Dermal Cell News Volume 1.08 | Jul 6 2015

Filamin A Mediates Wound Closure by Promoting Elastic Deformation and Maintenance of Tension in the Collagen Matrix
Researchers examined the role of filamin A, an actin filament cross-linking protein, in wound contraction and maintenance of matrix tension. Conditional deletion of FLNa in fibroblasts in mice was associated with ~4 days delay of full-thickness skin wound contraction compared with wild-type mice. [J Invest Dermatol] Abstract

Acceleration of Skin Regeneration in Full-Thickness Burns by Incorporation of bFGF-Loaded Alginate Microspheres into a CMCS-PVA Hydrogel
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is known to promote angiogenesis and accelerate wound healing. Direct delivery of bFGF to the wound area, however, would lead to a loss of bioactivity. To this end, bFGF-loaded alginate microspheres were fabricated and incorporated into carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS)-poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) to form a composite hydrogel. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] Abstract

Mice Overexpressing Integrin αv in Fibroblasts Exhibit Dermal Thinning of the Skin
To investigate the role of αv integrin (ITGAV) in skin fibrosis, researchers engineered transgenic mice that overexpressed ITGAV in the fibroblasts under the control of the COL1A2 enhancer promoter. [J Dermatol Sci] Abstract

Human Unrestricted Somatic Stem Cells Loaded in Nanofibrous PCL Scaffold and Their Healing Effect on Skin Defects
Nanofibrous polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds loaded with unrestricted somatic stem cells were grafted onto the skin defects. The wounds were subsequently investigated 21 days after grafting. Results of mechanical and physical analyses showed good resilience and compliance to movement as a skin graft. [Artif Cells Nanomed Biotechnol] Abstract

SKIN CANCERS & DISORDERS

NF-κB-Induced MicroRNA-31 Promotes Epidermal Hyperplasia by Repressing Protein Phosphatase 6 in Psoriasis
The authors report that the NF-κB activation triggered by inflammatory cytokines induces the transcription of microRNA (miRNA) miR-31, one of the most dynamic miRNAs identified in the skin of psoriatic patients and mouse models. [Nat Commun] Full Article

FKBP51 Employs Both Scaffold and Isomerase Functions to Promote NF-κB Activation in Melanoma
The authors demonstrated that FKBP51 physically interacted with IKK subunits, and facilitated IKK complex assembly. [Nucleic Acids Res] Full Article

Resistance of R-Ras Knockout Mice to Skin Tumor Induction
Using mice with a deletion of the R-ras gene, scientists found that R-Ras facilitates DMBA/TPA-induced skin tumor induction. [Sci Rep] Abstract

Overexpression of Connexin 43 Reduces Melanoma Proliferative and Metastatic Capacity
Researchers investigated the role of Connexin 43 in melanoma cell proliferation and apoptosis sensitivity in vitro, as well as metastatic capability and tumor growth in vivo. [Br J Cancer] Abstract

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The Society Honors Top Researchers with Awards for Excellence
Five of Canada’s most outstanding cancer scientists received prestigious cancer research awards. The Canadian Cancer Society honored five remarkable researchers with Awards for Excellence for their tremendous contributions to progress in cancer research. [Canadian Cancer Society] Press Release

Intercontinental Oncology Partnership Brings Access to Specialized Cancer Care to Nigeria
Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) and Lakeshore Cancer Center (LCC) have announced an affiliation that will see Roswell Park faculty providing clinical consultations to assist LCC oncologists, who will also have access to both training at RPCI and continuing professional education seminars they can participate in remotely. [Roswell Park Cancer Institute] Press Release

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Assistant/Associate Professor – Melanoma Research (University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute)

Scientific Writer – Regenerative Medicine (University of Washington)

Assistant/Associate Professor – Dermatology Research (Boston University)

Research Associate – Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (King’s College London)

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

Assistant Professor – Dermatology (University of California, Davis)

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

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