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OT: MIT scientists discover cancer-fighting role for cells
NewsRx.com
01-27-11
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - MIT scientists have discovered that cells lining the blood vessels secrete molecules that suppress tumor growth and keep cancer cells from invading other tissues, a finding that could lead to a new way to treat cancer (see also Epithelial Cells).
Elazer Edelman, professor in the MIT-Harvard Division of Health Sciences and Technology (HST), says that implanting such cells adjacent to a patient's tumor could shrink a tumor or prevent it from growing back or spreading further after surgery or chemotherapy. He has already tested such an implant in mice, and MIT has licensed the technology to Pervasis Therapeutics, Inc., which plans to test it in humans.
Edelman describes the work, which appears in the Jan. 19 issue of the journal Science Translational Medicine, as a "paradigm shift" that could fundamentally change how cancer is understood and treated. "This is a cancer therapy that could be used alone or with chemotherapy radiation or surgery, but without adding any devastating side effects," he says.
Cells that line the blood vessels, known as endothelial cells, were once thought to serve primarily as structural gates, regulating delivery of blood to and from tissues. However, they are now known to be much more active. In the 1980s, scientists discovered that endothelial cells control the constriction and dilation of blood vessels, and in the early 1990s, Edelman and his postdoctoral advisor, Morris Karnovsky, and others, discovered an even more important role for endothelial cells: They regulate blood clotting, tissue repair, inflammation and scarring, by releasing molecules such as cytokines (small proteins that carry messages between cells) and large sugar-protein complexes.
Many vascular diseases, notably atherosclerosis, originate with endothelial cells. For example, when a blood vessel is injured by cholesterol, inappropriately high blood sugar, or even physical stimuli, endothelial cells may overreact and provoke uncontrolled inflammation, which can further damage the surrounding tissue.
Edelman and HST graduate student Joseph Franses hypothesized that endothelial cells might also play a role in controlling cancer behavior, because blood vessels are so closely entwined with tumors. It was already known that other types of cells within tumors, known collectively as the tumor stromal microenvironment, influence cancer cell growth and metastasis, but little was known about how endothelial cells might be similarly involved.
In the new study, Edelman, Franses and former MIT postdoctoral fellows Aaron Baker and Vipul Chitalia showed that secretions from endothelial cells inhibit the growth and invasiveness of tumor cells, both in cells grown in the lab and in mice. Endothelial cells secrete hundreds of biochemicals, many of which may be involved in this process, but the researchers identified two that are particularly important: a large sugar-protein complex called perlecan, and a cytokine called interleukin-6. When endothelial cells secrete large amounts of perlecan but little IL-6 they are effective at suppressing cancer cell invasion, whereas they are ineffective in the opposite proportions.
The researchers theorize that there is a constant struggle between cancer cells and endothelial cells, and most of the time, the endothelial cells triumph. "All of us, every day, are exposed to factors that cause cancer, but relatively few of us exhibit disease," says Edelman. "We believe that the body's control mechanism wins out the bulk of the time, but when the balance of power is reversed cancer dominates."
The struggle also depends on a third player, the endothelial cells' extracellular matrix - structural proteins that pave blood vessels and on which the endothelial cells reside. Endothelial cells only function properly when their extracellular matrix is stable and of the correct biochemical composition. Under normal conditions, if a cell becomes cancerous, the endothelial cell may then keep it in check. However, the cancer cell fights back by trying to destroy the extracellular matrix or change the endothelial cell directly, both of which hinder the endothelial cell's efforts to control the cancer.
"There is this three-way balance that needs to be achieved," says Edelman. The more aggressive a cancer cell, the more likely it is to overcome the endothelial cells and extracellular matrix, allowing it to spread to other tissues.
Several years ago, Edelman began using endothelial cells, grown within a scaffold made of denatured, compressed collagen (a protein that makes up much of human connective tissue), as an implantable device. The "matrix-embedded endothelial cells" served as a convenient unit that could be produced in bulk, tested for quality control, retained intact for months and implanted immediately when needed. This way, the healthiest cells could be selected to secrete all of the chemicals normally released by endothelial cells and placed in multiple locations in the body to control disease.
In clinical trials these implants were placed around blood vessels after vascular surgery and controlled local clotting and infection better than devices without cells. Significantly, because the endothelial cells were associated with a matrix mimicking their natural state, even cells from other people could be implanted without being rejected by the patients' immune systems. No major side effects were seen in the clinical trials,
"Blood vessels and endothelial cells are the perfect regulatory units and our synthetic device recapitulated these control units perfectly," says Franses. Blood vessels penetrate to the deepest recesses of tumors, and in doing so carry the powerful regulatory endothelial cells as close to cancer cells as possible. The extracellular matrix backbone of the vessels can keep the endothelial cells healthy and the healthy endothelial cells control nearby cancer cells. "This is what we mimicked with our devices," he says. "In a sense it is like putting a cellular policeman on the corner of every tumor neighborhood."
