Cancer Research Center http://www.cancerresearchcenter.org We fight cancer so you don't have to. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:16:33 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 2010 Auction Items Coming Soon http://www.cancerresearchcenter.org/2009/09/awesome-new-shoes-and-socks/ http://www.cancerresearchcenter.org/2009/09/awesome-new-shoes-and-socks/#comments Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:18:02 +0000 mayecreate http://tranq3.tranquility.net/~crc/?p=137 http://www.cancerresearchcenter.org/2009/09/awesome-new-shoes-and-socks/feed/ 0 Genetic variability among archival cultures of Salmonella typhimurium http://www.cancerresearchcenter.org/2009/09/genetic-variability-among-archival-cultures-of-salmonella-typhimurium/ http://www.cancerresearchcenter.org/2009/09/genetic-variability-among-archival-cultures-of-salmonella-typhimurium/#comments Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:09:17 +0000 mayecreate http://tranq3.tranquility.net/~crc/?p=105 By Kelly Edwards, Irina Linetsky, Christopher Hueser, and Abraham Eisenstark. (published in FEMS Microbiology Letters, 2001)

Table 1. Salmonella typhimurium strains used for this study*.

Lab #

 Allele Inoc Date cfu on LB cfu on Min.
1568 thyA36 9-64 106×105 91×105
1594a his-2555 4-58 21×104 38×103
1596 his-2555 4-58 128×104 218×103
1598 his-141 2-58 122×103 0
1599 his-142 6-54 41×103 230
1600 his-143 6-54 142×103 151×103
1601 his-144 6-54 3×104 0
1602b X3000 10-98 76×103 0
1605 purF145 1-61 21×103 2×103
1608 pur-4391 1-61 187×105 121×105
1609 purD35 1-61 81×105 2×103
1613 thyA162 7-64 86×105 73×105
1614 his-4384 8-54 286×103 302×103
1615 his-2543 1-58 26×105 0
1616 nic-6 1-58 218×103 196×103
1617 his-4385 8-64 202×103 183×103
1619 aro-63 8-64 86×103 0
1626 thyA173 8-54 65×102 0
1632 his-2555 8-54 186×104 137

 

Lab #

 Allele Inoc Date cfu on LB cfu on Min.
1635 his-142 6-54

210×104

 193×103
1636 his-142 6-54 132×104 0
1637 his-142 6-54 46×102 0
1638 his-113 6-54 121×103 0
1639 his-142 6-54 126×104 102×104
1640 his-142 6-54 26×102 0
1648 thyA1566 8-58 234×103 127×103
1652 his-2526 8-58 66×103 0
1653 aro-32 8-58 22×103 0
1654 aro-32 8-58 87×103 0
1656 thyA68 5-64 18×103 0
1657 his-2122 4-58 72×103 68×103
1658 his-2122 4-58 102×103 93
1659 his-2122 4-58 138×103 127×103
1661 trp-138 6-60 302×103 287×103
1667 his-2550 4-58 102×102 0
1670 his-2550 4-67 28×103 0
1671 his-2550 4-58 74×102 210
1672 his-2550 4-58 81×102 460

 

Lab #

Allele Inoc Date cfu on LB cfu on Min.
1674 his-2550 8-58

82×104

 73×104
1681 thyA270 8-64 312×102 11×103
1684 thyA273 8-64 1000 0
1685 thyA269 8-64 2050 0
1686 thyA273 8-64 12×103 0
1687 thyA273 8-64 52×104 31×104
1688 thyA272 8-64 2120 0
1690 thyA271 8-64 123×105 0
1692 thyA275 8-64 1530 0
1693 thyA274 8-64 152×103 147×103
1695 thyA272 8-64 140×103 129×103
1699 thyA314 8-64 136×105 128×105
1700 thyA314 8-64 13×104 9×104
1701 thyA314 8-64 42×103 47×103
1702 thyA315 8-64 106×103 112×103
1703 thyA314 8-64 110 0
1704 thyA316 8-64 82×103 37×103
1706 thyA316 8-64 212×104 102×103
1732 thyA323 8-64 42×102 71×102

 

