Pancreatic Cell News Volume 3.48 | Dec 4 2012

DIABETES

Islet α, β, and δ Cell Development Is Controlled by the Ldb1 Coregulator, Acting Primarily with the Islet-1 Transcription Factor
The islet-enriched pattern of Ldb1 was similar to pan-endocrine cell-expressed Islet-1 (Isl1), was demonstrated to be the primary Lin11-Isl1-Mec3-homeodomain transcription factor in developing and adult islet cells. [Diabetes] Abstract

Intrapatient Variations in Type 1 Diabetes-Specific iPS Cell Differentiation into Insulin-Producing Cells
From individual patients with type 1 diabetes, multiple human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) clones were produced and prospectively screened using a battery of developmental markers to assess respective differentiation propensity and proficiency in yielding functional insulin-producing progeny. [Mol Ther] Abstract

Pharmacological Reduction of NEFA Restores the Efficacy of Incretin-Based Therapies through GLP-1 Receptor Signaling in the Beta Cell in Mouse Models of Diabetes
Researchers investigated the effects of NEFA on incretin receptor signaling and examined the glucose-lowering efficacy of incretin-based drugs in combination with the lipid-lowering agent bezafibrate. Beta cell lines and mouse islets were used to examine glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide receptor signaling. [Diabetologia] Full Article

Mitogen-Inducible Gene 6 Triggers Apoptosis and Exacerbates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Induced β-Cell Death
The authors used Mitogen-inducible gene 6 (Mig6) heterozygous knockout mice to study the role of Mig6 in regulating β-cell proliferation and survival. [Mol Endocrinol] Abstract

Trefoil Factor 2 Promotes Cell Proliferation in Pancreatic β-Cells through CXCR-4-Mediated ERK1/2 Phosphorylation
Scientists investigated the mechanism by which Trefoil factor 2 (TFF2) enhances pancreatic β-cell proliferation. The effects of TFF2 on cell proliferation were evaluated in INS-1 cells, MIN6 cells, and mouse islets using an adenovirus vector containing TFF2 or a recombinant TFF2 peptide. [Endocrinology] Abstract

PANCREATIC CANCER

Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Increase Pancreatic Endocrine Cell Development in Rat and Mouse
The authors aimed to discover new drugs that can activate the differentiation of multipotent pancreatic progenitors into endocrine cells. In vitro experiments were performed using fetal pancreatic explants from rats and mice. They examined the actions on pancreatic cell development of glibenclamide, a sulfonylurea derivative, and glycine hydrazide, a small-molecule inhibitor of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. [Diabetologia] Abstract | Full Article

Plk1 Phosphorylation of Orc2 and Hbo1 Contributes to Gemcitabine Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer
Researchers demonstrated that Plk1 phosphorylation of Orc2 and Hbo1 mediates the resistance to gemcitabine. They showed that the level of Plk1 expression positively correlates with gemcitabine resistance in both pancreatic cancer cells and xenograft tumors. [Mol Cancer Ther] Abstract

GANT-61 Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cell Growth In Vitro and in NOD/SCID/IL2R γ Null Mice Xenograft
Researchers aimed to examine the molecular mechanisms by which GANT-61 (Gli transcription factor inhibitor) regulates stem cell characteristics and tumor growth. Effects of GANT-61 on cancer stem cells viability, spheroid formation, apoptosis, DNA-binding and transcriptional activities, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition were measured. [Cancer Lett] Abstract

Salvianolic Acid B Inhibits the Amyloid Formation of Human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide and Protects Pancreatic Beta-Cells against Cytotoxicity
Investigators tested whether salvianolic acid B (SalB) has any effect on the amyloidogenicity of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP). Their results clearly suggest that SalB can significantly inhibit the formation of hIAPP amyloid and disaggregate hIAPP fibrils. [Proteins] Abstract

REVIEWS

World First – Australian Trial of Cord Blood Seeking to Prevent Type 1 Diabetes
Australian researchers at the Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead will investigate the potential to prevent or delay the onset of type 1 diabetes in high-risk children using cord blood. [Cell Care] Press Release

Aduro Announces Completion of Enrollment in Phase II Clinical Trial
Aduro BioTech, Inc. announced completion of enrollment in the phase II clinical trial of the sequential administration of two cancer vaccines, Aduro’s CRS-207 and GVAX Pancreas Cancer Vaccine, in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Enrollment was completed eight months ahead of schedule. [Business Wire] 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)

Research Technologist – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Product Quality Scientist (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

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

Scientist or Engineer – hPSC Bioengineer (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Quality Control Analyst (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Postdoctoral Position – Beta Cell Biology and Translational Research (University of California, Los Angeles)

Postdoctoral Position – Tumor Stem Cells (Cancer Institute of New Jersey)

Postdoctoral Position – In Vivo Drug Discovery Using Zebrafish (Karolinska Institute)

Postdoctoral Position – Novel Receptors in Endocrine Pancreas Development (TU-Dresden)

Postdoctoral Position – Pancreatic Cancer Research (Ohio State University – Comprehensive Cancer Center)

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