Pancreatic Cell News Volume 3.13 | Apr 3 2012

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    Pancreatic Cell News 3.13, April 3, 2012

         In this issue: Publications | Science News | Industry News | Policy News | Events | Jobs 
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    TOP STORY
    Redifferentiation of Expanded Human Pancreatic Beta-Cell-Derived Cells by Inhibition of the NOTCH Pathway
    Using a β-cell-specific labeling system researchers have shown that β-cell expansion is accompanied by dedifferentiation resembling epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and loss of insulin expression. [J Biol Chem] Abstract

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    PUBLICATIONS (Ranked by Impact Factor of the Journal)

    DIABETES

    Transgenerational Glucose Intolerance with Igf2/H19 Epigenetic Alterations in Mouse Islet Induced by Intrauterine Hyperglycemia
    In both first-generation and second-generation offspring of gestational diabetes mellitus mice, the expression of imprinted genes Igf2 and H19 was downregulated in pancreatic islets, caused by abnormal methylation status of the differentially methylated region, which may be one of the mechanisms for impaired islet ultrastructure and function. [Diabetes] Abstract

    Control of Beta Cell Function and Proliferation in Mice Stimulated by Small-Molecule Glucokinase Activator under Various Conditions
    Researchers investigated changes in the expression of genes involved in beta cell function and proliferation in mouse islets stimulated with glucokinase activator (GKA) in order to elucidate the mechanisms by which GKA stimulates beta cell function and proliferation. [Diabetologia] Abstract

    The Transcriptional Co-Repressor Grg3/Tle3 Promotes Pancreatic Endocrine Progenitor Delamination and β-Cell Differentiation
    Investigators find that Grg3 normally suppresses E-cadherin gene expression, thereby allowing delamination of endocrine cells from the trunk epithelium and revealing how this transcriptional co-repressor modulates this crucial step of β-cell development. [Development] Abstract

    Novel Pancreatic Beta Cell-Specific Proteins: Antibody-Based Proteomics for Identification of New Biomarker Candidates
    By antibody-based proteomics, scientists have identified and explored a set of islet cell-specific proteins. [J Proteomics] Abstract

    Improving Cellular Function and Immune Protection via Layer-by-Layer Nanocoating of Pancreatic Islet β-Cell Spheroids Cocultured with Mesenchymal Stem Cells
    This study aimed to develop a novel strategy to create microenvironment for islets via integration of nanoencapsulation with cell cocultures, thereby enhancing their survival and function. [J Biomed Mater Res A] Abstract

    In Vitro Reprogramming of Rat Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Insulin-Producing Cells by Genetically Manipulating Negative and Positive Regulators
    Investigators determined whether bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells can be directly reprogrammed to islet lineages by simultaneously forced suppression and over-expression of key regulator genes that play critical roles during pancreas development. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract

    PANCREATIC CANCER

    Therapeutic Potential of Amanitin-Conjugated Anti-Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule Monoclonal Antibody Against Pancreatic Carcinoma
    This preclinical study suggests that anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) antibody conjugates with α-amanitin have the potential to be highly effective therapeutic agents for pancreatic carcinomas and various EpCAM-expressing malignancies. [J Natl Cancer Inst] Abstract | Press Release

    Hyaluronan Impairs Vascular Function and Drug Delivery in a Mouse Model of Pancreatic Cancer
    Researchers examined the role of an abundant extracellular matrix component, the megadalton glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan, as a novel therapeutic target in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. [Gut] Abstract

    Pancreatic Stellate Cells Form a Niche for Cancer Stem Cells and Promote Their Self-Renewal and Invasiveness
    Researchers demonstrate mechanistically that Nodal-expressing pancreatic stellate cells are an important component of the tumor stroma for creating a paracrine niche for pancreatic cancer stem cells. [Cell Cycle] Abstract

    Senescence Determines the Fate of Activated Rat Pancreatic Stellate Cells
    Researchers have analyzed senescence as a novel mechanism involved in the termination of pancreatic stellate cell activation and tissue repair. [J Cell Mol Med] Abstract

    MicroRNA Expression Aids the Preoperative Diagnosis of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
    This study aimed to evaluate microRNA (miRNA) expression in pancreatic resection specimens and fine needle aspiration biopsies and determine which, if any, miRNAs aid the distinction between benign and malignant pancreatic tumors in limited cytology material. [Pancreas] Abstract

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    SCIENCE NEWS
    Nutritional Supplement Works Against Some Pancreatic Cancer Cells in Mice
    The dietary supplement gamma-linoleic acid can inhibit the growth of a subset of pancreatic cancer cells and selectively promote cancer cell death in mice, researchers have found. [Press release from the Mayo Clinic discussing research presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2012, Chicago] Press Release

    INDUSTRY NEWS

    NGM and Daiichi Sankyo Collaborate to Discover and Develop Innovative Therapeutics for Diabetes
    Daiichi Sankyo Company, Ltd. and NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that they have entered into a research collaboration and license agreement to discover and develop novel therapeutics that modulate beta‐cell regeneration for the treatment of diabetes. [NGM Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.] Press Release

    iCo Therapeutics and JDRF Team Up to Support Phase II Clinical Trial iDEAL for Diabetic Macular Edema
    iCo Therapeutics and JDRF have joined forces to investigate a potential new treatment for one of the most common complications of diabetes, diabetic macular edema. [iCo Therapeutics, Inc.] Press Release

    Einstein Researcher to Receive Top Award from American Federation for Medical Research
    Meredith Hawkins, M.D. will receive the American Federation for Medical Research’s highest honor for medical research, the Outstanding Investigator Award. Dr. Hawkins was selected for her diabetes research. [Albert Einstein College of Medicine] Press Release

    CPRIT Gives $1 Million to Health Science Center Researchers
    The University of Texas (UT) Health Science Center was awarded $1 million by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) to fund instrumentation that will help researchers develop new cancer-fighting drugs. [UT Health Science Center] Press Release

    Writing the Book of Cancer Knowledge
    An academic-industry collaboration is releasing the first results from a new and freely available resource, the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia, that marries deeply detailed cancer genome data with predictors of drug response, information that could lead to refinements in cancer clinical trials and future treatments. [The Eli and Edythe L. Broad Institute] Press Release

    POLICY NEWS

    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)

    EVENTS
    NEW European Association for Cancer Research (EACR)-22: From Basic Research to Personalized Cancer Treatment
    July 7-10, 2012
    Barcelona, Spain

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

    JOB OPPORTUNITIES

    Scientist – Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

    Scientist – hPSC Bioengineering (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

    Scientist – Antibody and Hybridoma Technology Platforms (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

    Business Analyst – Product Management (STEMSOFT Software, Inc.)

    Scientist – Epithelial Cell Research (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

    Scientist – Hematology (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

    Scientist – hPSC (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

    Scientist – Endothelial Cells (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

    Postdoctoral Fellow – Diabetes Genetics Department (INSERM)

    Postdoctoral Fellow – Stem Cell Biology (City of Hope Beckman Research Institute)

    Postdoctoral Research Assistant (Queen Mary, University of London)

    Director of The Diabetes and Metabolic Disease Research Program (The Methodist Hospital Research Institute)


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