Dermal Cell News Volume 1.04 | Jun 8 2015

Drug-Induced Regeneration in Adult Mice
Multiple peripheral subcutaneous injections of the 1,4-dihydrophenonthrolin-4-one-3-carboxylic acid/hydrogel over a 10-day period led to regenerative wound healing in Swiss Webster mice after ear hole punch injury. [Science] Abstract | Press Release

AKT1-Mediated Lamin A/C Degradation Is Required for Nuclear Degradation and Normal Epidermal Terminal Differentiation
Using AKT-phosphorylation-dead lamin A constructs, scientists showed that the retention of nuclear material is sufficient to cause profound changes in epidermal terminal differentiation, specifically a reduction in loricrin, keratin 1, keratin 10, and filaggrin expression. [Cell Death Dif] Abstract

Transcription Factor p63 Bookmarks and Regulates Dynamic Enhancers during Epidermal Differentiation
Using epigenome profiling of differentiating human primary epidermal keratinocytes, investigators characterized a catalog of dynamically regulated genes and p63-bound regulatory elements that are relevant for epithelial development and related diseases. [EMBO Rep] Abstract | Graphical Abstract | Full Article

SCF Increases In Utero-Labeled Stem Cells Migration and Improves Wound Healing
Researchers showed that stem cell factor (SCF) improved wound closure in diabetic mice and increased HIF-1α and VEGF expression levels in these wounds. SCF treatment also enhanced the migration of RFP-labeled skin stem cells via in utero intra-amniotic injection of lenti-RFP. [Wound Repair Regen] Abstract

SKIN CANCERS & DISORDERS

Epigenetic Activation of a Cryptic TBC1D16 Transcript Enhances Melanoma Progression by Targeting EGFR
Scientists identified RAB5C as a new TBC1D16 target and showed that it regulates EGFR in melanoma cells. They also found that epigenetic reactivation of TBC1D16-47KD is associated with poor clinical outcome in melanoma, while conferring greater sensitivity to BRAF and MEK inhibitors. [Nat Med]
Abstract | Press Release

Cell Surface CD74-MIF Interactions Drive Melanoma Survival in Response to Interferon-γ
Researchers found that interferon-γ enhanced the expression of CD74, which interacted with its ligand, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and thereby activated the PI3K/AKT pathway in melanoma, promoting tumor survival. [J Invest Dermatol] Abstract

IDH1, a CHOP and C/EBPβ-Responsive Gene under ER Stress, Sensitizes Human Melanoma Cells to Hypoxia-Induced Apoptosis
Researchers investigated gene expression profiles under ER stress in melanoma cells and found that isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) was dramatically increased with ER stress induced by tunicamycin. Elevated IDH1 subsequently sensitized human melanoma cells to hypoxia-induced apoptosis and promoted HIF-1α degradation. [Cancer Lett] Abstract

MUTZ-3 Derived Langerhans Cells in Human Skin Equivalents Show Differential Migration and Phenotypic Plasticity after Allergen or Irritant Exposure
Researchers described differences and similarities in the mechanisms regulating Langerhans cells migration and plasticity upon allergen or irritant exposure. [Toxicol Appl Pharmacol] Abstract

Downregulation of TNIP1 Expression Leads to Increased Proliferation of Human Keratinocytes and Severe Psoriasis-Like Conditions in an Imiquimod-Induced Mouse Model of Dermatitis
To mimic the downregulation or upregulation of TNIP1 in HaCaT cells and primary human keratinocytes, the authors used a TNIP1 specific small interfering hairpin RNA lentiviral vector or a recombinant TNIP1 lentiviral vector, respectively. Blocking TNIP1 expression increased keratinocyte proliferation, while overexpression of TNIP1 decreased keratinocyte proliferation. [PLoS One] Full Article

Expression of Long Noncoding RNA-HOX Transcript Antisense Intergenic RNA in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Effect on Cell Growth
Investigators analyzed the correlation between long noncoding RNA-HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) and the clinical pathological characteristics and prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma and evaluated the effect on cell growth. [Tumour Biol] Abstract

Psoriatic T Cells Reduce Epidermal Turnover Time and Affect Cell Proliferation Contributed from Differential Gene Expression
The authors identified differentially expressed genes (DEG) in T cells from five pairs of monozygotic twins concordant or discordant for psoriasis, to determine whether these DEG may account for the influence to epidermal turnover time and keratinocyte proliferation. [J Dermatol] Abstract

Stem Cells in Wound Healing: The Future of Regenerative Medicine
The authors shed light on challenges and recent advances surrounding stem cell therapies for wound healing and discuss limitations for their clinical adoption. [Gerontology] Full Article

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

Nivolumab Treatment in Melanoma Patients Has Manageable Safety Profile, Additional Immunomodulatory Agents Do Not Affect Response Rates
The monoclonal antibody nivolumab has shown promise as a therapeutic agent, particularly by improving the survival rates of melanoma patients. Jeffrey S. Weber, M.D., Ph.D., will be presenting data from a retrospective analysis of the safety of nivolumab in four ongoing Phase I-III studies in melanoma patients. [Press release from Moffitt Cancer Center discussing research to be presented at the 2015 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, Chicago] Press Release

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Azrieli Foundation Donates $10 Million for Hebrew University Research
The Azrieli Foundation has donated $10 million to fund innovative research at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s newly inaugurated Azrieli Center for Stem Cells and Genetic Research. [Hebrew University of Jerusalem] Press Release

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)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

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

Postdoctoral Fellow – Computational Biology and Bioinformatics in Melanoma (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)

Assistant Professor – Dermatology (University of California, Davis)

Dermatology Specialty Representative (Celgene Corporation)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Stem Cell Niche Function (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)

Assistant Professor – Instructive Biomaterials Engineering (Maastricht University)

Professor – Dermatology (University of Wisconsin – Madison)

Chair of the Department of Dermatology (University of California, Davis)

Faculty Positions – Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (University of Texas Medical School at Houston)

Postdoctoral Positions – Molecular Cancer Biology (University of Pennsylvania)

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