DIABETES Changes in MicroRNA Expression Contribute to Pancreatic β-Cell Dysfunction in Prediabetic NOD Mice The study findings suggest that changes in the level of microRNA-29 family members contribute to cytokine-mediated β-cell dysfunction occurring during the initial phases of type 1 diabetes. [Diabetes] Abstract γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Signaling in Human Pancreatic Islets Is Altered in Type 2 Diabetes Researchers examined the expression and function of the GABA signaling system components in human pancreatic islets from normoglycemic and type 2 diabetic individuals. [Diabetologia] Abstract Different Levels of Notch Signaling Regulate Quiescence, Renewal and Differentiation in Pancreatic Endocrine Progenitors Using single-cell genetic analyses and a new transgenic system that allows dynamic assessment of Notch signaling, investigators addressed how discrete levels of Notch signaling regulate the behavior of endocrine progenitors in the zebrafish intrapancreatic duct. [Development] Abstract AMPA Receptors Regulate Exocytosis and Insulin Release in Pancreatic Beta Cells Researchers demonstrated that glutamate receptor 2-containing α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors were expressed in mouse β cells. [Traffic] Abstract Effect of PANDER in βTC6-Cell Lipoapoptosis and the Protective Role of Exendin-4 This study of β-cell lipoapoptosis investigated the roles of pancreatic-derived factor (PANDER), a pro-apoptosis cytokine-like peptide, and exendin-4. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract PANCREATIC CANCER Oncogenic Kras Maintains Pancreatic Tumors through Regulation of Anabolic Glucose Metabolism Researchers used an inducible KrasG12D-driven pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) mouse model to establish that advanced PDAC remains strictly dependent on KrasG12D expression. [Cell] Abstract Tumor-Targeted TNFα Stabilizes Tumor Vessels and Enhances Active Immunotherapy The authors tested whether targeting IFNγ and/or TNFα into pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors can alleviate immune suppression. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract The ST2 Pathway Is Involved in Acute Pancreatitis: A Translational Study in Humans and Mice Because interleukin-33 (IL-33), the ST2 ligand, is an IL-1 family member and acts as an alarmin, researchers explored the ST2 pathway in human and mouse acute pancreatitis. [Am J Pathol] Abstract Intratumoral Delivery of CpG-Conjugated Anti-MUC1 Antibody Enhances NK Cell Anti-Tumor Activity Researchers investigated the cytolytic activity of natural killer (NK) cells against pancreatic cancer cells that were coated with an antibody directed against the human tumor antigen, Mucin-1 designated HMFG-2, either alone or conjugated to CpG oligodeoxynucleotide. [Cancer Immunol Immunother] Abstract Mucin 16 (Cancer Antigen 125) Expression in Human Tissues and Cell Lines and Correlation with Clinical Outcome in Adenocarcinomas of the Pancreas, Esophagus, Stomach, and Colon The authors examined mucin 16 expression in a large number of digestive tract adenocarcinomas and precursors and determined whether mucin 16 up-regulation is correlated with patient outcome. [Hum Pathol] Abstract |