Piction Health, a startup founded by Susan Conover SM '15, lets doctors classify skin conditions with the snap of a picture. Their app uses machine learning to help physicians identify and manage skin diseases.

Read the article on MIT News: https://news.mit.edu/2022/piction-health-skin-app-0706

Audio Article: Startup lets doctors classify skin conditions with the snap of a picture

Dr. Jill Kruse describes the signs of different types of skin cancers.

PDR 2023-01-11 Dr. Jill Kruse - Skin Cancer

A new research paper was published in Oncotarget’s Volume 13 on December 29, 2022, entitled, “Calcium signaling induced by 15-deoxy-prostamide-J2 promotes cell death by activating PERK, IP3R, and the mitochondrial permeability transition pore.”

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer in the US. Although immunotherapeutic checkpoint inhibitors and small-molecule kinase inhibitors have dramatically increased the survival of patients with melanoma, new or optimized therapeutic approaches are still needed to improve outcomes. 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostamide J2 (15d-PMJ2) is an investigational small-molecule that induces ER stress-mediated apoptosis selectively in tumor cells. Additionally, 15d-PMJ2 reduces melanoma growth in vivo. 

To assess the chemotherapeutic potential of 15d-PMJ2, researchers Daniel A. Ladin, Margaret M. Nelson, Estefani Cota, Catherine Colonna, Colin Burns, Jacques Robidoux, Kelsey H. Fisher-Wellman, and Rukiyah Van Dross-Anderson from East Carolina University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill sought to uncover molecular pathways by which 15d-PMJ2 exerts its antitumor activity. 

B16F10 melanoma and JWF2 squamous cell carcinoma cell lines were cultured in the presence of pharmacological agents that prevent ER or oxidative stress as well as Ca2+ channel blockers to identify mechanisms of 15d-PMJ2 cell death. 

“Our data demonstrated the ER stress protein, PERK, was required for 15d-PMJ2-induced death.”

PERK activation triggered the release of ER-resident Ca2+ through an IP3R sensitive pathway. Increased calcium mobilization led to mitochondrial Ca2+ overload followed by mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening and the deterioration of mitochondrial respiration. Finally, the researchers showed that the electrophilic double bond located within the cyclopentenone ring of 15d-PMJ2 was required for its activity. 

“The present study identifies PERK/IP3R/mPTP signaling as a mechanism of 15d-PMJ2 antitumor activity.”

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28334 

Correspondence to: Rukiyah Van Dross-Anderson - vandrossr@ecu.edu 

Keywords: calcium, mitochondrial respiration, endoplasmic reticulum stress, cancer, prostamide

About Oncotarget: 

Oncotarget (a primarily oncology-focused, peer-reviewed, open access journal) aims to maximize research impact through insightful peer-review; eliminate borders between specialties by linking different fields of oncology, cancer research and biomedical sciences; and foster application of basic and clinical science.

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Oncotarget

Calcium Signaling Induced by 15-deoxy-prostamide-J2 Promotes Cell Death by...

BUFFALO, NY- July 26, 2024 – A new #research paper was #published in Oncotarget's Volume 15 on July 19, 2024, entitled, “Prognostic and therapeutic insights into MIF, DDT, and CD74 in melanoma.”

Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) and its homolog D-dopachrome Tautomerase (DDT) have been implicated as drivers of tumor progression across a variety of cancers. Recent evidence suggests MIF as a therapeutic target in immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) resistant melanomas, however clinical evidence of MIF and particularly of DDT remain limited.

In this new retrospective study, researchers Caroline Naomi Valdez, Gabriela Athziri Sánchez-Zuno, Lais Osmani, Wael Ibrahim, Anjela Galan, Antonietta Bacchiocchi, Ruth Halaban, Rajan P. Kulkarni, Insoo Kang, Richard Bucala, and Thuy Tran from Yale University, Oregon Health and Science University, Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center (CEDAR), and the Department of Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System analyzed 97 patients treated at Yale for melanoma between 2002–2020. 

