Pancreatic Cell News Volume 7.38 | Sep 27 2016

TOP STORY

Single-Cell Transcriptome Profiling of Human Pancreatic Islets in Health and Type 2 Diabetes

The authors sequenced the transcriptomes of thousands of human islet cells from healthy and type 2 diabetic donors. They defined specific genetic programs for each individual endocrine and exocrine cell type, even for rare δ, γ, ε, and stellate cells, and revealed subpopulations of α, β, and acinar cells. [Cell Metab] Full Article | Press Release | Graphical Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

DIABETES & PANCREATITIS

RNA Sequencing of Single Human Islet Cells Reveals Type 2 Diabetes Genes

Researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to determine the transcriptomes of 1,492 human pancreatic α, β, δ, and PP cells from non-diabetic and type 2 diabetes organ donors. They identified cell-type-specific genes and pathways as well as 245 genes with disturbed expression in type 2 diabetes. Importantly, 92% of the genes have not previously been associated with islet cell function or growth. [Cell Metab] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Hybrid Congregation of Islet Single Cells and Curcumin-Loaded Polymeric Microspheres as an Interventional Strategy to Overcome Apoptosis Associated with Pancreatic Islets Transplantation

The authors aimed to protect pancreatic islet cells against apoptosis by establishing a method for in situ delivery of curcumin to the pancreatic islets. Self-assembled heterospheroids composed of pancreatic islet cells and curcumin-loaded polymeric microspheres were prepared by the three-dimensional cell culture technique. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

NADPH Oxidase-2 Does Not Contribute to β-Cell Glucotoxicity in Cultured Pancreatic Islets from C57BL/6J Mice

Investigators showed NADPH oxidase-2 is a negative regulator of maximal glucose stimulation of insulin secretion in C57BL/6J mouse islets, but it does not detectably contribute to the in vitro glucotoxic induction of cytosolic oxidative stress and alterations of β-cell survival and function. [Mol Cell Endocrinol] Abstract

A Single-Cell Transcriptomic Map of the Human and Mouse Pancreas Reveals Inter- and Intra-Cell Population Structure

Although the function of the mammalian pancreas hinges on complex interactions of distinct cell types, gene expression profiles have primarily been described with bulk mixtures. The authors implemented a droplet-based, single-cell RNA-seq method to determine the transcriptomes of over 12,000 individual pancreatic cells from four human donors and two mouse strains. [Cell Syst] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

PANCREATIC CANCER

Satellite RNAs Promote Pancreatic Oncogenic Processes via the Dysfunction of YBX1

Researchers examined the biological roles of the satellite RNAs in carcinogenesis, they constructed mouse pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia-derived cells expressing major satellite RNA and show increased malignant properties. [Nat Commun] Full Article

Co-Clinical Assessment of Tumor Cellularity in Pancreatic Cancer

Given the close relation of tumor differentiation with differences in progression and therapy response, the authors aimed at the non-invasive detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) groups, relevant for future personalized approaches. They hypothesized that histological differences in PDAC tissue composition are detectable by the non-invasive diffusion weighted- MRI derived apparent diffusion coefficient parameter. [Clin Cancer Res] Abstract

IGFBP2 Activates the NF-κB Pathway to Drive Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Invasive Character in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Researchers report evidence that the insulin-like growth factor-binding protein IGFBP2 acts as a potent oncogene to drive its extremely malignant character. They found that elevated IGFBP2 expression in primary tumors was associated with lymph node metastasis and shorter survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients. [Cancer Res] Abstract

Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Exosomes Regulate Survival and Proliferation of Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Investigators showed that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) exposed to chemotherapy have an active role in regulating the survival and proliferation of cancer cells. They found that CAFs are intrinsically resistant to gemcitabine, the chemotherapeutic standard of care for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. [Oncogene] Abstract

The PRKD1 Promoter Is a Target of the KRas-NF-κB Pathway in Pancreatic Cancer

Scientists described the PRKD1 gene promoter as a target for oncogenic KRas signaling. They demonstrated that KRas-induced activation of the canonical NF-κB pathway is one mechanism of how PRKD1 expression is increased and identify the binding sites for NF-κB in the PRKD1 promoter. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Overexpression of SOX18 Correlates with Accelerated Cell Growth and Poor Prognosis in Human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Researchers found that pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tissues had higher level of SOX18 mRNA and protein expression than matched non-tumor pancreatic tissues and high level of SOX18 protein indicated poor prognosis for PDAC patients. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract

Reprogramming Glucose Metabolism in Cancer: Can It Be Exploited for Cancer Therapy?

The authors summarize past and recent advances in the understanding of the reprogramming of glucose metabolism in cancer cells, which is mediated by oncogenic drivers and by the undifferentiated character of cancer cells. [Nat Rev Cancer] Abstract

Organoids: Modeling Development and the Stem Cell Niche in a Dish

The authors discuss how organoid cultures of the intestine and other tissues have been established and how they are utilized as an in vitro model system for stem cell research and developmental biology. [Dev Cell] Abstract

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

Montefiore and Einstein Investigators Deliver New Hope for Treating Deadly Cancers

Members of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care and Albert Einstein College of Medicine’s NCI–designated Albert Einstein Cancer Center will present new study findings that will advance treatment of pancreatic and anal cancers. [Press release from Montefiore Medical Center discussing research to be presented at 58^th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), Boston] Press Release

U.S. FDA Approves INVOKAMET^® XR for the Treatment of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved INVOKAMET^® for first-line use as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes when treatment with the two medications is appropriate. [Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(PR Newswire Association LLC.)] Press Release

ERYTECH Completes Patient Enrollment in Phase II Trial of eryaspase (GRASPA^®) for Pancreatic Cancer

ERYTECH Pharma announced the final patient has been enrolled in its Phase II trial of eryaspase, also known as ERY-ASP or GRASPA^®, for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. [ERYTECH Pharma] Press Release

Science’s 1%: How Income Inequality Is Getting Worse in Research

Wages for top scientists are shooting skywards while others are being left behind. [Nature News] Editorial

Zimbabwean Scientists Fight to Preserve National Academy

Following years of chronic funding shortages and political neglect, the Zimbabwe Academy of Science (ZAS) is on its knees and has made a plea for support from the large Zimbabwean diaspora. The academy has historically survived on donations and membership fees, but this is no longer sustainable, said ZAS head Christopher Mutambirwa at a meeting of Zimbabwean expatriates in Johannesburg, South Africa. At the moment, the ZAS’s activities are voluntary and unpaid. [Nature News] Editorial

Four Men and Two Women are Running for the Top Slot at the World Health Organization

The World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, unveiled the names of the six candidates who are vying to succeed Margaret Chan as director-general. [Science Insider] Editorial

NEW Global Forum on Transplantation Research and Technologies
November 28-30, 2016
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

NEW Challenges, Solutions and Progress in Stem Cell Medicine
February 18-21, 2017
Carlsbad, United States

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

NEW Postdoctoral Position – Immunology of Diabetes (INSERM)

Vice President – Pancreatic Cancer Disease Lead (Celgene Corporation)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Pancreas Cancer (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)

Postdoctoral Fellowship- Pacreatic Islet Biology (University of Michigan Medical School)

Chair of Medical Biology (Masaryk University)

Postdoctoral Position – Cancer Research (Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute)

Assistant Scientist – Diabetes Research (University of Miami)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Pancreatic Biology (Toronto General Research Institute & McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine)

Vice President – Legacy Research Institute (Legacy Health)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Pancreatic Stem Cell Biology (University of Southern California)

Research Histotechnologist I (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)

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