Pancreatic Cell News Volume 10.16 | Apr 30 2019

TOP STORY

The Short-Chain Fatty Acid Propionate Increases Glucagon and FABP4 Production, Impairing Insulin Action in Mice and Humans

Although propionate did not directly promote glucagon or fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) secretion in ex vivo rodent pancreatic islets and adipose tissue models, respectively, it activated the sympathetic nervous system in mice, leading to secretion of these hormones in vivo. [Sci Transl Med] Full Article

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

DIABETES & PANCREATITIS

Oxygen Generating Biomaterial Improves the Function and Efficacy of Beta Cells within a Macroencapsulation Device

Researchers demonstrated the successful implementation of an in situ oxygen-generating biomaterial to support elevated cellular function and efficacy of macroencapsulation devices for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. Under extreme hypoxic conditions, devices supplemented with OxySite exhibited substantially elevated beta cell and islet viability and function. [Biomaterials] Abstract

The Autonomic Nervous System Regulates Pancreatic Beta-Cell Proliferation in Adult Male Rats

In isolated islets, muscarinic stimulation increased, whereas adrenergic stimulation decreased glucose-induced beta-cell proliferation. Blocking alpha-adrenergic receptors reversed the effect of epinephrine on glucose positive non-esterified fatty acids-induced beta-cell proliferation, whereas activation of beta-adrenergic receptors was without effect. [Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab] Abstract

Intra-Islet Glucagon Signaling Is Critical for Maintaining Glucose Homeostasis

Researchers generated a novel mouse model that selectively expressed an inhibitory designer G protein-coupled receptor in α-cells only. Additional studies with mouse and human islets indicated that intra-islet glucagon stimulated insulin release primarily by activating β-cell GLP-1 receptors. [JCI Insight] Abstract | Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Human Duct Cells Contribute to β Cell Compensation in Insulin Resistance

Scientists superimposed pregnancy on a liver-specific insulin receptor-KO (LIRKO) model of insulin resistance that already exhibited β cell hyperplasia and used lineage tracing to track the source of new β cells. Although both control and LIRKO mice displayed increased β cell mass in response to the relative insulin resistance of pregnancy, the further increase in mass in the latter supported a dynamic source that could be traced to pancreatic ducts. [JCI Insight] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

PANCREATIC CANCER

In Vivo Rendezvous of Small Nucleic Acid Drugs with Charge-Matched Block Catiomers to Target Cancers

Scientists report an alternative approach to cancer-targeted oligonucleotide delivery using a Y-shaped block catiomer (YBC) with precisely regulated chain length. The YBC rendezvoused with a single oligonucleotide in the bloodstream to generate a dynamic ion-pair, termed unit polyion complex. [Nat Commun] Full Article

Sequential Targeting TGF-β Signaling and KRAS Mutation Increases Therapeutic Efficacy in Pancreatic Cancer

A novel sequential-targeting strategy was developed, in which antifibrotic fraxinellone-loaded CGKRK-modified nanoparticles were constructed to regulate transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling and siRNA-loaded lipid-coated calcium phosphate biomimetic nanoparticles were applied to interfere with the oncogenic KRAS. [Small] Abstract

FOXO1-Regulated lncRNA LINC01197 Inhibits Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Cell Proliferation by Restraining Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling

Investigators found that a FOXO1-related long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), LINC01197, was significantly decreased in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) malignant tissues and that its low expression predicted poor prognosis. Moreover, LINC01197 was mainly localized in the nucleus and inhibited PDAC cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. [J Exp Clin Cancer Res] Full Article

The ERBB Receptor Inhibitor Dacomitinib Suppresses Proliferation and Invasion of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells

The authors found that dacomitinib diminished pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell proliferation via inhibition of FOXM1 and its targets Aurora kinase B and cyclin B1. Moreover, they found that dacomitinib induced apoptosis and potentiated radio-sensitivity via inhibition of the anti-apoptotic proteins survivin and MCL1. [Cell Oncol (Dordr)] Abstract

Subscribe to one of our other 19 science newsletters such as Hepatic Cell News & Intestinal Cell News.