“Our study significantly expands on prior work by De Azevedo et al. by encompassing a larger cohort of individuals, coupled with a comprehensive approach to defining high and low MIF and DDT expression.”

Bulk-RNA sequencing of patient tumor samples from the Skin Cancer SPORE Biorepository was used to evaluate for differential gene expression of MIF, DDT, CD74, and selected inflammatory markers, and gene expression was correlated with patient survival outcomes. Their findings revealed a strong correlation between MIF and DDT levels, with no statistically significant difference across common melanoma mutations and subtypes. 

Improved survival was associated with lower MIF and DDT levels and higher CD74:MIF and CD74:DDT levels. High CD74:DDT and CD74:MIF levels were also associated with enrichment of infiltrating inflammatory cell markers. These data suggest DDT as a novel target in immune therapy. Dual MIF and DDT blockade may provide synergistic responses in patients with melanoma, irrespective of common mutations, and may overcome ICI resistance. These markers may also provide prognostic value for further biomarker development.

“Our study is the first to report survival findings in association with intratumor DDT expression and CD74:DDT expression level ratio. Thus, CD74:MIF and CD74:DDT expression ratio measurements offer promise as prognostic markers for survival outcomes and ICI response in patients with melanoma.”

DOI - https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28615

Correspondence to - Thuy Tran - thuy.tran@yale.edu

Video short - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULlzscn0PvQ

Subscribe for free publication alerts from Oncotarget - https://www.oncotarget.com/subscribe/

Keywords - cancer, MIF, DDT, melanoma, immune checkpoint inhibition, cancer transcriptomics

About Oncotarget 

Oncotarget (a primarily oncology-focused, peer-reviewed, open access journal) aims to maximize research impact through insightful peer-review; eliminate borders between specialties by linking different fields of oncology, cancer research and biomedical sciences; and foster application of basic and clinical science.

Oncotarget is indexed and archived by PubMed/Medline, PubMed Central, Scopus, EMBASE, META (Chan Zuckerberg Initiative) (2018-2022), and Dimensions (Digital Science).

To learn more about Oncotarget, please visit https://www.oncotarget.com and connect with us:

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MEDIA@IMPACTJOURNALS.COM

Prognostic and Therapeutic Insights Into MIF, DDT, and CD74 in Melanoma

Dr. Jason Givan Dermatologist with Ridgeview Dermatology talked with us about Skin Cancer Awareness Month and the new surgery only he offers to treat skin cancer.  

Dr. Jason Givan

Finding practical knowledge or pearls on how to treat patients with actinic keratoses, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and, even the dreaded, merkel cell carcinoma  is always valuable.  Thankfully, in this next dialogue, Dr. Shawna Flanagan and Dr. Gary Goldenberg offer their perspectives on the latest in the diagnosis and treatment  of non-melanoma skin cancer.

What's New in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

Dr Rabia Moti Ghoor talks to Dr Noori Moti Joosub.

Dr Noori Moti Joosub, talking sun awareness, skin cancer, pigmentation and aging.

On today's podcast, a question from a sun-kissed surfer girl in Southern California serves as a departure point for a discussion of skin care.  This episode covers the dangers of too much sun exposure, the risks of skin cancer, what to watch out for in terms of moles and growths, and proactive measures to take in caring for your skin.  And towards the end, co-hosts Doc and Gregory Conor dish on the topic of freckles -- are they hot or not?

Skin Is A Thing: Proper Skin Care

Tässä jaksossa keskustelemme ihosyövästä. Asiantuntija vieraana meillä on Yleislääketieteen erikoislääkäri Pia Tervonen. Jaksossa käymme läpi yleisimmät ihosyövät, mikä niitä aiheuttaa, miten niitä hoidetaan sekä hieman tilastotietoja yleisimpien ihosyöpien ilmenemisestä Suomessa vuosittain. Jakso on nyt varsin ajankohtainen, sillä kaikille ihosyöville on yhteistä, että elämän mittaan altistuminen auringon valolle on suurin yksittäinen syy jokaisen ihosyövän syntymiselle. Näin ollen Sanna pääsee jälleen muistuttamaan kuulijoitamme auringolta suojautumisen tärkeydestä!

