Pancreatic Cell News Volume 3.03 | Jan 24 2012

DIABETES

Novel Standards in the Measurement of Rat Insulin Granules Combining Electron Microscopy, High-Content Image Analysis and In Silico Modeling
Knowledge of number, size and content of insulin secretory granules is pivotal for understanding the physiology of pancreatic beta cells. Here investigators re-evaluated key structural features of rat beta cells, including insulin granule size, number and distribution as well as cell size. [Diabetologia] Abstract

Beta-Catenin Is Selectively Required for the Expansion and Regeneration of Mature Pancreatic Acinar Cells
To address whether β-catenin remains important for the maintenance and expansion of mature acinar cells, scientists have established a system to follow the behavior and fate of β-catenin-deficient cells during postnatal growth and regeneration. [Dis Model Mech] Abstract

One-Step Purification of Functional Human and Rat Pancreatic Alpha Cells
This study was designed to establish convenient protocols for the purification of viable alpha cells from rat and human pancreatic islets by FACS, using intrinsic cellular properties. [Integr Biol] Abstract

In Vitro Effects of Mycophenolic Acid on Survival, Function, and Gene Expression of Pancreatic Beta-Cells
In the present study, in vitro effects of mycophenolic acid have been investigated in mouse beta-cell lines and in purified human pancreatic islets. [Acta Diabetol] Abstract

Maintenance of Redox State and Pancreatic Beta-Cell Function: Role of Leptin and Adiponectin
In this study researchers investigate the importance of maintaining cellular redox state on pancreatic beta-cell function and viability, and the effects of leptin and adiponectin on this balance. [J Cell Biochem] Abstract

PANCREATIC CANCER

Chronic GLP-1 Receptor Activation by Exendin-4 Induces Expansion of Pancreatic Duct Glands in Rats and Accelerates Formation of Dysplastic Lesions and Chronic Pancreatitis in the Kras^G12D Mouse Model
Pancreatic duct glands (PDGs) have been hypothesized to give rise to pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN). Treatment with the glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 analog, exendin-4, for 12 weeks induced the expansion of PDGs with mucinous metaplasia and columnar cell atypia resembling low-grade PanIN in rats. [Diabetes] Abstract

MUC1 Regulates PDGFA Expression during Pancreatic Cancer Progression
Using mouse pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma models as well as human samples, researchers show clear evidence that Mucin 1 (MUC1) regulates the expression and secretion of platelet-derived growth factor-A (PDGFA). This, in turn, influences proliferation and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells leading to higher tumor burden in vivo. [Oncogene] Abstract

Integrative Survival-Based Molecular Profiling of Human Pancreatic Cancer
The purpose of this study was to perform an integrative profile of human pancreatic cancer to identify prognosis-significant genes and their related pathways. [Clin Cancer Res] Abstract

Autophagy Mediates Survival of Pancreatic Tumor-Initiating Cells in a Hypoxic Microenvironment
Researchers examined whether autophagy might be involved in survival of cancer stem cells despite nutrition and oxygen deprivation typical for the hypoxic tumor microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. [J Pathol] Abstract

Honokiol Attenuates the Severity of Acute Pancreatitis and Associated Lung Injury via Acceleration of Acinar Cell Apoptosis
Here, scientists investigate whether honokiol can ameliorate severe acute pancreatitis and associated acute lung injury in a mouse model. [Shock] Abstract

La Jolla Institute Scientist Takes Quest to Conquer Type 1 Diabetes to the Next Level
La Jolla Institute scientist Matthias von Herrath, M.D. has long dreamed of seeing his discoveries translated into new therapies to better treat type 1 diabetes. Dr. von Herrath may soon get his chance as head of a new translational type 1 diabetes center to be opened in Seattle in 2012 by Novo Nordisk. [La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology] Press Release

MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando Moves Pancreatic Cancer Research Forward with Grant from The Shirley E. Noland Foundation
A $75,000 grant, funded by the Shirley E. Noland Foundation, will support the Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research Project at MD Anderson – Orlando. The project will take the latest research findings to develop new treatment programs for patients with pancreatic cancer. [MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando]
Press Release

Applications Open for Carcinoid Tumor and Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Grants
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is currently accepting applications for the 2012 Caring for Carcinoid Foundation-AACR Grants for Carcinoid Tumor and Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Research. [American Association for Cancer Research] Press Release

Rexahn Pharmaceuticals Secures Approval in Europe to Conduct a First-in-Human Trial of RX-3117 in Solid Tumors
Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that it has secured Hungarian Regulatory Authority and Ethics Committee approval for Rexahn’s initial Clinical Trial Application. This allows Rexahn to initiate an exploratory first-in-human Phase I clinical trial of RX-3117. [Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc.] 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)

NEW Molecular Medicine Tri-Conference 2012
February 19-23, 2012
San Francisco, United States

NEW Cell Culture World Congress
February 28-March 1, 2012
Munich, Germany

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the pancreatic cell community.

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)

Postdoctoral Associate for Diabetes Research (Sanford Burnham Medical Research Institute)

Associate Professor – Stem Cell Biology and Diabetes (McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine)


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