Pulmonary Cell News Volume 5.23 | Jun 16 2016

TOP STORY

CD47-Blocking Immunotherapies Stimulate Macrophage-Mediated Destruction of Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Scientists found that CD47 is highly expressed on the surface of human small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells; therefore, they investigated CD47-blocking immunotherapies as a potential approach for SCLC treatment. [J Clin Invest] Full Article

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

A Proposed Integrated Approach for the Preclinical Evaluation of Phage Therapy in Pseudomonas Infections

Laser interferometry and profilometry were applied to measure biofilm matrix permeability and surface geometry changes, respectively. These biophysical approaches were combined with an advanced Airway Surface Liquid infection model, which mimics in vitro the normal and cystic fibrosis lung environments, and an in vivo Galleria larvae model. [Sci Rep] Full Article

RPTOR, a Novel Target of MiR-155, Elicits a Fibrotic Phenotype of Cystic Fibrosis Lung Epithelium by Upregulating CTGF

Scientists previously reported that miR-155 is upregulated in cystic fibrosis (CF) lung epithelial cells, but the molecular mechanisms by which miR-155 affects the disease phenotype is not understood. Here they showed that the protein regulatory associated protein of mTOR, complex 1 (RPTOR) is a novel target of miR-155 in CF lung epithelial cells. [RNA Biol] Abstract

Syndecans Promote Mycobacterial Internalization by Lung Epithelial Cells

Researchers identified syndecan 4 (Sdc4) as mycobacterial attachment receptor on alveolar epithelial cells. Sdc4 mRNA expression was increased in human and mouse alveolar epithelial cells after mycobacterial infection. [Cell Microbiol] Full Article

The Phospholipid Flippase ATP8B1 Mediates Apical Localization of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator

The authors showed that cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein levels are strongly reduced in the apical membrane of human ATP8B1-depleted intestinal and pulmonary epithelial cell lines, a phenotype that coincided with reduced CFTR activity. Apical membrane insertion upon induction of ectopically-expressed CFTR was strongly impaired in ATP8B1-depleted cells. [Biochim Biophys Acta] Abstract

LUNG CANCER

IKBKE Is a Substrate of EGFR and a Therapeutic Target in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with Activating Mutations of EGFR

The authors report support for a rationale to target IKBKE, an IκB kinase family member which activates the AKT and NF-κB pathways, as one strategy to address non-small cell lung cancers resistant to EGFR inhibitors. [Cancer Res] Abstract

MiR-196b Is Epigenetically Silenced during the Pre-Malignant Stage of Lung Carcinogenesis

Scientists demonstrated that next-generation sequencing of carcinogen-transformed human bronchial epithelial cells treated with the demethylating agent 5-aza-2’deoxycytidine revealed miR-196b and miR-34c-5p to be epigenetic targets. Bisulfite sequencing confirmed dense promoter hypermethylation indicative of silencing in multiple malignant cell lines and primary tumors. [Cancer Res] Abstract

Decreased Expression of MicroRNA-320a Promotes Proliferation and Invasion of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells by Increasing VDAC1 Expression

Researchers showed that miR-320a has a potential binding site on voltage dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) mRNA, and expression of miR-320a was decreased in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. Using gain-of-function and rescue experiments, they demonstrated that VDAC1 is a direct target of miR-320a in NSCLC cells, and miR-320a inhibits VDAC1 expression in NSCLC cells. [Oncotarget] Full Article

Chitosan-Hyaluronan Based 3D Co-Culture Platform for Studying the Crosstalk of Lung Cancer Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Three-dimensional (3D) culture system is an emerging research tool for biomedical applications such as drug screening. Mesenchymal stem cells and human non-small cell lung carcinoma cells were co-cultured on a thin biomaterial-based substratum, and they were self-organized into the 3D tumor co-spheroids with core-shell structure. [Acta Biomater] Abstract

Extrafine Beclometasone Diproprionate/Formoterol Fumarate: A Review of Its Effects in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The reviewers summarize the clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of extrafine beclometasone dipropionate and formoterol fumarate (BDP/FF) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and confirming that extrafine BDP/FF achieves the type of health benefit expected from such a targeted inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β₂-agonist combination in COPD. [npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine] Full Article

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

Hill-Rom Introduces The VisiVest™ System, the World’s First Connected Airway Clearance System

Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. announced the introduction of the VisiVest System, a connected therapeutic solution for patients in need of airway clearance therapy. [Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.] Press Release

Shire and Kamada Announce FDA Approval of Expanded Label for Self-infusion of GLASSIA for the Treatment of Emphysema Due To Severe AAT Deficiency

Shire plc and Kamada Ltd. announced that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an expanded label for GLASSIA, marking the first treatment for adult patients with emphysema due to severe Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) Deficiency that can be self-infused at home after appropriate training. [Shire plc] Press Release

Merck’s KEYTRUDA^® (Pembrolizumab) Demonstrates Superior Progression-Free and Overall Survival Compared to Chemotherapy as First-Line Treatment in Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Merck announced that the KEYNOTE-024 trial investigating the use of KEYTRUDA^®, in patients with previously untreated advanced non-small cell lung cancer whose tumors expressed high levels of PD-L1, met its primary endpoint. [Merck] Press Release

NEW International Conference on Stem Cell Engineering 2016
October 23-26, 2016
Toronto, Canada

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

NEW Associate Professor – Oxidative Lung Injury (Temple University)

NEW Research Fellow – Pulmonary and Critical Care (Mayo Clinic)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Cancer Immunobiology and Immunotherapy (Roswell Park Cancer Institute)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy (Oslo University Hospital)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Vascular/Lung Biology (Yale University School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Lung Cancer (German Cancer Research Center)

Postdoctoral Position – Lung Alveolar Epithelial Cell Biology/Differentiation (University of Southern California)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Biochemistry/Molecular Biology (National Jewish Health)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Immunology (New York University Medical Center)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Lung Disease (Oklahoma State University)

Director Clinical Research – Medical Oncology (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)

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