Novel Methods and Pathways in Cancer Glycobiology Research (Volume 157) (Advances in Cancer Research, Volume 157) (EPUB)

Exploring the Nexus of Cancer Glycobiology: Unveiling Novel Biomarkers and Therapeutic Avenues

Glycobiology in Cancer: A Thriving Field

Cancer glycobiology has emerged as a dynamic frontier in cancer research, captivating researchers with its profound implications for understanding cancer development and metastatic progression. At its core lies the recognition that aberrant post-translational glycosylations on lipids and proteins play a pivotal role in these processes.

The NIH/NCI Alliance: A Collaborative Endeavor

Recognizing the immense promise of cancer glycobiology, the NIH/NCI Alliance of Glycobiologists for Cancer Research has emerged as a vibrant consortium, uniting 10 tumor glycobiology laboratories with a shared mission. This formidable network is dedicated to deciphering the intricate interplay between cancer-associated glycans (CAGs) and the insidious march of cancer.

CAGs: The Promise of Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets

The Alliance’s unwavering focus is on unraveling the structure and function of CAGs, seeking to identify novel biomarkers for detecting cancer at its earliest stages or predicting its aggressive behavior. Equally promising is the prospect of targeting CAGs as molecular Achilles’ heels, opening new avenues for curative cancer therapies.

Collaboration and Discovery: A Catalyst for Progress

The Alliance has ignited a spirit of collaboration across US and international institutions, fostering an environment where glycan-based biomarkers are rapidly emerging as the vanguard of NCI’s quest to conquer cancer. This collective effort has stimulated the development of innovative methods and mechanisms that shed light on the intricate roles of glycoconjugates as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Unveiling the Mysteries of Cancer Glycobiology

The Alliance’s mission is multifaceted, encompassing three key goals:

• Delineating how CAGs influence cancer growth and metastasis, providing mechanistic insights into the molecular underpinnings of cancer progression.

• Identifying CAGs that hold promise as biomarkers for detecting cancer or predicting its clinical trajectory, empowering clinicians with early warning systems and personalized therapeutic strategies.

• Developing CAGs as novel therapeutic targets, aiming to disrupt the intricate network of pathways that drive cancer growth and ultimately provide curative solutions.

A Compilation of Cutting-Edge Knowledge

This comprehensive volume presents the findings of each funded laboratory, showcasing 9 chapters that delve into the latest advancements in cancer glycobiology. Through this collaborative endeavor, researchers unveil groundbreaking insights on the structure and function of CAGs, opening new horizons for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.