Pancreatic Cell News Volume 3.28 | Jul 17 2012

DIABETES

The GCTM-5 Epitope Associated with the Mucin-Like Glycoprotein FCGBP Marks Progenitor Cells in Tissues of Endodermal Origin
The authors analyzed the distribution of the GCTM-5 antigen in normal tissues and disease states, and characterized the antigen biochemically. The GCTM-5 epitope was specifically expressed on tissues derived from the definitive endoderm, in particular the fetal gut, liver and pancreas. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Multimodal Imaging of Pancreatic Beta Cells In Vivo by Targeting Transmembrane Protein 27
Investigators used molecular imaging probes specifically targeting beta cells on human samples and animal models using state-of- the-art imaging modalities with preclinical and clinical perspective. [Diabetologia] Abstract

Brain Selective Kinase 2 (BRSK2) Phosphorylation on PCTAIRE1 Negatively Regulates Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Secretion in Pancreatic β-Cells
Results revealed a novel function of BRSK2 in the regulation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in β-cells via a PCTAIRE1-dependent mechanism and suggest that BRSK2 is an attractive target for developing novel diabetic drugs. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article

Decreased Expression of Insulin and Increased Expression of Pancreatic Transcription Factor Pancreatic Duodenal Homeobox-1 in Islets in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: A Comparative Investigation Using Human Autopsy Specimens
Researchers investigated the histopathological differences in islets of langerhans cells between liver cirrhosis and type 2 diabetes. [J Gastroenterol] Abstract

Chronic Exposure to Leucine In Vitro Induces β-Cell Dysfunction in INS-1E Cells and Mouse Islets
Findings indicated that chronic exposure to elevated levels of leucine may have detrimental effects on both β-cell function and insulin sensitivity. [J Endocrinol] Abstract

PANCREATIC CANCER

Tumor Initiating Cells of Various Tumor Types Exhibit Differential Angiogenic Properties and React Differently to Antiangiogenic Drugs
Researchers sought to determine the angiogenic properties of tumor initiating cells in different tumor types including glioblastoma, colon, breast, non-small cell lung, and pancreatic cancers. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Gemcitabine Triggers a Pro-Survival Response in Pancreatic Cancer Cells through Activation of the MNK2/eIF4E Pathway
Results highlighted a novel pro-survival pathway triggered by gemcitabine in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells, which leads to mitogen activating protein kinase interacting kinase 2 (MNK2)-dependent phosphorylation of eIF4E, suggesting that the MNK/eIF4E pathway represents an escape route utilized by PDAC cells to withstand chemotherapeutic treatments. [Oncogene] Abstract

MUC4 Potentiates Invasion and Metastasis of Pancreatic Cancer Cells through Stabilization of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1
Researchers investigated the molecular mechanisms associated with the MUC4-induced invasion and metastasis in pancreatic cancer. [Carcinogenesis] Abstract

Secreted Semaphorin 5A Suppressed Pancreatic Tumor Burden but Increased Metastasis and Endothelial Cell Proliferation
Results suggest that a bioactive, secreted form of the extracellular domain of semaphorin 5A has an intriguing and potentially important role in its ability to enhance pancreatic tumor invasiveness, angiogenesis and micrometastases. [Br J Cancer] Abstract

Pancreatic Cancer Cells Enhance the Ability of Collagen Internalization during Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Investigators aimed to characterize collagen internalization, which is the initial step of the intracellular degradation pathway in pancreatic cancer cells, in light of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. [PLoS One]
Full Article

OncoMed Pharmaceuticals Initiates Phase I Clinical Trial of Anti-Cancer Stem Cell Therapeutic OMP-54F28 (Fzd8 -Fc)
OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that patient dosing has begun in a Phase I clinical trial of OMP-54F28 in patients with advanced solid tumor cancers. [OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc.] Press Release

Biomedical Engineering Degree First In Western Canada
The University of Victoria is launching a new undergraduate biomedical engineering degree, the first of its kind west of Ontario. [The University of Victoria] Press Release

TMC Institutions Get $20 Million Renewal Grant for Translational Medicine Center
In 2006, three Texas Medical Center (TMC) institutions were among the first in the nation to receive a Clinical and Translational Science Award from the National Institutes of Health to accelerate the translation of laboratory discoveries into patient treatments. That grant has been renewed for another five years. [The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston] 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.)

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

Scientific Communications & Publishing Coordinator (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Quality Control Operations Coordinator (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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