Pancreatic Cell News Volume 3.02 | Jan 17 2012

DIABETES

RAE1ε Ligand Expressed on Pancreatic Islets Recruits NKG2D Receptor-Expressing Cytotoxic T Cells Independent of T Cell Receptor Recognition
With a transgenic mouse expressing the NKG2D ligand retinoic acid early transcript 1ε (RAE1ε) in β-islet cells of the pancreas, investigators found that RAE1 expression was sufficient to induce the recruitment of adoptively transferred cytotoxic T lymphocytes to islets. [Immunity] Abstract

Chronic Treatment with a Glucokinase Activator Delays the Onset of Hyperglycemia and Preserves Beta Cell Mass in the Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rat
Here, scientists report the effects of chronic glucokinase activator treatment on the development of hyperglycemia and beta cell loss in the male Zucker diabetic fatty rat. [Diabetologia] Abstract

Hedgehog Signals Inhibit Postnatal Beta Cell Neogenesis from Adult Rat Exocrine Pancreas In Vitro
Considering the inhibitory functions of hedgehog signaling in early and mid-stage pancreatic development, researchers questioned whether it also operates in transdifferentiating acinar cells and whether its modulation would influence postnatal beta cell neogenesis in vitro. [Diabetologia] Abstract

Involvement of Thioredoxin-Interacting Protein (TXNIP) in Glucocorticoid-Mediated Beta Cell Death
Researchers’ objective was to elucidate the mechanisms by which glucocorticoid hormones affect beta cell survival with a specific emphasis on the role of TXNIP in beta cell apoptosis. [Diabetologia] Abstract

Nano-Scale Encapsulation Enhances Allograft Survival and Function of Islets Transplanted in a Mouse Model of Diabetes
Investigators aimed to test whether early islet loss can be limited and transplant survival improved by the application of conformal nano-coating layers to islets. [Diabetologia] Abstract

Inhibition of Gsk3β Activity Improves β-Cell Function in c-Kit^Wv/+ Male Mice
The purpose of this study was to examine if c-Kit^Wv/+ mutation-induced β-cell dysfunction is associated with downregulation of the phospho-Akt/Gsk3β pathway in c-Kit^Wv/+ male mice. [Lab Invest] Abstract

PANCREATIC CANCER

Kras^G12D-Induced IKK2/β/NF-κB Activation by IL-1α and p62 Feedforward Loops Is Required for Development of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Here, researchers report that pancreas-targeted IKK2/β inactivation inhibited NF-κB activation and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) development in Kras^G12D and Kras^G12D;Ink4a/Arf^F/F mice, demonstrating a mechanistic link between IKK2/β and Kras^G12D in PDAC inception. [Cancer Cell] Abstract

New Gene-Immunotherapy Combining TRAIL-Lymphocytes and EpCAMxCD3 Bispecific Antibody for Tumor Targeting
Here, lymphocytes were transduced with TRAIL lentivirus and the anti-tumor effect in presence and absence of EpCAMxCD3 was evaluated in vitro and in xenograft studies using EpCAM-positive pancreatic and prostate cancer cells. [Clin Cancer Res] Abstract

Multicellular Tumor Spheroid Model to Evaluate Spatio-Temporal Dynamics Effect of Chemotherapeutics. Application to the Gemcitabine/CHK1 Inhibitor Combination in Pancreatic Cancer.
Researchers analyzed the effect of gemcitabine alone and in combination with the CHIR-124 CHK1 inhibitor in a Capan-2 pancreatic cell multicellular tumor spheroid model. [BMC Cancer] Abstract

Nestin as a Novel Therapeutic Target for Pancreatic Cancer via Tumor Angiogenesis
In the present study, scientists analyzed the expression and roles of nestin in angiogenesis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, and determined whether nestin is a potential target for inhibiting tumor angiogenesis using a gene silencing strategy. [Int J Oncol] Abstract

UCSF, Sanofi Collaborate to Find New Diabetes Cures
This $3.1 million collaboration will bring together scientists in three University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) labs with deep understanding of the biology of beta cells with Sanofi researchers who are experienced in developing potential drug candidates into actual therapies. [University of California, San Francisco] Press Release

Pioneering Diabetes Research Earns University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Scientist State’s Top Honor for Medicine
Dr. Scherer is one of four winners of the 2012 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards presented by The Academy of Medicine, Engineering and Science of Texas. [The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center] Press Release

Islet Sciences, Inc. Selects NeoStem’s Manufacturing Subsidiary Progenitor Cell Therapy for Product Manufacturing
NeoStem’s cell therapy manufacturing division, Progenitor Cell Therapy (PCT), announced an agreement whereby PCT will provide contract manufacturing and regulatory services related to the development of Islet Sciences – PTM, which will be an injectable suspension of microencapsulated insulin-producing, pancreatic islet cells which are harvested from designated pathogen free pigs. [NeoStem, Inc.] Press Release

Oramed Pharmaceuticals Files US Patent Application for Combination Oral Treatment of Diabetes
Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced that it has filed a provisional patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a combination therapy of its lead compound, ORMD-0801 in combination with its oral exenatide formulation, ORMD-0901. [Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc.] Press Release

Limited Competition: Continuation of the Clinical Islet Transplantation (CIT) Consortium Data Coordinating Center (U01) (RFA-DK-12-501) [National Institutes of Health, United States]

Limited Competition for the Data Coordinating Center for Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet (UC4) (RFA-DK-12-503) [National Institutes of Health, United States]

Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings (FR Doc No: 2012-732) [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)

Research and Development Technologist, hPSC Media (STEMCELL Technologies) 

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies)

Scientific Marketing Communications Specialist (STEMCELL Technologies)

Research Technologist, Manufacturing Sciences (STEMCELL Technologies)

Business Analyst – Product Management (STEMSOFT Software)

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Stem Cell Biology (The University of British Columbia)


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