INTESTINAL CANCERS & DISEASES MicroRNA-124 Reduces Pentose Phosphate Pathway and Proliferation by Targeting PRPS1 and RPIA mRNAs in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells Researchers identified microRNAs that alter metabolism of glucose in colorectal cancer cells and determined their effects on tumor development. [Gastroenterology] Abstract Wnt Addiction of Genetically Defined Cancers Reversed by PORCN Inhibition Scientists developed a novel potent, orally available PORCN inhibitor, ETC-1922159 (ETC-159) that blocked the secretion and activity of all Wnts. ETC-159 was remarkably effective in treating RSPO-translocation bearing colorectal cancer patient-derived xenografts. [Oncogene] Abstract Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate via HMGB1 or AMPK Signaling Suppresses Oxidative Stress during Intestinal Inflammation The potential role of dipotassium glycyrrhizate (DPG), a salt of glycyrrhizin, to reduce oxidative stress in intestinal inflammatory condition was investigated in vivo and the mechanism of action of DPG was studied in vitro. [Biochem Pharmacol] Abstract Differential Effects of HNF4α Isoforms on Tumor Growth and TCF4/AP-1 Interactions in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells Investigators generated Tet-On inducible human colon cancer cell lines that express either the P1- (HNF4α2) or the P2-driven (HNF4α8) isoform and analyzed them for tumor growth and global changes in gene expression. [Mol Cell Biol] Abstract | Full Article SPINK1 Promotes Colorectal Cancer Progression by Downregulating Metallothioneins Expression The authors demonstrated the functional significance of SPINK1 (serine peptidase inhibitor, Kazal type 1) in colorectal cancer progression and metastases. Stable knockdown of SPINK1 significantly decreased cell proliferation, invasion and soft agar colony formation in the colon adenocarcinoma WiDr cells. [Oncogenesis] Full Article Protective Effect of Hydrogen Sulfide on TNF-α and IFN-γ-Induced Injury of Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Function in Caco-2 Monolayers Researchers investigated the possible protective effect of hydrogen sulfide on TNF-α/IFN-γ induced barrier dysfunction in Caco-2 cell monolayers. [Inflamm Res] Abstract Long Chain Poly-Unsaturated Fatty Acids Attenuate the IL-1β-Induced Pro-Inflammatory Response in Human Fetal Intestinal Epithelial Cells Researchers investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and arachidonic acid in human fetal and adult intestinal epithelial cells in primary culture. [Pediatr Res] Abstract INTESTINAL STEM CELL & ORGANOID RESEARCH Serine 62-Phosphorylated MYC Associates with Nuclear Lamins and Its Regulation by CIP2A Is Essential for Regenerative Proliferation Complementary transgenic approaches and an intestinal regeneration model demonstrated the in vivo importance of CIP2A and serine 62 phosphorylation for MYC activity upon DNA damage. However, targeting of CIP2A did not influence the normal function of intestinal crypt cells. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract| Press Release Dietary Pectin Increases Intestinal Crypt Stem Cell Survival following Radiation Injury Researchers determined the effects of dietary pectin on ionizing radiation (IR)-induced intestinal stem cell deletion, crypt and overall survival following lethal total-body gamma-IR. [PLoS One] Abstract |