Pancreatic Cell News Volume 2.35 | Sep 6 2011

Derivation of Insulin Producing Cells From Human Endometrial Stromal Stem Cells and Use in the Treatment of Murine Diabetes
Researchers differentiated human endometrial stromal stem cells into insulin secreting cells using a simple and nontransfection protocol. [Mol Ther] Abstract | Press Release

DIABETES

Connective Tissue Growth Factor Acts Within Both Endothelial Cells and β Cells to Promote Proliferation of Developing β Cells
This study investigated the tissue interactions by which connective tissue growth factor promotes normal pancreatic islet development. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

The Functional Performance of Microencapsulated Human Pancreatic Islet-Derived Precursor Cells
Whole human islets were obtained by multi-enzymatic digestion of cadaveric donor pancreases, plated on tissue flasks, and allowed to adhere and expand for several in vitro passages, in order to obtain human islet-derived stem/precursor cells. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Transcriptomes of the Major Human Pancreatic Cell Types
Investigators sought to determine the messenger RNA transcriptome of all major human pancreatic endocrine and exocrine cell subtypes, including human alpha, beta, duct and acinar cells. In addition, researchers identified the cell type-specific distribution of transcription factors, signaling ligands and their receptors. [Diabetologia] Abstract

A Role for the Putative Cannabinoid Receptor GPR55 in the Islets of Langerhans
The results reveal the expression of GPR55 receptors in the endocrine pancreas as well as its function at stimulus-secretion coupling of insulin secretion suggesting a role in glucose homeostasis. [J Endocrinol] Abstract

Arx and Nkx2.2 Compound Deficiency Redirects Pancreatic Alpha- and Beta-Cell Differentiation to a Somatostatin/Ghrelin Co-Expressing Cell Lineage
The data indicates that Nkx2.2 acts by reinforcing the transcriptional networks initiated by Pax4 and Arx in early committed beta- and alpha-cells, respectively. [BMC Dev Biol] Abstract

PANCREATIC CANCER

Toll-Like Receptor 9 Agonist IMO Cooperates with Cetuximab in K-Ras Mutant Colorectal and Pancreatic Cancers
In the present study researchers investigated, both in vitro and in vivo, the antitumor effect of IMO alone or in combination with cetuximab in subcutaneous colon and orthotopic pancreatic cancer models harboring K-Ras mutations and resistant to epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors. [Clin Cancer Res] Abstract

Detection of KRAS Gene Mutations in Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy for Improving Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
The study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of a novel method for the detection of mutations in the KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma-2 virus) gene for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. [Am J Gastroenterol] Abstract

3,5-Bis (2,4-Difluorobenzylidene)-4-Piperidone, a Novel Compound That Affects Pancreatic Cancer Growth and Angiogenesis
In this study, scientists have developed a novel compound 3,5-bis (2,4-difluorobenzylidene)-4-piperidone and determined that it inhibits cancer cell growth and its effects on Notch signaling. [Mol Cancer Ther] Abstract

Targeting FGFR/PDGFR/VEGFR Impairs Tumor Growth, Angiogenesis and Metastasis by Effects on Tumor Cells, Endothelial Cells and Pericytes in Pancreatic Cancer
In this study researchers investigated the effects of TKI258, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor to fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) and vascular-endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), on pancreatic cancer cell lines (HPAF-II, BxPC-3, MiaPaCa-2, L3.6pl), endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. [Mol Cancer Ther] Abstract

Inactivation of Mirk/Dyrk1B Kinase Targets Quiescent Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Researchers show that a novel small molecule Mirk kinase inhibitor blocked tumor cells from undergoing reversible arrest in a quiescent G0 state and enabled some cells to exit quiescence. [Mol Cancer Ther] Abstract

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and AACR to Award More Than $3.1 Million in Pancreatic Cancer Research Grants
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) are pleased to announce the opening of the 2012 research grants program on Sept. 1, 2011. [Pancreatic Cancer Action Network] Press Release

Cancer Research Institute to Honor Pioneers in Adoptive Immunotherapy
The Cancer Research Institute, Inc. announced the winners of the 2011 William B. Coley Award for Distinguished Research in Tumor Immunology. [Cancer Research Institute, Inc.] Press Release

Novartis Drug Afinitor® Gains EU Approval to Treat Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Novartis announced that the European Commission has approved Afinitor® (everolimus) tablets for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic, well- or moderately-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors of pancreatic origin in adults with progressive disease. [Novartis AG] Press Release

National Institutes of Health (United States)

Food and Drug Administration (United States)
 
Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)

European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

National Health Service (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

Lab Technologist – Tissue Culture (STEMCELL Technologies)

Research and Development Technologist, hPSC Media (STEMCELL Technologies) 

Scientist (iPSC) (STEMCELL Technologies)

Contract Assay Service Technologist (STEMCELL Technologies) 

Research and Development Technologist (STEMCELL Technologies) 

Senior Scientific Advisor for Clinical & Translational Research (The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)

Postdoctoral Fellow in Cardiovascular/Diabetic Research (Boston University)

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