Pancreatic Cell News Volume 8.19 | May 16 2017

TOP STORY

The Presence of Interleukin-13 at Pancreatic ADM/PanIN Lesions Alters Macrophage Populations and Mediates Pancreatic Tumorigenesis

The authors demonstrated the presence of interleukin-13 (IL-13), which can convert inflammatory into Ym1+ alternatively activated macrophages, at acinar-to-ductal metaplasia/pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia lesions. They further showed that Ym1+ macrophages release factors, such as IL-1ra and CCL2, to drive pancreatic fibrogenesis and tumorigenesis. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

DIABETES & PANCREATITIS

Inhibition of Jak/STAT Signaling Reduces the Activation of Pancreatic Stellate Cells In Vitro and Limits Cerulein-Induced Chronic Pancreatitis In Vivo

Investigators utilized primary and immortalized pancreatic stellate cells obtained from mice and patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) or pancreatic cancer to examine the effect of Jak/STAT and MAPK pathway inhibition in vitro. The well-characterized cerulein model of CP was used to assess the therapeutic efficacy of Jak1/2 inhibition in vivo. [Sci Rep] Full Article

The Neuronal K⁺Cl⁻ Co-Transporter 2 (Slc12a5) Modulates Insulin Secretion

Using molecular cloning, RT-PCR, Western blotting, immunolocalization and in vitro functional assays, researchers established that the “neuron-specific” K⁺Cl⁻ co-transporter 2 (Slc12a5) is expressed in several endocrine cells of the pancreatic islet, including glucagon secreting α-cells, but particularly in insulin-secreting β-cells, where they provide evidence for its role in the insulin secretory response. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Fucoidan Ameliorates Pancreatic β-Cell Death and Impaired Insulin Synthesis in Streptozotocin-Treated β Cells and Mice via a Sirt-1-Dependent Manner

The authors investigated whether fucoidan (FO) derived from Sargassum hemiphyllum ameliorates pancreatic β-cell damage and impaired insulin synthesis under diabetic condition. They demonstrated that FO exhibits an anti-diabetic effect mainly through attenuation of β-cell death, thereby elevating insulin synthesis by upregulating PDX-1 and GLP1-R via a Sirt-1-dependent manner. [Mol Nutr Food Res] Abstract

FoxO1 Promotes Mitophagy in the Podocytes of Diabetic Male Mice via the PINK1/Parkin Pathway

Researchers ascertained whether over-expressing Forkhead-box class O1 (FoxO1) in the kidney cortex reverses pre-established diabetic nephropathy in animal models. The effect of FoxO1 on mitophagy signaling pathways was evaluated in mouse podocytes. In vivo experiments were performed in male KM mice. [Endocrinology] Abstract

Application of a Novel Bioreactor for In Vivo Engineering of Pancreas Tissue

A novel model is presented for the in vivo recellularization of acellular pancreas by implanting between the host pancreas and the adjacent omental flap. Pancreases were harvested and cannulated via the common bile duct and then, the scaffolds were acellularized by a detergent-based protocol. The abdomens of thirty-five rats were opened and the spleen was extracted with the adjacent omentum and placed outside the abdomen. [J Cell Physiol] Abstract

W2476 Ameliorates β-Cell Dysfunction and Exerts Therapeutic Effects in Mouse Models of Diabetes via Modulation of the Thioredoxin-Interacting Protein Signaling Pathway

The preventive and therapeutic properties of W2476 were examined in streptozotocin-induced diabetic and diet-induced obese mice. Treatment with W2476 dose-dependently inhibited high glucose-induced thioredoxin-interacting protein expression at the mRNA and protein levels in INS-1E cells and rat pancreatic islets. [Acta Pharmacol Sin] Abstract

Characterization of OATP1B3 and OATP2B1 Transporter Expression in the Islet of the Adult Human Pancreas

Scientists aimed to better characterize cellular localization and interindividual variation in organic anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B3 expression in human adult islets as a function of age, sex, and pancreatic disease, and to assess the expression of other OATPs. High transcript levels of OATP1B3, OATP2B1, OATP1A2, but not OATP1B1 were observed in isolated human adult islets. [Histochem Cell Biol] Abstract

PANCREATIC CANCER

Inhibition of PRDM14 Expression in Pancreatic Cancer Suppresses Cancer Stem-Like Properties and Liver Metastasis in Mice

The authors assessed PRDM14 expression and the effects of PRDM14 knockdown on cancer stem-like phenotypes in pancreatic cancer. They observed that PRDM14 protein was overexpressed in pancreatic cancer tissues compared with normal pancreatic tissues. [Carcinogenesis] Abstract

Crizotinib, a MET Inhibitor, Prevents Peritoneal Dissemination in Pancreatic Cancer

