ESC & iPSC News Volume 14.34 | Sep 4 2019

TOP STORY

MicroRNA-92a/Sp1/MyoD Axis Regulates Hypoxic Stimulation of Myogenic-Lineage Differentiation in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

Researchers found that hypoxia-primed embryoid bodies efficiently differentiated into the myogenic lineage, resulting in the induction of the myogenic marker, MyoD, which was not mediated by HIF1α or HIF2α, but rather by Sp1 induction and binding to the MyoD promoter. [Mol Ther] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

APC as a Major Regulator of hESCs Self‐Renewal

Scientists directly targeted adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) in human ESCs (hESCs) carrying a germline APC mutation, derived from affected blastocysts following preimplantation genetic diagnosis for familial adenomatous polyposis, in order to answer open questions regarding the role of APC in regulating pluripotency and differentiation potential of hESCs. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Sequential Stimulation with Different Concentrations of BMP4 Promotes the Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells into Dental Epithelium with Potential for Tooth Formation

The authors induced human embryonic stem (hES) cells to differentiate into dental epithelium using different concentrations of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4). With 1 pM BMP4, the hES cells differentiated into oral ectoderm. [Stem Cell Res Ther] Full Article

Role of Somatic Cell Sources in the Maturation Degree of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes

Cardiac-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and human dermal fibroblasts from the same patients were reprogrammed into iPSCs and differentiated into iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes. [Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Res] Abstract

Generation of a Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Line, IMSUTi002-A-1, Harboring the Leukemia-Specific Fusion Gene ETV6-RUNX1

Investigators developed a human iPSC line with a doxycycline-inducible expression system with the fusion gene ETV6-RUNX1 integrated into the genome. This is the most common genetic aberration found in childhood leukemia. [Stem Cell Res] Full Article

Chimeric G‐CSF Receptor‐Mediated STAT3 Activation Contributes to Efficient Induction of Cardiomyocytes from Mouse Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

To economically and efficiently produce cardiomyocytes from iPSCs through GCSFR/STAT axis activation, scientists constructed antibody/receptor chimeras that could respond to an inexpensive small molecule. [Biotechnol J] Abstract

Three-Dimensional Decellularized Amnion Membrane Scaffold Promotes the Efficiency of Male Germ Cells Generation from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Investigators developed a 3D cell culture model for generating male germ cells from human iPSCs using a human decellularized amnion membrane scaffold. Human iPSCs were generated using retroviral vectors and characterized for pluripotency properties by immunofluorescence assay, flow cytometry, ALP staining, cytogenetic assay, and differentiation capacity. [Exp Cell Res] Abstract

Decellularized Amniotic Membrane Scaffolds Improve Differentiation of iPSCs to Functional Hepatocyte‐Like Cells

Researchers explored the effectiveness of decellularized amniotic membrane matrices for culturing of iPSCs and promoting their differentiation into hepatocyte‐like cells. [J Cell Biochem] Abstract

Liver Biopsy Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Provide Unlimited Supply for the Generation of Hepatocyte-Like Cells

Scientists used primary liver cells expanded from liver needle biopsies and reprogrammed them into liver derived iPSCs (Li-iPSCs) using a non-integrative Sendai virus-based system. Li-iPSCs were differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells using established differentiation protocols. [PLoS One] Full Article

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The Cell Cycle in Stem Cell Proliferation, Pluripotency and Differentiation

The authors discuss the current knowledge of how cell cycle proteins mechanistically link cell proliferation, pluripotency and cell fate specification. [Nat Cell Biol] Abstract

The Application of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells to Model the Neuronal and Glial Components of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Scientists review the extant literature that has used iPSC-based modeling to understand the neuronal and glial contributions to neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder, Rett syndrome, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. [Mol Psychiatry] Abstract

Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Therapeutics for Muscular Dystrophies

Researchers highlight the major research advances, challenges, and future prospects towards the development of PSC-based therapeutics for muscular dystrophies. [Trends Mol Med] Abstract

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the ESC & iPSC research field.

Woman Is First to Receive Cornea Made from ‘Reprogrammed’ Stem Cells

A Japanese woman in her forties has become the first person in the world to have her cornea repaired using reprogrammed stem cells. [Nature News] Press Release

Fate Therapeutics Announces FDA Clearance of IND Application for FT596 Off-the-Shelf, iPSC-Derived CAR NK Cell Cancer Immunotherapy

Fate Therapeutics, Inc. announced that the FDA has cleared the company’s Investigational New Drug (IND) application for FT596, the company’s first off-the-shelf chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) natural killer (NK) cell cancer immunotherapy which targets multiple tumor-associated antigens. [Fate Therapeutics, Inc.] Press Release

As Hurricane Dorian Bears Down, Researchers Get Ready

For the fourth consecutive year, scientists in Florida are preparing for a major hurricane, laying down sandbags and boarding up windows at research facilities along the state’s Atlantic coast. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Foreign Interference under the Spotlight at Australian Universities

The Australian government says it will establish an expert committee to detect and respond to cyberattacks, intellectual-property theft and other strikes against universities by foreign governments or groups. The move comes amid growing concerns from some politicians and academics about foreign influence at Australian campuses. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW Precision Health: Molecular Basis, Technology and Digital Health
November 13-16, 2019
Heidelberg, Germany

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the community.

NEW Faculty Position – Stem Cell Biology (Children’s Research Institute at UT Southwestern)

NEW Research Fellow – Vascular Stem Cell Biology (Queen’s University Belfast)

Scientific Communications Coordinator (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Cell Cycles in Stem Cells (University of California, Santa Cruz)

Postdoctoral Positions – Stem Cell and Bioinformatics (Indiana University School of Medicine)

Investigator – Stem Cells (GlaxoSmithKline)

Assistant Specialist – Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (University of California, Davis)

Biologist – Stem Cell Engineering (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)

Postdoctoral Fellow Positions – Cancer Research (Nationwide Children’s Hospital)

Research Technician – Beta Cell Production from Human PSCs (Helmholtz Zentrum München)

Postdoctoral Fellows – Striated Muscle Regeneration (Duke University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Genetics and Epigenomics of iPSC Biology (Stanford University)

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