In one mouse experiment reported in the new paper, endothelial cell implants significantly slowed tumor growth and prevented gross destructive change in tumor structure. Another experiment showed that cancer cells that had been grown in the secretions of endothelial cells were less able than standard cancer cells to metastasize and colonize the lungs of mice.
The new findings could also explain why drugs that suppress angiogenesis - growth of new blood vessels - have shown only transient and moderate benefit for cancer patients thus far. "You starve the tumor of its blood supply, but you also damage tumor blood vessel endothelial cells, so when the tumor comes back, there's nothing to keep it in check. The vessels feed the tumor but their endothelial cells control the cancer cells within. Giving the endothelial cells without the blood vessels provides the best of both worlds and perhaps one day could provide new means of cancer therapy," says Edelman.
Keywords: Amino Acids, Biochemical, Cancer, Chemicals, Chemistry, Clinical Trial Research, Endothelial Cells, Epithelial Cells, Extracellular Matrix, Extracellular Space, Inflammation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Oncology, Peptides, Proteins, Surgery, Technology, Therapy, Treatment.
This article was prepared by Clinical Trials Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, Clinical Trials Week via NewsRx.com.
To see more of the NewsRx.com, or to subscribe, go to http://www.newsrx.com .
2007 NewsRx.com. All Rights Reserved.Copyright 2011, Clinical Trials Week via NewsRx.com
Articles featured in Life Extension Daily News are derived from a variety of news sources and are provided as a service by Life Extension. These articles, while of potential interest to readers of Life Extension Daily News, do not necessarily represent the opinions nor constitute the advice of Life Extension.
Your post seems logical Regulus. Thanks. I have no legal background so I'll comment no further.
There are, of course, legal bashers. There are also honestly skeptical people who are bashed because of their opinions. Extreme examples of that was during the "READ THE IBOX!!!" days. There was a lot of money lost, mostly, in all likelihood, by naive newbies, because of the "WE ARE GOING TO BE RICH!!!", etc, statements.
Sometimes it is difficult to differentiate the honest and the dishonest but given enough string it usually becomes reasonably apparent.
The balance on most boards leans heavily to those that cause damage by pumping the positives and attacking any divergent opinion. I find that unfortunate.
A little healthy skepticism seems healthy to me.
I do not think it is fluff?
My concern is that they are telling a few people that they have
TO's while the public is not receiving the information. That seems to me, to make it insider data.
Hopefully I am wrong, but I don't think so.
With that I am returning to my hold.
The best to everyone.
Nobullhere, I do hope that you do not make a report to the SEC. That could be harmful to many.
Having said that, I am aghast that there is, what appears to be public information, being shared privately.
I also have another axe to grind. I think that message board members should report positive AND negative information. It is my belief that honest presentation is what is important.
Many of us that have been around for a long time can state that not hearing the negatives on a stock can be far more costly than not hearing the truth when available
Dont forget that the company says in their filings they expect to get 5% of the market , That will give us a 100M in Revs.
Do you have any feel as to what that translates into as profit margins?
I forgot to add that I read your posts and you also deserve a "thank you".
Jerry
My opinion:
I think every board needs a Cobraman. I read all of his posts and find him intelligent and thoughtful and philosophically compelling. One of my favorite posters.
Two other favorites are slbrown and goedan. They have worked hard and are also voicing honest opinions. I read all of their thoughts and contributions.
My point is we need dissenting opinions. Especially on company boards where the enthusiasm creates a one sided atmosphere.
I worked full time trading for 15 years. I now am almost totally retired now and loving it. During the last sixteen years I lost more money believing well intentioned enthusiastic posts than I ever did following skeptics and cautious investors.
l also was fortunate enough to make more money than I lost by reading both the pros and the cons and and also other various contributions.
My point:
Criticism and contrary opinions are needed when they are thoughtful and intelligent and honest. Also hard working people who are "flag waivers" and who contribute so much of the research are vital. categories.
Every board needs their sl's and goedan's and their cobram(e)n. Thanks to all of you and to several other outstanding posters on the two boards.
My hat is off to all of them, and as stated, to several others.
Thank you.
Jerry
The good news is that it is not a Friday after the close report. We shall hope it does not appear at around midnight tonight.
I am a little nervous that expectations are so high. I also hope that we receive some good news and an update of at least the last two contracts.
However, when expectations are so high, disappointment could lead to a big selloff. I suppose the good news reflected by this scenario, for those that still believe, will be the availability of some very cheap shares.
