Dermal Cell News Volume 4.16 | May 7 2018

TOP STORY

PRC1 Fine-Tunes Gene Repression and Activation to Safeguard Skin Development and Stem Cell Specification

Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1), a dominant executer of Polycomb-mediated control, functions as multiple sub-complexes that possess catalytic-dependent H2AK119 mono-ubiquitination and catalytic-independent activities. The authors showed that, despite its well-established repressor functions, PRC1 binds to both silent and active genes. [Cell Stem Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

DERMAL STEM CELLS & TISSUE REGENERATION

3D Biomaterial Matrix to Support Long Term, Full Thickness, Immuno-Competent Human Skin Equivalents with Nervous System Components

Investigators described a new matrix consisting of a silk-collagen composite system that provides long term, stable cultivation with reduced contraction and degradation over time. This matrix supported full thickness skin equivalents which included nerves. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Topical Lyophilized Targeted Lipid-Nanoparticles in the Restoration of Skin Barrier Function following Burn Wound

Lyophilized keratinocyte-targeted nanocarriers (TLNκ) loaded with locked nucleic acid (LNA) modified anti-miR were developed for topical application to full thickness burn injury. TLNκ were designed to selectively deliver LNA-anti-miR-107 to keratinocytes using the peptide sequence ASKAIQVFLLAG. [Mol Ther] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

De Novo Synthesis of Elastin by Exogenous Delivery of Synthetic Modified mRNA into Skin and Elastin-Deficient Cells

Scientists applied synthetic modified mRNA encoding tropoelastin for the de novo synthesis of elastin and determined the mRNA-mediated elastin synthesis in cells, as well as ex vivo in porcine skin. [Mol Ther Nucleic Acids] Full Article

EphA2 Transmembrane Domain Is Uniquely Required for Keratinocyte Migration by Regulating Ephrin-A1 Levels

Researchers showed that ephrin-A1 and a ligand-activated form of EphA2 partition outside of lipid raft domains in response to calcium-mediated cell-cell contact stabilization in normal human epidermal keratinocytes. [J Invest Dermatol] Abstract

Rapamycin Protects Skin Fibroblasts from Ultraviolet B-Induced Photoaging by Suppressing the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species

The authors explored the effects and mechanisms of rapamycin against the photoaging process using a well-established cellular photoaging model. [Cell Physiol Biochem] Full Article

SKIN CANCERS & DISORDERS

Lymphatic Endothelium Stimulates Melanoma Metastasis and Invasion via MMP14-Dependent Notch3 and β1-Integrin Activation

Investigators showed that exposure of expansively growing human WM852 melanoma cells, but not singly invasive Bowes cells, to lymphatic endothelial cells in 3D co-culture facilitates melanoma distant organ metastasis in mice. [Elife] Full Article | Press Release

A Targeted Proteomic Approach for Heat Shock Proteins Reveals DNAJB4 as a Suppressor for Melanoma Metastasis

The authors developed a targeted proteomic method, relying on LC-MS/MS in the parallel-reaction monitoring mode, for assessing quantitatively the human heat shock proteome. [Anal Chem] Abstract

Immunoassays for Scarce Tumor-Antigens in Exosomes: Detection of the Human NKG2D-Ligand, MICA, in Tetraspanin-Containing Nanovesicles from Melanoma

Most human cancer cells are positive for at least one ligand for the activating immune receptor NKG2D and the presence in plasma of NKG2D-ligands can be associated with prognosis. Using MICA as example of a tumor-derived antigen, endogenously expressed in metastatic melanoma and recruited to exosomes, researchers developed two immunocapture-based assays for detection of different epitopes in nanovesicles. [J Nanobiotechnology] Full Article

PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway Inhibitors Inhibit the Growth of Melanoma Cells with mTOR H2189Y Mutations In Vitro

Previous research found that mutations in the mTOR P2213S and S2215Y kinase domains resulted in gain-of-function and were sensitive to specific inhibitors. Scientists tested the effect of heterozygous/homozygous H2189Y mutations on downstream pathways and sensitivity to inhibitors. [Cancer Biol Ther] Abstract

Synergistic Antitumor Effects of Rapamycin and Oncolytic Reovirus

Researchers evaluated the combination of reovirus with rapamycin in B16F10 cells, a murine model of malignant melanoma, based on potential mechanisms by which mTOR inhibitors might enhance viral oncolysis. [Cancer Gene Ther] Abstract

Embryonic Bone Morphogenetic Protein and Nodal Induce Invasion in Melanocytes and Melanoma Cells

The authors showed that BMP-2 is highly expressed in invasive melanoma cells and is elevated in the serum of stage IV melanoma patients compared to stage IB-IIC patients and healthy controls. [Biol Open] Abstract | Full Article

