Pancreatic Cell News Volume 9.16 | Apr 24 2018

TOP STORY

Targeting GLP-1 Receptor Trafficking to Improve Agonist Efficacy

Researchers investigated a series of biased glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists with variable propensities for GLP-1R internalization and recycling. [Nat Commun] Full Article | Press Release

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

DIABETES & PANCREATITIS

Patterns of Differential Gene Expression in a Cellular Model of Human Islet Development, and Relationship to Type 2 Diabetes Predisposition

Investigators characterised the transcriptomes of human induced pluripotent stem cell lines differentiated along the pancreatic endocrine lineage, and explored the contribution of altered islet development to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. [Diabetologia] Full Article

The LIM Homeodomain Protein Isl1 Mediates the Function of Tcf7l2 in Pancreatic Beta Cells

Scientists aimed to determine the role of Isl1 in mediating the function of Tcf7l2 and the incretin hormone GLP-1 in pancreatic β-cells. [J Mol Endocrinol] Abstract

The Orphan Nuclear Receptor NR4A1 Attenuates Oxidative Stress-Induced β Cells Apoptosis via Up-Regulation of Glutathione Peroxidase 1

Researchers investigated whether glutathione peroxidase 1 is a mediator of the protective effects of NR4A1 in pancreatic β cells. [Life Sci] Abstract

DDX1 Regulates Alternative Splicing and Insulin Secretion in Pancreatic β Cells

The authors reported a novel function of DEAD-box helicase 1 (DDX1) in mRNA alternative splicing in pancreatic β cells. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract

PANCREATIC CANCER

Mutations in the Pancreatic Secretory Enzymes CPA1 and CPB1 are Associated with Pancreatic Cancer

To evaluate whether germline variants in genes encoding pancreatic secretory enzymes contribute to pancreatic cancer susceptibility, scientists sequenced the coding regions of CPB1 and other genes encoding pancreatic secretory enzymes and known pancreatitis susceptibility genes in a hospital series of pancreatic cancer cases and controls. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Tumor-Associated Macrophages Promote Progression and the Warburg Effect via CCL18/NF-kB/VCAM-1 Pathway in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Researchers showed that CCL18 secreted by tumor-associated macrophages facilitated malignant progression and induced a glycolytic phenotype in pancreatic cancer, partially owing to paracrine induction of VCAM-1 in pancreatic cancer cells. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article

The Novel TRAIL-Receptor Agonist APG350 Exerts Superior Therapeutic Activity in Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Investigators reported on preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies testing the activity of APG350 on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article

A Novel Tricarbonylmethane Agent (CMC2.24) Reduces Human Pancreatic Tumor Growth in Mice by Targeting Ras

Researchers developed a novel tricarbonylmethane agent (CMC2.24) as a therapeutic agent for pancreatic cancer (PC), and evaluated its efficacy in preclinical models of PC. [Mol Carcinog] Abstract

Overexpression of HER2 in the Pancreas Promotes Development of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms in Mice

The authors showed that pancreas-specific overexpression of activated HER2 in mice led to intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm-like lesions. They also assessed a role of activated HER2 in Kras-driven pancreatic neoplasms. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Antimicrobial Peptide Human Neutrophil Peptide 1 as a Potential Link between Chronic Inflammation and Ductal Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas

Defensins are antimicrobial peptides playing a role in innate immunity, in epithelial cell regeneration, and in carcinogenesis of inflammation-triggered malignancies. Investigators analyzed this role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in the context of its association with chronic pancreatitis. [Pancreas] Abstract

Activating P2X7 Receptors Increases Proliferation of Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells via ERK1/2 and JNK

The authors investigated the effects of the activated P2X7 receptors on the proliferation and growth of human pancreatic cancer cells. [Pancreas] Abstract

Diabetes and Cancer: Pathophysiological Fundamentals of a ‘Dangerous Affair’

Researchers highlight epidemiological and pathophysiological aspects of diabetes, which may influence cancer initiation and progression. [Diabetes Res Clin Pract] Abstract

Yes-Associated Protein (YAP) in Pancreatic Cancer: At the Epicenter of a Targetable Signaling Network Associated with Patient Survival

The authors review the role of yes-associated protein (YAP) and WW-domain-containing transcriptional co-activator with a PDZ-binding motif in the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. [Signal Transduct Target Ther] Full Article

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

Galway Based Orbsen Therapeutics Announces It’s Part of Consortium Awarded a Grant from UK Government’s Innovate UK Program

Orbsen Therapeutics Limited, announced that it is part of a consortium awarded a UKE7M grant from the UK Government’s Innovate UK program. [Orbsen Therapeutics Limited (Business Wire, Inc.)] Press Release

Oramed Initiates Its 90-Day Pivotal Dose-Ranging Clinical Study for Oral Insulin

Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc., announced it has begun screening patients in its 90-day dose-ranging Pivotal Phase IIb HbA1c clinical study of its oral insulin capsule, ORMD-0801. [Oramed] Press Release

ViaCyte Substantially Expands Patent Portfolio in Stem Cell-Derived Cell Replacement Therapies for Type 1 Diabetes and Other Indications

ViaCyte, Inc., announced the recent issuance of more than 200 patents, which provide protection to the company’s core technologies around the world. The newly issued patents further strengthen ViaCyte’s already strong position in pluripotent cell-derived and implantable cell replacement therapies for insulin-requiring diabetes and other potential indications. [ViaCyte, Inc] Press Release

Scientists’ Early Grant Success Fuels Further Funding

Young researchers who narrowly miss out on postdoctoral grant struggle to compete with those who just qualify. [Nature News] Editorial

Speaking Science to Power

A statement released by 317 National Academy of Sciences members challenges the widespread dismissal of science and scientific understanding by the Trump administration [Scientific American] Editorial

Salk Puts Cancer Scientist Inder Verma on Leave after Harassment Allegations, Announces Investigation

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies has placed prominent cancer and gene therapy scientist Inder Verma on administrative leave and launched an investigation into allegations against him. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

NEW LabRoots: 6^th Annual Cancer Research & Oncology Virtual Event
October 10-11, 2018
Online

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

NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Molecular Medicine (City of Hope)

NEW Senior Clinical Research Scientist, Global Medical Affairs – Diabetes (Lilly)

NEW Doctoral Thesis Position – Endocrine Cell Research (Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen)

NEW Doctoral Thesis Position – Diabetes Research (Universite Libre de Bruxelles)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Genetic Epidemiology of Metabolic Disease (University of Cambridge)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Beta Cell Research (Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen – German Reserach Center for Environmental Health)

Director and Biometrics Team Leader – Diabetes and Metabolic Disease (AstraZeneca)

Director, Division of Extramural Activities – Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (National Institutes of Health)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Pancreatic Cancer Research (Univeristy of South Wales)

Pioneer Award Postdoctoral Fellowships – Pancreatic Cancer (University of Miami Miller School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Position – Inflammation and Metabolism (Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute)

Research Fellow/Associate – Diabetes Research (Rutgers University)

Postdoctoral Position – Pancreatic Cancer (Fox Chase Cancer Center)

Postdoctoral Scholar – Cancer (University of California, San Francisco)

Postdoctoral Position – Protein Biochemistry (Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie)

Postdoctoal Fellow – Pancreatic Cell (Inserm)

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)

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