Rakastu Ihoosi...™ Podcast

#76 - Ihosyövät

#76 - Ihosyövät

Put your best face forward! Board-certified dermatologist & fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon (and a bestie from med school) joins us to talk best practices for clear skin and avoiding skin cancer.

This info-packed episode touches on retinoids, face oils, Botox and fillers, collagen supplements, and even vampire facials! We also discuss cancer treatment-related hair loss and important advice for preventing sun damage and skin cancer. Dr. Nikki Dietert's instagram: @doctordietert

Ep.004: Acne, Anti-Aging, and Skin Cancer Prevention with Dr. Nikki Dietert

Virginia's Talk Station on 100.9 WIQO in Lynchburg and 106.3 WMNA in Gretna-Danville! Talk Radio for Roanoke on 1240 AM & 99.5 FM and 1350 AM in Bedford! CBS Sports Radio on 93.3 FM and 1320 AM in Lynchburg & 730 AM on the Southside!

Salaamedia, founded in January 2016, aims to go beyond the limits of traditional journalism by telling human stories while seeking to inspire people towards active citizenship and participation in helping resolve these challenges.

Oncotarget is a primarily oncology-focused, peer-reviewed, open access journal. Papers are published continuously within yearly volumes in their final and complete form and then quickly released to Pubmed.

Oncotarget is now indexed by MEDLINE, PubMed and PMC/PubMed.

Read about the Oncotarget Scientific Integrity Process: https://www.oncotarget.com/scientific_integrity/

Rakastu ihoosi...™ podcast on podcast, jossa puhumme ihosta, ihonhoidosta, kauneudesta, ehostamisesta ja muista mieleen juolahtavista asioista pilke silmäkulmassa. Podia vetävät Kauneus- & Komeushoitola Sanna's Style Ky:n omistaja Sanna Koivuranta ja Sannan aviomies Henrik Koivuranta. Mikäli sinulla on aiheita, joista haluat kuulla lisää, voit pyytää meiltä aiheita lähettämällä sähköpostia osoitteeseen podcast@rakastuihoosipodcast.com

Yksi jakso kestää noin 30 minuuttia ja se julkaistaan yleensä maanantaisin. Jaksoja voit kuunnella alkuun iTunesin tai SoundCloudin kautta. Löydät sieltä myös aiemmat jaksot. Tulemme myöhemmin lanseeraamaan myös Youtube kanavan missä on tarkoitus lähettää suoria lähetyksiä Rakastu Ihoosi...™ Podcastin äänittämisistä.

Rakastu Ihoosi...™ on Kauneus- & Komeushoitola Sanna's Style Ky:n omistama tuotemerkki.

MIT News is dedicated to bringing news from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to the world. We cover research, innovation, teaching, entrepreneurship, and the Institute’s distinctive and quirky culture. We find ourselves educated and amazed by our community of hands-on problem-solvers who are eager to know how things work — and inspired to make them work better. We hope you are amazed, too.

Real Women's Health Podcast was created by Dr. Kristin Rojas, a fellowship-trained breast cancer surgeon and board-certified gynecologic surgeon with a passion for comprehensive wellness in women's cancer care.

In a world of dangerous misinformation and medical myths, she hopes to create a series of informative podcasts with her colleagues and friends that will give women, young and old, the important health-related facts, advice, and guidelines to lead healthy, independent lives. 

Knowledge is POWER!

For questions or comments, you can email realwomenshealth@gmail.com and follow Dr. Rojas on Twitter and Instagram @kristinrojasmd.

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