DIABETES A Genetically Engineered Human Pancreatic β Cell Line Exhibiting Glucose-Inducible Insulin Secretion Here, investigators describe a robust technology for producing a functional human β cell line using targeted oncogenesis in human fetal tissue. [J Clin Invest] Abstract Inhibitors of Src and Focal Adhesion Kinase Promote Endocrine Specification: Impact on the Derivation of Beta Cells from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells In this study researchers show that the pyrrolo-pyrimidine src-family kinase inhibitor PP2 effectively promotes the endocrine specification of human embryonic stem cell derivatives based on its capacity to induce the expression of proendocrine transcription factors (NGN3, NEUROD1, NKX2.2 and PAX4) and to significantly increase the final yield of insulin-positive cells. [J Biol Chem] Abstract Elimination of the NLRP3-ASC Inflammasome Protects Against Chronic Obesity-Induced Pancreatic Damage This study provides direct in vivo evidence that activation of the Nod-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (Nlrp3) inflammasome in diet-induced obesity is a critical trigger in causing pancreatic damage and is an important mechanism of progression toward type 2 diabetes. [Endocrinology] Abstract Thiamin Uptake by Pancreatic Acinar Cells: Effect of Chronic Alcohol Feeding/Exposure The results demonstrate for the first time that thiamin uptake by pancreatic acinar cells is via a carrier-mediated process, and that both the thiamin transporter-1 (THTR-1) as well as THTR-2 are expressed in these cells. [Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol] Abstract Immunomodulation and Regeneration of Islet Beta Cells by Cytokines in Autoimmune Type 1 Diabetes Cytokines both induce and regulate type 1 diabetes and have the potential to regenerate and preserve insulin-producing ß cells in the islets. [J Interferon Cytokine Res] Abstract PANCREATIC CANCER c-Met Is a Marker of Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells and Therapeutic Target In pancreatic tumors established in NOD SCID mice, c-Met inhibitors slowed tumor growth and reduced the population of cancer stem cells, when given alone or in combination with gemcitabine. [Gastroenterology] Abstract Cellular Features of Senescence During the Evolution of Human and Murine Ductal Pancreatic Cancer Here, researchers have characterized a panel of potential oncogene-induced senescence biomarkers in human and murine pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and found that only senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity is specifically enriched in these precursors, compared with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. [Oncogene] Abstract Inhibition of Chronic Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PanIN) by Capsaicin in LSL-KrasG12D/Pdx1-Cre Mice In this study, the effect of capsaicin on pancreatitis and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia was determined in a mutant Kras-driven and caerulein-induced pancreatitis-associated carcinogenesis in LSL-KrasG12D/Pdx1-Cre mice. [Carcinogenesis] Abstract Impact of KRAS Mutations on Clinical Outcomes in Pancreatic Cancer Patients Treated with First-Line Gemcitabine-Based Chemotherapy Researchers retrospectively studied 136 pancreatic cancer patients with available formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor blocks from 2003 to 2009 to understand the clinical significance of KRAS mutations in pancreatic cancer patients treated with gemcitabine-based chemotherapy. [Mol Cancer Ther] Abstract Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number and Pancreatic Cancer in the Alpha-Tocopherol Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study To test whether higher mitochondrial DNA copy number is associated with increased incident pancreatic cancer, scientists conducted a nested case-control study in the Alpha-Tocopherol Beta Carotene Cancer Prevention Study cohort of male smokers, aged 50-69 years at baseline. [Cancer Prev Res] Abstract |