Dermal Cell News Volume 3.29 | Aug 28 2017

TOP STORY

Identification of NRAS Isoform 2 Overexpression as a Mechanism Facilitating BRAF Inhibitor Resistance in Malignant Melanoma

Scientists showed that recently discovered NRAS isoform 2 is up-regulated in the setting of BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) resistance in melanoma, in both cell lines and patient tumor tissues. When isoform 2 was overexpressed in BRAF mutant melanoma cell lines, melanoma cell proliferation and in vivo tumor growth were significantly increased in the presence of BRAFi treatment. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

DERMAL STEM CELLS & TISSUE REGENERATION

The Activation of PPARγ by 2,4,6-Octatrienoic Acid Protects Human Keratinocytes from UVR-Induced Damages

The authors demonstrated that the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) by 2,4,6-octatrienoic acid (Octa) exerts a protective effect against ultraviolet (UV) A- and UVB-induced damage on normal human keratinocytes, the major target cells of UV radiation. Octa promoted the antioxidant defence, augmented DNA repair and reduced the induction of proteins involved in UV-induced DNA damage response. [Sci Rep] Full Article

The Red Algae Compound 3-Bromo-4,5-Dihydroxybenzaldehyde Protects Human Keratinocytes on Oxidative Stress-Related Molecules and Pathways Activated by UVB Irradiation

Investigators focused on the effect of 3-bromo-4,5-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (BDB) on ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated photo-aging in HaCaT keratinocytes and the underlying mechanism. BDB significantly impeded matrix metalloproteinase-1 activation and expression, and abrogated the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and intracellular Ca²⁺ level in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. [Mar Drugs] Full Article

Induction of Retinal-Dependent Calcium Influx in Human Melanocytes by UVA or UVB Radiation Contributes to the Stimulation of Melanosome Transfer

The authors investigated the induction of retinal-dependent calcium (Ca²⁺) influx in melanocytes (MCs) by ultraviolet (UV) A or UVB irradiation and the effect of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 1-related Ca²⁺ influx on melanosome transfer. The retinal-dependent Ca²⁺ influx of UVA-exposed MCs differed greatly from that of UVB-exposed MCs in the timing-phase. [Cell Prolif] Abstract

Reduced Nrf2 Activation in PI3K Phosphorylation-Impaired Vitiliginous Keratinocytes Increases Susceptibility to ROS-Generating Chemical-Induced Apoptosis

Based on critical roles of keratinocytes and oxidative stress in vitiligo development, researchers examined whether keratinocytes with impaired PI3K activation were more vulnerable to apoptosis caused by oxidative stress from phenolic compounds, p-tert-butylphenol and hydroquinone. [Environ Toxicol] Abstract

SKIN CANCERS & DISORDERS

Everolimus Selectively Targets Vemurafenib Resistant BRAF^V600E Melanoma Cells Adapted to Low pH

Investigators tested whether an acidic tumor microenvironment may favor a BRAF inhibitor resistance. A375M6 BRAF^V600E melanoma cells, either exposed for a short period or chronically adapted to an acidic medium, showed traits compatible with an epithelial-mesenchymal transition, reduced proliferation and high resistance to apoptosis. [Cancer Lett] Abstract

Detecting Human Melanoma Cell Re-Differentiation Following BRAF or Heat Shock Protein 90 Inhibition Using Photoacoustic and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Researchers assessed the potential of non-invasive imaging approaches to detect melanin induction in SKMEL28 human melanoma cells, following inhibition of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) and BRAF signaling using 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin and vemurafenib, respectively. They confirmed, using western blot and spectrophotometry, that Hsp90 or BRAF inhibitor-induced melanoma cell differentiation resulted in an upregulation of tyrosinase and melanin expression levels, in comparison to control cells. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Protocatechuic Acid from Pear Inhibits Melanogenesis in Melanoma Cells

The authors investigated the effects of pear extract (PE) and its component, protocatechuic acid (PCA), on melanogenesis in mouse melanoma cells. They found that PE and PCA significantly suppressed melanin content and cellular tyrosinase activity through a decrease in the expression of melanogenic enzymes and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor in α-melanocyte stimulating hormone-stimulated mouse melanoma cells. [Int J Mol Sci] Full Article

