DIABETES Adipocyte Lipid Chaperone aP2 Is a Secreted Adipokine Regulating Hepatic Glucose Production Scientists demonstrated that although established as an intracellular lipid chaperone, aP2 is in fact actively secreted from adipocytes to control liver glucose metabolism. Secretion of aP2 from adipocytes is regulated by fasting- and lipolysis-related signals, and circulating aP2 levels are markedly elevated in mouse and human obesity. [Cell Metab] Abstract | Graphical Abstract | Press Release Enhanced Function of Immuno-Isolated Islets in Diabetes Therapy by Co-Encapsulation with an Anti-Inflammatory Drug Immuno-isolation of islets has the potential to enable the replacement of pancreatic function in diabetic patients. However, host response to the encapsulated islets frequently leads to fibrotic overgrowth with subsequent impairment of the transplanted grafts. Researchers identified and incorporated anti-inflammatory agents into islet-containing microcapsules to address this challenge. [Biomaterials] Abstract Preventing p38 MAPK-Mediated MafA Degradation Ameliorates β Cell Dysfunction under Oxidative Stress Researchers previously showed that p38 MAPK, but not GSK3, is a major regulator of MafA degradation under oxidative stress. They examined the mechanisms of this degradation and whether preventing MafA degradation under oxidative stress will overcome β-cell dysfunction. They showed that under oxidative and non-oxidative conditions p38 MAPK directly binds to MafA and triggers MafA degradation via ubiquitin proteasomal pathway. [Mol Endocrinol] Abstract Reversal of Hyperglycemia by Insulin-Secreting Rat Bone Marrow- and Blastocyst-Derived Hypoblast Stem Cell-Like Cells β-cell replacement may efficiently cure type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients whose insulin-secreting β-cells have been selectively destroyed by autoantigen-reactive T cells. To generate insulin-secreting cells, researchers used two cell sources: rat multipotent adult progenitor cells (rMAPC) and the highly similar rat extra-embryonic endoderm precursor cells isolated under rMAPC conditions from blastocysts (rHypoSC). rMAPC/rHypoSC were sequentially committed to definitive endoderm, pancreatic endoderm, and β-cell like cells. [PLoS One] Full Article A Whey Protein Hydrolysate Promotes Insulinotropic Activity in a Clonal Pancreatic β-Cell Line and Enhances Glycemic Function in ob/ob Mice The effects of a whey protein hydrolysates (WPH) were analyzed in vitro on acute glucose-induced insulin secretion in pancreatic BRIN-BD11 β cells. BRIN-BD11 cells showed a robust and reproducible dose-dependent insulinotropic effect of WPH. [J Nutr] Abstract Loss of β-Arrestin2 Mediates Pancreatic-Islet Dysfunction in Mice Investigators found that β-arrestin2 was abundantly expressed in mouse pancreatic beta cells, while its expression was significantly decreased in obese and diabetic mouse models. Hyperglycemic clamp study showed that the first and second phase of insulin secretion were impaired in β-arrestin2 knockout mice. [Biochem Bioph Res Co] Abstract PANCREATIC CANCER The Novel c-Met Inhibitor Cabozantinib Overcomes Gemcitabine Resistance and Stem Cell Signaling in Pancreatic Cancer Investigators evaluated the effect of cabozantinib to stem-like features and therapy resistance. Cabozantinib inhibited viability and spheroid formation and induced apoptosis in malignant cells with minor effects in non-malignant cells. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article ARID1B, A Member of the Human SWI/SNF Chromatin Remodeling Complex, Exhibits Tumor-Suppressor Activities in Pancreatic Cancer Cell Lines Researchers have characterized a possible tumor suppressor role for the largest subunit of the SWItch/sucrose nonfermentable (SWI/SNF) complex, namely the AT-rich interaction domain 1B (ARID1B). ARID1B was transcriptionally repressed due to promoter hypermethylation, and ectopic expression severely compromised the ability of MiaPaCa2 cells to form colonies in liquid culture and soft agar. [Brit J Canc] Abstract Putative Tumor Suppressor Gene SEL1L Was Downregulated by Aberrantly Upregulated hsa-mir-155 in Human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Scientists investigated whether aberrantly upregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) repressed the expression of SEL1L. From reported miRNA microarray studies on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and predicted miRNA targets, they identified seven aberrantly upregulated miRNAs that potentially target SEL1L. [Mol Carcinogen] Abstract B7-H4 Enhances Oncogenicity and Inhibits Apoptosis in Pancreatic Cancer Cells Researchers investigated the mechanisms involved in enhanced oncogenicity and the inhibition of apoptosis by B7-H4 in pancreatic cancer cells. Increased apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells following B7-H4 silencing was demonstrated in vitro by using flow cytometry and in a xenograft tumor model and was associated with increased caspase activity and decreased Erk1/2 phosphorylation both in vitro and in vivo. [Cell Tissue Res] Abstract |