Pulmonary Cell News Volume 5.32 | Aug 18 2016

TOP STORY

A Genetic Cell Context-Dependent Role for ZEB1 in Lung Cancer

The zinc-finger E-box-binding Homeobox-1 (ZEB1) is a transcription factor that promotes epithelial–mesenchymal transition and acts as an oncogene in KRAS-mutated lung cancer models. Investigators report that ZEB1 exerts the opposite effect in EGFR-mutated lung cancer cells, where it suppresses growth by increasing microRNA-200 targets to antagonize ERBB3, a driver of mutant EGFR-dependent cell growth. [Nat Commun] Full Article

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Mechanosensing by the α6-Integrin Confers an Invasive Fibroblast Phenotype and Mediates Lung Fibrosis

Investigators demonstrated that matrix stiffness regulates the ability of fibrotic lung myofibroblasts to invade the basement membrane. [Nat Commun] Full Article

Bisphenol A Suppresses Glucocorticoid Target Gene (ENaCγ) Expression via a Novel ERβ/NF-κB/GR Signaling Pathway in Lung Epithelial Cells

Given that bisphenol A (BPA) diminished the expression of epithelial sodium channel-γ (ENaCγ), a well-known glucocorticoid receptor (GR) target gene, in fetal lungs, scientists used this GR target gene to delineate the molecular pathway through which BPA exerts its effects on lung cells. [Arch Toxicol] Abstract

Regulation of the Coxsackie and Adenovirus Receptor Expression is Dependent on CFTR in Airway Epithelial Cells

Investigators demonstrated that coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor expression and infectivity with adenovirus are increased in cystic fibrosis airway epithelial cells. [Cell Microbiol] Abstract

Enhanced Pulmonary Vascular and Alveolar Development via Prenatal Administration of a Slow-Release Synthetic Prostacyclin Agonist in Rat Fetal Lung Hypoplasia

Researchers hypothesized that prenatal treatment with ONO-1301SR, a slow-release form of a novel synthetic prostacyclin agonist with thromboxane inhibitory activity, might enhance the development of lungs exhibiting hypoplasia in the fetal period. [PLoS One] Full Article

Gefitinib, an EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, Prevents Smoke-Mediated Ciliated Airway Epithelial Cell Loss and Promotes Their Recovery

The effects of whole cigarette smoke exposure on human airway ciliated cells were examined using in vitro cultures of normal human bronchial epithelial cells and a Vitrocell^® VC 10^® Smoking Robot. [PLoS One] Full Article

LUNG CANCER

Autophagy Provides Metabolic Substrates to Maintain Energy Charge and Nucleotide Pools in Ras-Driven Lung Cancer Cells

The authors sequenced the mitochondrial genomes of wild-type or autophagy-deficient (Atg7^−/−) Kras-driven lung tumors. Although Atg7 deletion resulted in increased mitochondrial mutations, there were too few nonsynonymous mutations to cause generalized mitochondrial dysfunction. [Genes Dev] Abstract

Up-Regulation of miR-328-3p Sensitizes Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer to Radiotherapy

Scientists examined the influence of changed microRNA (miRNAs) expression on the damaged DNA and its associated radio sensitivity. They identified fifteen altered miRNAs in which miR-328-3p was down regulated in non-small cell lung cancer tumor tissue as compared to normal tissues. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Targeted Nanoconjugate Co-Delivering siRNA and Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor to KRAS Mutant NSCLC Dissociates GAB1-SHP2 Post Oncogene Knockdown

Investigators showed tri-block nanoparticle can efficiently deliver siRNA to cytoplasm of KRAS mutant H23 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells for oncogene knockdown; subsequently, sensitizing it to tyrosine kinase inhibitor. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Plasma miR-324-3p and miR-1285 as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers for Early Stage Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Researchers assessed the differentially expressed miRNAs as potential biomarkers for early stage lung squamous cell carcinoma. [Oncotarget] Full Article

Current In Vitro Approaches to Assess Nanoparticle Interactions with Lung Cells

The authors highlight in vitro approaches to the study of nanoparticle-lung immune cell interactions and recent advances in the targeting of immune cells using nanoparticle-based systems. [Nanomedicine (Lond)] Full Article

Advances in Stem Cell and Cell-Based Gene Therapy Approaches for Experimental Acute Lung Injury: A Review of Preclinical Studies

The authors discuss the preclinical literature on the use of stem and progenitor cell therapy and cell-based gene therapy for the treatment of preclinical animal models of acute lung injury. [Hum Gene Ther] Abstract

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

BeyondSpring Announces First Patient Enrolled in China in a Global Phase III Trial of Plinabulin for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

BeyondSpring Pharmaceuticals announced that the first patient in the global Phase III trial of its lead immuno-oncology asset Plinabulin, was enrolled in China at the Shanghai Chest Hospital in Shanghai by Dr. Baohui Han, the principal investigator at this site. [BeyondSpring Pharmaceuticals Inc.] Press Release

Pulmatrix Receives Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for Inhaled Drug to Treat Pulmonary Fungal Infections in Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Pulmatrix, Inc. announced that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has granted the company’s request for orphan drug status for its inhaled drug for treating pulmonary fungal infections in cystic fibrosis patients, named PUR1900. [Pulmatrix, Inc.] Press Release

US Personalized-Medicine Industry Takes Hit from Supreme Court

Rejections for US patents related to personalized medicine have spiked after recent Supreme Court decisions tightened the rules for such claims, an analysis of more than 39,000 patent applications reveals. [Nature News] Editorial

EMA Adopts New Biologic, Biosimilar Pharmacovigilance Guidance

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) on Monday announced new recommendations for monitoring the safety of biologics and biosimilars. [Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society] Editorial | Guideline

UK Government Gives Brexit Science Funding Guarantee

British scientists say they’re relieved by a government promise to guarantee them funding for existing EU research projects, even after the country leaves the European Union. But the reassurance only partly allays concerns about Brexit’s effect on UK science. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2016
October 7-11, 2016
Copenhagen, Denmark

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

NEW Postdoctoral Research Fellowship – Translational Fibrosis Research (RWTH Aachen University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Cell and Animal Models of Lung Cancer (University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center)

Bioinformatician – Genomics of Mesothelioma (Imperial College London)

Research Associate – Development of Mesothelioma (Imperial College London)

MRF Research Associate – Pathogenesis of Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease (Newcastle University)

Robert Stowell Chair – Experimental Pathology (University of California, Davis)

Postdoctoral Scientist – Transcriptional Networks in Lung Cancer (Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute)

PhD Studentships – Pulmonary Medicine and Biology (University of Giessen School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Position – Respiratory Sciences (Novartis Institute for BioMedical Research)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Complex Lung Diseases (National Jewish Health)

Non-Clinical Lecturer – Reader in Respiratory Science (Imperial College London)

Postdoctoral Associate – Pulmonary Genetic Medicine (Weill Cornell Medicine)

Scientific Director – Oncology (Merck)

Associate Service Fellow – Pulmonary Toxicology and Pharmacology (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)

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

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

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