Pancreatic Cell News Volume 8.29 | Jul 25 2017

TOP STORY

The Myokine Irisin Is Released in Response to Saturated Fatty Acids and Promotes Pancreatic Beta-Cell Survival and Insulin Secretion

Researchers explored the role of irisin as a new pancreatic beta-cell secretagogue and survival factor, and its potential role in the communication between skeletal muscle and pancreatic beta-cells under lipotoxic conditions. [Diabetes] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

DIABETES & PANCREATITIS

Apoptosis Repressor with Caspase Recruitment Domain Ameliorates Amyloid-Induced β-Cell Apoptosis and JNK Pathway Activation

Using a human islet amyloid polypeptide transgenic mouse model of islet amyloidosis, investigators showed that apoptosis repressor with caspase recruitment domain (ARC) knockdown increases amyloid-induced β-cell apoptosis and loss, while ARC overexpression decreases amyloid-induced apoptosis, thus preserving β cells. [Diabetes] Abstract

Reconstructing Human Pancreatic Differentiation by Mapping Specific Cell Populations During Development

Scientists reconstructed human fetal pancreatic differentiation using cell surface markers. [Elife] Abstract

IKKβ Inhibition Prevents Fat-Induced Beta Cell Dysfunction In Vitro and In Vivo In Rodents

It has been shown that oxidative stress plays a causal role in beta cell dysfunction induced by fat. Researchers address whether the proinflammatory kinase inhibitor of (nuclear factor) κB kinase β (IKKβ), which is activated by oxidative stress, is also implicated. [Diabetologia] Abstract

Transplantation Sites for Human and Murine Islets

In humans, islet transplants are currently infused into the liver via the portal vein, although this site has disadvantages. The authors investigated alternative transplantation sites for human and murine islets in recipient mice, comparing the portal vein with quadriceps muscle and kidney, liver and spleen capsules. [Diabetologia] Full Article

3D Printed Vascularized Device for Subcutaneous Transplantation of Human Islets

Scientists present a novel 3D printed and functionalized encapsulation system for subcutaneous engraftment of islets or islet like cells. [Biotechnol J] Abstract

PANCREATIC CANCER

MUC1-Mediated Metabolic Alterations Regulate Response to Radiotherapy in Pancreatic Cancer

Researchers investigated the role of MUC1-mediated metabolism in radiation resistance of pancreatic cancer by utilizing cell lines and in vivo models. MUC1 expression diminished radiation-induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage in pancreatic cancer cells by enhancing glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, and nucleotide biosynthesis. [Clin Cancer Res] Abstract

Centrosomal Protein 55 Activates NF-κB Signaling and Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Cells Aggressiveness

Investigators provide insights into the oncogenic roles of centrosomal protein 55 (CEP55) and the mechanism by which the NF-κB pathway is hyperactivated in patients with pancreatic cancer (PANC). CEP55 overexpression accelerated PANC cells tumorigenicity, together with upregulation of the protein levels of invasion-related proteins matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2, MMP9, and proliferation-related protein Cyclin D1. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Depleted Tumor Suppressor miR-107 in Plasma Relates to Tumor Progression and Is a Novel Therapeutic Target in Pancreatic Cancer

Scientists explored decreased tumor suppressor miRNA plasma levels in pancreatic cancer patients to clarify their potential as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Sporamin Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits NF-κB Activation in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells

The authors studied the effects of sporamin on two human pancreatic cancer cell lines, PANC-1 and BxPC-3. Sporamin significantly inhibited the cell viability and proliferation activity and induced apoptosis in PANC-1 and BxPC-3 cells. [Tumor Biol] Full Article

From Insulin Synthesis to Secretion: Alternative Splicing of Type 2 Ryanodine Receptor Gene Is Essential for Insulin Secretion in Pancreatic β Cells

The islet-type ryanodine receptor mRNA is expressed in a variety of tissues such as pancreatic islets, cerebrum, cerebellum, and other neuro-endocrine cells, whereas the authentic type 2 ryanodine receptor mRNA (the heart-type ryanodine receptor) was generated using GG/AG splicing of intron 75 and is expressed in the heart and the blood vessel. [Int J Biochem Cell Biol] Abstract

ANGPTL8 (Betatrophin) Role in Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases

Researchers highlight some key clinical findings, mainly from human studies, that investigated the role of ANGPTL8 in metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and the metabolic syndrome. [Diabetes Metab Res Rev] Abstract

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Senseonics Leads Development Efforts of a Long-Term “Artificial Pancreas” System for Use in the International Diabetes Closed Loop Trial

Senseonics Holdings, Inc. announced a collaboration with TypeZero Technologies, Inc. and Roche Diabetes Care, Inc. to develop a long-term automated insulin delivery system. [Senseonics Holdings, Inc.] Press Release

Merck Announces U.S. FDA Grants Tentative Approval for LUSDUNA™ Nexvue™ (Insulin Glargine Injection), a Follow-On Biologic Basal Insulin

Merck announced that the U.S. FDA has granted tentative approval for LUSDUNA™ Nexvue™, a follow-on biologic basal insulin in a pre-filled dosing device. [Merck] Press Release

French Funding Agency President Resigns amidst Tensions

Michael Matlosz, president and CEO of the French National Research Agency in Paris, resigned following months of controversy over how the agency handles grant proposal evaluations. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Salk Institute Hit with Discrimination Lawsuit by Third Female Scientist

Following two gender discrimination lawsuits filed last week, a third senior female professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies has similarly sued the storied independent institute in San Diego, California. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

NEW Stem Cell Society Singapore’s (SCSS) Symposium 2017
November 16-17, 2017
None, Singapore

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

NEW Postdoctoral Research Position – Pancreatic Cancer Metabolism (Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer)

NEW Post-Doctoral Research Scientist – Mechanisms of Obesity and Diabetes (NYU Langone Medical Center)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Obesity and Diabetes (University of Iowa)

Assistant Professor – Metabolic Disorders (Umeå University)

PhD Position – Proteomics, 3D Cell Culture and Pancreatic Beta Cells Plasticity (University of Southern Denmark)

Senior Scientific Officer – Pancreatic Cancer (Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute)

Senior/Principal Scientist – Stem Cell Research (Plasticell Ltd)

Group Leader – Cancer Research (University of Lille)

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

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

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