Pancreatic Cell News Volume 2.47 | Nov 29 2011

DIABETES

Reexpression of Oncoprotein MafB in Proliferative β-Cells and Men1 Insulinomas in Mouse
The role of MafB in the control of adult islet-cell proliferation remains unknown. Considering its oncogenic potential in several other tissues, researchers investigated the possible alteration of its expression in adult mouse β-cells under different conditions of proliferation. [Oncogene] Abstract

Oral Ingestion of Capsaicin, the Pungent Component of Chili Pepper, Enhances a Discreet Population of Macrophages and Confers Protection from Autoimmune Diabetes
Here researchers report that vanilloid receptor 1 can regulate immunological events in the gut in response to its ligand Capsaicin (CP). Oral administration of CP attenuates the proliferation and activation of autoreactive T cells in pancreatic lymph nodes but not other lymph nodes, and protects mice from development of type 1 diabetes. [Mucosal Immunol] Abstract

Essential Role of the Small GTPase Ran in Postnatal Pancreatic Islet Development
Here, researchers generated transgenic mice expressing wild type Ran, loss-of-function Ran T24N mutant or constitutively active Ran G19V mutant in pancreatic islet β cells under the control of the rat insulin promoter. [PLoS One] Abstract

The Level of Menadione Redox-Cycling in Pancreatic β-Cells Is Proportional to the Glucose Concentration: Role of NADH and Consequences for Insulin Secretion
Menadione, which produces hydrogen peroxide via redox cycling mechanism in a dose-dependent manner, was investigated for its effect on β-cell metabolism and insulin secretion in INS-1 832/13, a rat β-cell insulinoma cell line, and primary rodent islets. [Toxicol Appl Pharmacol] Abstract

Musashi Expression in β-Cells Coordinates Insulin Expression, Apoptosis and Proliferation in Response to Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Diabetes
Musashi genes regulate cell fate via Notch signaling, which researchers recently showed regulates β-cell survival. Here investigators show for the first time that human and mouse adult islet cells express mRNA and protein of both Musashi isoforms, as well as Numb/Notch/Hes/neurogenin-3 pathway components. [Cell Death Dis] Abstract

PANCREATIC CANCER

Curcumin Analog CDF Inhibits Pancreatic Tumor Growth by Switching on Suppressor MicroRNAs and Attenuating EZH2 Expression
In this study researchers probed EZH2 function in pancreatic cancers using CDF, a novel analog of the turmeric spice component curcumin that has anti-oxidant properties. [Cancer Res] Abstract

Role of MUC4–NIDO Domain in the MUC4-Mediated Metastasis of Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Here researchers showed that the nidogen-like (NIDO) domain of MUC4 contributes to the protein–protein interaction property of MUC4. By this interaction, MUC4 promotes breaching of basement membrane integrity, and spreading of cancer cells. [Oncogene] Abstract

MicroRNA Alterations of Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasms
To identify the microRNA (miRNA) alterations that arise during the development of pancreatic cancer researchers determined the levels of 735 miRNAs in 34 pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias and 15 normal pancreatic duct samples isolated by laser capture microdissection using TaqMan miRNA microarrays. [Clin Cancer Res] Abstract

MicroRNA Molecular Profiles Associated with Diagnosis, Clinicopathological Criteria, and Overall Survival in Patients with Resectable Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Investigators sought to establish the relationship between microRNA expression and clinicopathological parameters, including prognosis, in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. [Clin Cancer Res] Abstract

Beta2-Adrenoceptor Blockage Induces G1/S Phase Arrest and Apoptosis in Pancreatic Cancer Cells via Ras/Akt/NFkappaB Pathway
To clarify the mechanism of apoptosis induced by beta2-adrenergic antagonist, researchers hypothesized that blockage of the beta2-adrenoceptor could induce G1/S phase arrest and apoptosis and Ras may be a key player in pancreatic cancer cells. [Mol Cancer] Abstract

Andromeda Biotech: A Drug for Type I Diabetes Developed by Prof. Irun Cohen of the Weizmann Institute Meets Primary and Secondary Goals of Phase III Clinical Trials
From an initial analysis of the results, it appears that the patients treated with the drug (DiaPep277®) for a year or more had significantly higher pancreas function than those in the control group. [Weizmann Institute of Science] Press Release

Positive Outcome from FDA Meeting for Type II Diabetes Clinical Program Using Intravenous Delivery of Mesoblast’s Proprietary Adult Stem Cells
Mesoblast Limited announced that it has reached agreement with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the key elements of the company’s first clinical trial using intravenous delivery of its proprietary allogeneic mesenchymal precursor cell technology in patients with Type II Diabetes. [Mesoblast Limited] 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)

Business Analyst – Product Management (STEMSOFT Software)

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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