Pancreatic Cell News Volume 2.38 | Sep 27 2011

Discovery of Insulin Switches in Pancreas Could Lead to New Diabetes Drugs
Researchers have discovered how a hormone turns on a series of molecular switches inside the pancreas that increases production of insulin. [Press release from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies discussing online prepublication in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA] Press Release | Abstract

DIABETES

Inhibition of Id1 Augments Insulin Secretion and Protects Against High-Fat Diet–Induced Glucose Intolerance
Here, researchers investigated the role of Id1 in insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis. [Diabetes] Abstract | Press Release

Specific Glucose-Induced Control of Insulin Receptor Substrate-2 Expression Is Mediated via Ca²⁺-Dependent Calcineurin/NFAT Signaling in Primary Pancreatic Islet β-Cells
The aim was to investigate the molecular mechanism on how glucose regulates insulin receptor substrate-2 gene expression in β-cells. [Diabetes] Abstract

FoxO Feedback Control of Basal IRS-2 Expression in Pancreatic β-Cells Is Distinct From That in Hepatocytes
The molecular mechanism for feedback control of insulin receptor substrate (IRS) signaling to decrease IRS-2 expression in liver and β-cells is quite distinct, with a predominant role played by FoxO3a in β-cells. [Diabetes] Abstract

Combining Antigen-Based Therapy with GABA Treatment Synergistically Prolongs Survival of Transplanted ß-Cells in Diabetic NOD Mice
Based on γ-aminobutyric acid’s (GABA) ability to inhibit different autoimmune diseases and its safety profile, researchers tested whether the combination of antigen-based therapy with GABA treatment could prolong the survival of transplanted ß-cells in newly diabetic nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. [PLoS One] Abstract | Press Release

Pdx1 and Ngn3 Overexpression Enhances Pancreatic Differentiation of Mouse ES Cell-Derived Endoderm Population
In order to define the molecular mechanisms regulating the specification and differentiation of pancreatic β-islet cells, researchers investigated the effect of upregulating Pdx1 and Ngn3 during the differentiation of the β-islet-like cells from murine embryonic stem (ES) cell-derived activin induced-endoderm. [PLoS One] Abstract | Press Release

PANCREATIC CANCER

Nuclear Receptor Liver Receptor Homologue 1 (LRH-1) Regulates Pancreatic Cancer Cell Growth and Proliferation
In this work, investigators show that LRH-1 transcription is activated up to 30-fold in human pancreatic cancer cells compared to normal pancreatic ductal epithelium. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

AGR2 Is a Novel Surface Antigen that Promotes the Dissemination of Pancreatic Cancer Cells through Regulation of Cathepsins B and D
Here, researchers investigated the role and mechanism of action of the metastasis-associated protein anterior gradient 2 (AGR2) in the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer. [Cancer Res] Abstract

Combined Blockade of Integrin α4β1 Plus Cytokines SDF-1α or IL-1β Potently Inhibits Tumor Inflammation and Growth
Here investigators show how the chemoattractants SDF-1α and IL-1β collaborate with myeloid cell integrin α4β1 to promote tumor inflammation and growth. [Cancer Res] Abstract

A Kras^G12D-Driven Genetic Mouse Model of Pancreatic Cancer Requires Glypican-1 for Efficient Proliferation and Angiogenesis
The data demonstrates in an oncogenic Kras-driven genetic mouse model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) that tumor growth, angiogenesis and invasion are enhanced by glypican-1 (GPC1), and suggest that suppression of GPC1 may be an important component of therapeutic strategies in PDAC. [Oncogene] Abstract

Quality of Life in 265 Patients with Gastroenteropancreatic or Bronchial Neuroendocrine Tumors Treated with [¹⁷⁷Lu-DOTA⁰,Tyr³]Octreotate
In this study, scientists investigated the quality of life and symptoms after [¹⁷⁷Lu-DOTA⁰,Tyr³]octreotate therapy in patients with inoperable or metastasized gastroenteropancreatic or bronchial neuroendocrine tumors. [J Nucl Med] Abstract | Press Release

Immunomedics Announces Partial Clinical Hold on Clivatuzumab Tetraxetan Clinical Trial
Immunomedics, Inc. announced that the Company has been notified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that a partial clinical hold has been placed on the Company’s Phase Ib/II clinical trial of clivatuzumab tetraxetan in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, due to the administration of an incorrect dose to a patient enrolled at one of its trial sites. [Immunomedics, Inc.] Press Release

Bristol-Myers Squibb and Ambrx Announce Collaboration for Novel Biologics Programs in Diabetes and Heart Failure
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Ambrx, Inc. announced a collaboration under which Bristol-Myers Squibb will receive exclusive worldwide rights to research, develop and commercialize biologics based on Ambrx’s research surrounding the Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF-21) protein, for potential use in treating type 2 diabetes, and the Relaxin hormone, for potential use in treating heart failure. [Bristol-Myers Squibb] Press Release

iCo Therapeutics and JDRF Partner to Investigate iCo-007 in Diabetic Macular Edema
iCo Therapeutics Inc. announced that the company has entered into a research collaboration agreement with JDRF to support the previously announced Phase 2 investigator sponsored clinical trial investigating iCo-007 in Diabetic Macular Edema (DME). [iCo Therapeutics Inc.] Press Release

AACR Releases Landmark Cancer Progress Report
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) unveiled the AACR Cancer Progress Report 2011 during a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. [American Association for Cancer Research] Press Release

Small Business Innovation Research to Develop New Methods and Technologies Able to Identify Individuals at Risk of Developing Type 1 Diabetes [T1D] (R43) (RFA-DK-11-024) [National Institutes of Health, United States]

Small Business Innovation Research to Develop New Therapeutics and Monitoring Technologies for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Towards an Artificial Pancreas [(SBIR) (R43/R44)] (RFA-DK-11-018) [National Institutes of Health, United States]

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) 

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)

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Pancreatic Cancer Research (Johns Hopkins University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Islet Cell Electrophysiology (Vanderbilt University)    

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