MET is associated with the progression of pancreatic cancer; researchers evaluated the effect of a MET inhibitor, crizotinib, on peritoneal dissemination of pancreatic cancer. Crizotinib inhibited the growth of eight pancreatic cancer cell lines with the IC50 ranging from 1.4 to 4.3 µM. Invasion of the pancreatic cancer cell line Suit-2, was suppressed in vitro at a concentration of 1.0 µM, which is sufficient for the inhibition of MET phosphorylation. [Int J Oncol] Abstract

A Review of Methods for Measuring β-Cell Function: Design Considerations from the Restoring Insulin Secretion (RISE) Consortium

Scientists present a review of approaches for measurement of β-cell function, focusing on methodologic and feasibility considerations. Methodologic considerations included the utility of each technique for evaluating key aspects of ß-cell function and tactics for incorporating a measurement of insulin sensitivity in order to appropriately adjust insulin secretion measures for insulin sensitivity. [Diabetes Obes Metab] Abstract

Chronic Pancreatitis: Current Status and Challenges for Prevention and Treatment

The authors review the current status of our understanding of the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of the continuum of pancreatic diseases from acute and recurrent acute pancreatitis to chronic pancreatitis and the diseases that are often linked with pancreatitis including diabetes mellitus and pancreatic cancer. [Dig Dis Sci] Abstract

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

Interpace Diagnostics Presents New Data on PancraGEN^®

Interpace Diagnostics Group, Inc. announced the data presented in six posters. The results presented support the clinical utility of PancraGEN^® in assessing long-term risk of malignancy in pancreatic cystic lesions and stress the importance of using DNA analysis to better understand risk of cancer in cysts with worrisome imaging or fluid chemistry features that are not definitive for cancer. [Press release from Interpace Diagnostics Group, Inc. discussing research presented at 2017 Digestive Disease Week (DDW) Meeting, Chicago] Press Release

NOXXON Pharma Announces Collaboration with National Center for Tumor Diseases in Heidelberg For NOX-A12/Keytruda^® Phase I/II Combination Trial

NOXXON Pharma N.V. announced the signing of an agreement with the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) in Heidelberg under which the NCT will conduct a trial evaluating NOXXON’s lead product candidate NOX-A12 in combination with Keytruda^® in metastatic pancreatic and colorectal cancer. [NOXXON Pharma N.V.] Press Release (Download)

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Reports Additional Positive Data from Pivotal InTandem1 Phase III Study for Sotagliflozin in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced additional positive data from the Phase III inTandem1 study. New key findings include meaningful benefit of sotagliflozin on body weight in patients with type 1 diabetes and on systolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients with type 1 diabetes. [Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.] Press Release

NantKwest and NantCell Announce FDA Authorization for the NANT Cancer Vaccine Clinical Trials, the First Novel Combination of Innate and Adaptive Immunotherapy in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer

NantCell and NantKwest Inc. announced that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized an Investigational New Drug Application for the NANT Cancer Vaccine for clinical trial enrollment for pancreatic cancer patients. [NantHealth] Press Release

Glucose Meter Connecting Diabetes Patients To Trusted Care Team Approved In U.S. And Europe

Smart Meter, LLC announced it has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CE Mark in Europe to market the iGlucose^® Blood Glucose Monitoring System. [Smart Meter, LLC (PR Newswire Association LLC)] Press Release

Trump Officials Act to Tilt Federal Science Boards toward Industry

Critics say that changes to advisory groups at the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Interior could restrict or paralyze them. [Nature News] Editorial

Biology Needs More Staff Scientists

Most research institutions are essentially collections of independent laboratories, each run by principal investigators who head a team of trainees. This scheme has ancient roots and a track record of success. But it is not the only way to do science. Indeed, for much of modern biomedical research, the traditional organization has become limiting. [Nature News] Editorial

Revamped ‘Anti-Science’ Education Bills in United States Find Success

State and local legislatures in the United States are experimenting with new ways to target the topics taught in science classes, and it seems to be paying dividends. Florida’s legislature approved a bill that would enable residents to challenge what educators teach students. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW Glucose Transport: Gateway to Metabolic Systems Biology
July 16-21, 2017
Snowmass Village, United States

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

NEW Postdoctoral Fellowship – Diabetes UK (Diabetes UK)

NEW PhD Studentship – Diabetes UK (Diabetes UK)

Assistant/ Associate Professor – Type 1 Diabetes Clinical and Basic Science (University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus)

Bioinformatician – Genomic Programming of Beta Cells (Imperial College London)

Postdoc Position – Cellular Modeling of Diabetes Risk Variants Using Pluripotent Stem Cells (University of California, San Diego)

Research Leaders – Career Development Award or Tenure Track (Medical Research Council)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Diabetes (University of Toronto)

Postdoctoral Associate – Pancreatic Beta Cells (Johns Hopkins School of Medicine)

Faculty Member – Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (Johns Hopkins University)

PhD Position – Biochemistry (Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Diabetes Research (Child Health Institute of New Jersey)

Principle Investigator – Human Physiology and Experimental Medicine (University of Cambridge)

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