Pulmonary Cell News Volume 5.25 | Jun 30 2016

TOP STORY

Identification and Targeting of Long-Term Tumor-Propagating Cells in Small Cell Lung Cancer

The authors identified a population of long-term tumor-propagating cells in a mouse model of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). This population, marked by high levels of EpCAM and CD24, is also prevalent in human primary SCLC tumors. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Targeting of Discoidin Domain Receptor 2 (DDR2) Prevents Myofibroblast Activation and Neovessel Formation During Pulmonary Fibrosis

Researchers demonstrated that DDR2, a receptor tyrosine kinase that predominantly transduces signals from fibrillar collagens, plays a critical role in the induction of fibrosis and angiogenesis in the lung. [Mol Ther] Abstract

Azithromycin Induces Anti-Viral Effects in Cultured Bronchial Epithelial Cells From COPD Patients

Primary bronchial epithelial cells from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) donors and healthy individuals were treated continuously with azithromycin starting 24 hours before infection with rhinovirus RV16. Expression of interferons, RIG-I like helicases, pro-inflammatory cytokines and viral load were analyzed. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Prostacyclin Reverses the Cigarette Smoke-Induced Decrease in Pulmonary Frizzled 9 Expression Through miR-31

To investigate the relationship between iloprost, cigarette smoke, and Frizzled 9 (Fzd9) expression, scientists used human samples, mouse models, and in vitro studies. Fzd9 expression was low in human lung tumors and in progressive dysplasias. In mouse models and in vitro studies, tobacco smoke carcinogens reduced expression of Fzd9 while prostacyclin maintained or increased expression. [Sci Rep] Full Article

N-Ethylmaleimide Sensitive Factor (NSF) Inhibition Prevents Vascular Instability following Gram-Positive Pulmonary Challenge

Scientists hypothesized that NSF regulates exocytosis of inflammatory mediators, such as Angiopoietin-2, and cytoskeletal stability by modulating myosin light chain phosphorylation. Therefore, they challenged pulmonary cells, in vivo and in vitro, with Gram Positive bacterial cell wall components, lipoteichoic acid, and peptidoglycan and examined the effects of NSF inhibition. [PLoS One] Full Article

Atorvastatin Partially Inhibits the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in A549 Cells Induced by TGF-β1 by Attenuating the Upregulation of SphK1

The authors explored the effect and mechanism of atorvastatin on the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in A549 cells by establishing an EMT model in vitro induced by TGF-β1, and evaluated the effects of atorvastatin on the lower signaling pathway of TGF-β1 stimulation. [Oncol Rep] Abstract

Multilineage Transduction of Resident Lung Cells In Vivo by AAV2/8 for α1-Antitrypsin Gene Therapy

Investigators described a sustained pulmonary transgene expression for at least 52 weeks after a single intratracheal instillation of adeno-associated virus (AAV)2/8 and characterized the multiple cell types transduced within the lung utilizing this approach. They demonstrated that lung-directed AAV2/8 is able to achieve therapeutic α-1 antitrypsin (AAT) protein levels within the lung epithelial lining fluid and that AAT gene delivery ameliorates the severity of experimental emphysema in mice. [Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev] Full Article

LUNG CANCER

Transcription Factor NFIB Is a Driver of Small Cell Lung Cancer Progression in Mice and Marks Metastatic Disease in Patients

Mouse models of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) based on the inactivation of Rb1 and Trp53 show frequent amplifications of the Nfib and Mycl genes. Researchers report that, although overexpression of either transcription factor accelerates tumor growth, NFIB specifically promotes metastatic spread. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

TC-N19, a Novel Dual Inhibitor of EGFR and CMET, Efficiently Overcomes EGFR-TKI Resistance in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells

Researchers provide evidence that TC-N19 (N19), a novel dual inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and cMET, efficiently overcomes the EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors resistance in EGFR-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer cells via simultaneous degradation of both proteins by ubiquitin proteasomes. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article

Cilium Assembly and Disassembly

The primary cilium is an antenna-like, immotile organelle present on most types of mammalian cells, which interprets extracellular signals that regulate growth and development. Although once considered a vestigial organelle, the primary cilium is now the focus of considerable interest. [Nat Cell Biol] Abstract

The Future of Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Small Cell Lung Cancer

Despite the high incidence of mutations in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), to date no targeted therapy has shown a benefit for this patient population, and systemic treatment has not changed significantly during the past three decades. Given that extensive-stage SCLC has a 5-year survival rate of only 1%-2%, novel therapies are desperately needed. [Oncologist] Abstract

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

Biostage Files for FDA Orphan Drug Designation for Cellspan™ Esophageal Implant

Biostage, Inc. announced it has submitted an application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration seeking orphan drug designation for its Cellspan Esophageal Implants. [Biostage, Inc.] Press Release

BeyondSpring’s Global Phase III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Clinical Trial for Plinabulin Launches in China

BeyondSpring Pharmaceuticals announced that its global Phase III non-small cell lung cancer clinical trial for BeyondSpring’s innovative lead asset, Plinabulin, has just launched in China. [BeyondSpring Pharmaceuticals (PR Newswire Association LLC.)] Press Release

Boehringer Ingelheim and Inventiva Collaborate to Develop Potential New Treatments for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Boehringer Ingelheim and Inventiva announced a new multi-year research and drug discovery collaboration and licensing agreement. [Boehringer Ingelheim] Press Release

Researchers Reeling as UK Votes to Leave EU

It was the result that most scientists didn’t want. The United Kingdom’s vote to leave the European Union has plunged it into political and economic uncertainty — and left researchers worried over the future of their funding and collaborations, the UK’s participation in major European research programmes, and the freedom of movement and employment status of thousands of scientists. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW 2016 National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Cancer Conference
November 6-9, 2016
Liverpool, United Kingdom

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

NEW Research Associate – Pulmonary Stromal Cells (University of Cambridge)

Group Leaders – Cardiovascular or Pulmonary Science (Excellence Cluster Cardiopulmonary System)

PhD Studentship – Biofilm-Penetrant Delivery Systems for Lung Pathogens (University of East Anglia)

Associate Professor – Oxidative Lung Injury (Temple University)

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 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)

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

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