Primary Breast Cancer
Investigators evaluated administration of an epirubicin-based regimen with paclitaxel in a sequential, dose-dense schedule as adjuvant treatment for patients with high-risk primary breast cancer. [Oncologist]
Abstract | Full Article

A Phase II Trial of Biweekly Vinorelbine and Oxaliplatin in Second- or Third-Line Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Researchers evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of biweekly combination of vinorelbine and oxaliplatin in second- or third-line setting for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. [Cancer Biol Ther] Abstract

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the mammary cell research field.

New Clinical Trial for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Vaccine
University of Colorado Hospital is one of just two academic medical centers in the nation that has enrolled breast and ovarian cancer patients to a new clinical trial of a promising cancer vaccine. The trial focuses on the safety and early test for effectiveness of ONT-10, an immunotherapy made by Oncothyreon. [University of Colorado Hospital] Press Release

Cord Blood Registry Announces Formation of Scientific & Medical Advisory Board
Cord Blood Registry^® (CBR^®) announced the establishment of a Scientific and Medical Advisory Board (SMAB). Composed of internationally renowned stem cell experts, the SMAB will provide input and guidance to help advance CBR’s mission to expand the scope of newborn stem cell therapies that may be available to patients and their families. [Cord Blood Registry^®] Press Release

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NEW Director – Vector Production (Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.)

NEW Senior Process Development Engineer (Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.)

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.)

Research Associate – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Postdoctoral Positions – Cancer Bioengineering and Cancer Biology (University of Minnesota)

Director of Research (Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Post-Transcriptional Gene Regulation Governing Cancer Cell Behavior (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)

Principal Investigator – Human Cancer Genomics and Mouse Modeling (Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Wnt Signaling in Development and Disease (Van Andel Research Institute)

Postdoctoral Position – Experimental Breast Cancer Therapy (University of Pennsylvania)

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