Pancreas News and Research

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The pancreas is a gland organ in the digestive and endocrine system of vertebrates. It is both an endocrine gland producing several important hormones, including insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin, as well as an exocrine gland, secreting pancreatic juice containing digestive enzymes that pass to the small intestine. These enzymes help in the further breakdown of the carbohydrates, protein, and fat in the chyme.

Breakthrough in Understanding Connexin-Drug Interactions

Researchers have gained new knowledge of how drugs bind to connexin molecules. These molecules form channels that allow neighboring cells to send direct messages to one another.

27 Jun 2024

One Size Doesn't Fit All: Study Reveals Stark Sex Differences in Mitochondrial Activity

Study comparing the genetic activity of mitochondria, the cell’s power plants, in males and females finds extreme differences, suggesting certain disease therapies must be tailored to each sex.

26 Jun 2024

Mapping Gene Targets of HNF4A and HNF1A in Human Pancreatic Beta Cells and Liver Cells

Scientists have generated a comprehensive map of the gene targets regulated by the transcription factors HNF4A and HNF1A in human pancreatic beta cells and liver cells.

26 Jun 2024

Study Reveals How Sweet Taste Receptor Regulates Blood Sugar and Insulin

The rich research portfolio of the Monell Chemical Senses Center on sweet taste goes way back: Monell scientists were one of four teams in 2001 that found and described the mammalian sweet taste receptor – TAS1R2-TAS1R3.

20 May 2024

Machine Learning Reveals Cancer-Causing DNA Repeats

It has been difficult to identify and characterize repeats of DNA sequences, also known as “junk DNA” or “dark matter,” that are found in chromosomes and may be involved in cancer or other diseases.

14 Mar 2024

New DNA Methylation-Based Analysis Provides Accurate Assessment of Pancreas Cell Composition

Research introduces new DNA methylation-based method for accurately assessing cell composition in the human pancreas, addressing a critical gap in diabetes research.

7 Feb 2024

From Lab Trials to Clinical Studies - Integrin αV's Role in Cancer Prognosis

Researchers at City of Hope, one of the biggest cancer research and treatment centers in the US, have identified a novel biological process that is critical to the pathogenic potential of cancer cells.

6 Feb 2024

Japanese Scientists Revolutionize Regenerative Lung Medicine

Globally, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is the third most common cause of mortality. It is characterized by permanent and irreversible lung damage, for which lung transplantation is the only effective treatment. Unfortunately, it is hard to find good lung donors.

8 Jan 2024

Epigenetic Changes in Insulin-Producing Cells Linked to Type 2 Diabetes Onset

Do epigenetic changes cause type 2 diabetes, or do the changes occur only after a person has become ill? A new study by researchers at Lund University provides increased support for the idea that epigenetic changes can cause type 2 diabetes.

14 Dec 2023

Unveiling the Dynamics of Pancreatic β-Cells

Pancreatic beta cells, also known as β-cells, are situated within the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas.

5 Dec 2023

Pancreatic Nerve Zaps Restore Insulin Production and Reverse Diabetes in Mice

Insulin is a hormone that decreases blood glucose levels. The only cells that produce insulin are pancreatic beta cells (β-cells), and a decrease in these cells is a major cause of diabetes.

5 Dec 2023

New Technique Unveils the Secrets of Osmotic Pressure in Living Organisms

In order to survive, organisms must control the pressure inside them, from the single-cell level to tissues and organs.

6 Nov 2023

New Tool to Improve Genetic Analysis and Research

Rutgers researchers have created an analytical technique for detecting and removing stray DNA and RNA that contaminate single-celled organism genetic analysis.

11 Oct 2023

Small Chemical Change to Boost Bioavailability of Drug Molecules

The effectiveness of any drug molecule depends on how well it interacts with the internal environment inside our body.

11 Oct 2023

Rutgers Researchers Develop New Tool to Improve Accuracy of Single-Cell Genetic Analyses

Rutgers researchers have developed an analytical tool for spotting and omitting stray DNA and RNA that contaminate genetic analyses of single-celled organisms.

10 Oct 2023

NEUROG3 Gene Plays Key Role in Pancreas Development

Different cells in the human pancreas play important roles in blood sugar regulation. Neurogenin 3 (NEUROG3) is a gene found in pancreatic cells.

1 Sep 2023

Stem Cells Used to Create Tooth Enamel in the Lab

Organoids have now been created from stem cells to secrete the proteins that form dental enamel, the substance that protects teeth from damage and decay.

16 Aug 2023

New Protein Found to be Key to Proper Functioning of Acinar Cells

The energy supply in the body has been regulated by the pancreas, located behind the stomach. This mechanism happens by secreting proteins (enzymes) accountable for glucose–the body’s primary fuel–reaching other organs when needed and in the exact amount.

24 Jul 2023

T-Cell Analysis for Type 1 Diabetes Preventive Therapy

Scripps Researchers have found that looking at a certain type of immune cell in the blood can help pinpoint those who are most vulnerable to acquiring type 1 diabetes, a fatal autoimmune disease

20 Jul 2023

Dad’s Genes “Remote Control” Mom’s Metabolism to Benefit Fetus

The unborn baby “remote controls” its mother’s metabolism, resulting in a nutritional tug-of-war between the two. The mother’s body requires the baby to survive, but she also needs enough glucose and fats in her system to be able to deliver the baby, breastfeed, and reproduce again.

12 Jul 2023