Pancreatic Cell News Volume 2.40 | Oct 11 2011

Decade of Effort Yields Diabetes Susceptibility Gene
Researchers’ efforts pinpointed a gene that confers diabetes susceptibility in obese mice.  They also showed that the protein coded by the gene, called tomosyn-2, acts as a brake on insulin secretion from the pancreas. [Press release from the University of Wisconsin-Madison discussing online prepublication in PLoS Genetics] Press Release | Abstract

DIABETES

β-Cell Uncoupling Protein 2 Regulates Reactive Oxygen Species Production, Which Influences Both Insulin and Glucagon Secretion
To investigate the function of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) in the β-cell, β-cell–specific UCP2 knockout mice were generated and characterized. [Diabetes] Abstract

PTPN2, a Candidate Gene for Type 1 Diabetes, Modulates Pancreatic β-Cell Apoptosis via Regulation of the BH3-Only Protein Bim
Researchers evaluated the mechanisms by which PTPN2, a candidate gene for type 1 diabetes (T1D), modulates β-cell apoptosis after exposure to type I and II interferons, cytokines that contribute to β-cell loss in early T1D. [Diabetes] Abstract

Insulin Biosynthesis in Neuronal Progenitors Derived from Adult Hippocampus and the Olfactory Bulb
Researchers show that adult neural progenitors derived from diabetic (DB) animals retain the ability to give rise to insulin-producing cells and that grafting neuronal progenitors into the pancreas of DB animals reduces glucose levels. [EMBO Mol Med] Abstract | Press Release

Involvement of KATP Channels in the Loss of Beta-Cell Function Induced by Human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide
In this work, using a rat pancreatic beta-cell line, INS1E, researchers have created an in vitro model which stably expressed human islet amyloid polypeptide gene. [J Biol Chem] Abstract

Insulin-Producing Cells Generated from Dedifferentiated Human Pancreatic Beta Cells Expanded In Vitro
Here researchers investigated whether beta-cell-derived cells can be redifferentiated into beta-like cells. [PLoS One] Abstract

PANCREATIC CANCER

MicroRNA-150 Directly Targets MUC4 and Suppresses Growth and Malignant Behavior of Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Here, scientists report a novel microRNA-mediated mechanism underlying aberrant expression of MUC4 in pancreatic cancer. [Carcinogenesis] Abstract

Anti-Tumour Activity of Afatinib, an Irreversible ErbB Family Blocker, in Human Pancreatic Tumour Cells
Investigators determined the sensitivity of a panel of human pancreatic tumour cell lines to treatment with afatinib, erlotinib, monoclonal antibody ICR62, and gemcitabine, using the Sulforhodamine B colorimetric assay. [Br J Cancer] Abstract

The Oncolytic Adenovirus AdΔΔ Enhances Selective Cancer Cell Killing in Combination with DNA-Damaging Drugs in Pancreatic Cancer Models
Here researchers demonstrate that the engineered double-deleted AdΔΔ mutant (deleted in the pRb-binding E1ACR2 region and E1B19K) selectively replicates and enhances cell killing in combination with DNA-damaging cytotoxic drugs in pancreatic cancer cells. [Gene Ther] Abstract

Association of MicroRNA-21 Expression with its Targets, PDCD4 and TIMP3, in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between the expression of microRNA-21 and that of its molecular targets, programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP3), in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. [Mod Pathol] Abstract

Dimethylenastron Suppresses Human Pancreatic Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion In Vitro via Allosteric Inhibition of Mitotic Kinesin Eg5
The study was undertaken to investigate the effect of dimethylenastron, a specific inhibitor of Eg5, on the migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. [Acta Pharmacol Sin] Abstract

Halozyme Begins Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial with PEGPH20 in Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. announced the commencement of patient dosing in a Phase 2 clinical trial with pegylated rHuPH20 (PEGPH20) in patients with stage IV previously untreated pancreatic cancer. [Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.] Press Release

Aduro BioTech Announces First Patient Treated in Phase 2 Pancreatic Cancer Trial
Aduro BioTech, Inc. announced the treatment of the first patient in the Phase 2 pancreatic cancer clinical trial of the sequential administration of two cancer vaccines: Aduro’s CRS-207 and GVAX Pancreas Cancer Vaccine (GVAX Pancreas). [BusinessWire] Press Release

Catabasis Pharmaceuticals Initiates Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Lead Compound CAT-1004
The compound, a novel conjugate of the essential omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid and salicylate, is being developed to treat patients with type 2 diabetes. [Catabasis Pharmaceuticals] Press Release

UNMC Researchers to Study Role of Tumor Microenvironment in Pancreatic Cancer
Researchers hope to develop better therapeutics by learning more about pancreatic cancer cells. The $4.2 million grant will study why it is so lethal and try to develop better therapeutics. [University of Nebraska Medical Center] 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) 

Lab Technologist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies)

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies)

Quality Control Technologist – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies)

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

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Pancreatic Cancer Research (Johns Hopkins University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Islet Cell Electrophysiology (Vanderbilt University)    

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