2007 Research Highlights...

Vivek Mittal’s lab showed that bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells are critical components of early stages of tumor angiogenesis.  Ablation of these cells ablation was shown to impair tumor growth, suggesting that targeting the tumor microenvironment could be a strategy to stop growth of cancers.  Nolan, et al. (2007).  21:1546-58.
abstract    press release

Alea Mills identified a new tumor suppressor gene CHD5, located human chromosome 1p36, a region frequently deleted in human cancers. The gene appears to be a master control gene that regulates the p53 pathway. Bagchi, et al. (2007). Cell 128:459-75.
abstract    press release

Adrian Krainer found that splicing factor SF2/ASF  - one of the proteins involved in determining which alternative splice product is produced  - is itself a proto-oncogene, suggesting that imbalances in RNA splicing can contribute to human cancer and suggest new therapeutic strategies for treatment of the disease. Karni, et al.  (2007). Nat Struct Mol Biol 14:185-93.
abstract   press release

Scott Lowe showed that even brief reactivation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene in p53-deficient tumors can produce complete tumor regression and triggers an innate immune response that targets tumor cells in vivo and contributes to tumor clearance. Xue, et al.  (2007). Nature 445(7128):656-60.
abstract   press release

Yuri Lazebnik’s laboratory showed that infection by some common viruses can result in fusion of host cells and lead to chromosomal instability. Since chromosomal instability is known to underlie the malignant properties and resistance to therapy of many solid cancers, fusogenic viruses could be a factor in the development of human cancer. Duelli, et al. (2007). Curr Biol 17:431-7.
abstract   press release


2006 Research Highlights...

Scott Lowe, Scott Powers and others identified two genes overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma -  cIAP and YAP.  This study, which involved five research groups at CSHL in addition to collaborators in five other institutions in Europe, Asia, Australia, and the U.S, demonstrates that novel and accurate animal models, combined with comparison to human genomic data, can be used to rapidly identify and validate new cancer genes. Zender, et al. (2006).  Cell 125:1253-67.
abstract   press release

In collaboration with scientists in Norway, Sweden and New York, Mike Wigler’s lab obtained genomic profiles for over 200 breast tumor samples with documented clinical history. The tumor samples were divided into three distinct groups based on the pattern of genomic variation, and these patterns correlate with clinical outcome. Hicks, et al. (2006). Genome Res 16:1465-7
full article     press release  

Greg Hannon and Ravi Sachidanandam develop RNAi Codex a database and website for storing and retrieving information about  publicly available short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) resources.  This resource will provide information for researchers worldwide interested in using these constructs in their research.  Olson, et al. (2006). Nucleic Acids Res 34, D153-157.
abstract     publication