Dermal Cell News Volume 2.23 | Jun 27 2016

TOP STORY

Possible Psoriasis Drug Target Identified

Researchers have discovered a protein involved in psoriasis, a highly common skin disease, opening up new potentials for therapy. A small protein in the skin called Rac1, which is involved in wound repair, appears to link well-known environmental triggers of the disease with a genetic predisposition to the condition. [Press release from Stanford University discussing online publication in The Journal of Clinical Investigation] Press Release | Full Article

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

DERMAL STEM CELLS & TISSUE REGENERATION

HucMSC Exosome-Delivered 14-3-3ζ Orchestrates Self-Control of the Wnt Response via Modulation of YAP During Cutaneous Regeneration

Researchers found that human umbilical cord MSC (hucMSC)-exosomal14-3-3ζ mediated the binding of YAP and p-LATS by forming a complex to promote the phosphorylation of YAP, which orchestrate exosomal Wnt4 signal in cutaneous regeneration. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Human Skin Constructs with Spatially Controlled Vasculature Using Primary and iPSC-Derived Endothelial Cells

The latest microfabrication techniques were used and a novel bioengineering approach was established to micropattern spatially controlled and perfusable vascular networks in 3D human skin equivalents using both primary and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived endothelial cells. [Adv Healthc Mater] Abstract

Trehalose, Sucrose and Raffinose are Novel Activators of Autophagy in Human Keratinocytes through an mTOR-Independent Pathway

Researchers found that trehalose treatment increased the LC3-I to LC3-II conversion, acridine orange-stained vacuoles and LC3B protein tagged with green fluorescent protein puncta in the HaCaT human keratinocyte cell line, indicating autophagy induction. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Integration of Mature Adipocytes to Build-Up a Functional Three-Layered Full-Skin Equivalent

Scientists composed a full-skin equivalent and evaluated three different media for the co-culture of mature adipocytes, fibroblasts and keratinocytes. [Tissue Eng Part C Methods] Abstract

Keratinocyte-Releasable Factors Stimulate the Expression of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor in Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Investigators utilized DNA microarray analysis to examine the effects of keratinocyte-releasable factors on the expression of several cytokines in human dermal fibroblasts. [J Cell Biochem] Abstract

Dual Therapeutic Functions of F-5 Fragment in Burn Wounds: Preventing Wound Progression and Promoting Wound Healing in Pigs

Investigators report that topically applied F-5 fragment of heat shock protein-90α is a dual functional agent to promote burn wound healing in pigs. F-5 accelerated burn wound healing by stimulating the keratinocyte migration-led reepithelialization, leading to wound closure [Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev] Full Article

SKIN CANCERS & DISORDERS

Knockout of MDA-9/Syntenin (SDCBP) Expression in the Microenvironment Dampens Tumor-Supporting Inflammation and Inhibits Melanoma Metastasis

Scientists explored the effect of environmental mda-9/syntenin expression on melanoma growth and metastasis using multiple immunocompetent animal models, syngeneic B16 xenograft and intravenous B16 mouse model and a genetically engineered mouse model of melanoma. [Oncotarget] Full Article

MET Signaling in Keratinocytes Activates EGFR and Initiates Squamous Carcinogenesis

Investigators found that the incidence of carcinogen-induced skin squamous tumors was substantially increased in transgenic mouse metallothionein–hepatocyte growth factor mice, which have increased abundance of the MET ligand hepatocyte growth factor. [Sci Signal] Abstract

Ric-8A Gene Deletion or Phorbol Ester Suppresses Tumorigenesis in a Mouse Model of GNAQ^Q209L-Driven Melanoma

Using mouse melanocyte cell graft tumorigenesis models, researchers determined that Ric-8A genetic ablation attenuated the abundance and melanoma-driving potential of Gαq-Q209L. [Oncogenesis] Full Article

Suppression of Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor, but Not NF-Kappa B Sensitizes Melanoma Specific Cell Death

Investigators provide evidence that the resveratrol is potent to regulate melanoma cell growth than other inducers of apoptosis. Resveratrol inhibited pronounced cell proliferation in melanoma than other tumor cell types. [Apoptosis] Abstract

Molecular Characterization of Cutaneous Melanoma: Creating a Framework for Targeted and Immune Therapies

The authors review the proposed genomic classification of cutaneous melanoma from large-scale next-generation sequencing studies, including the largest integrative analysis of melanoma from The Cancer Genome Atlas Network. [Br J Cancer] Full Article

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

TSRI’s Phil Baran Wins Blavatnik National Award

Chemist Phil Baran of The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) has won a 2016 Blavatnik National Award for Young Scientists. The Blavatnik National Award includes an unrestricted cash award of $250,000—the largest unrestricted cash award given to early-career scientists. [The Scripps Research Institute] Press Release

Mohs Surgery for Melanoma In Situ Offered at Stanford Health Care

Stanford Health Care began using the Mohs technique for melanoma in situ, which is less expensive than the traditional surgical approach, creates a smaller wound and reduces the cancer’s rate of recurrence. [Stanford University] Press Release

Researchers Reeling as UK Votes to Leave EU

The United Kingdom’s vote to leave the European Union has plunged it into political and economic uncertainty — and left researchers worried over the future of their funding and collaborations, the UK’s participation in major European research programs, and the freedom of movement and employment status of thousands of scientists. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW International Conference on Stem Cell Engineering 2016
October 23-26, 2016
Toronto, Canada

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

NEW Postdoctoral Positions – Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology (Oregon Health & Science University)

NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Tissue Regeneration (US Army Institute of Surgical Research)

NEW PhD – Regulation of Keratinocyte Cell Death by Rho Family GTPases (University of Birmingham)

Research Associate – Stem Cells in the Epidermis (Imperial College London)

Cancer Scientists (Hamad bin Khalifa University)

Research Scientist – Hair Biophysics (L’Oreal)

Associate Professor/Professor – Dermatology (The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center)

Scientist – Target Validation (Innate Pharma)

Postdoctoral Positions – Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (University of Southern California)

Medical Science Liaison Associate – Skin Diseases (Biofrontera Inc.)

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 Dermal Cell News? Click here to submit!

Comments or suggestions? Submit your feedback here.