Pancreatic Cell News Volume 3.26 | Jul 3 2012

DIABETES

A VGF-Derived Peptide Attenuates Development of Type 2 Diabetes via Enhancement of Islet β-Cell Survival and Function
Researchers showed that Nkx6.1 strongly upregulates the prohormone VGF in rat islets and that VGF is both necessary and sufficient for Nkx6.1-mediated enhancement of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Moreover, the VGF-derived peptide TLQP-21 potentiates GSIS in rat and human islets and improves glucose tolerance in vivo. [Cell Metab] Abstract | Press Release

SEC23B Is Required for the Maintenance of Murine Professional Secretory Tissues
Investigators report that mice completely deficient for SEC23B are born with no apparent anemia phenotype, but die shortly after birth, with degeneration of professional secretory tissues. In the SEC23B-deficient embryonic pancreas, defects occur in exocrine and endocrine tissues shortly after differentiation. Pancreatic acini are completely devoid of zymogen granules, and the endoplasmic reticulum is severely distended. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Adoptive Transfer of Immunomodulatory M2 Macrophages Prevents Type 1 Diabetes in NOD Mice
Fluorescent imaging analyses revealed that adoptively transferred immunosuppressive macrophages (M2r) specifically homed to the inflamed pancreas, promoting β-cell survival. [Diabetes]
Abstract | Press Release

Long-Term Remission of Diabetes in NOD Mice Is Induced by Nondepleting Anti-CD4 and Anti-CD8 Antibodies
Findings demonstrate that the use of nondepleting antibodies specific for CD4 and CD8 is a robust approach to establish long-term β-cell-specific T-cell tolerance at the onset of clinical diabetes. [Diabetes] Abstract

PANCREATIC CANCER

Targeting eNOS in Pancreatic Cancer
The authors used genetically engineered mouse and human xenograft models to evaluate the consequences of targeting endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cancer. [Cancer Res] Abstract

Requirement of NEMO/IKKγ for Effective Expansion of KRAS-Induced Precancerous Lesions in the Pancreas
Researchers suggest that NEMO, an IKK subunit necessary for canonical NF-κB activation, is dispensable for normal pancreatic development and function, but essential for the propagation of KRAS-induced pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia lesions. [Oncogene] Abstract

MS Analysis Reveals O-Methylation of L-Lactate Dehydrogenase from Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells
Findings from this study provide important biochemical information toward further understanding of the L-lactate dehydrogenase modifications and their functional significance in pathophysiological processes of pancreatic cancer. [Electrophoresis] Abstract

Targeting X-Linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Cell Growth through p-Akt Depletion
Researchers examined whether lentivirus-mediated shRNA targeting the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein gene could be exploited in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. [World J Gastroenterol] Full Article

Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca Expand Diabetes Alliance through Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Acquisition of Amylin Pharmaceuticals
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that Bristol-Myers Squibb will acquire Amylin for $31.00 per share in cash, pursuant to a cash tender offer and second step merger, or an aggregate purchase price of approximately $5.3 billion. [Bristol-Myers Squibb Company] Press Release

Peregrine Completes Patient Enrollment in Randomized Phase II Pancreatic Cancer Trial for Bavituximab
Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the completion of enrollment and randomization of 70 patients in a Phase II trial evaluating bavituximab in combination with gemcitabine versus gemcitabine alone in patients with previously untreated stage IV pancreatic cancer. [Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, Inc.] Press Release

Nuvilex Finalizes Asset Purchase Agreement and Completes Acquisition of SG Austria Assets
Nuvilex, Inc. announced that the final Asset Purchase Agreement, as amended, has been executed and the transfer of the assets of SG Austria Pte. Ltd. to Nuvilex has begun. Completing this acquisition allows Nuvilex to move forward toward conducting the pancreatic cancer treatment trial and advancing its use for diabetes therapy and stem cells. [Nuvilex, Inc.] Press Release

Rexahn Submits an Investigational New Drug Application to the FDA for First-in-Class p68 Helicase Inhibitor, RX-5902
Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that it has submitted an investigational new drug application to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a first-in-human study of RX-5902 to treat advanced or metastatic solid tumors. [Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc.] 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)

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

Scientist – hPSC Bioengineering (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

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

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

Research Associate – Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

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

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

Research Technologist – Media Development (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Postdoctoral Research Position for Minority Candidate (New York Obesity Research Center)

Clinical Coordinator (New York Obesity Nutrition Research Center)

Research Fellow in Diabetes Research (Monash University)

Postdoctoral Research Position (University Lille 2 France)

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