BLOG > Publications & Citations > Scientific advances in oncology: 2025 studies using OZ Biosciences tools
February 4 marks World Cancer Day, a moment to reflect on the progress achieved and the challenges that remain in understanding and treating cancer.
Advances in oncology are driven by the dedication of researchers worldwide. On this occasion, we’d like to highlight a selection of 2025 cancer research studies, in which our reagents were used as part of their experimental workflows.
Systematic Evaluation of GAPs and GEFs Identifies a Targetable Dependency for Hematopoietic Malignancies
Pu Zhang et al, Cancer Discovery (2025) 15 (12): 2530–2553.
Through systematic genetic screening, this work identifies ARHGAP45 as a shared and targetable dependency in hematological malignancies. The study provides valuable insights into cancer-specific vulnerabilities and opens new avenues for targeted and cell-based therapies.
LentiBlast Premium was used to facilitate efficient lentiviral transduction when introducing the sgRNA library into PDX cells for the CRISPR screening.
Bacterial nanoparticles as a potent and safe alternative to BCG for bladder cancer immunotherapy
Colson, M., Aubry, A., Gaide, N. et al, Cancer Gene Therapy 33, 76–84 (2026).
This study explores bacterial extracellular vesicles as a novel and safe alternative to BCG for bladder cancer immunotherapy. Using an orthotopic in vivo model, the authors demonstrate strong antitumor efficacy and immune activation, illustrating the translational potential of innovative biotherapies.
D-Luciferin was used to perform weekly bioluminescence imaging allowing the researcher to accurately monitor tumor progression and confirm efficacy of the treatment.
Tumor Cholesterol Synthesis, Statin Use, and Lethal Prostate Cancer
Sinead Flanagan et al, Mol Cancer Res (2025) 23 (12): 1025–1033.
This works identifies HMGCR expression as a robust biomarker for lethal prostate cancer progression and aggressive PTEN-loss phenotypes. These findings establish a direct link between intratumoral cholesterol synthesis and tumor lethality suggesting that targeting the mevalonate pathway is a promising path for enhancing the efficacy of statin-based therapeutic strategies.
LentiBlast Premium was used for efficient lentiviral-based silencing of HMGCR in LNCaP human prostate cancer cells to study the effects on cell viability in vitro.
BCL2 drives castration resistance in castration-sensitive prostate cancer by orchestrating reciprocal crosstalk between oncogenic pathways
Hirani, Rahim et al. Cell Reports, Volume 44, Issue 6, 115779.
Focusing on prostate cancer, this research uncovers a non-canonical role of BCL2 in driving resistance to androgen-deprivation therapy. The findings highlight early molecular events underlying disease progression and support new therapeutic strategies to delay treatment resistance.
LentiBlast Premium transduction enhancer was used to transduce LNCaP with Lentivirus.
Exploring the tumor suppressor role of RIN1 in familial thyroid carcinoma
Luna Picello et al, Endocrine-Related Cancer, 32(5).
This study investigates the tumor suppressor role of RIN1 in familial thyroid carcinoma. Using CRISPR-edited cellular models and in vivo systems, the authors reveal how RIN1 loss contributes to tumor progression and MAPK pathway dysregulation.
Helix-IN transfection reagent was used for stable transfection in rescue experiments enabling reintroduction of the wild-type RIN1 gene to successfully restore normal cellular behavior.
A highly sensitive screening system to evaluate the reversibility of neuroendocrine prostate cancer to prostate adenocarcinoma
Fukui T, Okasho K, Okuno Y, et al, Cancer Med. 2025;14:e70047.
Through the development of a highly sensitive high-throughput chemical screening platform using the novel KUCaP13 cell line, this work establishes a robust system to evaluate the potential reversibility of lineage plasticity in neuroendocrine prostate cancer. This is a leading path to treatment-resistant cancer phenotypes and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at regulating cellular lineage.
LentiBlast Premium was used to enable the effective lentiviral transduction of KUCaP13 cells, enabling the creation of the reporter cell lines essential for high-throughput chemical screening platform.
These studies illustrate how robust experimental tools can support fundamental and translational cancer research, enabling scientists to generate reliable and meaningful data.
We congratulate all the researchers involved for their commitment and contributions to cancer research.
The full bibliography, including additional scientific publications related to oncology, is available in our Citation Database.
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