Lab # Allele Inoc Date cfu on LB cfu on Min.
1734 thyA323 8-64 123×102 131×102
1737 thyA324 8-64 123×102 108×102
1738 thyA324 8-64 11×103 14×103
1745 thyA329 8-64 30×102 0
1747 his-1 8-64 20×104 0
1748 his-3 8-64 74×104 8
1918 aro-57 5-60 16×103 19×103
1922 thyA158 1-65 64×104 0
1923 his-2526 4-58 216×104 0
1927 aro-20 8-57 520×103 0
1929 thyA68 1-65 231×104 211×104
1931 aro-65 1-62 206×104 146×104
1932 his-2555 4-58 315×104 31×104
1933 his-2555 4-58 181×104 188×104
1934 aro-43 8-59 83×105 74×105
1935 thyA2431 3-65 206×103 20×105
1939 thyA2422 3-65 108×105 19×103
1940 pur-11 N/Ac 126×103 30×103
1942 pur-8 N/A 392×103 160×103
1944 purE150 10-55 288×103 42×103

 

 

* Starting in the late 1940âs, Miloslav Demerec and associates at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and Brookhaven National Laboratory stocked an extensive collection of auxotrophic mutants for the purpose of mapping the S. typhimurium LT2 chromosome. Over 10,000 of these original sealed agar stab cultures (0.5 ml/agar stab vial) are now curated in our laboratory at the Cancer Research Center. Information on alleles is from labels on vials or from original notebooks.

a. Some allele numbers are duplicated in the sample set. When archival vials were initially opened and plated, some polymorphism in colony shape and size was observed. These individual colonies were selected and re-isolated after which they were given individual laboratory identification numbers. Additionally, some cultures gave rise to new colony types after plating on specific media. These subcultures were also given unique numbers while maintaining the original allelic identification number.

b. Strain 1602 is the reference strain X3000, a gift from Cheryl Nickerson.

c. N/A Date of isolation was not found in notebook.

]]> http://www.cancerresearchcenter.org/2009/09/genetic-variability-among-archival-cultures-of-salmonella-typhimurium/feed/ 0 Destruction of tumor cells with novel drugs and toxins http://www.cancerresearchcenter.org/2007/08/destruction-of-tumor-cells-with-novel-drugs-and-toxins/ http://www.cancerresearchcenter.org/2007/08/destruction-of-tumor-cells-with-novel-drugs-and-toxins/#comments Mon, 27 Aug 2007 20:51:56 +0000 mayecreate http://tranq3.tranquility.net/~crc/?p=75 8/27/2005

A. Determination of the Role of Estrogen in Colon Cancer Development Using Estrogen Receptors in Knock Out Mice

Dr. Ruth S. MacDonald, CRC award recipient and Dr.Ju-Yu an Guo, Postdoctoral Fellow
There is increasing evidence that estrogens and phytoestrogens (from plants) affect colon cancer risk. Some evidence suggests that these compounds protect against colon cancer while other evidence suggests they promote colon cancer. This research project will use a mouse model of colon cancer to determine if estrogen or other estrogen-like compounds alter the tumors in the mice. The response to conjugated estrogens, similar to those used in hormone replacement therapy for women, will also be tested.
Bottom Line: Specific plant foods may have a significant role in prevention of cancer.

B. Characterization of the Gene that Controls Cancer Cells in Spreading from the Site of the Original Tumor

Dr. William Folk, CRC award recipient and Dr. Kimberly A. Lieber, Postdoctoral Fellow
Skin cancer often results from overexposure to ultraviolet light causing DNA damage in skin cells. Fortunately, cells of all organisms have the means to repair damaged DNA. However, little is known about how cells sense this damaged DNA in order to start repairs. The identification of these protective mechanisms will allow many possibilities for developing new diagnostic tools and treatments for this type of cancer.
Bottom Line: The identification of these protective mechanisms will allow development of new diagnostic protocols, as well as novel therapeutic drugs.

C. Deciphering Signals of Breast Cancer

Dr. Tim H.-M. Huang, CRC award recipient and Dr. Huidong Shi, Postdoctoral Fellow
Cancer is a complex disease resulting from multiple genetic mutations. There is a lesser-known type of mutation that has been observed in breast cancer. Sophisticated robotic technology had been adapted to look at DNA to find this specific type of mutation with a high degree of accuracy and sensitivity. This type of technology will lead to more accurate diagnosis of cancer from biopsy and other tissue sources as an alternative to traditional pathology.
Bottom Line: This study will pave the way for molecular diagnosis and classification of tumors, and thus better diagnosis and treatment.

