Intestinal Cell News Volume 2.41 | Nov 4 2016

TOP STORY

Alterations in the Epithelial Stem Cell Compartment Could Contribute to Permanent Changes in the Mucosa of Patients with Ulcerative Colitis

The authors investigated whether epithelial cell defects could originate from changes in the epithelial compartment imprinted by disease. [Gut] Full Article

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

INTESTINAL CANCERS & DISEASES

The Novel G-Quadruplex-Containing Long Non-Coding RNA GSEC Antagonizes DHX36 and Modulates Colon Cancer Cell Migration

Researchers analyzed the gene expression profiles of colon cancer tissues and identified a previously unannotated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), FLJ39051, that they term GSEC (G-quadruplex-forming sequence containing lncRNA), as a lncRNA that is upregulated in colorectal cancer. They further demonstrated that knockdown of GSEC results in the reduction of colon cancer cell motility. [Oncogene] Abstract

CCL20 Is Negatively Regulated by TGF-β1 in Intestinal Epithelial Cells and Reduced in Crohn’s Disease Patients with a Successful Response to Mongersen, a Smad7 Antisense Oligonucleotide

The authors investigated whether intestinal epithelial cell-derived CCL20 is negatively regulated by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and whether Smad7 knock-down reduces CCL20 in Crohn’s disease. [J Crohns Colitis] Abstract

Comparison of the Expression and Function of Lin28A and Lin28B in Colon Cancer

Investigators evaluated the expressional pattern, mutation status and correlation of both Lin28A and Lin28B in colon cancer tissues for the first time, and compared the roles of Lin28A and Lin28B in the proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of colon cancer cells in vitro. [Oncotarget] Full Article

Blocking Hepatic Metastases of Colon Cancer Cells Using an shRNA against Rac1 Delivered by Activatable Cell-Penetrating Peptide

Scientists observed that expression of Rac1, a key molecule for cytoskeletal reorganization, was higher in hepatic metastatic tumor tissue compared with prime colon cancer tissue and that patients with high Rac1-expressing colon cancer showed shorter survival time. Based on these findings, they created dtACPP-PEG-DGL/shRac1 nanoparticles and demonstrated that they downregulated Rac1 expression in colon cancer cells. [Oncotarget] Full Article

Polymorphisms in MicroRNA Binding Sites of Mucin Genes as Predictors of Clinical Outcome in Colorectal Cancer Patients

Researchers hypothesized that genetic variations in miRNA binding sites located in mucin genes may modulate signaling response and the maintenance of genomic stability ultimately affecting cancer susceptibility, efficacy of chemotherapy and survival. They analyzed the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in predicted miRNA target sites of mucin genes with colorectal cancer risk and clinical outcome. [Carcinogenesis] Abstract

Detection of Proteome Changes in Human Colon Cancer Induced by Cell Surface Binding of Growth-Inhibitory Human Galectin-4 Using Quantitative SILAC-Based Proteomics

Endogenous lectins have the capacity to translate glycan-encoded information on the cell surface into effects on cell growth. A test case to examine changes in protein presence associated with tumor growth inhibition, investigators applied SILAC-based proteomics on human colon carcinoma cells treated with galectin-4. [J Proteome Res] Abstract

Cyanidin-3-O-Glucoside Inhibits NF-kB Signaling in Intestinal Epithelial Cells Exposed to TNF-α and Exerts Protective Effects via Nrf2 Pathway Activation

The authors employed an in vitro model of acute intestinal inflammation using intestinal Caco-2 cells exposed to TNF-α. The protective effects of cyanidin-3-glucoside, an anthocyanin widely distributed in Mediterranean diet, were then evaluated. [Toxicol Lett] Abstract

New IL-15 Receptor-α Splicing Variants Identified in Intestinal Epithelial Caco-2 Cells

Scientists described five new alternative variants of splicing of IL-15Rα in Caco-2 cells. Four of them were expressed into proteins inside Caco-2 cells, but these were unable to bind IL-15 or to follow the secretory pathway. [Innate Immun] Abstract

INTESTINAL STEM CELL & ORGANOID RESEARCH

Msi RNA-Binding Proteins Control Reserve Intestinal Stem Cell Quiescence

Scientists examined the role of the Msi family of oncoproteins in the intestinal stem cell (ISC) compartment. They demonstrated that Msi proteins are dispensable for normal homeostasis and self-renewal of the active ISC, despite their being highly expressed in these cells. [J Cell Biol] Abstract

