Dermal Cell News Volume 4.15 | Apr 30 2018

TOP STORY

The RNA-Binding Protein YBX1 Regulates Epidermal Progenitors at a Posttranscriptional Level

While much is known about the transcriptional pathways underlying progenitor cells’ behavior in the epidermis, the role of posttranscriptional regulation by mRNA binding proteins—a rate-limiting step in sculpting the proteome—remains poorly understood. Investigators reported that the RNA binding protein Y-box binding protein-1 (YBX1) is a critical effector of progenitor function in the epidermis. [Nat Commun] Full Article

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

DERMAL STEM CELLS & TISSUE REGENERATION

Topical Application of Keratinocyte Growth Factor Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles Accelerate Wound Healing

The authors cross-linked keratinocyte growth factor to the surface of gold nanoparticles and explored their effects on wound healing. [Nanomedicine] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Micelle-Coated, Hierarchically Structured Nanofibers with Dual‐Release Capability for Accelerated Wound Healing and Infection Control

Tailoring nanofibrous matrices—a material with much promise for wound healing applications—to simultaneously mitigate bacterial colonization and stimulate wound closure of infected wounds is highly desirable. To that end, a dual-releasing, multiscale system of biodegradable electrospun nanofibers coated with biocompatible micellar nanocarriers is reported. [Adv Healthc Mater] Abstract

YAP/TAZ Regulates TGF-β/Smad3 Signaling by Induction of Smad7 via AP-1 in Human Skin Dermal Fibroblasts

Scientists explored the impact of YAP and TAZ levels on the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in human skin dermal fibroblasts. [Cell Commun Signal] Full Article

Nitric Oxide Induces Epidermal Stem Cell De-Adhesion by Targeting Integrin β1 and Talin via the cGMP Signaling Pathway

Nitric oxide (NO) has emerged as a critical molecule in wound healing, but the mechanism underlying its activity is not well defined. Researchers explored the effect of NO on the de-adhesion of epidermal stem cells and the mechanism involved in this process. [Nitric Oxide] Abstract

SKIN CANCERS & DISORDERS

Exploiting TERT Dependency as a Therapeutic Strategy for NRAS-Mutant Melanoma

The authors investigated the consequences of NRAS blockade in NRAS-mutant melanoma and showed that decreased expression of the telomerase catalytic subunit, TERT, is a major consequence. [Oncogene] Full Article | Press Release

ACTN4 Regulates the Stability of RIPK1 in Melanoma

Scientists report a novel function of actin crosslinking protein α-actinin-4 (ACTN4) as a scaffold necessary for stabilization of receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) that they have recently found to be an oncogenic driver in melanoma. [Oncogene] Abstract

Targeting the Proteasome-Associated Deubiquitinating Enzyme USP14 Impairs Melanoma Cell Survival and Overcomes Resistance to MAPK-Targeting Therapies

Using a deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) trap assay to label cellular active DUBs, researchers observed an increased activity of the proteasome-associated DUB, USP14 (Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 14) in melanoma cells compared to melanocytes. [Mol Cancer Ther] Abstract

Hyaluronan-Based Nanohydrogels for Targeting Intracellular S. Aureus in Human Keratinocytes

The ability of staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) to invade and survive within host cells such as keratinocytes and host immune cells has been increasingly recognized as a potential factor in persistent infections and treatment failures. Investigators showed that NHs quickly enter human keratinocytes and accumulate into lysosomes. [Adv Healthc Mater] Abstract

Threonine 454 Phosphorylation in Grainyhead-Like 3 Is Important for Its Function and Regulation by the p38 MAPK Pathway

The role of phosphorylation in regulating mammalian grainyhead-like 3 transcription factor (GRHL) function is currently unknown. In this work the authors showed that GRHL3 is phosphorylated at several residues in a human keratinocyte cell line, among them at T454. [Biochim Biophys Acta] Abstract

Progress in Melanoma Modeling In Vitro

To better study melanoma, new techniques, including spherical models, tumorospheres, and melanoma skin equivalents have been developed. These 3D models allow the study of tumors in a microenvironment that is more close to the in vivo situation, and are less expensive and time consuming than animal studies. This review also describes the new technologies applied to skin reconstructs such as organ‐on‐a‐chip that allows skin perfusion through microfluidic platforms. [Exp Dermatol] Full Article | Abstract

Biofabrication Strategies for 3D In Vitro Models and Regenerative Medicine

The authors examine biofabrication strategies for the construction of functional tissue replacements and organ models, focusing on the development of biomaterials, such as supramolecular and photosensitive materials, that can be processed using biofabrication techniques. [Nat Rev Mater] Abstract