D. Does Exposure to Environmental Estrogens Increase Risk for Prostate Carcinogenesis?

Dr. Frederick S. vom Saal, CRC award recipient and Dr. Catherine Richter, Postdoctoral Fellow
Exposure during fetal life to estrogen related compounds has been shown to result in prostate cancer in animal studies and has been related to vaginal cancer in women. For the purposes of this study, mouse fetuses will be exposed to estrogen like chemicals that leach out of plastic bottles and food containers and the effects of this exposure will be monitored in the mice. This study will be the first to examine the possibility that fetal exposure to estrogenic chemicals results in prostate cancer development.
Bottom Line: This study will identify whether certain chemicals alter estrogen in fetal life and lead to prostrate cancer in adults.

E. Novel Ways to Inhibit the Growth of Cancer Cells

Dr. Gary Weisman, CRC award recipient and Dr. Patricia Theiss, Postdoctoral Fellow
A major emphasis in the development of new cancer treatments is to devise new ways to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. This project will study a family of proteins known as nucleotide receptors. Some members of this family work to promote the death of cancer cells. One member of this family of proteins accelerates the growth of blood vessels that aid in tumor expansion by providing blood supply to the growing tumor. Thus, this family of proteins offers promising new targets for cancer therapy.
Bottom Line: This strategy of blocking blood vessel growth increases the probability of destroying tumor development.

]]> http://www.cancerresearchcenter.org/2007/08/destruction-of-tumor-cells-with-novel-drugs-and-toxins/feed/ 0 Prostate Tumor Targeting and Killing Mechanisms by Salmonella typhimurium in the Mouse Model http://www.cancerresearchcenter.org/2007/08/prostate-tumor-targeting-and-killing-mechanisms-by-salmonella-typhimurium-in-the-mouse-model/ http://www.cancerresearchcenter.org/2007/08/prostate-tumor-targeting-and-killing-mechanisms-by-salmonella-typhimurium-in-the-mouse-model/#comments Mon, 27 Aug 2007 20:49:06 +0000 mayecreate http://tranq3.tranquility.net/~crc/?p=73 8/27/2007

Prostate cancer occurs in a latent or clinical form in 30-40% of men by age 40-50, increasing substantially in men over 50 years of age. Current use of drugs and radiation has been partially effective only when the cancer is diagnosed early. Thus, research is needed into novel approaches to cure this devastating disease. The Cancer Research Center’s (CRC) novel approach utilizes a therapeutic strain of Salmonella typhimurium (CRC2631) to selectively target and destroy prostate tumor cells. Our first step was to demonstrate that CRC2631 was an attenuated strain with no harmful effects. Through painstaking genetic manipulation we have developed a Salmonella strain that is attenuated (non-toxic) and fails to show any adverse reaction when as many as 200 million (2×108) live bacteria are injected into a battery of mice. We now seek “seed money” to take the next step: to demonstrate that our therapeutic candidate Salmonella CRC2631 will reduce the size of prostate tumors and extend life expectancy. CRC is ready to embark on the testing of our therapeutic strain in mice genetically predisposed to prostate cancer (TRAMP mice). These mice typically die of prostate cancer at one year of age; the normal life expectancy of a laboratory mouse is two years. Although other investigators are also pursuing the use of Salmonella for therapy, our research has shown that our genetically modified strain is devoid of toxicity and has different affinities for tumor cells. Our next experiments are designed to answer the following questions: How much CRC2631 is required to successfully invade, inhibit and destroy primary and secondary prostate tumors in the TRAMP mouse model without ill effects to the mouse? Secondly, what Salmonella administration protocol is most effective at eliminating tumors and/or increasing the lifespan of TRAMP mice? We are optimistic that this animal model research will ultimately lead to an effective therapeutic treatment with Salmonella that will selectively target and eliminate prostate cancer. Upon completion of tests with the TRAMP mice, we will use the data from these animal model tests to apply for funds from cancer agencies to utilize this novel anti-cancer therapy in higher animals and eventually clinical trials in humans.

