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.

Human brain cells, classified into different groups according to gene expression (each color represents a group), are mapped back to their original locations in the human brain

Genes That Grow a Healthy Brain Could Fuel Adult Glioblastoma

The discovery of a new type of stem cell in the brain could usher in better treatments for the deadliest brain tumor.

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.

Believe It or Not, 1 Vape is the Same as Smoking 30 Cigarettes

UCSF is home to the world’s largest archive of Big Tobacco’s internal documents. Meet the physician deciphering its pages to uncover how marketing is creating a new epidemic.