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 |