]]> http://www.cancerresearchcenter.org/2007/08/prostate-tumor-targeting-and-killing-mechanisms-by-salmonella-typhimurium-in-the-mouse-model/feed/ 0 Radiopharmaceuticals to Target and Destroy Tumors http://www.cancerresearchcenter.org/2005/08/radiopharmaceuticals/ http://www.cancerresearchcenter.org/2005/08/radiopharmaceuticals/#comments Mon, 29 Aug 2005 21:30:59 +0000 admin http://tranq3.tranquility.net/~crc/?p=1 8/29/2005

image03A. Prostate Cancer

Dr. Susan Deutscher, CRC award recipient and Dr. Linda Landon, Postdoctoral Fellow
Prostate cancer cells have a specific molecule on their surface known as the Thomsen-Freidenreich antigen. This may serve as a target for killing of the cancerous cells without harming the surrounding normal cells. The molecule also serves as a marker for prostate cancer cells and can be used as the basis of diagnostic tests. Bottom Line: Linking radioactive isotopes with drugs should lead to earlier diagnosis as well as destruction of tumor cells.

B. Pancreatic Cancer

Dr. Tim Hoffman, CRC award recipient, Dr. Charles J. Smith, Postdoctoral Fellow and Dr. Hermogenes Jimenez, Postdoctoral Fellow While pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality in the U.S., there are still limitations in the effective diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Cancerous pancreatic cells have a distinctive marker on their cell surface that serves as the basis for detection and treatment of cancer. Drugs, including radioactive molecules, can be targeted to cancerous cells.
Bottom Line: This selective targeting approach should lessen the toxic effects of drugs that are in current use.

C. Malignant Melanomas

Dr. Thomas Quinn, CRC award recipient and Dr. Vladislav Glinskii, Postdoctoral Fellow
Melanoma is one of the most common cancers. While prompt diagnosis and removal of skin lesions offer the best outcome, some tumors go undetected and spread to other organs. This research focuses on targeting the cancerous cells for both detection and treatment without killing normal cells.
Bottom Line: Linking radioactive isotopes with drugs should lead to earlier diagnosis as well as destruction of tumor cells.

D. Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancers

Dr. Kattesh Katti, CRC award recipient and Dr. Kanchan Kothari, Postdoctoral Fellow
There is a need for more specific tests for the diagnosis of cancers. Most cancerous cells have some type of identifiable molecule on their surface that is related to their cancerous state. Radioactive compounds can be targeted to these markers. These molecules could be called “magic bullets” due to their ability to distinguish between cancer and normal cells.
Bottom Line: This targeted therapy linking radioactive isotopes with drugs should lead to earlier diagnosis as well as destruction of tumor cells.

]]> http://www.cancerresearchcenter.org/2005/08/radiopharmaceuticals/feed/ 0 Basic understanding of what triggers chromosome damage and the repair of that damage http://www.cancerresearchcenter.org/2005/08/basic-understanding-of-what-triggers-chromosome-damage-and-the-repair-of-that-damage/ http://www.cancerresearchcenter.org/2005/08/basic-understanding-of-what-triggers-chromosome-damage-and-the-repair-of-that-damage/#comments Sun, 28 Aug 2005 20:39:10 +0000 mayecreate http://tranq3.tranquility.net/~crc/?p=69 8/28/2005

A. Study of Targets for Prevention of Cell Division During Cancer

Dr. Heide Schatten, CRC award recipient, Dr. Allison Wiedermeier, Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr. Geoffery Gobert, Postdoctoral Fellow, and Dr. Quing-Yuan Sun, Postdoctoral Fellow
Cancer is a result of unregulated cell growth. One drug that inhibits this growth is Taxol. There are some unpleasant side effects associated with the use of Taxol, so the goal of this project is to understand the mechanism of cell division more thoroughly in order to develop alternatives to drugs like Taxol. A mouse model for prostate cancer has been developed to help with this problem and the findings may be applicable to other types of cancer as well.
Bottom Line: This should lead to new and more effective drugs.

B. Cancer: A Balance Between DNA Damage and Repair

Professor Stephen Alexander, CRC award recipient and Dr. Christopher Foote, Postdoctoral Fellow
Cancers result from DNA damage. Fortunately, cells of all organisms have the means to repair damaged DNA. However, little is known about how cells sense this damaged DNA in order to start repairs. The identification of these protective mechanisms will allow many possibilities for developing new diagnostic tools and treatments for this type of cancer.
Bottom Line: By knowing how DNA damage is repaired, superior drugs can be developed.

