Pancreatic Cell News Volume 9.10 | Mar 13 2018

TOP STORY

Loss of KDM6A Activates Super-Enhancers to Induce Gender-Specific Squamous-Like Pancreatic Cancer and Confers Sensitivity to BET Inhibitors

The authors found that KDM6A loss induced squamous-like, metastatic pancreatic cancer selectively in females through deregulation of the COMPASS-like complex and aberrant activation of super-enhancers regulating ΔNp63, MYC, and RUNX3 oncogenes. [Cancer Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

DIABETES & PANCREATITIS

Expansion of Adult Human Pancreatic Tissue Yields Organoids Harboring Progenitor Cells with Endocrine Differentiation Potential

Investigators describe a 3D culture system that supports the expansion of adult human pancreatic tissue and the generation of a cell subpopulation with progenitor characteristics. These cells displayed high aldehyde dehydrogenase activity (ALDH), expressed pancreatic progenitors markers, and formed new organoids in contrast to ALDH^lo cells. [Stem Cell Reports] Full Article

Liraglutide, a Human Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Analogue, Stimulates AKT-Dependent Survival Signaling and Inhibits Pancreatic β-Cell Apoptosis

Scientists investigated the mechanism by which liraglutide preserves islet β-cells in an animal model of overt diabetes, the obese db/db mice, and protects a mouse pancreatic β-cell line against apoptosis. Treatment of 12-week-old diabetic mice with liraglutide for 2 weeks had no appreciable effects on blood non-fasting glucose concentration, islet insulin content and body weight. [J Cell Mol Med] Full Article

NF-κB Is Weakly Activated in the NOD Mouse Model of Type 1 Diabetes

Using gene targeting and in vitro analysis of pancreatic islets and immune cells, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation has been implicated in type 1 diabetes development. Investigators used a non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model that expresses a luciferase reporter of transcriptionally active NF-κB to determine its activation in vivo during development of diabetes. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Inositol Hexakisphosphate Kinase 1 Is a Metabolic Sensor in Pancreatic β-Cells

Researchers showed that glucose stimulation, which increases the ATP/ADP ratio, leads to an early rise in diphosphoinositol pentakisphosphate (IP₇) concentration in β-cells. In diabetic mouse islets the deranged ATP/ADP levels under both basal and glucose-stimulated conditions were mirrored in both disrupted IP₇ generation and insulin release. [Cell Signal] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

PANCREATIC CANCER

Pancreatic Tumor Microenvironment Confers Highly Malignant Properties on Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Scientists investigated the effects of tumor microenvironment on cancer cells by using mouse tumor models. After three cycles of inoculation and extraction of human pancreatic cancer cells, including SUIT-2 and Panc-1 cells, from tumors, distinct cancer cell lines were established: 3P cells from the pancreas obtained using the orthotopic tumor model and 3sc cells from subcutaneous tissue obtained using the subcutaneous tumor model. [Oncogene] Full Article

Pancreatic DCLK1⁺ Cells Originate Distinctly from PDX1⁺ Progenitors and Contribute to the Initiation of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm in Mice

To explore the potential role of DCLK1-expressing cells in the genesis of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs), researchers compared the incidence of DCLK1-positive cells in pancreatic tissue samples from genetically-engineered mouse models for IPMNs, pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias, and acinar to ductal metaplasia by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. [Cancer Lett] Abstract

Chloroquine Augments TRAIL-Induced Apoptosis and Induces G2/M Phase Arrest in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells

The authors explored the anti-tumor effects of a combination of chloroquine (CQ) and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) on two human pancreatic cancer cell lines: TRAIL-sensitive MiaPaCa-2 cells and Panc-1 cells that are less sensitive to TRAIL. Although both CQ and TRAIL reduced cancer cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, the combination acted synergistically. [PLoS One] Full Article

Maslinic Acid Induces Autophagy by Down-Regulating HSPA8 in Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Investigators assessed the effect of maslinic acid (MA) on autophagy of human pancreatic cancer cells, and the potential autophagic pathway was presented. MA inhibited the proliferation and induced autophagy of Panc-28 cells by altering the expressions of autophagy related proteins. [Phytother Res] Abstract

P2X Receptor-Ion Channels in the Inflammatory Response in Adipose Tissue and Pancreas — Potential Triggers in Onset of Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is reaching an alarming prevalence worldwide. Its complex pathogenesis certainly includes a pivotal role of low-grade inflammation, which could be triggered by excessive purinergic signaling. [Curr Opin Immunol] Abstract

Defining Outcomes for Beta Cell Replacement Therapy: A Work in Progress

Defined outcomes for beta cell replacement therapy in the treatment of diabetes are critically needed. Progress towards the clinical acceptance of pancreas and islet transplantation has been hampered by the lack of clear definitions of functional and efficacy outcomes, as well as a lack of consistently applied glycemic control metrics, together with poor alignment with the field of artificial insulin delivery/artificial pancreas development. [Diabetologia] Abstract

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

Personalized Approach Brings New Hope to Pancreatic Cancer Patients

Few early detection tests, undetectable symptoms, limited treatment options and no known biomarkers that can be used to direct therapy. These are among the clinical challenges Canadian research team Enhanced Pancreatic Cancer Profiling for Individualized Care is tackling over the next five years to improve personalized treatments for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. [McGill University] Press Release 1 | Press Release 2 | Editorial 1 | Editorial 2

EFSD, JDRF and Lilly Extend Collaboration Supporting Type 1 Diabetes Research

The European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes (EFSD), JDRF and Eli Lilly and Company have agreed to extend their collaboration for the European Programme in Type 1 Diabetes Research through 2020. The program, which began in 2015, encourages research that advances knowledge about type 1 diabetes by providing grants up to €100,000 to nonprofit institutions and groups in Europe. [Eli Lilly and Company] Press Release

Destroy Pancreatic Cancer Dedicates $1 Million for Unique TGen-Designed Clinical Trial

Destroy Pancreatic Cancer is donating $1 million for a unique pancreatic cancer clinical trial designed by the non-profit Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen). [Translational Genomics Research Institute] Press Release

Russian Science Chases Escape from Mediocrity

After letting Russian science languish for years, Vladimir Putin has started to pay more attention. At a meeting of the Council for Science and Education, the Russian president promised that science and innovation are now top priorities. [Nature News] Editorial

University Strikes to Continue after Staff Reject Pension Offer

Strikes at UK universities are to continue after staff overwhelmingly rejected a revised offer on their pensions. [The Guardian] Editorial

NEW International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) 2018 Annual Meeting
June 20-23, 2018
Melbourne, Australia

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

NEW Postdoctoal Fellow – Pancreatic Cell (Inserm)

NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Diabetes and Pancreatic Islet Biology (Vanderbilt University)

Postdoctoral Scientist – Epigenetic Mechanisms (Geneva University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Epigenetic Regulation of Pancreatic Beta-Cell Mass (City of Hope)

Postdoctoral Positions – Pancreatic Cancer Cells (Fox Chase Cancer Center)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Diabetes (University of Chicago)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Diabetes Research (Joslin Diabetes Center)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Pancreatic Cancer Metastasis (Moffitt Cancer Center)

Postdoctoral Position – Pancreas Development and Stem Cells (Helmholtz Zentrum München)

PhD Student Position – Pancreatic Cancer Metastasis (University Medical Center Freiburg)

Recruit Top Talent: Reach potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.

Have we missed an important article or publication in Pancreatic Cell News? Click here to submit!

Comments or suggestions? Submit your feedback here.