Dermal Cell News Volume 3.26 | Jul 31 2017

TOP STORY

A Common Intronic Variant of PARP1 Confers Melanoma Risk and Mediates Melanocyte Growth via Regulation of MITF

Scientists showed that in human primary melanocytes, PARP1 promoted cell proliferation and rescued BRAF^V600E-induced senescence phenotypes in a PARylation-independent manner. PARP1 also transformed TERT-immortalized melanocytes expressing BRAF^V600E. [Nat Genet] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

DERMAL STEM CELLS & TISSUE REGENERATION

In Vitro Significance of SOCS-3 and SOCS-4 and Potential Mechanistic Links to Wound Healing

Researchers explored the importance of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) 3 and SOCS-4 in regulating cellular traits associated with wound healing. SOCS-3 over-expression and SOCS-4 knockdown mutant lines were generated and verified using q-PCR and western blotting in human keratinocytes and endothelial cells. [Sci Rep] Full Article

JMJD3 and NF-κB-Dependent Activation of Notch1 Gene Is Required for Keratinocyte Migration During Skin Wound Healing

The authors identified Notch1 as a direct target of JMJD3 and NF-κB in wounded keratinocytes using in vitro cell and in vivo animal models. They found that Notch1 was up-regulated in the wound edge and its expression was dependent on JMJD3 and NF-κB in wounded keratinocytes. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Y-27632 Simplifies the Isolation Procedure of Human Primary Epidermal Cells by Selectively Blocking Focal Adhesion of Dermal Cells

Investigators report an advanced method for human primary epidermal progenitor cell isolation from skin tissues including the Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] Abstract

Differential Role of Rapamycin in Epidermis-Induced IL-15-IGF-1 Secretion via Activation of Akt/mTORC2

The authors aimed to uncover differential role of rapamycin (RPM) in regulation of wound healing and explore the possible mechanism. C57BL/6J mice and epidermal cells were treated with different doses of RPM. The wound re-epithelialization was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. [Cell Physiol Biochem] Full Article

Lipoxin A4 Encapsulated in PLGA Microparticles Accelerates Wound Healing of Skin Ulcers

Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) is involved in the resolution of inflammation and wound healing; however, it is extremely unstable. To preserve its biological activities and confer stability, scientists encapsulated LXA4 in poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid microparticles and assessed its application in treating dorsal rat skin lesions. [PLoS One] Full Article

SKIN CANCERS & DISORDERS

The RhoJ-BAD Signaling Network: An Achilles’ Heel for BRAF Mutant Melanomas

Investigators identified a RhoJ signaling pathway that was a selective therapeutic target for BRAF mutant cells. RhoJ deletion in BRAF mutant melanocytes modulated the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein BAD as well as genes involved in cellular metabolism, impairing nevus formation, cellular transformation, and metastasis. [PLoS Genet] Full Article

TCTP as a Therapeutic Target in Melanoma Treatment

Researchers evaluated the role of translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) in melanoma using sertraline and siRNA. Cell viability, migration, and clonogenicity were assessed in human and murine melanoma cells in vitro. [Br J Cancer] Abstract

MALT1 Promotes Melanoma Progression through JNK/C-Jun Signaling

The authors demonstrated that mucosa-associated lymphoma antigen 1 (MALT1) was overexpressed in malignant melanoma cells, and predicted a poor disease-free survival. MALT1 inhibition via shRNA-mediated gene silencing or pharmacologically with MI-2 compound markedly reduced cell growth and migration of A2058 and A375 melanoma cell lines in vitro. [Oncogenesis] Full Article

Genetic Variation in IRF4 Expression Modulates Growth Characteristics, Tyrosinase Expression and Interferon-Gamma Response in Melanocytic Cells

A SNP within intron4 of the interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) gene, rs12203592*C/T has been independently associated with pigmentation and age-specific effects on nevus count in European-derived populations. The authors have characterized the cis-regulatory activity of this intronic region and using human foreskin-derived melanoblast strains they have explored the correlation between IRF4 rs12203592 homozygous C/C and T/T genotypes with TYR enzyme activity, supporting its association with pigmentation traits. [Pigment Cell Melanoma Res] Abstract

Autophagy Enhancement Is Rendered Ineffective in Presence of α-Synuclein in Melanoma Cells

Researchers employed SK-MEL-28, a melanoma cell model with endogenous α-synuclein (α-syn) expression, to study α-syn clearance through autophagy. They demonstrated the dual localization of α-syn to nucleus and cytoplasm that varied in response to changes in cellular environment. [J Cell Commun Signal] Abstract

Clinicopathological Characteristics and Prognosis of Patients with Multiple Primary Melanomas.

