Dermal Cell News Volume 5.38 | Nov 18 2019

TOP STORY

Translational Reprogramming Marks Adaptation to Asparagine Restriction in Cancer

Researchers demonstrated a role of translational reprogramming in the survival of asparagine-restricted cancer cells. Asparagine limitation in melanoma and pancreatic cancer cells activated receptor tyrosine kinase-MAPK signaling as part of a feedforward mechanism. [Nat Cell Biol] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

DERMAL STEM CELLS & TISSUE REGENERATION

A Novel Dual-Adhesive and Bioactive Hydrogel Activated by Bioglass for Wound Healing

Scientists developed a unique bioglass/oxidized sodium alginate composite hydrogel with adipic acid dihydrazide-modified γ-polyglutamic acid as the cross-linking agent, in which the bioglass played a multifunctional role to endow the hydrogel‍ with both dual-adhesive and bioactive properties. [NPG Asia Mater] Full Article

Epidermal Keratin 5 Expression and Distribution Is under Dermal Influence

Investigators made the surprising observation that in a drastically changed environment, white and black phenotypes were reversible since Caucasian skin grafted onto nude mice could become black with all black phenotypic characteristics. [Pigment Cell Melanoma Res] Abstract

Shikimic Acid, a Mannose Bioisostere, Promotes Hair Growth with the Induction of Anagen Hair Cycle

Researchers examined the expression of mannose receptor, which is a known receptor of shikimic acid, in human hair follicles and the effect of shikimic acid on human dermal papilla cells, outer root sheath cells, and on ex vivo human hair organ culture. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Synergistic Cytoprotective Effects of Rutin and Ascorbic Acid on the Proteomic Profile of 3D-Cultured Keratinocytes Exposed to UVA or UVB Radiation

The authors investigated the synergistic effect of rutin and ascorbic acid on the proteomic profile of UVA and UVB irradiated keratinocytes cultured in a three-dimensional system. Results showed that the combination of rutin and ascorbic acid protected skin cells against UV-induced changes. [Nutrients] Full Article

SKIN CANCERS & DISORDERS

Lineage-Restricted Regulation of SCD and Fatty Acid Saturation by MITF Controls Melanoma Phenotypic Plasticity

Scientists showed that microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) was a lineage-restricted activator of the key lipogenic enzyme stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) and that SCD was required for MITF ^High melanoma cell proliferation. By contrast MITF ^Low cells were insensitive to SCD inhibition. [Mol Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Targeting Melanoma’s MCL1 Bias Unleashes the Apoptotic Potential of BRAF and ERK1/2 Pathway Inhibitors

Investigators showed that uniquely low BCL-X_L expression in melanoma biases the pro-survival pool towards MCL1. Consequently, BRAF or MEK1/2 inhibitors were synthetic lethal with the MCL1 inhibitor AZD5991, driving profound tumor cell death that required BAK/BAX, BIM and BMF, and inhibiting tumor growth in vivo. [Nat Commun] Full Article

Destabilization of NOXA mRNA as a Common Resistance Mechanism to Targeted Therapies

Researchers systematically interrogated the dependence of cancer cells on the BCL-2 family of apoptotic proteins after drug treatment. They observed that multiple targeted therapies, including BRAF or EGFR inhibitors, rapidly depleted the pro-apoptotic factor NOXA, thus creating a dependence on the anti-apoptotic protein MCL-1. [Nat Commun] Full Article

Genomic Sites Hypersensitive to Ultraviolet Radiation

Primary human melanocytes, but not fibroblasts, carried spontaneous apurinic sites and TG sequence lesions more frequent than ultraviolet-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

pH-Controlled Histone Acetylation Amplifies Melanocyte Differentiation Downstream of MITF

Using cell-based and zebrafish model systems, scientists reported on a pH-mediated feed-forward mechanism of epigenetic regulation that enabled selective amplification of the melanocyte maturation program. [EMBO Rep] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Vitamin D-VDR Signaling Inhibits Wnt/Beta-Catenin-Mediated Melanoma Progression and Promotes Anti-tumor Immunity

The authors interrogated 703 primary melanoma transcriptomes to understand the role of vitamin D-vitamin D receptor signaling and replicated the findings in TCGA metastases. Vitamin D receptor expression was independently protective for melanoma death in both primary and metastatic disease. [Cancer Res] Abstract

Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Downregulates N-Myc Downstream Regulated Gene-1 (NDRG1) Leading to Cellular Proliferation and Migration

The authors analyzed the gene expression profiles in human spontaneously immortalized keratinocytes expressing the early genes from six distinct human polyomaviruses, including Merkel cell polyomavirus. A comparison of the gene expression profiles revealed 28 genes specifically deregulated by Merkel cell polyomavirus. [J Virol] Abstract

DRG2 Supports the Growth of Primary Tumors and Metastases of Melanoma by Enhancing VEGF-A Expression

Investigators demonstrated that developmentally regulated GTP-binding protein 2 (DRG2) was required for the growth of primary tumors and for metastasis. DRG2 expression was significantly increased in metastatic melanoma compared with primary melanoma and dysplastic nevi. [FEBS J] Abstract

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Novel Targets for the Treatment of Melanoma

Over the past decade, remarkable advances in immunotherapy and targeted therapy have greatly improved outcomes for patients with advanced melanoma. Scientists review the current treatment landscape for metastatic melanoma and provide a comprehensive update on emerging novel treatment strategies. [Curr Oncol Rep] Abstract

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

FDA Approves Pfizer’s Biosimilar, ABRILADA^™ (adalimumab-afzb) for Multiple Inflammatory Conditions

Pfizer Inc. announced the FDA has approved ABRILADA^™ (adalimumab-afzb), as a biosimilar to Humira^® (adalimumab), for the treatment of certain patients with rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, adult Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and plaque psoriasis. [Pfizer, Inc.] Press Release

US Capital Global Securities Launches $14 Million Impact Investment Offering for Smart Matrix Ltd

US Capital Global Securities is offering to accredited investors a $14 million impact investment opportunity in Smart Matrix Ltd (SML), an innovator in the medical device arena. SML is developing Smart Matrix^®, a next-generation wound-healing technology designed to treat full-thickness skin wounds by encouraging the growth of skin cells and new blood vessels, critical to healthy healing, all without a skin graft. [Smart Matrix, Ltd. (GlobeNewswire, Inc.)] Press Release

Move by Journals to ‘Seamless’ Off-Campus Access Raises Privacy Concerns

One major publisher – the Nature family of journals – launched an effort to make things easier for off-campus readers. It became the first to offer a consistent, streamlined method of access, through a standard button displayed prominently atop articles in its 150 journals. But the project has raised concerns among some university librarians, who say it could ultimately allow publishers to obtain personally identifiable data about researchers without their knowledge. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

NSF Unwittingly Hired a Professor Guilty of Bullying, Highlighting the ‘Pass the Harasser’ Problem

The practice of “passing the harasser” is abetted by privacy and labor laws that limit how much prospective employers can be told about a job applicant. In a bid to penetrate that veil of silence, two major research universities in the University of California system have launched pilot programs that require certain faculty candidates to agree to waive some privacy protections. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

NEW Advancing Precision Medicine Drug Development: Incorporation of Real-World Data and Other Novel Strategies
January 9-12, 2020
San Diego, California, United States

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NEW Principal Scientist – Dupixent/Type 2 Inflammation and Fibrosis (Sanofi)

NEW Postdoctoral Research Associate – Host Microbe Interactions at Barrier Sites (Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason)

NEW Postdoctoral Fellow Positions – Epithelial Biology, Inflammation and Angiogenesis (Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School)

NEW Postdoctoral Training Fellow – Tumor Heterogeneity (Institute of Cancer Research)

NEW Pediatric Physician Scientist – Inflammation or Cancer Biology (Yale School of Medicine)

NEW Postdoctoral Fellow/Researcher – Cancer Research Using CRISPR Methods (University of Helsinki)

NEW Research Investigator – Subcutaneous, Intraperitoneal, and Intravenous Tumor Research (University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center)

Postdoctoral Fellowships – Cutaneous Biology Research (University of Michigan)

Bioengineering Lecturers/Senior Lecturers – Wound Healing and Regeneration (Imperial College London)

Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Genetic Hair and Skin Disorders (Columbia University)

Postdoctoral Studentship – Melanoma and Immunotherapy Checkpoint Inhibitors (University of Manchester)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – DNA Damage Repair Pathways in Melanoma Prevention (University of Southern California)

Assistant Professor – Biochemistry (University of Washington)

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