Exogenous Growth Factors bFGF, EGF and HGF Do Not Influence Viability and Phenotype of ^V600EBRAF Melanoma Cells and Their Response to Vemurafenib and Trametinib In Vitro

Scientists investigated the influence of three different growth factors, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), epithelial growth factor (EGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) used either alone or in combination, on the response of ^V600EBRAF melanoma cell populations established from surgical specimens to vemurafenib and trametinib, targeting ^V600EBRAF and mitogen-activated kinase/ERK kinase 1/2 , respectively. [PLoS One] Full Article

Pathways from Senescence to Melanoma: Focus on MITF Sumoylation

The authors review the genetic alterations that have been shown to be involved in melanoma and that alter the process of senescence to favor melanoma development. The transcription factor microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and its sumoylation-defective mutant are described. [Oncogene] Abstract

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

Protea Expands Clinical Study for New Melanoma Test

Protea Biosciences Group, Inc. announced that it has expanded its clinical research study for its new molecular imaging test for the differential diagnosis of malignant melanoma. [Protea Biosciences Group, Inc. (PR Newswire Association LLC.)] Press Release

EMA to Start the Review of the Marketing Authorization Applications for Encorafenib and Binimetinib for the Treatment of BRAF-Mutant Advanced Melanoma

Pierre Fabre Laboratories announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has validated the review of the Marketing Authorization Applications for the use of the combination of binimetinib 45 mg twice daily and encorafenib 450 mg once daily for the treatment of patients with BRAF-mutant advanced, unresectable or metastatic melanoma. [Pierre Fabre Laboratories] Press Release

Samsung Bioepis First to Obtain European Commission Approval for a Third Anti-TNF-α Biosimilar with Imraldi^™ (Adalimumab)

Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd. announced the European Commission’s approval of Imraldi^™, a biosimilar referencing Humira^®i, for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, pediatric plaque psoriasis, adult and adolescent hidradenitis suppurativa, Crohn’s disease, pediatric Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and uveitis. [Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd.] Press Release

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Announces the Out-Licensing of DFD-06 to Encore Dermatology

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., through its wholly owned subsidiary Promius Pharma, LLC, announced that it has out-licensed the future development, manufacturing, and commercialization rights of DFD-06, a topical high potency steroid, to Encore Dermatology Inc. The drug is intended to be used for treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. [Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd.] Press Release

FDA Warns US Stem Cell Clinic of Significant Deviations

The FDA posted a warning letter issued to US Stem Cell Clinic of Sunrise, Florida, and its Chief Scientific Officer Kristin Comella for marketing stem cell products without FDA approval and for significant deviations from current good manufacturing practice requirements, including some that could impact the sterility of their products, putting patients at risk. [U.S. Food and Drug Administration] Editorial

Leaked Documents Expose Long-Standing Gender Tensions at Salk Institute

Senior female faculty at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies raise more than twice as much in National Institutes of Health funding for scientists working in their labs as their male counterparts, according to a 2016 internal report on “faculty issues” requested by leaders of the San Diego, California institution. Yet Salk leaders favored male scientists by granting them greater access to internal funds and other resources, the report implies, echoing gender discrimination lawsuits filed last month against the research center. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Biomedical Ph.D. Program at Major Research University Drops GRE Requirement for Admission

The University of Michigan’s biomedical sciences graduate program announced that it will no longer require GRE scores for its Ph.D. admissions. Following a review of the available evidence and a public discussion involving the program’s faculty, staff, and trainees, the exam’s ability to predict student performance seems “weak at best” while it significantly disadvantages women, minorities, and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, writes Scott Barolo, director of the Program in Biomedical Sciences, in the announcement. [Science Careers] Editorial

NEW 25^th Biennial Congress of the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR)
June 30-July 3, 2018
Amsterdam, Netherlands

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

NEW Postdoctoral Positions – PD-L1/PD-1 Signals in Melanoma (University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio)

NEW PhD Position – Molecular Biology (University of Luxembourg)

NEW Scientist – Dermatology and Venereal Diseases (Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore)

Research Fellow – Melanoma (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Melanoma (Harvard Medical School)

PhD Studentship – Skin Cancer & Aging (CRUK Manchester Institute)

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)

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

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