Pancreatic Cell News Volume 3.19 | May 15 2012

DIABETES

Interleukin-21 Receptor-Mediated Signals Control Autoreactive T Cell Infiltration in Pancreatic Islets
Investigators concluded that interleukin-21 receptor controls both antigen transport by dendritic cells and the crucial beacon function of CD4⁺ cells for autoreactive CD8⁺ cells to reach the islets. [Immunity] Abstract

ChREBP Mediates Glucose-Stimulated Pancreatic β-Cell Proliferation
Researchers tested the hypothesis that carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) is required for glucose-stimulated β-cell proliferation. [Diabetes] Abstract

Inhibition of Gelatinase B (Matrix Metalloprotease-9) Activity Reduces Cellular Inflammation and Restores Function of Transplanted Pancreatic Islets
Results indicate that the increase of matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-9 expression and activity after islet transplantation is directly related to enhanced leukocyte migration and that early islet graft survival can be improved by inhibiting MMP-9 activity. [Diabetes] Abstract

Critical Role of c-Kit in Beta Cell Function: Increased Insulin Secretion and Protection Against Diabetes in a Mouse Model
Findings demonstrate that c-Kit plays a direct protective role in beta cells, by regulating glucose metabolism and beta cell function. [Diabetologia] Abstract

Mixed Chimerism and Growth Factors Augment ß Cell Regeneration and Reverse Late-Stage Type 1 Diabetes
Researchers showed that combination therapy of induced mixed chimerism under a radiation-free nontoxic anti-CD3/CD8 conditioning regimen and administration of gastrin/epidermal growth factor augments both ß cell neogenesis and replication, resulting in reversal of late-stage type 1 diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice. [Sci Transl Med] Abstract | Press Release

PANCREATIC CANCER

KRas Induces a Src/PEAK1/ErbB2 Kinase Amplification Loop that Drives Metastatic Growth and Therapy Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer
Researchers report that the novel tyrosine kinase PEAK1 is upregulated in human malignancies, including human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Findings suggest that PEAK1 is a novel biomarker, critical signaling hub, and new therapeutic target in PDACs. [Cancer Res] Abstract | Press Release

The MUC4 Mucin Mediates Gemcitabine Resistance of Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells via the Concentrative Nucleoside Transporter Family
This work describes a new mechanism of pancreatic cancer cell resistance to gemcitabine, in which the MUC4 mucin negatively regulates the concentrative nucleoside transporter 1 transporter expression via the NF-κB pathway. [Oncogene] Abstract

Pancreatic Cancer Therapy by Systemic Administration of VEGF siRNA Contained in Calcium Phosphate/Charge-Conversional Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles
Systemic administration of the smart polymer/calcium phosphate/small interfering RNA (siRNA) hybrid nanoparticles carrying vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) siRNA led to the significant reduction in the subcutaneous pancreatic cancer cell tumor growth, consistent with the enhanced accumulation of siRNA and the significant VEGF gene silencing in the tumor. [J Control Release] Abstract

Loss of ATRX or DAXX Expression and Concomitant Acquisition of the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres Phenotype Are Late Events in a Small Subset of MEN-1 Syndrome Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Findings establish the existence of ATRX (alpha thalassemia/mental retardation X-linked) and DAXX (death domain-associated protein) defects and the alternative lengthening of telomeres phenotype in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors in the context of multiple endocrine neoplasia-1 (MEN-1) syndrome. [Mod Pathol] Abstract

Triptolide Triggers the Apoptosis of Pancreatic Cancer Cells via the Downregulation of Decoy Receptor 3 Expression
Researchers examined the antitumor effects of triptolide against pancreatic cancer and investigated the underlying mechanism. [J Cancer Res Clin Oncol] Abstract

UVA Artificial Pancreas Gets First U.S. Outpatient Test
The University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine has launched the first U.S. outpatient trial of a UVA-developed artificial pancreas that could make it easier for type 1 diabetes patients to manage their condition. [University of Virginia Health System] Press Release

Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Announces $15 Million Expansion of Together on Diabetes^® to China and India
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation announced the expansion of its Together on Diabetes^® initiative to China and India, pledging $15 million over five years to help these developing nations with rapidly growing numbers of type 2 diabetes patients. [Bristol-Myers Squibb] Press Release

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center and Norwegian Cancer Consortium Renew Collaboration
The University of Texas (UT) MD Anderson Cancer Center will renew a collaborative agreement with the Norwegian Cancer Consortium at a signing ceremony scheduled in Stavanger, Norway. [The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center] Press Release

A Global Standard for Peer Review
After winning the strong backing of the White House, Subra Suresh convened a meeting of 47 leaders of research funding agencies from 44 countries. At the conclusion of closed-door sessions, the group will issue the first-ever global statement on the principles of merit review. [National Science Foundation, United States] Press Release

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; Notice of Closed Meetings (FR Doc No: 2012-11078) [National Institutes of Health, United States]

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)

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 – Endothelial Cells (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Research Associate – Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Research Associate – Particle Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Research Technologist – Contract Assay Services (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Postdoctoral Position – Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Pancreatic Tumor Cell Signaling (Mayo Clinic)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Department of Bioengineering and Barbara Davis Center (University of Colorado at Denver)


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