Immunoisolation of Pancreatic Islets via Thin-Layer Surface Modification

The authors discuss several techniques of thin-layer surface coating of pancreatic islets using a variety of polymers, therapeutic agents (TA), TA-loaded nano or microparticles, and living cells. [J Control Release] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

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

Orgenesis Announces Planned Study to Confirm Suitability of Liver Cells as a Source for Personalized Cell Replacement Therapy for Insulin-Dependent Diabetic Patients

Orgenesis Inc. announced it has received Institutional Review Board approval to collect liver biopsies from patients at Rambam Medical Center located in Haifa, Israel for a planned study to confirm the suitability of liver cells for personalized cell replacement therapy for patients with insulin-dependent diabetes resulting from total or partial pancreatectomy. [Orgenesis, Inc.] Press Release

Novo Nordisk Files for EU Regulatory Approval of Oral Semaglutide for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

Novo Nordisk announced the submission of a marketing authorization application to the European Medicines Agency for oral semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue in a tablet taken once-daily, for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes. [Novo Nordisk A/S] Press Release

Zynquista™ Now Approved in the European Union for Treatment of Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

The European Commission has granted marketing authorization for Zynquista™, developed by Sanofi and Lexicon. Zynquista is now approved in the European Union, at once-daily doses of 200 mg and 400 mg, for use as an adjunct to insulin therapy to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus and a body mass index ≥ 27 kg/m² , who could not achieve adequate glycemic control despite optimal insulin therapy. [Sanofi] Press Release

Phelps Awarded Grant from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Dr. Edward Phelps received a Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation grant for his collaborative project titled, “Targeting the Peri-Islet Basement Membrane for Immunomodulatory Therapy in Beta Cell Replacement. [University of Florida] Press Release

EastGate Biotech Announces Positive Phase II Clinical Results of Its Innovative Liquid Insulin Mouth Rinse Solution for Type 2 Diabetes

EastGate Biotech Corp. announced positive Phase II Clinical Results of its innovative liquid insulin mouth rinse solution for Type 2 diabetes patients. [EastGate Biotech Corp.] Press Release

House Panel Proposes $2 Billion Increase for NIH

A spending panel in the US House of Representatives has proposed giving the National Institutes of Health (NIH) a $2 billion raise, for a total of $41.1 billion, in a draft bill released. If adopted, that 5% raise for the 2020 fiscal year that begins on 1 October would more than reverse a $5 billion cut recommended by President Donald Trump, whose three budget blueprints have all called for slashing NIH funding. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

US Science Academy Leaders Approve Plan to Expel Sexual Harassers

The US National Academy of Sciences (NAS) is moving ahead with a policy that would allow it to expel members found guilty of sexual harassment. The academy’s governing council voted to proceed with the plan at the NAS annual meeting in Washington DC. [Nature News] Editorial

What Study Findings? Most European Universities Fail to Report Clinical Trial Results

Despite European Union rules that require clinical trial reporting, a new survey finds results from more than four of every five studies run by 30 European universities have not been registered, the latest such finding to stir concerns about the impact on health systems and patient care. [STAT News] Editorial

NEW Gordon Research Conference: Spatiotemporal Regulation of the Lipidome
July 28-August 2, 2019
Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, United States

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

NEW Postdoctoral Researcher – Islet Biology (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Pancreatic Cancer (Oregon Health and Science University)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Exosomes in Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease (Northern California Institute for Research and Education)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Regenerative Medicine (Cornell University)

Postdoctoral Research Position – Molecular Biology and Cancer Research (Augusta University)

Postdoctoral Research Affiliate – Pancreatic Cancer Research (Roswell Park)

Clinical Professor – Diabetes (Univesity of Southern Denmark)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity (Harvard Medical School/Boston Children’s Hospital)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Regenerative Medicine and Metabolic Biology (Indiana Biosciences Research Institute)

Research Positions – Pancreatic Beta-Cells (Université de Montréal)

Postdoctoral Position – Diabetes (University of Minnesota)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Neuroscience and Diabetes (The Child Health Institute of New Jersey)

Recruit Top Talent: Reach potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.

Have we missed an important article or publication in Pancreatic Cell News? Click here to submit!

Comments or suggestions? Submit your feedback here.