Dermal Cell News Volume 2.36 | Oct 17 2016

TOP STORY

Targeting the Hedgehog Transcription Factors GLI1 and GLI2 Restores Sensitivity to Vemurafenib-Resistant Human Melanoma Cells

Investigators identified a previously unsuspected mechanism of BRAFi resistance driven by elevated Hedgehog pathway activation that is observed in a cohort of melanoma patients after vemurafenib treatment. [Oncogene] Full Article

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

DERMAL STEM CELLS & TISSUE REGENERATION

Mutations in TSPEAR, Encoding a Regulator of Notch Signaling, Affect Tooth and Hair Follicle Morphogenesis

TSPEAR knock-down resulted in altered expression of genes known to be regulated by NOTCH and to be involved in murine hair and tooth development. Pathway analysis confirmed that down-regulation of TSPEAR in keratinocytes is likely to affect Notch signaling. [PLoS Genet] Full Article

A Large-Conductance Calcium-Regulated K⁺ Channel in Human Dermal Fibroblast Mitochondria

Scientists identified the activity of a large-conductance Ca²⁺-regulated potassium channel in mitoplasts isolated from a primary human dermal fibroblast cell line. [Biochem J] Abstract

Development and Characterization of VEGF165-Chitosan Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Radiation-Induced Skin Injury in Rats

Researchers established a model of acute radiation-induced skin injury and compared the effect of different vascular growth factors on skin healing by observing the changes of microcirculation and cell apoptosis. [Mar Drugs] Full Article

A Regenerative Approach with Dermal Micrografts in the Treatment of Chronic Ulcers

The authors observed in vivo the ability of dermal autologous micrografts to improve the healing of venous, diabetic, pressure and post-traumatic ulcers after few weeks of treatment accomplished in general with a better quality of life for the patients. In vitro results showed that these micrografts express mesenchymal stem cells markers such as CD34, CD73, CD90 and CD105, and are able to form a viable and proliferative biocomplex with collagen sponge. [Stem Cell Rev] Abstract

Beneficial Effects of the Genus Aloe on Wound Healing, Cell Proliferation, and Differentiation of Epidermal Keratinocytes

Scientists indicated that both Aloe vera gel (AVG) and Cape aloe extract (CAE) significantly improved wound healing in human primary epidermal keratinocytes (HPEKs) and a human skin equivalent model. In addition, flow cytometry analysis revealed that cell surface expressions of β1-, α6-, β4-integrin, and E-cadherin increased in HPEKs treated with AVG and CAE. [PLoS One] Full Article

SKIN CANCERS & DISORDERS

IL27 Controls Skin Tumorigenesis via Accumulation of ETAR-Positive CD11b Cells in the Pre-Malignant Skin

A two step skin carcinogenesis model and K15-KRAS^G12D mouse model were used to understand the role of IL27 in skin tumors. [Oncotarget] Full Article

Interleukin-1 Blockade Overcomes Erlotinib Resistance in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The authors compared the gene expression profiles of erlotinib-resistant vs. erlotinib-sensitive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. [Oncotarget] Full Article

The IKKα-Dependent Non-Canonical Pathway of NF-κB Activation Is Constitutively Active and Modulates Progression-Related Functions in a Subset of Human Melanomas

Given that blocking of NF-κB either by proteasome-, pan-IKK- or selective IKKβ-inhibitors may increase the susceptibility of melanoma cells to chemotherapy, researchers have assessed the role of the second kinase within the IKK complex, IKKα. [Arch Dermatol Res] Abstract

The Initiator Methionine tRNA Drives Cell Migration and Invasion Leading to Increased Metastatic Potential in Melanoma

Scientists showed that increased initiator methionine tRNA in melanoma drives migratory, invasive behavior and metastatic potential without affecting cell proliferation and primary tumor growth, and that expression of RNA polymerase III-associated genes are elevated in metastases by comparison with primary tumors. [Biol Open] Full Article

The Effect of Climate Change on Skin Disease in North America

This article reports the effects of climate change on the epidemiology and geographic ranges of selected skin diseases in North America. [J Am Acad Dermatol] Abstract

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the dermal cell research field.

Provectus Biopharmaceuticals Announces Poster Presentation on Pv-10 Now Available Online

Dr. Agarwala’s presentation reviewed the current studies underway for melanoma utilizing PV-10: the Phase III clinical trial of intralesional PV-10 as a single agent therapy for locally advanced cutaneous melanoma; and the Phase Ib/II, study of intralesional PV-10 in combination with immune checkpoint inhibition. [Press release from Provectus Biopharmaceuticals, Inc discussing research presented at European Society Of Medical Oncology 2016 Congress, Copenhagen] Press Release | Abstract

Updated Results Presented for the Opdivo (Nivolumab) and Yervoy (Ipilimumab) Combination in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma from Phase I Study

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company announced updated results from the Phase I CheckMate -016 trial, which evaluated the safety and tolerability (primary endpoint) of Opdivo at different doses as part of a regimen with Yervoy, sunitinib or pazopanib in previously treated and treatment-naïve patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. [Bristol-Myers Squibb Company] Press Release

Opdivo (Nivolumab) Stabilized Patient-reported Outcomes in Patients With Previously Treated Recurrent or Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck in Pivotal Phase III CheckMate -141 Study

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company announced new patient-reported quality-of-life data from an exploratory endpoint in the pivotal Phase III CheckMate -141 trial evaluating Opdivo in patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck after platinum therapy compared to investigator’s choice of therapy (methotrexate, docetaxel or cetuximab). [Bristol-Myers Squibb Company] Press Release

Biden’s Moonshot Cancer Plan Calls for More Data Sharing

Vice President Joe Biden released his vision for doubling progress against cancer over 5 years. It includes numerous policy recommendations and a laundry list of projects by the National Cancer Institute and other federal agencies that would require additional funding. [Science Insider] Editorial

U.S. and Cuban Biomedical Researchers Are Free to Collaborate

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has authorized U.S. scientists to freely collaborate with Cuban counterparts on everything from cancer therapies to combating the Zika virus. [Science Insider] Editorial

NEW 13^th International Congress of the Society for Melanoma Research
November 6-9, 2016
Boston, United States

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the community.

NEW Clinical Trials Fellow – Dermatology (Brigham and Women’s Hospital)

NEW Scientific Director – Global Medical Affairs (Celgene Corporation)

NEW Postdoctoral Researcher – Transplantation Immunology (Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences)

Postdoctoral position – Skin 3D Bioprinting (Inserm)

Pluripotent Stem Cell Faculty (Stanford University)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (Brigham and Women’s Hospital)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Skin Immunology (University Hospital Lausanne)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Melanoma Biology (Icahn School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Scholar – Cancer Biology (The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine)

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