DIABETES & PANCREATITIS Assessment of β-Cell Mass and α- and β-Cell Survival and Function by Arginine Stimulation in Human Autologous Islet Recipients Researchers utilized intravenous arginine with measurements of insulin, C-peptide, and glucagon to examine β-cell and α-cell survival and function in a group of ten chronic pancreatitis recipients one to eight years after total pancreatectomy and autoislet transplantation. [Diabetes] Abstract Doc2b Serves as a Scaffolding Platform for Concurrent Binding of Multiple Munc18 Isoforms in Pancreatic Islet Beta Cells Researchers hypothesized that Doc2b may provide a plasma membrane-localized scaffold/platform for transient docking of these Munc18 isoforms during glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Toward this, macromolecular complexes composed of Munc18c, Doc2b, and Munc18-1 were detected in beta cells. [Biochem J] Abstract GABA Protects Pancreatic Beta Cells against Apoptosis by Increasing SIRT1 Expression and Activity Scientists found that the incubation of a clonal beta-cell line with GABA increased the expression of SIRT1, as did GABA receptor agonists acting on either type A or B receptors. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract Transdifferentiation of Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells into Pancreatic Cell Lineage Researchers investigated the transdifferentiation potential of human periodontal ligament-derived stem cells (PDLSCs) into pancreatic islet cells. To form three-dimensional clusters, PDLSCs were cultured in Matrigel with media containing differentiation-inducing agents. [Cell Biochem Funct] Abstract Maternal Embryonic Leucine Zipper Kinase Regulates Pancreatic Ductal, but not β-Cell, Regeneration The maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase is expressed in stem/progenitor cells in some adult tissues, where it has been implicated in diverse biological processes, including the control of cell proliferation. Researchers describe studies on its role in adult pancreatic regeneration in response to injury induced by duct ligation and β-cell ablation. [Physiol Rep] Full Article PANCREATIC CANCER Bisphosphonates Inhibit Stellate Cell Activity and Enhance Antitumor Effects of Nanoparticle Albumin Bound-Paclitaxel in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Recently pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) have been noted to share characteristics with cells of monocyte-macrophage lineage (MML cells). Thus, scientists tested whether PSCs could be targeted with the nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates which are potent MML cell inhibitors. [Mol Cancer Ther] Abstract A miRNA Signature of Chemoresistant Mesenchymal Phenotype Identifies Novel Molecular Targets Associated with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer To assess the functional relevance scientists initially focused on microRNA (miRNA)-125b, which is over-expressed in both the BxPC3-GZR model and advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tumor specimens. Knockdown of miRNA-125b in BxPC3-GZR and Panc-1 cells caused a partial reversal of the mesenchymal phenotype and enhanced response to gemcitabine. [PLoS One] Full Article Bacterial Quorum Sensing Molecule N-3-Oxo-Dodecanoyl-L-Homoserine Lactone Causes Direct Cytotoxicity and Reduced Cell Motility in Human Pancreatic Carcinoma Cells Scientists tested the hypothesis that the Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing signal molecule N-3-oxo-dodecanoyl-L-homoserine lactone would be cytotoxic to and reduce mobility of pancreatic carcinoma cells. [PLoS One] Full Article Taurolidine Induces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition via Up-Regulation of the Transcription Factor Snail in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cell Lines Researchers aimed to elucidate the effects of low-dose taurolidine on pancreatic cancer. MTT-tested viability of all pancreatic cancer cell lines decreased dose-dependently up to 50% of the untreated control. [Int J Colorectal Dis] Abstract |