Pancreatic Cell News Volume 2.42 | Oct 25 2011

Convergence of the Insulin and Serotonin Programs in the Pancreatic β-Cell
The studies demonstrate that a common transcriptional cascade drives the differentiation of β-cells and serotonergic neurons and imparts the shared ability to produce serotonin. [Diabetes] Abstract

DIABETES

Noninvasive MRI of ß-cell Function Using a Zn²⁺-Responsive Contrast Agent
Researchers demonstrate here that divalent zinc ions coreleased with insulin from ß-cells in response to high glucose are readily detected by MRI using the Zn²⁺-responsive T₁ agent, GdDOTA-diBPEN. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Inhibits the Sirtuin Deacetylase SirT1 to Stimulate Pancreatic ß-Cell Mass Expansion
In this study, scientists aimed at investigating the potential role of SirT1 in glucagon-like peptide 1 action. [Diabetes] Abstract

IL-21 Is an Antitolerogenic Cytokine of the Late-Phase Alloimmune Response
The interplay between interleukin-21 (IL-21)/IL-21R signaling, FoxP3 expression, and Treg survival and function was evaluated in vitro in immunologically relevant assays and in vivo in allogenic and autoimmune models of islet transplantation. [Diabetes] Abstract

A Novel Long Acting DPP-IV Inhibitor PKF-275-055 Stimulates β-Cell Proliferation Resulting in Improved Glucose Homeostasis in Diabetic Rats
This study examined chronic (once-a-day dosing for 8 weeks) effects of the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitor PKF-275-055 (1, 3, and 10 mg/kg) on β-cell regeneration and plasma DPP-IV activity, intact glucagon-like peptide-1, glucose, and insulin after an oral glucose load in neonatal wistar rats injected with streptozotocin. [Biochem Pharmacol] Abstract

Transplanted Human Bone Marrow Progenitor Subtypes Stimulate Endogenous Islet Regeneration and Revascularization
To enrich for analogous human progenitor cell types that stimulate islet regeneration, researchers purified human bone marrow based on high-aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, an enzymatic function conserved in hematopoietic, endothelial, and mesenchymal progenitor lineages. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

PANCREATIC CANCER

Accumulation of Sub-100 nm Polymeric Micelles in Poorly Permeable Tumours Depends on Size
Researchers found that all the polymer micelles penetrated highly permeable tumours in mice, but only the 30 nm micelles could penetrate poorly permeable pancreatic tumours to achieve an antitumour effect. [Nat Nanotechnol] Abstract

Molecular Determinants of Retinoic Acid Sensitivity in Pancreatic Cancer
The purpose of the study was to identify a predictive molecular ‘signature’ for sensitivity to retinoic acid in pancreatic cancer. [Clin Cancer Res] Abstract

Characterization of Small Solid Tumors in the Pancreas: The Value of Contrast-Enhanced Harmonic Endoscopic Ultrasonography
The study prospectively evaluated how accurately contrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasonography (CH-EUS) characterizes pancreatic lesions and compared its diagnostic ability with that of contrast-enhanced multidetector-row computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration. [Am J Gastroenterol] Abstract

Sustained Expression of the RON Receptor Tyrosine Kinase by Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells as a Potential Targeting Moiety for Antibody-Directed Chemotherapeutics
This study tested a novel strategy that utilizes the RON receptor as a drug delivery moiety for increased therapeutic activity against pancreatic cancer stem cells. [Mol Pharm] Abstract

Lack of CCR7 Expression Is Rate Limiting for Lymphatic Spread of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
The study revealed strong evidence that lack of CCR7 impairs the metastatic potential of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. [Int J Cancer] Abstract

Results of a Multi-Center Study Show microRNA-Based Pancreatic Cancer Assay Improves the Diagnostic Accuracy of FNA Cytology
The data demonstrates that the addition of a microRNA-based molecular test may enhance the diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology on indeterminate and suspicious specimens. [Press release from Asuragen, Inc. discussing research presented at the American Pancreatic Association Annual Meeting 2011, Chicago] Press Release

First Evidence of New ‘Druggable’ DNA Repair Target to Destroy Cancer Cells
Researchers have developed small molecules that block APE1. They tested the ability of these molecules to stop the enzyme from repairing DNA damage in breast, pancreatic and cervical cancer cells containing faults in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. [Press release from Cancer Research UK discussing research presented at the National Cancer Research Institute Cancer Conference, Liverpool] Press Release

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Welcomes Prestigious New Members to Its Scientific Advisory Board
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network has named seven prestigious new members to the organization’s Scientific Advisory Board. [Pancreatic Cancer Action Network] Press Release

Examining New Strategies to Prevent Diabetes Complications
University of Michigan Health System researchers will use a $3.5 million federal grant to study a new approach in halting the downward spiral of diabetes. [University of Michigan Health System] Press Release

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory and Living Cell Technologies Limited Agree to Establish Joint Venture to Develop and Commercialize Pancreatic Islets as a Treatment for Diabetes
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory, Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement with Living Cell Technologies Limited to establish a joint venture to be named DIATRANZ OTSUKA LIMITED. [Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory, Inc.] Press Release

Takeda Initiates Phase III Clinical Trial Program in the United States, Latin America, and Europe for Investigational Type 2 Diabetes Therapy TAK-875
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited announced the initiation of the Company’s Phase III clinical trial program for TAK-875, an investigational therapy for type 2 diabetes. [Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited] Press Release

Clavis Pharma Announces the Completion of Study 002 Low hENT1 Cut-Off Level Determined for Pivotal LEAP Study of CP-4126 in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer
Clavis Pharma ASA announced the establishment of the cut-off level for defining hENT1 low vs. high expression that will be used to assess the results from the on-going pivotal LEAP clinical trial with CP-4126 in patients with pancreatic cancer. [Clavis Pharma ASA] 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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