Pancreatic Cell News Volume 6.08 | Mar 3 2015

Preferential Gene Expression and Epigenetic Memory of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived from Mouse Pancreas
Scientists established induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) derived from mouse pancreas (Panc-iPSC) and compared their properties with those of iPSC derived from tail-tip fibroblast (TTF-iPSC). The metabolic profile differs between Panc-iPSC and TTF-iPSC, indicating distinct cell properties in these iPSCs. [Genes Cells] Abstract

Inwardly Rectifying Kir2.1 Currents in Human β-Cells Control Electrical Activity: Characterization and Mathematical Modelling
The Kir2.1 potassium channels gene is expressed in human pancreatic islets, and scientists show that functional Kir2.1 currents are present in human β-cells. They characterized the human Kir2.1 β-cell current, and included it in a recent mathematical model of electrical activity in human β-cells. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract

Differential Gene Expression in GPR40-Overexpressing Pancreatic β-Cells Treated with Linoleic Acid
Researchers examined the profiles of differential gene expression in G protein-coupled receptor 40 (GPR40)-activated cells treated with linoleic acid, and finally predicted the integral pathways of the cellular mechanism of GPR40-mediated insulinotropic effects. After constructing a GPR40-overexpressing stable cell line from the rat pancreatic β-cell line RIN-5f, they determined the gene expression profiles of RIN-5f and RIN-40. [Korean J Physiol Pharmacol] Full Article

PANCREATIC CANCER

Manganoporphyrins and Ascorbate Enhance Gemcitabine Cytotoxicity in Pancreatic Cancer
Scientists hypothesized that combining manganoporphyrins and pharmacological ascorbate with the chemotherapeutic agent gemcitabine would further enhance pancreatic cancer cell cytotoxicity without increasing toxicity in normal pancreatic cells or other organs. [Free Radic Biol Med] Abstract

Kindlin-2 Induced by TGF-β Signaling Promotes Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Progression through Downregulation of Transcriptional Factor HOXB9
Scientists found that Kindlin-2 is a target protein of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling and is upregulated by TGF-β1 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. TGF-β1-upregulated Kindlin-2 promotes PDAC cell growth, migration and invasion, whereas Kindlin-2 upregulates transforming growth factor receptor I, a key component of TGF-β signaling. [Cancer Lett] Abstract

hERG1 Channels Drive Tumor Malignancy and May Serve as Prognostic Factor in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
The functional role of hERG1 was studied in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell lines and primary cultures. hERG1 blockade decreased PDAC cell growth and migration. [Br J Cancer] Abstract

Apoptosis and Anergy of T Cell Induced by Pancreatic Stellate Cells-Derived Galectin-1 in Pancreatic Cancer
Researchers investigated the relationship between pancreatic stellate cells (PSC)-derived galectin-1 and tumor immunity in pancreatic cancer. Isolated PSCs were identified as normal pancreas cells or pancreatic cancer cells by immunohistochemical staining for α-SMA and vimentin, and galectin-1 expression was evaluated by Western blotting and quantitative RT-PCR. [Tumor Biol] Abstract

Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Upregulated Factor (PAUF) Confers Resistance to Pancreatic Cancer Cells against Oncolytic Parvovirus H-1 Infection through IFNA Receptor-Mediated Signaling
Panc-1 cells expressing PAUF (Panc-PAUF) showed relative resistance to parvovirus H-1 infection compared with Panc-1 cells expressing an empty vector (Panc-Vec). Expression of type I IFN-α receptor was higher in Panc-PAUF cells than in Panc-Vec cells. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract

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Aduro Biotech Collaborates with Leaders in Cancer Research on Investigator-Sponsored Phase II Trial Combining Aduro’s Innovative Immunotherapies with Anti-PD-1 Technology to Treat Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Aduro Biotech, Inc. announced the initiation of an investigator-sponsored Phase II clinical trial of the company’s immuno-oncology product candidates GVAX Pancreas and CRS-207 in combination with Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Opdivo, a monoclonal antibody against programmed death-1 receptor. [Aduro Biotech, Inc.] Press Release

Melior Pharmaceuticals Initiates Phase II Study with MLR-1023 for Type 2 Diabetes
Melior Pharmaceuticals I, Inc. announced that it has randomized the first patient into treatment arms of a Phase II study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of MLR-1023 towards Type 2 diabetes. [Melior Pharmaceuticals I, Inc. (Business Wire)] Press Release

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NEW Tenure-Track Immunology Faculty Position – Diabetes (University of Connecticut Health Center)

NEW Clinical Research Fellow – Pancreatic Cancer Biology (Cancer Research 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.)

Research Associate – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Diabetes Research (Lund University)

Postdoctoral Position – Endothelial Dysfunction and Diabetes (Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar)

Director – Vector Production (Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.)

Senior Process Development Engineer (Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.)

Assistant/Associate Professor – Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Research (University of Pennsylvania)

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