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

OncoSec Announces PISCES/KEYNOTE-695 Trial-in-Progress Poster Presentation

OncoSec Medical Incorporated, will present a trial-in-progress poster presentation from its global, multi-center, registration-directed open-label Phase IIb clinical trial, PISCES/KEYNOTE-695, assessing the OncoSec’s investigational therapy, ImmunoPulse^® IL-12, and the approved anti-PD-1 therapy pembrolizumab, in patients with unresectable metastatic melanoma who have progressed or are progressing on an anti-PD-1 therapy. [Press release from OncoSec Medical Incorporated discussing research to be presented at the 2018 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, Chicago] Press Release

Syndax Pharmaceuticals Announces Presentations

Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc., announced five poster presentations [Press release from Syndax discussing research to be presented at the 2018 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, Chicago] Press Release

STEMCELL Technologies Announces $45 Million Government Funding for Advanced Manufacturing Facility

STEMCELL Technologies announced a $45 million joint funding agreement between the Governments of Canada and British Columbia to help the company build a state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing facility. [STEMCELL Technologies Inc.] Press Release

Our Research Saves Lives: MRA Grants Over $100 Million in Ten Years

Together, these awards represent the single largest grant year ever by Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA). These research projects will accelerate research addressing critical issues in melanoma, including identifying novel drug targets, treatments and biomarkers, as well as studies aimed at preventing melanoma or improving methods of early detection. [Melanoma Research Alliance] Press Release

UCB Announces Positive CHMP Opinion for CIMZIA^® (Certolizumab Pegol) in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis

UCB announced that the European Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended approval of a label extension for CIMZIA^®, to include a new indication in adult patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. [UCB S.A.,] Press Release

Kamedis Conducts 1st U.S. Clinical Study on Chinese Botanical Efficacy for Chronic Skin Disorders

Kamedis™, announced the first U.S. clinical study designed to determine the efficacy of traditional Chinese botanicals in commercial dermatologic treatments. The double-blind, randomized, controlled study of Kamedis Calm Eczema Therapy Cream is evaluating the specific role of the product’s patented combination of six Chinese botanical extracts in the mitigation of eczema symptoms. [Kamedis™ (PR Newswire Association LLC.)] Press Release

AbbVie Submits Biologics License Application to U.S. FDA for Investigational Treatment Risankizumab for Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis

AbbVie announced that it has submitted a Biologics License Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for Risankizumab, an investigational interleukin-23 inhibitor, being evaluated for treatment of patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. [AbbVie Inc.] Press Release

A House Too Far: Two Scientists Abandon Their Bids for Congress

When Phil Janowicz and Kristopher Larsen began their campaigns for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, they joined what appears to be a record number of Ph.D. scientists running for national office. But after spending months on the campaign trail, the two Democrats—an organic chemistry professor from southern California and a space physics researcher from Colorado, respectively—decided to drop out before a single ballot had been cast in their states. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Disgraced Surgeon Is Still Publishing on Stem Cell Therapies

Paolo Macchiarini, an Italian surgeon, has been fired from two institutions and faces the retraction of many of his papers after findings of scientific misconduct and ethical lapses in his research—yet this hasn’t prevented him from publishing again in a peer-reviewed journal. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Famed Cancer Biologist Allegedly Sexually Harassed Women for Decades

Inder Verma, the prominent geneticist and cancer scientist who has made his mark on U.S. research for decades, has sexually harassed women for just as long, according to allegations from eight women. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

NEW 2018 National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Cancer Conference
November 4-6, 2018
Glasglow, Scotland

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

NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Skin Cancer Biology (UT Southwestern Medical Center)

NEW Research Specialist – Immune Responses in Skin (Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School)

PhD Position – Molecular & Cellular Control of Tissue Homeostasis in Health & Disease (Medical University of Vienna)

Postdoctoral/Research Scientist – Cancer Metabolism (Wake Forest Comprehensive Cancer Center)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Skin Cancer Research (University of Pennsylvania)

Postdoctoral Fellowships – Melanoma (Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Melanoma (Ghent University)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Melanoma (The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center)

Postdoctoral Position – Melanoma (Massachusetts General Hospital)

Faculty Position – Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine (Seattle Children’s Research Institute)

Academic Dermatopathologist – Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (Harvard Medical School)

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Melanoma (University of North Texas Health Science Center)

PhD Position – Melanoma (University of Luxembourg)

PhD or Postdoctoral Position – Tissue Repair, Stem Cell Fate and Tumor Heterogeneity (Université Libre de Bruxelles)

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

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