Pancreatic Cell News Volume 3.06 | Feb 14 2012

DIABETES

Rapamycin Toxicity in MIN6 Cells and Rat and Human Islets Is Mediated by the Inhibition of mTOR Complex 2
The primary objective of this study was to elucidate the molecular mechanism of rapamycin toxicity in beta cells. [Diabetologia] Abstract

Ectopic Expression of Glucagon Receptor in Skeletal Muscles Improves Glucose Homeostasis in a Mouse Model of Diabetes
Scientists aimed to study the effects of a ‘decoy receptor’ for circulating glucagon on modulating beta cell function and glucose homeostasis in mice by over-producing the glucagon receptor in skeletal muscles. [Diabetologia] Abstract

Superior Beta Cell Proliferation, Function and Gene Expression in a Subpopulation of Rat Islets Identified by High Blood Perfusion
This study tested the hypothesis that there is heterogeneity between islets with regard to beta cell proliferation, function and gene expression based on differences in their blood perfusion. [Diabetologia] Abstract

Transient Overexpression of Cyclin D2/CDK4/GLP1 Genes Induces Proliferation and Differentiation of Adult Pancreatic Progenitors and Mediates Islet Regeneration
Researchers hypothesized that gene therapy with cyclin D2/CDK4/GLP-1 plasmids targeted to the pancreas of STZ-treated rats by ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction would force cell cycle re-entry of residual G0-phase islet cells into G1/S phase to regenerate β cells. [Cell Cycle] Abstract

A New Enzyme Mixture to Increase the Yield and Transplant Rate of Autologous and Allogeneic Human Islet Products
In this study, investigators evaluated eight different enzyme combinations in an attempt to improve islet yield. [Transplantation] Abstract

Reversal of Diabetes by βTC3 Cells Encapsulated in Alginate Beads Generated by Emulsion and Internal Gelation
Encapsulation of insulin-producing cells in alginate beads could improve the treatment of type 1 diabetes by reducing or eliminating the need for immunosuppression. Investigators have recently adapted an emulsion and internal gelation process to β-cell encapsulation. [J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater] Abstract

PANCREATIC CANCER

Diabetes Aggravates Acute Pancreatitis and Inhibits Pancreas Regeneration in Mice
The aim of this study was to evaluate if diabetes merely reflects the severity of pancreatitis or whether it can also aggravate the progression of this disease in a vicious circle. [Diabetologia] Abstract

Plumbagin, a Plant Derived Natural Agent Inhibits the Growth of Pancreatic Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Vivo via Targeting EGFR, Stat3 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways
Scientists present here that plumbagin, a quinoid constituent isolated from the roots of the medicinal plant Plumbago zeylanica L, inhibits the growth of pancreatic cancer cells in both in vitro and in vivo model systems. [Int J Cancer] Abstract

Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin-Related 7 Channel Is Overexpressed in Human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinomas and Regulates Human Pancreatic Cancer Cell Migration
Results indicate that melastatin-related transient receptor potential 7 channel (TRPM7) is involved in the BxPC-3 cell migration via a Mg²⁺-dependent mechanism and may be a potential biomarker of poor prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. [Int J Cancer] Abstract

Identification of NME5 as a Contributor to Innate Resistance to Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
The limited therapeutic effect of gemcitabine on pancreatic cancer is largely attributed to pre-existing or acquired resistance of the tumor cells. This study aims to screen for candidate resistance-related gene(s) and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. [FEBS J] Abstract

Tiltan Pharma Commences Phase II Clinical Study of Anti-Angiogenic Treatment for Pancreatic Cancer
Tiltan Pharma Ltd. announced that it has commenced a Phase II clinical trial of its anti-angiogenic product TL-118 for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. [Reuters] Press Release

American Diabetes Association Names Robert E. Ratner, MD, FACP, FACE as Organization’s Chief Scientific and Medical Officer
The American Diabetes Association announced that Robert E. Ratner, MD, FACP, FACE has been named Chief Scientific and Medical Officer, effective May 7, 2012. [American Diabetes Association] 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 American Association for Cancer Research 103rd Annual Meeting 2012
March 31-April 4, 2012
Chicago, United States

NEW Experimental Biology 2012
April 21-25, 2012
San Diego, United States

NEW 2nd EACR-OECI Joint Training Course ‘Molecular Pathology Approach to Cancer’
May 7-9, 2012
Amsterdam, Netherlands

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)

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

PhD Scholarships – Ion Transport Proteins in Control of Cancer Cell Behavior (Copenhagen University, Faculty of Science)

PhD Student Positions – Stem Cell Differentiation and Cellular Reprogramming (University Hospital of Ulm)


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