C. Genes for Synthesis of Anti-Oxidant Enzymes that Repair Cancer Cells

Professor Abraham Eisenstark, Associate Professor Miriam Golomb, Associate Professor Michael Calcutt, and Dr. Kelly Edwards, Postdoctoral Fellow
Oxidants are like molecular bullets that can damage DNA and begin the process of tumor formation. Normal cells are capable of producing anti-oxidants that can both destroy oxidants and repair damaged DNA. Certain foods that contain anti-oxidants such as vitamins C and E and selenium are important for countering the damaging effects of oxidants. This research project focuses on the intricate mechanisms that control this process within the cell. Vitamin preparations emphasize the anti-oxidant vitamins and sunscreens now contain anti-oxidant compounds.
Bottom Line: Basic knowledge of the damaging effects of oxidants and the role of anti-oxidants should lead to the reduction of cancer incidents.

D. Finding Key Proteins that Regulate Tumor Growth and Tumor Death

Dr. Mark Hannink, CRC award recipient and Dr. Donna Zhang, Postdoctoral Fellow
Within cells, a complex system governs the balance between life and death through a series of proteins that interact in very specific ways. A greater understanding of the function of key proteins will lead to a better understanding of what happens to initiate the unregulated cell division that is associated with most cancer.
Bottom Line: This research will lead to a better understanding of how regulation of specific proteins can interfere with the development of cancer cells.

E. Role of Estrogens in Breast Cancer Control

Professor Dennis Lubahn, CRC award recipient, Dr. Brian Morin, Postdoctoral Fellow, and Dr. Ed Curran, Postdoctoral Fellow
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death. It has been known for some time that certain types of breast cancer require estrogens to grow. Some treatments have been based on this observation and use an estrogen blocker. This may result in tumors that become estrogen resistant. Identification of all the receptors involved in the estrogen response is fundamental to developing a means to overcome this obstacle to treatment. A mouse model of this interaction has given valuable insights to the problem of estrogen resistant tumors.
Bottom Line: This targeted therapy would be effective in the fight to control breast cancer and other estrogen responsive tumors.

]]> http://www.cancerresearchcenter.org/2005/08/basic-understanding-of-what-triggers-chromosome-damage-and-the-repair-of-that-damage/feed/ 0 Development of synthetic vaccines and antibodies http://www.cancerresearchcenter.org/2005/08/development-of-synthetic-vaccines-and-antibodies/ http://www.cancerresearchcenter.org/2005/08/development-of-synthetic-vaccines-and-antibodies/#comments Fri, 26 Aug 2005 20:56:19 +0000 mayecreate http://tranq3.tranquility.net/~crc/?p=82 8/26/2005

A. Chemical and Biochemical Reactions of Dithiolethiones in Certain Foods

Dr. Kent Gates, CRC award recipient and Dr. Donna Zhang, Postdoctoral Fellow
We are seeking to understand the chemical and biological mechanisms by which synthetic and naturally occurring compounds (such as those found in foods like broccoli and cauliflower) can prevent cancer in humans.
Bottom Line: An understanding of how these “anti-carcinogenic” compounds prevent cancer will ultimately allow us to rationally design cancer-preventive diets and dietary supplements.

B. Ultrasonic Detection and Characterization of Endocrine Responsive Cancers

Dr. Steven P. Neal, CRC award recipient and Dr. Thad Wilson, Postdoctoral Fellow
In collaboration with Dr. Boote from the Radiology Department at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Dr. Neal has used the Cancer Research Center Fellowship to support the investigation of ultrasonic scattering processes in cancerous and benign prostate tissue. The long-term goals of the research include improving the effectiveness of ultrasound guided needle biopsies of the prostate and ultrasound based screening for prostate cancer.
Bottom Line: This innovative technique will lead to improved diagnostics, as well as to reduce anxiety of the patient.

C. Development of Effective Immunological Diagnostic Peptides

Professor George Smith, CRC award recipient and Dr. Leslie Matthews, Postdoctoral Fellow
This research project takes a new approach to understanding the body’s response to cancer. The principal assumption is that some type of “marker” or sign is generated by the immune system in response to disease, even in diseases that are not infectious or inherited. If this assumption is true then these markers must exist for cancer. These signature substances can then serve as the basis for highly sensitive diagnostic tests that may detect changes in the body before clinical signs appear. These markers may also serve as anti-cancer vaccine components. Bottom Line: The use of small peptides as antigen-antibody components, in place of large, natural, immunological components, should lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment.

]]> http://www.cancerresearchcenter.org/2005/08/development-of-synthetic-vaccines-and-antibodies/feed/ 0