Dermal Cell News Volume 3.32 | Sep 25 2017

TOP STORY

Lgr6 Is a Stem Cell Marker in Mouse Skin Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Using lineage tracing in Lgr5-EGFP-CreERT2/Rosa26-Tomato and Lgr6-EGFP-CreERT2/Rosa26-Tomato reporter mice, scientists demonstrated that Lgr6, but not Lgr5, acts as an epithelial stem cell marker in squamous cell carcinoma (SCCs) in vivo. They identified, by single-molecule in situ hybridization and cell sorting, rare cells positive for Lgr6 expression in immortalized keratinocytes and show that their frequency increases in advanced SCCs. [Nat Genet] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

DERMAL STEM CELLS & TISSUE REGENERATION

Accelerated Wound Healing on Skin by Electrical Stimulation with a Bioelectric Plaster

To investigate the efficacy of the fabricated bioelectric plaster, scientists made an artificial wound on the back skin of a live mouse and the wound healing was observed for seven days in the presence and absence of the ionic current of the bioelectric plaster. [Adv Healthc Mater] Abstract

Solubilized Amnion Membrane Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Accelerates Full-Thickness Wound Healing

Investigators demonstrated the efficacy of hyaluronic acid solubilized amnion membrane (HA-SAM) as a wound treatment using a full-thickness murine wound model. HA-SAM significantly accelerated wound closure through re-epithelialization and prevented wound contraction. [Stem Cells Transl Med] Abstract

Immortalized N/TERT Keratinocytes as an Alternative Cell Source in 3D Human Epidermal Models

Researchers compared two immortalized keratinocyte cell lines to human primary keratinocytes based on epidermal differentiation, response to inflammatory mediators, and the development of normal and inflammatory human epidermal equivalents. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Characterization of Reconstructed Human Skin Containing Langerhans Cells to Monitor Molecular Events in Skin Sensitization

The authors integrated in vitro-generated immature MUTZ-3-derived Langerhans-like cells (LCs) or monocyte-derived LC-like cells into reconstructed human skin, consistent of a stratified epidermis formed by primary keratinocytes on a dermal compartment with collagen-embedded primary fibroblasts. [Toxicol In Vitro] Abstract

SKIN CANCERS & DISORDERS

Combined Activation of MAP Kinase Pathway and β-Catenin Signaling Cause Deep Penetrating Nevi

Investigators identified a combination of mutations of the β-catenin and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways as characteristic of deep penetrating nevus (DPN). Mutations of the β-catenin pathway changed the phenotype of a common nevus with BRAF mutation into that of DPN, with increased pigmentation, cell volume and nuclear cyclin D1 levels. [Nat Commun] Abstract

Tumor-Associated B-Cells Induce Tumor Heterogeneity and Therapy Resistance

Researchers described a mechanism of acquired drug resistance through the tumor microenvironment, which is mediated by human tumor-associated B cells. Human melanoma cells constitutively produced the growth factor FGF-2, which activated tumor-infiltrating B cells to produce the growth factor IGF-1. B-cell-derived IGF-1 is critical for resistance of melanomas to BRAF and MEK inhibitors due to emergence of heterogeneous subpopulations and activation of FGFR-3. [Nat Commun] Full Article

Alterations of MicroRNAs throughout the Malignant Evolution of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The Role of miR-497 in Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition of Keratinocytes

Scientists hypothesized that transformation of normal epidermis to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is causally linked to alterations in microRNAs expression. They evaluated their alterations in the pathologic states ending in cSCC. [Oncogene] Abstract

A Slow-Cycling Subpopulation of Melanoma Cells with Highly Invasive Properties

Using the label-retention method, researchers identified a subpopulation of slow-cycling cells, defined as label-retaining cells (LRC), with strong invasive properties. They demonstrated through live imaging that LRC are leaving the primary tumor mass at a very early stage and disseminate to peripheral organs. [Oncogene] Full Article

Toll-Like Receptor-Mediated Upregulation of CXCL16 in Psoriasis Orchestrates Neutrophil Activation

Researchers found that stimulation of keratinocytes, monocytes and dendritic cells by type I interferons or ligation of toll-like receptors TLR1/2, TLR2/6 or TLR7, but not TLR7/8, resulted in enhanced surface expression and secretion of the chemokine CXCL16. [J Invest Dermatol] Abstract

Obstruction of BRAF^V600E Transcription by Complementary PNA Oligomers as a Means to Inhibit BRAF-Mutant Melanoma Growth

Scientists found that exposure of the melanoma cell lines to a modified PNA-peptide conjugate complementary to BRAF^V600E mutation sequence results in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent inhibition of cell growth that is specific for the BRAF^V600E-mutant melanoma cell lines with inhibition of mRNA and protein expression. [Cancer Gene Ther] Abstract

Ontogeny and Function of Murine Epidermal Langerhans Cells

Langerhans cells (LCs) are epidermis-resident antigen-presenting cells that share a common ontogeny with macrophages but function as dendritic cells (DCs). Their development, recruitment and retention in the epidermis is orchestrated by interactions with keratinocytes through multiple mechanisms. LC and dermal DC subsets often show functional redundancy, but LCs are required for specific types of adaptive immune responses when antigen is concentrated in the epidermis. The authors focus on those developmental and functional properties that are unique to LCs. [Nat Immunol] Abstract

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

European Commission Approves Bavencio (Avelumab) for Metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Merck KGaA and Pfizer Inc. announced that the European Commission (EC) has granted marketing authorization for BAVENCIO^® as a monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive skin cancer. [Merck KGaA] Press Release

AIVITA Biomedical Announces New Discovery with Applications to Regenerative Medicine, Skin Aging and Hair Growth

AIVITA Biomedical announced the discovery of a new method for capturing and using intercellular signaling molecules to induce the reactivation of stem cell niches. The implication of this discovery is the ability to preserve or restore the microenvironment in which stem cells can self-renew and promote the healthy growth and maintenance of human tissue. [AIVITA Biomedical] Press Release

What Germany’s Election Results Mean for Science

As Germany reels from an unexpected surge for the far right in the elections, researchers don’t expect much effect on the country’s generous support for science. But with smaller parties standing to gain political influence, battles over issues such as the regulation of gene-edited organisms and how to cut greenhouse-gas emissions could grow fiercer. [Nature News] Editorial

BIA & MHRA Publish Report ‘Innovation in Life Sciences in a Changing and Dynamic Environment’

The UK BioIndustry Association (BIA) and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) brought together experts from across the sector to discuss some hot topics and important developments that are having an impact on the changing and dynamic UK life sciences ecosystem. [Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency] Editorial

NEW 14^th Annual Stem Cell Symposium: Technology Innovation for Stem Cell Research and Therapy
February 2, 2018
Los Angeles, California, United States

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

NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Cancer Genomics (University of California, San Diego)

NEW Senior Scientist – Cancer Biology (Dana Farber Cancer Center)

NEW Postdoctoral Fellowship – Cancer Development (Lund University)

Postdoctoral Position – Wound Healing (University of Connecticut Health Center)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Molecular Oncology and Mouse Modeling (Moffitt Cancer Center)

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

PhD Position – Molecular Biology (University of Luxembourg)

Research Fellow – Melanoma (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Melanoma (Harvard Medical School)

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

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