Dermal Cell News Volume 3.15 | May 1 2017

TOP STORY

Systematic Epigenomic Analysis Reveals Chromatin States Associated with Melanoma Progression

Through systematic epigenomic profiling of 35 epigenetic modifications and transcriptomic analysis, scientists defined chromatin state changes associated with melanomagenesis by using a cell phenotypic model of non-tumorigenic and tumorigenic states. Computation of specific chromatin state transitions showed loss of histone acetylations and H3K4me2/3 on regulatory regions proximal to specific cancer-regulatory genes in important melanoma-driving cell signaling pathways. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

DERMAL STEM CELLS & TISSUE REGENERATION

GRHL3 Binding and Enhancers Rearrange as Epidermal Keratinocytes Transition between Functional States

The authors demonstrated that when human progenitor keratinocytes either differentiate or migrate they form complements of typical enhancers and super-enhancers that are unique for each state. Unique super-enhancers for each cellular state link to gene expression that confers functions associated with the respective cell state. [PLoS Genet] Full Article

The HIV-1 Viral Synapse Signals Human Foreskin Keratinocytes to Secrete Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Facilitating HIV-1 Foreskin Entry

Using CD4⁺ T-cells expressing only HIV-1 envelope inoculated on human adult foreskin tissues, researchers designed methodologies to identify the signals transduced in foreskin keratinocytes following HIV-1-envelope-dependent viral synapse formation. [Mucosal Immunol] Abstract

Analysis of PM_2.5-Induced Cytotoxicity in Human HaCaT Cells Based on a Microfluidic System

Investigators established a microfluidic system including a cell culture chip integrated with a high-throughput protein microarray chip to investigate the mechanism of PM_2.5-mediated cytotoxicity in human HaCaT cells. [Toxicol In Vitro] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Th17 Cell-Mediated Immune Responses Promote Mast Cell Proliferation by Triggering Stem Cell Factor in Keratinocytes

Similar to mouse epidermal keratinocytes, epidermal stem cell factor was highly expressed in the human HaCaT keratinocyte cell line following stimulation with IL−17. Keratinocytes promoted mast cell proliferation following stimulation with IL−17 in vitro. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract

Poly I:C Induces Collective Migration of HaCaT Keratinocytes via IL-8

The authors aimed to improve the understanding of the link between innate immunity and human wound healing, particularly in re-epithelialization. They showed that polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid (poly I:C) significantly accelerated collective HaCaT cell migration in a scratch assay. [BMC Immunol] Full Article

SKIN CANCERS & DISORDERS

In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Uveal Melanoma Activity of JSL-1, a Novel HDAC Inhibitor

JSL-1 induced apoptosis with increased expression of proapoptotic BH3-only protein BIM in uveal melanoma (UM) cells. JSL-1 suppressed migration and invasion of UM cells with MMP-2 decreased. [Cancer Lett] Abstract

PGC-1α in Melanoma: A Key Factor for Antioxidant Response and Mitochondrial Function

Researchers studied the importance of the different regulatory characteristics of melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) and BRAF on the pathways they regulate in melanoma. For this purpose, ROS production, levels of gene expression and enzymatic activities were analyzed in HBL and MeWo, with wild-type MC1R and BRAF, and A375 cells with mutant MC1R and BRAF. [J Cell Biochem] Abstract

MITF Suppression by CH5552074 Inhibits Cell Growth in Melanoma Cells

Scientists screened a chemical library against multiple skin cancer cell lines and conducted ingenuity pathway analysis to investigate the mechanisms of CH5552074 activity. Suppression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) expression levels was determined in melanoma cells treated with CH5552074. [Cancer Chemother Pharmacol] Abstract

Modulation of MMP-2 and -9 Secretion by Cytokines, Inducers and Inhibitors in Human Melanoma A-2058 Cells

Various cytokines, mitogens, growth factors, inducers and inhibitors control matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activities. Researchers investigated the roles of these in regulation of MMP-2 and -9 in human melanoma A-2058 cells. [Oncol Rep] Abstract

Increased Expression of uPA, uPAR, and PAI-1 in Psoriatic Skin and in Basal Cell Carcinomas

The comparative analysis of uPA, uPAR, tPA, and PAI-1 expression in the normal skin, in the biopsies of patients with psoriasis vulgaris, and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) was carried out. uPA, uPAR, and PAI-1 expression was up-regulated in the epidermis of psoriatic skin and in tumor cells in BCC. [Arch Dermatol Res] Abstract

Rationale for New Checkpoint Inhibitor Combinations in Melanoma Therapy

The authors summarize the rationale for new checkpoint inhibitor combinations in melanoma therapy and discuss how biologic-driven stratification enables the design of optimal combination therapies tailored to target different tumor microenvironments. [Am J Clin Dermatol] Abstract

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

Samsung Bioepis Obtains First Drug Approval in the United States, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approves RENFLEXIS™ (Infliximab-abda) across All Eligible Indications

Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved RENFLEXIS™, a biosimilar referencing Remicade^®, across all eligible indications. In the US, RENFLEXIS™ is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms in patients with adult and pediatric Crohn’s disease, adult ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis, and for the treatment of adult plaque psoriasis. [Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd.] Press Release

American Skin Association (ASA) Honors Outstanding Researchers during Annual Meeting of the Society for Investigative Dermatology

David A. Norris, MD, Chair of ASA’s Medical Advisory Committee, presented the David Martin Carter Mentor Award and the Research Achievement Awards at the Annual Meeting of the Society for Investigative Dermatology. [American Skin Association] Press Release

How Science Fares in the U.S. Budget Deal

Congress has finally reached a deal on spending bills for the 2017 fiscal year, which ends on 30 September. House of Representatives and Senate leaders announced last night that they expect lawmakers to vote this week on an agreement that wraps together all 12 appropriations bills that fund federal operations. For the past 7 months, the government has been operating under a continuing resolution that froze 2017 spending at most agencies at 2016 levels and generally prevented them from starting new programs. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Marine Le Pen Is a ‘Terrible Danger,’ French Research Leaders Say

The French science and higher education community appears virtually united in its opposition against Marine Le Pen, the far-right candidate who could become France’s next president during the second round of elections on 7 May. In an unprecedented letter, the directors of nine major public research institutes describe Le Pen’s candidacy as a “terrible danger” and call on voters not to support her. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Controversial UK Research Reform Crosses Finish Line

A controversial and wide-ranging shake-up of the United Kingdom’s research and higher-education landscape has been completed, amid a huge rush by the country’s parliament to push through legislation. [Nature News] Editorial

$10 Million Settlement over Alleged Misconduct in Boston Heart Stem Cell Lab

A research misconduct investigation of a prominent stem cell lab by the Harvard University-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston has led to a massive settlement with the U.S. government over allegations of fraudulently obtained federal grants. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

NEW Gordon Research Conferences: Cancer Nanotechnology
June 18-23, 2017
West Dover, United States

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NEW Postdoctoral Researcher – Immunopeptidomics (University of Oxford)

PhD Projects – Biomedical Sciences (Macquarie University)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Adipocytes in Melanoma (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)

Scientist – Cell Biology and Autoimmune Disease (Immunocore)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Melanoma (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Skin Epigenetics (Boston University)

Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Assistant – Psoriasis (University of California, Davis)

Two Postdoctoral Positions – Melanoma (Moffitt Cancer and Research Institute)

Clinical Research Fellow – Melanoma (CRUK Manchester Institute)

Professorships – Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

Junior Research Group Leader – Analytics and Toxicology (The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment)

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