Generation of Genetically Engineered Precursor T Cells from Human Umbilical Cord Blood Using an Optimized Alpharetroviral Vector Platform Cord blood-derived CD34+ cells were transduced and differentiated into precursor T cells in vitro. Two promoters, elongation-factor-1-short-form, and a myeloproliferative-sarcoma-virus variant in combination with two commonly used envelopes were comparatively assessed choosing green fluorescent protein or a third generation chimeric antigen receptor against CD123 as gene of interest. [Mol Ther] Abstract Plet1 Is an Epigenetically Regulated Cell Surface Protein that Provides Essential Cues to Direct Trophoblast Stem Cell Differentiation Investigators assessed placenta expressed transcript 1 (Plet1), for its function in establishing trophoblast lineage identity and modulating trophoblast differentiation. [Sci Rep] Full Article Proteome Analysis of Human Amniotic Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hA-MSCs) Reveals Impaired Antioxidant Ability, Cytoskeleton and Metabolic Functionality in Maternal Obesity Researchers studied the proteome of 12 obese (Ob-) and six non-obese (Co-) hA-MSCs obtained from women at delivery by cesarean section. The proteome, investigated by two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis/mass spectrometry, revealed 62 differently expressed proteins in Ob- vs Co- hA-MSCs, nine of which were confirmed by western blotting. [Sci Rep] Full Article Cellular Dynamics of Mouse Trophoblast Stem Cells: Identification of a Persistent Stem Cell Type Scientists characterized trophoblast stem cell (TSC) colony types by using methods based on cell biology and biochemistry for a better understanding of how TSCs are maintained over multiple passages. [Biol Reprod] Abstract | Full Article Levels of Adipokines in Amniotic Fluid and Cord Blood Collected from Dichorionic-Diamniotic Twins Discordant for Fetal Growth Researchers compared the concentrations of adipokines in amniotic fluid and cord blood collected from discordant dichorionic-diamniotic twin fetuses. [PLoS One] Full Article An Alternative to Dextran for the Thawing of Cord Blood Units Preparation of umbilical cord blood units for infusion requires a step of dilution or washing to reduce the toxicity of the dimethyl sulfoxide present in the freezing solution. However, the worldwide shortage of clinical-grade dextran 40, the most widely used cord blood dilution or washing solution, prompted the authors to search for an alternative solution. [Transfusion] Abstract Early Phase Mixed Chimerism in Bone Marrow Does Not Affect Long-Term Outcomes of Myeloablative Single-Unit Cord Blood Transplantation for Adult Patients with Hematological Malignancies Investigators retrospectively analyzed 150 adult patients who received myeloablative single-unit cord blood transplantation (CBT) for hematological malignancies. They showed that early phase mixed chimerism did not have a significant impact on long-term outcomes after myeloablative single-unit CBT for hematological malignancies. [Leuk Lymphoma] Abstract |