LABORATORY RESEARCH Genome-Wide Analysis of Transcriptional Regulators in Human HSPCs Reveals a Densely Interconnected Network of Coding and Non-Coding Genes The authors provide high-resolution genome-wide binding maps for a heptad of key transcriptional factors in human CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) together with quantitative RNA and microRNA expression profiles. [Blood] Abstract β-Catenin-Independent Activation of TCF1/LEF1 in Human Hematopoietic Tumor Cells through Interaction with ATF2 Transcription Factors Using a specific lentiviral reporter, investigators identified hematopoietic tumor cells displaying constitutive T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor transcriptional activation in the absence of β-catenin stabilization. [PLoS Genet] Full Article Transcriptional Regulation of IL-15 Expression during Hematopoiesis Using an IL-15 reporter transgenic mouse, researchers have recently shown previously unappreciated differences in the levels of IL-15 expressed by subsets of conventional dendritic cells (CD8+ and CD8–). In this study, they showed that IL-15 promoter activity was differentially regulated in subsets of hematopoietically derived cells with IL-15 expression largely limited to myeloid lineages. [J Immunol] Abstract Covalent Immobilization of SCF and SDF1α for In Vitro Culture of Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells Scientists immobilized a fibronectin-derived adhesive peptide sequence, RGDS; a cytokine critical in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal, stem cell factor (SCF); and a chemokine important in HSC homing and lodging, stromal derived factor 1α (SDF1α), onto the surfaces of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels. [Acta Biomater] Abstract CLINICAL RESEARCH High-Dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Rescue for Children with High-Risk Neuroblastoma The authors compared the efficacy of myeloablative therapy with conventional therapy in children with high-risk neuroblastoma. They also determined possible effects of these interventions on adverse events, late effects and quality of life. [Cochrane Database Syst Rev] Abstract Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-D-Mediated Blockade of Regulatory T Cells within Tumors Is Induced by Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Researchers analyzed the kinetics of regulatory T cells in the tumors after syngeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Unexpectedly, the frequency of CD4+ cells expressing Foxp3 was increased in the spleens, whereas the frequency was clearly decreased in the tumors after HSCT. [J Immunol] Abstract Low Tumor Burden Is Associated with Early B-Cell Reconstitution and Predictor for Outcome after Non-Myeloablative Stem Cell Transplantation for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Reconstitution, engraftment kinetics and tumor cell clearance were analyzed after reduced intensity conditioning hematopoietic cell transplantation in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Patients were transplanted from unrelated or related donors after fludarabine and 2 Gy Total Body Irradiation followed by cyclosporine and Mycophenolate Mofetil. [Leuk Lymphoma] Abstract |