Jumbled Proteins Paint a Bold Target on the Backs of Brain Tumors

UCSF scientists find a trove of new targets for cancer immunotherapy in cancer’s unique version of RNA splicing

Kord Kober (center) and colleagues conduct research in their lab at the UCSF School of Nursing. Photo credit: Elisabeth Fall, 2018.

Nine Cancer Research Projects Funded in Fall 2024 RAP Cycle

Nine investigators and teams were awarded grants in support of cancer research projects in the fall 2024 cycle of the UCSF Resource Allocation Program (RAP).

The growth protein, MYC, was consistently found with RBM42, which spurs MYC production, in human pancreatic tumors. Above, microscopy for MYC (red) and RBM42 (green) in a representative pancreatic tumor biopsy from a patient. Image by Kovalski et al., Nature Cell Biology.

Can Scientists Throw a Wrench into Cancer’s Growth Gears?

Preventing the cell’s protein factories from making the cancer-causing protein MYC could stop out-of-control tumors.

Electron microscopy of fat organoids that were implanted to out-compete tumors. Image by Ahituv Lab

How Hungry Fat Cells Could Someday Starve Cancer to Death

Scientists transformed energy-storing white fat cells into calorie-burning ‘beige’ fat. Once implanted, they outcompeted tumors for resources, beating back five different types of cancer in lab experiments.

Alarming Rise in Rates of Advanced Prostate Cancer in California

Following a change in screening guidelines, the incidence went up across the state, even more than it has nationally.

Alan Ashworth UCSF Cancer Center president and BRCA Researcher

Thirty years since the race to the BRCA1 gene

The isolation of the BRCA1 gene 30 years ago ushered in the era of genetic testing for breast and other cancers, launched a long-lasting patent battle and eventually led to a tailored cancer therapy.

Breast Cancer Risk Could be Determined in Seconds: Artificial Intelligence

Imagine a future where your annual mammogram isn't just a routine check-up but a personalized assessment of your breast cancer risk.

Year in Review: 2024

As the year winds down, we take a moment to reflect on some of our milestones from this year.

In Memoriam: Felix Feng, MD

This week, UCSF lost a cherished friend and colleague with the passing of Felix Feng, MD. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched and the impact of his work.