Pancreatic Cell News Volume 5.29 | Aug 5 2014

LKB1 and AMPK Differentially Regulate Pancreatic β-Cell Identity
Researchers sought to identify the potential roles in β-cell identity of the tumor suppressor liver kinase B1 (LKB1/STK11) and the downstream fuel-sensitive kinase, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). [FASEB J] Abstract

Possible Protective Effect of Membrane Lipid Rafts against Interleukin-1β-Mediated Anti-Proliferative Effect in INS-1 Cells
Using the INS-1 rat pancreatic β-cell line, scientists investigated the potential involvement of membrane-associated cholesterol-enriched lipid rafts in interleukin-1β signaling and biological effects on insulin secretion, β-cell proliferation and apoptosis. [PLoS One] Full Article

Elucidation of the Roles of the Src Kinases in Pancreatic Acinar Cell Signaling
Using three different approaches to altering Src activity allowed scientists to define fully for the first time the roles of Src-Family kinases in acinar cell signaling. [J Cell Biochem] Abstract

Arsenic Induces Apoptosis by the Lysosomal-Mitochondrial Pathway in INS-1 Cells
Researchers explored arsenic-induced pancreatic β-cell apoptosis and the mechanisms of through the possible link between lysosomal and the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. [Environ Toxicol] Abstract

Pharmacological Dose of Melatonin Reduces Cytosolic Calcium Load in Response to Cholecystokinin in Mouse Pancreatic Acinar Cells
The effects of melatonin on Ca²⁺ mobilization induced by cholecystokinin octapeptide in freshly isolated mouse pancreatic acinar cells were examined. [Mol Cell Biochem] Abstract

PANCREATIC CANCER

The CREB Binding Protein Inhibitor ICG-001 Suppresses Pancreatic Cancer Growth
Researchers examined ICG-001 and its potential role as a therapeutic in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). ICG-001 alone significantly inhibited anchorage-dependent and -independent growth of multiple PDAC lines, and augmented in vitro growth inhibition when used in combination with gemcitabine. [Mol Cancer Ther] Abstract

The IL-8/CXCR1 Axis Is Associated with Cancer Stem Cell-Like Properties and Correlates with Clinical Prognosis in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cases
Scientists evaluated the expression of CXCR1 in human pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and found that positive CXCR1 expression correlated with lymph node metastasis and a poor survival rate in patients with PDAC. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Enhancement of Phototoxicity against Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells with Photosensitizer-Encapsulated Amphiphilic Sodium Alginate Derivative Nanoparticles
Upon incubation with human pancreatic cancer cells, photosensitizer-encapsulated amphiphilic sodium alginate derivative (Photosan-CSAD) nanoparticles showed high fluorescence activity and reactive oxygen species generation, resulting in strong phototoxicity. Apoptosis played a leading role in the cell death process induced by the Photosan phototoxicity. [Int J Pharm] Abstract

Sonic Hedgehog-Gli1 Signaling Pathway Regulates the Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) by Mediating a New Target Gene, S100A4, in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Researchers investigated regulating mechanism of Gli1 to some members of S100A genes family in pancreatic cancer cell lines. The regulation of Gli1 to S100A4 gene was then studied by molecular biology assays and the pro-metastasis effection of Gli1-dependent S100A4 was investigated in vitro. [PLoS One] Full Article

USP22 Promotes Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition via the FAK Pathway in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Scientists revealed that the overexpression of USP22 in PANC-1 cells promoted Ezrin redistribution and phosphorylation and cytoskeletal remodeling, upregulated expression of the transcription factors Snail and ZEB1 to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and increased cellular invasion and migration. [Oncol Rep] Abstract

Challenges and Future Directions in Therapeutics for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
The authors analyze why pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is so difficult to treat and suggest future directions for PDAC therapeutics. [Expert Opin Investig Drugs] Abstract

Gemcitabine: Metabolism and Molecular Mechanisms of Action, Sensitivity and Chemoresistance in Pancreatic Cancer
Current knowledge of gemcitabine metabolism, mechanisms of action, sensitivity and chemoresistance reported over the past two decades are reviewed. The authors offer new perspectives to improve gemcitabine efficacy with particular reference to the treatment of pancreatic cancer. [Eur J Pharmacol] Abstract

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the pancreatic cell research field.

FDA Approves Jardiance^® (Empagliflozin) Tablets for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Eli Lilly and Company announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Jardiance^® (empagliflozin) tablets as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control, or blood glucose levels, in adults with type 2 diabetes. [Eli Lilly and Company] Press Release

Type 2 Diabetes: Jentadueto^® (Linagliptin and Metformin Hydrochloride) Tablets Label Updated to Include New Data on Blood Glucose Reductions in Treatment-Naive Adults with High Baseline A1C
The U.S. Prescribing Information for Jentadueto^® tablets now includes clinical trial data that showed linagliptin co-administered with metformin provided statistically significant decreases in blood glucose compared with linagliptin alone in treatment-naive adults with type 2 diabetes and high baseline A1C levels. Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Eli Lilly and Company announced that the data, based on results from a prospective 24-week Phase IV clinical trial. [Eli Lilly and Company] Press Release

Novimmune Reports Successful Completion of Phase I Trial for NI-0101
Novimmune SA announced the completion of a comprehensive Phase I clinical trial investigating the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, preliminary tolerability and safety of NI-0101, a first-in-class monoclonal antibody against toll-like receptor 4, in presence and absence in vivo of a TLR4 ligand. NI-0101 has been proposed as a potential target in drug discovery for a range of conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, lung disease, diabetes, and kidney disease. [Novimmune SA] Press Release

From our sponsor:
Interested in assays for human mammary stem and progenitor cells? Request your free wallchart.

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)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the pancreatic cell community.

Postdoctoral Fellow – Diabetes and Inflammatory Diseases (University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Positions – Diabetes Research (Sanofi)

Principal Scientist – Diabetes Biology (Novo Nordisk China R&D Center)

Postdoctoral Research Assistant – Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell Immunotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells (Queen Mary University of London)

Professorship – Molecular Mechanisms of Diabetes Pathogenesis (University of Southern Denmark)

PhD Scholarships – Diabetes (Danish Diabetes Academy)

Diabetes UK RD Lawrence Fellowships (Diabetes UK)

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cell Biology Endoderm Lineages (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cell Media Development, High Throughput Screening (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Cell Culture Support Products (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Immunology/Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Associate – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Recruit Top Talent: Reach more than 50,000 potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.