Pancreatic Cell News Volume 2.39 | Oct 4 2011

Elevated Hedgehog/Gli Signaling Causes β-Cell Dedifferentiation in Mice
Researchers show that increased Hedgehog signaling leads to impaired β-cell function and insulin secretion, resulting in glucose intolerance in transgenic mice. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

DIABETES

Specific Control of Pancreatic Endocrine β- and δ-Cell Mass by Class IIa Histone Deacetylases HDAC4, HDAC5, and HDAC9
The aim of the study was to determine the role of class IIa histone deacetylases in pancreas development. [Diabetes] Abstract

Survival of Pancreatic Beta-Cells Is Partly Controlled by a TCF7L2 – p53 – p53INP1 Dependent Pathway
The aim of the study was to identify the molecular mechanism through which T-cell factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) influences beta-cell survival. [Hum Mol Genet] Abstract

Pancreatic Islet and Progenitor Cell Surface Markers with Cell Sorting Potential
The aim of the study was to identify surface bio-markers and corresponding antibody tools that can be used for the imaging and immunoisolation of the pancreatic beta cell and its progenitors. [Diabetologia] Abstract

TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL) Protects Against Diabetes and Atherosclerosis in Apoe^−/− Mice
Investigators show for the first time that TRAIL deficiency promotes numerous features of diabetes that are typical of human disease, and are associated with reduced insulin and pancreatic inflammation/apoptosis. [Diabetologia] Abstract

Loss of Foxd3 Results in Decreased β-Cell Proliferation and Glucose Intolerance During Pregnancy
Here, investigators show that mice carrying a pancreas-specific deletion of Foxd3 have impaired glucose tolerance, decreased β-cell mass, decreased β-cell proliferation, and decreased β-cell size during pregnancy. [Endocrinology] Abstract

PANCREATIC CANCER

EGFR-Dependent Pancreatic Carcinoma Cell Metastasis Through Rap1 Activation
Here, researchers describe an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated signaling pathway that regulates human pancreatic carcinoma cell invasion and metastasis, yet does not influence the growth of primary tumors. [Oncogene] Abstract

Growth of the Pancreatic Cancer Cell Line PANC-1 Is Inhibited by Protein Phosphatase 2A Inhibitors Through Overactivation of the c-Jun N-terminal Kinase Pathway
In this study, researchers have confirmed that the basal activity of the phospatidylinositol 3-kinase/JNK/activator protein 1 pathway promoted pancreatic cancer cell growth when stimulated by growth factors. [Eur J Cancer] Abstract

Significance of Combination Therapy of Zoledronic Acid and Gemcitabine on Pancreatic Cancer
In this study, researchers examined the cytotoxic effects of combination therapy with zoledronic acid and gemcitabine on pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. [Cancer Sci] Abstract

Role of Alpha5 Beta1 Integrin Upregulation in Radiation-Induced Invasion by Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Scientists utilized naturally serum-free, selectively permeable basement membranes, and confocal microscopy of fluorescent antibody-stained, cultured human Panc-1, MiaPaCa-2 and BxPC-3 pancreatic cancer cell lines to investigate the effects of ionizing radiation on α5β1 integrin fibronectin receptor expression and invasion. [Transl Oncol] Abstract

Use of a Mouse Model of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors to Find Pericyte Biomarkers of Resistance to Anti-Angiogenic Therapy
Herein, by the use of a genetically engineered mouse model of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, researchers have assessed the utility of pericyte characteristics in terms of differential marker expression to serve as surrogate markers for response or evasive resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy. [Horm Metab Res] Abstract

$5.9 Million Grant to UC San Diego for Paradigm-Shifting Diabetes Research
Kumar Sharma, MD, FAHA, has received a $5.9 million grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, to study kidney complications related to type 1 and type 2 diabetes. [University of California, San Diego] Press Release

NCI Renews UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center’s $27.5 Million Core Grant
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center has received a five-year, $27.5 million Cancer Center Support Grant from the National Cancer Institute to renew support for its cancer research program through 2016. [The University of Alabama at Birmingham] Press Release

Rexahn Pharmaceuticals Completes Patient Enrollment for Archexin Phase II Clinical Trial in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that it has completed enrollment for its Phase II clinical trial of Archexin® in metastatic pancreatic cancer. [Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc.] Press Release

Breakthrough for the Kancera ROR Technology Against Incurable Cancer
Kancera has in collaboration with scientists at the Karolinska Institute identified active compounds that effectively kill pancreatic cancer cells. [Kancera AB] Press Release

International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) Leads Roundtable with Major US Payors, Healthcare Providers and Industry to Initiate a Collaboration to Address Cell Therapy Product Reimbursement
In keeping with its mission to drive the commercialization of cell therapy products and advance global patient access, ISCT hosted its second event this year in its Commercial Development Series, this time focusing on the timely issue of reimbursement for cell therapy and regenerative medicine products in the US market. [International Society for Cellular Therapy, United States] Press Release

National Institutes of Health (United States)

Food and Drug Administration (United States)
 
Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)

European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

National Health Service (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

Lab Technologist – Tissue Culture (STEMCELL Technologies)

Research and Development Technologist, hPSC Media (STEMCELL Technologies) 

Scientist (iPSC) (STEMCELL Technologies)

Contract Assay Service Technologist (STEMCELL Technologies) 

Senior Scientific Advisor for Clinical & Translational Research (The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Pancreatic Cancer Research (Johns Hopkins University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Islet Cell Electrophysiology (Vanderbilt University)    

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