Pulmonary Cell News Volume 7.04 | Feb 1 2018

TOP STORY

A New Strategy Induces the Regression of Advanced Lung Tumors in Mice

Scientists showed how the elimination of the c-Raf kinase by genetic manipulation causes the regression of Kras oncogene-driven advanced lung tumors in a genetically designed mouse model that faithfully reproduces the natural history of this tumor. [Press release from the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre discussing online prepublication in Cancer Cell] Press Release | Abstract | Graphical Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Establishment of the Early Cilia Preassembly Protein Complex during Motile Ciliogenesis

Using primary airway cell culture and regulated induced pluripotent stem cell culture, researchers provide a roadmap for preassembly protein expression, showing that HEATR2 is the first preassembly protein to appear, emerging early in ciliogenesis and preceding known regulatory factors. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract | Press Release

Identification of ANXA2 (Annexin A2) as a Specific Bleomycin Target to Induce Pulmonary Fibrosis by Impeding TFEB-Mediated Autophagic Flux

A CRISPR-Cas9-engineered ANXA2^E139A mutation in lung epithelial cells ablated bleomycin binding and activated transcription factor EB (TFEB), a master regulator of macroautophagy/autophagy, resulting in substantial acceleration of autophagic flux. [Autophagy] Abstract

Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Induce Collagen Deposition via TGF-β1/Smad3 Signaling in Human Airway Epithelial Cells

Scientists investigated fibrotic responses induced by copper oxide nanoparticles in the respiratory tract and elucidated its underlying mechanism of action in vivo and in vitro experiments. [Nanotoxicology] Abstract

Pulmonary Fibrosis In Vivo Displays Increased p21 Expression Reduced by 5-HT_2B Receptor Antagonists In Vitro – A Potential Pathway Affecting Proliferation

Gene expressions in lung tissues from systemic bleomycin-treated mice were examined, revealing significant increased expression of Cdkn1α, particularly in distal regions of the lung. [Sci Rep] Full Article

LUNG CANCER

KIF22 Coordinates CAR and EGFR Dynamics to Promote Cancer Cell Proliferation

Researchers investigated the potential mechanisms by which coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) contributes to cancer cell growth and found that depletion of CAR in human lung cancer cells reduced anchorage-independent growth, epidermal growth factor (EGF)–dependent proliferation, and tumor growth in vivo. [Sci Signal] Abstract

Targeting EHMT2 Reverses EGFR-TKI Resistance in NSCLC by Epigenetically Regulating the PTEN/AKT Signaling Pathway

The authors found that an EHMT2 inhibitor, UNC0638, can significantly inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis in EGFR-TKI-resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article

Overexpression of Geranylgeranyl Diphosphate Synthase Contributes to Tumor Metastasis and Correlates with Poor Prognosis of Lung Adenocarcinoma

Knockdown of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS) inhibited the migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells, but did not affect cell proliferation and apoptosis. GGPPS inhibition significantly increased the expression of E-cadherin and reduced the expression of N-cadherin and vimentin in lung adenocarcinoma cells. [J Cell Mol Med] Full Article

ARHGEF39 Promotes Tumor Progression via Activation of Rac1/P38 MAPK/ATF2 Signaling and Predicts Poor Prognosis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients

Investigators identified that ARHGEF39 promotes tumor growth and invasion by activating the Rac1-P38-ATF2 signaling pathway, as well as increasing the expression of Cyclin A2, Cyclin D1, and MMP2 in non-small cell lung cancer cells. [Lab Invest] Abstract

SH2B1 Promotes Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition through the IRS1/β-Vatenin Signaling Axis in Lung Adenocarcinoma

Modulation of SH2B1 levels had distinct effects on cell proliferation, cell cycle, migration, invasion and morphology in A549 and H1299 cells in vitro and in vivo. [Mol Carcinog] Abstract

Cell Death-Based Treatment of Lung Adenocarcinoma

The authors discuss recent advances in understanding the molecular pathways driving tumor progression and related targeted therapies in lung adenocarcinomas. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article

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

Prometic’s PBI-4050: Phase III Pivotal Clinical Trial Design for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) Finalized

Prometic Life Sciences Inc. announced the outcome of a successful clinical development Type C meeting with the FDA for its orally active anti-fibrotic lead drug candidate, PBI-4050. The purpose of the meeting was to reach final agreement on the design of the Phase III pivotal clinical trial for PBI-4050 in patients with IPF. [Prometic Life Sciences Inc.] Press Release

Corbus Pharmaceuticals Announces Agreement with FDA on Phase IIb Cystic Fibrosis Study Design with Pulmonary Exacerbations as Sole Primary Endpoint

Corbus Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc. announced that it has reached agreement with the FDA regarding the design of its next study of lenabasum, a novel, oral, pro-resolving drug, in the treatment of cystic fibrosis. [Corbus Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc.] Press Release

First Patient Enrolled in Mallinckrodt Phase IV Trial of H.P. Acthar^® Gel (Repository Corticotropin Injection) for Pulmonary Sarcoidosis

Mallinckrodt plc confirmed enrollment of the first patient in the company’s Phase IV, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study to further assess the efficacy of H.P. Acthar Gel as a therapy option in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis. [Mallinckrodt plc] Press Release

US Government Rethinks How to Retire Research Chimps

The research chimpanzees owned or supported by the US National Institutes of Health are ready to retire — but nearly 300 are still stuck in 3 US research facilities, awaiting spots at the country’s only federally funded sanctuary. [Nature News] Editorial

Indian Science Budget Fails to Impress — Despite Funding Boost

Ministers announce detailed spending plans, with focus on artificial intelligence and cyber systems. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW Advances in Cell and Tissue Culture (ACTC) 2018
May 21-23, 2018
Cardiff, United Kingdom

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

NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Human Lung Stem Cells and Regeneration (MedImmune)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Lung Cancer (Van Ande Research Institute)

Postdoctoral Position – Biomedical Systems Biology (University of Zurich)

Postdoctoral Scholarship – Translational Cancer Stem Cell Biology (Lund University)

Postdoctoral Position – Pulmonary Disease Pathogenesis (Columbia University)

Postdoctoral Training Fellow – Lung Cancer (The Francis Crick Institute)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Lung Regeneration after Injury (University of Michigan)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Lung Cancer (MD Anderson Cancer Center)

Postdoctoral Position – Cell Signaling and Cell Differentiation (Stanford University)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Cancer Research (University of California, Davis)

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