Dermal Cell News Volume 3.40 | Dec 4 2017

TOP STORY

Dendrogenin A Drives LXR to Trigger Lethal Autophagy in Cancers

Dendrogenin A (DDA) is a newly discovered cholesterol metabolite with tumor suppressor properties. Scientists explored its efficacy and mechanism of cell death in melanoma and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). They found that DDA induced lethal autophagy in vitro and in vivo, including primary AML patient samples, independently of melanoma Braf status or AML molecular and cytogenetic classifications. [Nat Commun] Full Article

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

DERMAL STEM CELLS & TISSUE REGENERATION

MicroRNA-184 Induces a Commitment Switch to Epidermal Differentiation

Researchers report that the miR-184 knockout mouse model displayed increased p63 expression in line with epidermal hyperplasia, while forced expression of miR-184 by stem/progenitor cells enhanced the Notch pathway and induced epidermal hypoplasia. [Stem Cell Reports] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

The Walking Dead: Sequential Nuclear and Organelle Destruction during Hair Development

A focal point of respiratory activity was evident in keratogenous zone cells within the hair shaft that also exhibited nuclear damage. Nuclear degradation occurred via both caspase-dependant and -independent pathways. [Br J Dermatol] Abstract

Differential Effects on Membrane Permeability and Viability of Human Keratinocyte Cells Undergoing Very Low Intensity Megasonic Fields

Investigators studied the in vitro effects of very low-intensity ultrasound (US) on a human keratinocyte cell line, which represents an ideal model system of skin protective barrier cells which are the first to be involved during medical US treatments. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Selenium Preserves Keratinocyte Stemness and Delays Senescence by Maintaining Epidermal Adhesion

Researchers evaluated the effect of selenium supplementation on skin aging, especially on keratinocytes, the main cells of the epidermis. Their results demonstrated the major role of selenium on the replicative life span of keratinocytes and on aging skin. [Aging (Albany NY)] Full Article

Phosphodiesterase 4B Plays a Role in Benzophenone-3-Induced Phototoxicity in Normal Human Keratinocytes

Investigators found that benzophenone-3 significantly increased phosphodiesterase 4B expression in ultraviolet B-irradiated normal human keratinocytes. [Toxicol Appl Pharmacol] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

SKIN CANCERS & DISORDERS

Macrophage-Dependent Cytoplasmic Transfer during Melanoma Invasion In Vivo

Using a Cre/LoxP strategy, the authors found that macrophages transfer cytoplasm to tumor cells in zebrafish and mouse models. Remarkably, macrophage cytoplasmic transfer correlated with melanoma cell dissemination. [Dev Cell] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Vitamin C Sensitizes Melanoma to BET Inhibitors

Scientists screened a panel of small molecules targeting epigenetic modulators against human metastatic melanoma cells. Cells were pretreated with or without ascorbate (vitamin C), which promoted DNA demethylation and subsequently changed the sensitivity to drugs. [Cancer Res] Abstract

JMJD6 Promotes Melanoma Carcinogenesis through Regulation of the Alternative Splicing of PAK1, a Key MAPK Signaling Component

Investigators report that the jumonji C domain-containing demethylase/hydroxylase (JMJD6) was markedly up-regulated in melanoma. They found that high expression of JMJD6 is closely correlated with advanced clinicopathologic stage, aggressiveness, and poor prognosis of melanoma. [Mol Cancer] Full Article

miR-548a-3p Promotes Keratinocyte Proliferation Targeting PPP3R1 after Being Induced by IL-22

Reserachers showed that miR-548a-3p was significantly upregulated both in human keratinocyte cells treated with interleukin (IL)-22 and psoriatic lesions. [Inflammation] Abstract

The Genetic Basis of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is widely regarded as a multifactorial condition which is caused by the interaction between inherited susceptibility alleles and environmental triggers. Genome-wide association studies have identified more than 60 disease susceptibility regions, highlighting the pathogenic involvement of genes related to Th17 cell activation. This pathway has now been targeted by a new generation of biologics that have shown great efficacy in clinical trials. [Int J Mol Sci] Full Article

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

Risankizumab Meets All Primary Endpoints Reporting Positive Results in Fourth Pivotal Phase III Psoriasis Study

AbbVie announced positive top-line results from IMMhance, the fourth pivotal Phase III clinical trial evaluating risankizumab for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. [Press release from AbbVie discussing research presented at 8^th International Congress of Psoriasis from Gene to Clinic Meeting, London] Press Release

BioPharmX Demonstrates Topical Minocycline Gel May Exhibit Relevant Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Properties for the Treatment of Acne

BioPharmX Corporation will share research suggesting that BPX-01, the company’s topical gel formulation of minocycline, may exhibit relevant antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties for the treatment of acne. [Press release from BioPharmX Corporation discussing research to be presented at the American Society for Cell Biology (ASBC)/European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) Meeting 2017, Philadelphia] Press Release

U.S. FDA Grants Fast Track Designation for Idera Pharmaceuticals’ IMO-2125 in Combination with Ipilimumab for Treatment of PD-1 Refractory Metastatic Melanoma

Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that the FDA has granted Fast Track designation for the company’s lead development candidate IMO-2125 in combination with ipilimumab for the treatment of anti-PD-1 refractory metastatic melanoma in combination with ipilimumab therapy. [Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.] Press Release

ProQR Receives Orphan Drug Designation from EMA for Drug Candidate QR-313 for Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa

ProQR Therapeutics N.V. announced that investigational drug QR-313 for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa has received orphan drug designation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA). [ProQR Therapeutics N.V.] Press Release

Biohackers Disregard FDA Warning on DIY Gene Therapy

Despite a warning from the federal government about do-it-yourself (DIY) gene therapy, two companies say they’ll continue offering DNA-altering materials to the public. The companies, The Odin and Ascendance Biomedical, both recently posted videos online of people self-administering DNA molecules their labs had produced. [MIT Technology Review] Editorial

Health Agency Reveals Scourge of Fake Drugs in Developing World

One in ten medicines in developing countries is fake or substandard, data from the World Health Organization suggest. Malaria drugs and antibiotics are among the most commonly reported, the agency found. But the problem extends to a variety of medications, including those for cancer, heart disease and HIV, as well as contraceptives and painkillers. [Nature News] Editorial

China to Roll Back Regulations for Traditional Medicine despite Safety

Support for traditional medicine in China goes right to the top. President Xi Jinping has called this type of medicine a “gem” of the country’s scientific heritage and promised to give alternative therapies and Western drugs equal government support. The country is taking dramatic steps to promote these cures even as researchers raise concerns about such treatments. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW 11^th Dutch Stem Cell Meeting
May 4, 2018
Utrecht, Netherlands

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

NEW PhD Studentships – Melanoma (Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute)

NEW Research Assistant – Melanoma Medical Oncology (MD Anderson Cancer Center)

NEW Postdoctoral Associate – Melanoma (University of Miami)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Cancer Cell Signaling (University of Sussex)

Faculty Positions – Cancer and Stem Cell Biology (Sun Yat-Sen University)

Postdoctoral Fellows – Cancer/Stem Cell Biology (Stanford University)

Postdoctoral Position – Cancer Biology (University of Pennsylvania)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Skin Cancer and Aging (University of Pennsylvania)

Assistant or Associate Professor – Melanoma (MD Anderson Cancer Center)

PhD Position – Molecular Biology (University of Luxembourg)

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