Hopefully there will be positive news that will boost the share price.
The best to all.
Nice thoughtful post Risks
Yep. It is more than possible that this gets the weak hands out and we do end near or above the highs.
It is interesting to watch it play out. The stock appears to have too many things going for it to be trading down here, even in this market. Assuming that there are no scary unknowns; this seems a bigtime bargain. As Probart stated, it us a calculated risk.
I'm really surprised that XCHO broke below the .15 support. It will be interesting to see if we can get a hammer today. If not, yuck!
Exactly Tadaaa. That was written in August of 2009 and the renewal date was September 2009. There has never been any indication that the contract was renewed. Furthermore that was a time period when many things were turned over to the nationals.
The Evermedia Group Supports System Technology Solutions Entering First Option Year of Baghdad Detainee Property Warehouse and I
[b]Date : 08/04/2009 @ 8:00AM
Source : MarketWire
Stock : The Evermedia Group, Inc. (EVRM)
Quote : 0.007 0.0 (0.00%) @ 9:01AM
The Evermedia Group Supports System Technology Solutions Entering First Option Year of Baghdad Detainee Property Warehouse and I
NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwire)
08/04/09
The Evermedia Group (PINKSHEETS: EVRM) is
pleased to announce that System Technology Solutions, Inc. (STS) is
situated to accept its first option year award under an existing contract
with Department of the Army, Joint Contracting Command Iraq (JCCIA). In
total, The Detainee Property Warehouse and Inventory
Technicians Contract
will furnish $2,609,0420.93 in services. The contract consists of one base
year carrying $871,238.36 and two option years. Currently, 7 STS employees
are involved, finishing performance under the base year award and preparing
to extend services once JCCIA delivers the first option year. Given the
exclusive contract, the first option year automatically assigns to STS
should Department of the Army maintain its planned functions. If issued,
the first option year award will soon surface.
The Detainee Property Warehouse (DPW) is located at Camp Cropper,
Remembrance II, Baghdad where it stores the personal property of
approximately 60,000 detainees. Comprised of a supervisor and 6
technicians, STS personnel are responsible for all content accountability,
storage, and inventory. Under the contract, STS personnel must also
determine the status of the detainees before attending to their property.
Jonathan Sym, CEO of the Evermedia Group, mentioned, "Between Dick's
[Richard Weitzel] persistent success in securing opportunities and STS'
talented personnel, STS deserves its reputation and strong position in
government contracting space. By STS maintaining contracts like the DPW,
we can stay visible and ready as more prospects develop."
STS CEO, Richard Weitzel commented on the upcoming option saying,
"Depending on whether the Army and JCCIA will initiate the first option
year, the contract will continue through September 9, 2010. The contract
has supplied good work and revenue benefitting us and our team. We are
hopeful DPW will roll into the first option year."
About System Technology Solutions
Based in San Antonio, TX, STS is a defense contractor providing
engineering, logistics, IT and security services to government and large
commercial enterprises. STS also provides technical design, program
management and security services globally.
Safe Harbor Statement
Certain Statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown
risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results,
performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from
any future results, performances or achievements express or implied by such
forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are subject to
risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, changes in levels of
competition, possible loss of customers, and the company's ability to
attract and retain key personnel.
Contact for additional information:
Evermedia Biometrics Corporation
Email: info@evermediabiometrics.com
Visit: http://www.evermediagroup.com
Do we know that the Iraq contract was renewed? I don't recall ever seeing anything to indicate that they are on the second year and have assumed that they did not receive the renewal.
XCHO 66,000 volume today and 600,000 yesterday. Go figure. :)
XCHO a large volume 614,400 shares traded today. This is the 5th consecutive day of attempting to get through the high twenties.
It has the potential to make a big move here. I think the odds favor higher prices but no guarantees. There is a lot of selling and/or MM accumulation going on.
I agree slbrown. I read a promo and, once I see it as a paid advertisement, it turns sour. Too much junk is promoted by payment of money or shares and it usually doesn't work. It can even have an adverse effect.
I don't think a dividend is the answer either. Once it is possible, a stock buyback plan makes the most sense. Even those sometimes fail.
What doesn't fail, over time, is a great product with rapidly increasing sales. We seem to have that. A share buyback, once they have the money, along with rapid growth, should, and will, frighten the shorts and empower the longs.
Tanker MPAC
Gapper POZN Probably a few days or weeks early.
Re GS Susan. More like a fraternal handshake?
Nicely handled slbrown. I, too, had some doubts and you handled the issue professionally with your usual integrity.
Nice post swbrown. Thanks, and welcome to the board.
