Intestinal Cell News Volume 1.06 | May 1 2015

The Molecular Landscape of Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines Unveils Clinically Actionable Kinase Targets
The authors described the mutational and gene expression analyses of 151 colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. They found that the whole spectrum of CRC molecular and transcriptional subtypes, previously defined in patients, was represented in this cell line compendium. [Nat Commun] Abstract

Induction of the Intestinal Stem Cell Signature Gene SMOC-2 is Required for L1-Mediated Colon Cancer Progression
Scientists identified the immunoglobulin family of cell-adhesion receptors member L1 as a β-catenin-TCF target gene preferentially expressed at the invasive edge of human colorectal cancer tissue. [Oncogene] Abstract

Windpipe Controls Drosophila Intestinal Homeostasis by Regulating JAK/STAT Pathway via Promoting Receptor Endocytosis and Lysosomal Degradation
Investigators identified windpipe (wdp) as a novel component of the JAK/STAT pathway. They demonstrated that Wdp is positively regulated by JAK/STAT signaling in Drosophila adult intestines. [PLoS Genet] Full Article

miR-21 and miR-145 Cooperation in Regulation of Colon Cancer Stem Cells
The authors investigated the role that microRNAs (miRs), specifically miR-21 and miR-145 play in regulating colon cancer stem cells (CSCs). They found the expression of miR-21 was greatly increased and miR-145 decreased in chemo-resistant colon cancer cells that were highly enriched in CSCs. [Mol Cancer] Full Article

ERBB4 Is Over-Expressed in Human Colon Cancer and Enhances Cellular Transformation
Researchers report that ERBB4 is over-expressed in human colorectal cancer, and in experimental systems enhanced the survival and growth of cells driven by Ras and/or WNT signaling. [Carcinogenesis] Abstract

Argininosuccinate Synthetase 1 Suppression and Arginine Restriction Inhibit Cell Migration in Gastric Cancer Cell Lines
Scientists indicated that the argininosuccinate synthetase 1 (ASS1) protein is required for cell migration in gastric cancer cell lines. [Sci Rep] Full Article

The Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Sensor IRE1α in Intestinal Epithelial Cells Is Essential for Protecting against Colitis
Investigators demonstrated that genetic ablation of Ire1α in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) led to spontaneous colitis in mice. Deletion of IRE1α in IECs resulted in loss of goblet cells and failure of intestinal epithelial barrier function. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article

Epithelial-Specific ETS-1 (ESE1/ELF3) Regulates Apoptosis of Intestinal Epithelial Cells in Ulcerative Colitis via Accelerating NF-κB Activation
Scientists report that ESE1/ELF3 was over-expressed in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) of patients with ulcerative colitis. In DSS-induced colitis mouse models, they observed the up-regulation of ESE1/ELF3 accompanied with the elevated levels of IEC apoptotic markers and NF-κB activation indicators in colitis IECs. [Immunol Res] Abstract

AMP-18 Targets p21 to Maintain Epithelial Homeostasis
Scientists characterized therapeutic mechanisms and identified molecular targets by which antrum mucosal protein-18 (AMP-18) maintains and restores disrupted epithelial homeostasis in cultured intestinal epithelial cells and a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease. [PLoS One] Full Article

INTESTINAL STEM CELL & ORGANOID RESEARCH

Sequential Cancer Mutations in Cultured Human Intestinal Stem Cells
Researchers utilized CRISPR/Cas9 technology for targeted gene modification of four of the most commonly mutated colorectal cancer genes (APC, P53, KRAS and SMAD4) in cultured human intestinal stem cells. [Nature] Abstract

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Qu Biologics Opens Clinical Trial Sites in Edmonton and Toronto for Crohn’s Disease Clinical Trial
Qu Biologics Inc. announced it has opened two new clinical trial sites in Edmonton, Alberta and Toronto, Ontario to enroll participants in its Crohn’s disease clinical trial. [Qu Biologics Inc.] Press Release

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