Pancreatic Cell News Volume 2.45 | Nov 15 2011

DIABETES

Chemical Screen Identifies FDA-Approved Drugs and Target Pathways that Induce Precocious Pancreatic Endocrine Differentiation
Scientists conducted a chemical screen to identify compounds that would induce the differentiation of insulin-producing β-cells in vivo. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Inotuzumab Ozogamicin Murine Analog–Mediated B-Cell Depletion Reduces Anti-Islet Allo- and Autoimmune Responses
Herein, researchers provide an extensive study of the effect of B-cell depletion in murine models of islet transplantation. [Diabetes] Abstract

The Functional and Molecular Characterization of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Insulin-Positive Cells Compared with Adult Pancreatic Beta Cells
Using a novel directed differentiation protocol, researchers recently generated up to 25% insulin-producing cells from human embryonic stem cells (insulin⁺ cells). Insulin⁺ cells were examined for key features of adult beta cells using microarray, quantitative PCR, secretion assays, imaging and electrophysiology. [Diabetologia] Abstract

Reduction of Both Beta Cell Death and Alpha Cell Proliferation by Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibition in a Streptozotocin-Induced Model of Diabetes in Mice
Researchers assessed whether dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibition suppresses the progression to hyperglycaemia in a low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model, and then investigated how DPP-4 inhibition affects islet function and morphology. [Diabetologia] Abstract

Autophagy Deficiency in Beta Cells Leads to Compromised Unfolded Protein Response and Progression from Obesity to Diabetes in Mice
Scientists investigated the role of autophagy in unfolded protein response of pancreatic beta cells and the susceptibility of autophagy-deficient beta cells to the endoplasmic reticulum stress that is implicated in the development of diabetes. [Diabetologia] Abstract

PANCREATIC CANCER

Restricted Heterochromatin Formation Links NFATc2 Repressor Activity with Growth Promotion in Pancreatic Cancer
Here, researchers demonstrate a novel pathway involving the oncogenic transcription factor NFATc2 targeting p15^INK4b mediated failsafe mechanism to promote pancreatic cancer tumor growth. [Gastroenterology] Abstract

Imaging Guided Trials of the Angiogenesis Inhibitor Sunitinib in Mouse Models Predict Efficacy in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine but Not Ductal Carcinoma
Researchers evaluated sunitinib, an angiogenesis inhibitor that targets VEGF and PDGF receptor signaling, in two genetically engineered mouse models of pancreatic cancer. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Radiosensitization of Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells by MLN4924, an Investigational NEDD8-Activating Enzyme Inhibitor
In this study, researchers provide evidence that MLN4924 can be used as an effective radiosensitizer in pancreatic cancer. [Cancer Res] Abstract

Proteome of Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Lymph Node Metastases
To better understand pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma metastatic spread and identify novel therapeutic targets, investigators analyzed the proteome of primary tumors and matched lymph node metastases. [J Pathol] Abstract

Synergistic Antitumor Effect of Adenovirus-Mediated hING4 Gene Therapy and ¹²⁵I Radiation Therapy on Pancreatic Cancer
In this study, scientists demonstrated that either inhibitor of growth 4 (ING4) or ¹²⁵I radiotherapy treatment could induce Panc-1 pancreatic cancer cell growth suppression and apoptosis in vitro. [Cancer Lett] Abstract

Scripps Research Scientist Receives $1 Million Research Grant from Novo Nordisk
Andrew Butler, an associate professor in The Scripps Research Institute’s Department of Metabolism and Aging, has been awarded $1 million in funding over the next two years to further his research into a novel protein with the potential to improve the understanding and future treatment of diabetes. [The Scripps Research Institute] Press Release

$100 Million Gift Establishes Belfer Research Building at Weill Cornell Medical College
In the presence of U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney, Weill Cornell Medical College dedicated the Belfer Research Building, a state-of-the-art facility that will more than double the Medical College’s existing research space and position Weill Cornell at the vanguard of new medical research and discoveries. [Weill Cornell Medical College] 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) 

Lab Technologist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies)

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies)

Scientific Marketing Communications Specialist (STEMCELL Technologies)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Islet Cell Electrophysiology (Vanderbilt University)    

Professor of Metabolism and Diabetes (Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

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