The Noncaloric Sweetener Rebaudioside A Stimulates Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Release and Increases Enteroendocrine Cell Numbers in 2-Dimensional Mouse Organoids Derived from Different Locations of the Intestine

Researchers investigated the effects of rebaudioside A on enteroendocrine cells by assessing both cell numbers as well as their secretory capacity in an organoid model. [J Nutr] Abstract

Role of Endoscopy in Early Esophageal Cancer

Detection of subtle esophageal lesions during endoscopy can be challenging, and advanced imaging techniques might improve their detection. High-definition endoscopy has become a standard in most endoscopy centers, and this technology probably provides better delineation of mucosal features than standard-definition endoscopy. Various image enhancement techniques are now available with the development of new electronics and software systems. [Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol] Abstract

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

New Data on EndoStim^® Therapy for the Treatment of Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

EndoStim, Inc. announced new data presented on its neurostimulation therapy for GERD. The presentations included: updated results from EndoStim’s international patient registry, results of EndoStim in patients with reflux related to bariatric surgery, and the first report of EndoStim therapy in patients with failed esophageal peristalsis and in patients post lung transplant. [Press release from EndoStim, Inc. discussing research presented at 2016 United European Gastroenterology (UEG) Week, Vienna] Press Release

Nutrinia Announces First Patient Enrolled in Phase III Trial

Nutrinia, Ltd. announced the enrollment of the first patient in its FIT-04 study. Nutrinia is developing NTRA-2112 as a treatment for preterm infants with intestinal malabsorption. NTRA-2112 is a novel oral formulation of insulin that acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract to accelerate intestinal maturation. [Nutrinia Ltd. (PR Newswire Association LLC.)] Press Release

First Patient Implanted in EndoStim’s Lower Esophageal Sphincter Stimulation for GERD (LESS GERD) Clinical Trial

EndoStim, Inc. announced that the first patient has been implanted with the EndoStim device in the LESS GERD trial, at the University of Southern California. The results from the trial will support EndoStim’s premarket approval application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. [EndoStim, Inc.] Press Release

Boston Scientific Announces Acquisition of the LumenR^™ Tissue Retractor System

Boston Scientific announced the acquisition of the LumenR^™ Tissue Retractor System from LumenR LLC, a privately held Newark, California based company. The LumenR Tissue Retractor System is currently in development for use during endoscopic resection of lesions in the colon, esophagus or stomach. [EndoStim, Inc.] Press Release

Publisher Pulls 58 Articles by Iranian Scientists over Authorship Manipulation

A tranche of 58 articles authored by 282 Iran-based researchers were retracted by a leading scientific publisher, which said it had found signs that the peer review and publication processes had been compromised. [Nature News] Editorial

Young Scientists Ditch Postdocs for Biotech Start-Ups

There is a vanguard of young biomedical scientists who have started companies instead of taking the conventional academic path and pursuing postdoctoral studies after their PhDs. Among the factors driving this change are an infusion of money into early-stage biotech investing, the emergence of biotech incubators and the scarcity of academic jobs in science. [Nature News] Editorial

Beyond Trump vs Clinton: A Scientist’s Guide to the US Election

Choices that voters make will influence other levels of government — and some of these decisions will steer the course of science and science policy. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW Gordon Research Conference: Stem Cells & Cancer
February 12-17, 2017
Barga, Italy

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

NEW PhD Studentships – Cancer Research (University of Cambridge)

NEW Academic Gastrointestinal Pathologist – Faculty Position (University of Utah)

NEW Research Technician III IV – Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)

Portfolio Manager – Material and Recipe Manager (Nestle Institute of Health Sciences)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Molecular Infection Biology (Umeå University)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Intestinal Stem Cell Repair Mechanisms after Injury and Inflammation (Children’s Hospital Los Angeles)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Intestinal Tissue Engineering (Francis Crick Institute)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Mucosal immunology / Neuro-immune interaction (KU Leuven)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Cancer Epidemiology (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)

Assistant or Associate Member – Stem CellGene Therapy (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)

Recruit Top Talent: Reach potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.

Have we missed an important article or publication in Intestinal Cell News? Click here to submit!

Comments or suggestions? Submit your feedback here.