Skin Neurogenic Inflammation

Researchers investigate the intricate connections between skin neurons and resident skin cells and how their interaction can be key to controlling inflammation and from there the pathogenesis of diseases like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and rosacea. [Semin Immunopathol] Abstract

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

NeoImmuneTech Announces a Clinical Trial Collaboration to Evaluate HyLeukin-7 in Combination with a PD-L1 Checkpoint Inhibitor in Advanced High-Risk Skin Cancers

NeoImmuneTech, and its parent company Genexine, have entered into an agreement with Roche to enable studies of a combination treatment in three advanced high-risk skin cancer types: melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. [NeoImmuneTech, Inc.] Press Release

Novartis Receives FDA Approval of Tafinlar^® + Mekinist^® for Adjuvant Treatment of BRAF V600-Mutant Melanoma

Novartis announced that the FDA has approved Tafinlar^® in combination with Mekinist^® for the adjuvant treatment of patients with melanoma with BRAF V600E or V600K mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, and involvement of lymph node(s), following complete resection. [Novartis AG] Press Release

Encore Dermatology Inc. Announced the Launch of IMPOYZ^™ (Clobetasol Propionate) Cream, 0.025%, a Newly Formulated High-Potency Topical Corticosteroid

Encore Dermatology Inc. announced the availability of a new topical product, IMPOYZ Cream, indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in patients 18 years of age or older. [Encore Dermatology, Inc] Press Release

Exicure Announces Data for Topical Anti-TNF Compound AST-005 in Patients with Mild to Moderate Psoriasis

Exicure, Inc., announced results from the Phase Ib clinical trial of its compound, AST-005, designed to reduce the expression of tumor necrosis factor. As part of Exicure’s collaboration with Purdue Pharma, the Phase Ib clinical trial was conducted in Germany to evaluate the effect of AST-005 gel in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. [Exicure] Press Release

Moffitt Cancer Center Awarded $900,000 to Study Rare Form of Melanoma

A team of melanoma experts from Moffitt’s Center of Excellence have been awarded a $900,000 three-year grant from the Melanoma Research Alliance to define and target what drives acral melanoma. Acral melanoma is a rare form of skin cancer that appears on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet or under the nails. It is the most common form of skin cancer affecting African-Americans. [Moffitt Cancer Center] Press Release

FDA to Conduct Priority Review of Cemiplimab as a Potential Treatment for Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The FDA has accepted priority review the Biologics License Application for cemiplimab for the treatment of patients with metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) or patients with locally advanced CSCC who are not candidates for surgery. [Sanofi] Press Release

Big UK Science Funder Says Report Harassment or Risk Losing Funding

One of the world’s largest research-funding charities is cracking down on harassment and bullying. Scientists who have been sanctioned by their institutions could lose out on funding from the Wellcome Trust, under rules announced. [Nature News] Editorial

Nature Announces New Editor-in-Chief

Nature has named Magdalena Skipper as its new editor-in-chief. She is the first woman to hold the post. Skipper, who is currently editor-in-chief of the open-access journal Nature Communications, will become the eighth editor of Nature. [Nature News] Editorial

Basic Scientists Still Feel Pinch of New NIH Clinical Trial Policy

Basic researchers who study the brain and human behavior thought lawmakers had come to their rescue in March by blocking the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from redefining their studies as clinical trials. But NIH officials are still pushing ahead with new requirements that scientists say make no sense and will cripple their research. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Petition Asks National Academy of Sciences to Boot Sexual Harassers

An online petition calling on the National Academy of Sciences to revoke memberships bestowed on people sanctioned for sexual harassment has garnered more than 250 signatures since it was posted on May 1. [The Scientist] Editorial

Nature Journals Formalize Ethical Standards for Human Embryo and Stem-Cell Research

Nature journals encourage stem-cell scientists to embrace guidelines agreed in 2016 by the International Society for Stem Cell Research as they design, execute and report their research. [Nature News] Editorial

Accused Cancer Scientist Resigns as Editor of Prestigious Journal

Inder Verma, the prominent cancer scientist and geneticist who has been accused of sexual harassment by several women, resigned as editor-in-chief of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a prestigious academic journal. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

NEW Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB): Cross-Translational Research in Fibrosis across Organs
September 30-October 5, 2018
Scottsdale, Arizona, United States

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

NEW Postdoctoral Position – Melanoma Tumor Inflammation & Immune Tolerance (University of Colorado)

NEW Associate Professor or Professor – Skin Cancer (The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center)

NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Psoriasis Research (Case Western Reserve University)

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

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

Postdoctoral Fellow – Skin Cancer Research (University of Pennsylvania)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Melanoma (Ghent University)

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

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

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