The authors provide an evidence-based overview of existing literature on the epidemiology, clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic outcomes of tumors arising in patients with multiple primary melanomas. [Br J Dermatol] Abstract

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

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Expands Approval of Yervoy^® (Ipilimumab) to Include Pediatric Patients 12 Years and Older with Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company announced that the FDA has expanded the indication for Yervoy^® injection for intravenous use to now include the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma in pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. [Bristol-Myers Squibb Company] Press Release

EMA’s CHMP Issues Positive Opinion for Avelumab for the Treatment of Metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Merck KGaA and Pfizer Inc. announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use of the European Medicines Agency has recommended the approval of avelumab (BAVENCIO^®) as a monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma. [Merck KGaA] Press Release

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Reports Positive Data in a Phase IIA Study of GBR 830 for the Treatment of Patients with Atopic Dermatitis

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals announced positive data from a Phase IIA study of GBR 830, an investigational, anti-OX40 monoclonal antibody, in atopic dermatitis (AD). The study evaluated the safety, biological and clinical activity, and pharmacokinetics of GBR 830, relative to placebo, in adults with moderate-to-severe AD with history of inadequate response to topical therapies. [Glenmark Pharmaceuticals (PR Newswire Association LLC)] Press Release

Boehringer Ingelheim Starts Clinical Study on Interchangeability Between Its Adalimumab Biosimilar Candidate and U.S.-Formulated Humira^®

Boehringer Ingelheim announced that the first patient has been enrolled into its VOLTAIRE-X interchangeability study. The goal of the study is to demonstrate that BI 695501 is interchangeable with the U.S.-marketed formulation of Humira^®. This is the first study in the U.S. to investigate an interchangeability designation for an adalimumab biosimilar candidate. [Boehringer Ingelheim] Press Release

PellePharm Announces Topline Results from Phase II Study of Topical Patidegib in Gorlin Syndrome Basal Cell Carcinomas and Third Closing of a $20 Million Series B Financing

PellePharm announced topline data from its Phase II trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of topical patidegib in patients with Gorlin Syndrome, a rare genetic disease that causes patients to develop multiple basal cell carcinomas. [PellePharm] Press Release

At Harvard, Extraordinary Court Battle between Ph.D. Student and Prominent Researcher Grinds On

The conflict between Gustavo German, a Harvard doctoral student in biomedicine, and Lee Rubin, a prominent stem cell researcher, has continued to evolve. Amid continued legal jousting, the situation has remained difficult for all of the parties involved in this tumultuous episode. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Ding, Ding, Ding! CRISPR Patent Fight Enters Next Round

The University of California has fired another legal salvo in the prolonged patent battle over CRISPR, the revolutionary gene-editing technology that has spawned a billion dollar industry. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

China Cracks Down After Investigation Finds Massive Peer-Review Fraud

A massive peer-review fraud has triggered a tough response from the Chinese government. Officials last week announced that more than 400 researchers listed as authors on some 100 now-retracted papers will face disciplinary action because their misconduct has seriously damaged China’s scientific reputation. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

NEW Keystone Symposia: Tumor Metabolism
January 21-25, 2018
Snowbird, Utah, United States

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NEW Postdoctoral Position – Immune Cells and Keratinocytes in Psoriasis (University of Geneva)

Postdoctoral Position – Skin Wound Healing and Inflammation (Inserm)

Research Technician – Adult Skin Stem Cells (Howard Hughes Medical Institute)

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Genetic Skin Conditions (King’s College London)

Post-Doc and Research Positions – In Vitro 3D Models of Diseased Skin (University of Minho)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Epithelial Stem Cell Biology (University of Michigan Healthcare System)

Group Leader – Melanoma (University of Lille Nord de France)

Research Fellow – Melanoma (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute)

Associate Professor – Cancer Biology (NYU Langone School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Vascular-Stromal Regulation in the Dermis (Weill Cornell Medicine)

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