My Grannatt recollections are that not much of what he has said in the past has reached fruition. I have never talked to the man but the posts of those who have spoken to him make him seem to be saying what he hopes rather than what is taking place.
Let's hope another voice will respond with more integrity.
We returned from a trip to Europe yesterday and I was pleasantly surprised to see what appeared to be iris scanners and fingerprint scanners at the immigration desks in Seattle. I watched some people having their eyes and their fingerprints scanned electronically. Two different machines side by side. I don't know if they were both wired to the same computer, but the hardware did look similar in design.
I think EVRM is now partially damaged goods that needs a very good contract; either by STS or by EVRM. (Maybe they have one.) I also think they need, independently, a good iris/fingerprint contract to become a big board stock.
Jmo. I have some and am willing to add at a higher price if the above mentioned ever occurs.
Gapper CTT Tanker RDCM
Thanks geodan. I love that there are people in this stock with work experience in the field.
Honesty, experience, and intelligence, combined with the sharing of information, is priceless.
Nice "Market Makers Changing Sides?" post geodan:)
I, too, am looking forward to your new estimates. Maybe you have so accurate that you do not have to make changes?
Thanks to you and others that have made this board and the NPHC board so professional.
Nicely done on DCTH poorboy. Congratulations on a great trade:)
duplicate msg. Please delete.
Wasn't EVRM a wonderful short last June?
Tanker SPIR Down big with volume on no news that I can find. Another thinster with avg vol of 23,100 shares based on 50 day avg.
Chart and more will follow
Thanks ico for the SERV chart. I was in the process of adding some templates that sbt and bale sent me a week or so to a library. Thank you Susan and Bale for your help.
It should be mentioned that SERV is the thinnest of the thin. 1.51M float with only 3.69 outstanding. Big contract for that few shares but obviously very dangerous.
Average 50 day volume is 2.900 shares. It has traded 376,00 so far today.
Gapper SERV <edit> ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SERVIDYNE, INC. (Nasdaq: SERV - News), an energy efficiency and demand response company, today reported that it has entered into a contract with a major U.S. retailer to dramatically improve the energy efficiency of approximately 600 of its stores and distribution centers. The agreement has an estimated total revenue value of $8.7 million for project work that should begin almost immediately and be completed over the next 12-24 months.
Both companies expect their new strategic partnership will continue beyond the term of this initial agreement for an additional two to three years, in a comprehensive effort by the customer to expand this energy efficiency program to all of its existing stores, as well as its new locations and its franchisees. Terms of any such future work have not been negotiated.
“Servidyne developed this program in conjunction with our customer over the past 18 months, through a series of pilot demonstration projects and initial installations,” noted Todd Jarvis, President and CEO of Servidyne’s Building Performance Efficiency (BPE) Segment. “We estimate that this initial investment by our customer will yield its shareholders a return on invested capital in excess of 40 percent.”
Servidyne’s work to be completed under the agreement consists of lighting efficiency upgrades and installation of new controls that will automate the scheduling and operation of the retailer’s heating and cooling equipment. The new controls system and related software will provide the customer with a robust information dashboard that will detail energy consumption and operating conditions on a near real-time basis. Servidyne will also help each of the customer’s 600 facilities take advantage of any special financial incentives that may be offered by their respective electric utility providers, and utilize the new controls systems being installed to enable the retailer to benefit from other potential value streams, including utility-sponsored demand response programs. Servidyne will also track the resulting reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and calculate other environmental benefits as part of this contract.
“Servidyne currently is involved in similar pilot demonstration projects for other major customers, including manufacturers and retailers,” added Alan R. Abrams, Servidyne’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We hope to be able to expand those efforts into other large scale implementation programs in the future as well.”
About Servidyne
re DCTH, you are probably correct poorboy. The stock is powerful and I think the odds favor a bright future. Very strong volume and price today.
I don't expect it to gap down on Monday morning. I do expect it to show some short term weakness in the near future.
If you have some, good luck with it. And the same wishes for all who have "a few".
The news coming out late in the day has worked for me in the past ico. As you know, because many people will not be aware until after the close. Based on the pullback I don't expect it to gap Monday morning.
Have a great weekend everyone. I hope all of you have wonderful spring weather
Gapper ARCI because the referenced news came out during market hours.
News and chart a click and another click back
deleted Duplicate tanker. Make that duplicate duplicate tanker. LOL
OT ico:
Hmm, That's what you said when you gave me that password and said, "Only the two of us will know this one.".
This should be easier to resolve than a credit card. We have had cc experiences too. Also, fortunately, it was only about a %70 theft.
Frightening though. I feared the credit card might be compromised and we are traveling in a couple of weeks.