ESC & iPSC News Volume 14.46 | Nov 27 2019

TOP STORY

Targeting Specificity of Apobec-Based Cytosine Base Editor in Human iPSCs Determined by Whole Genome Sequencing

Researchers investigated the fidelity of cytidine deaminase-mediated base editing in human iPSCs by whole genome sequencing after sustained or transient base editor expression. [Nat Commun] Full Article

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Automated Design of Pluripotent Stem Cell Self-Organization

The authors combined genetic engineering with computational modeling, machine learning, and mathematical pattern optimization to create a data-driven approach to control human PSC self-organization by knock down of genes previously shown to affect stem cell colony organization, CDH1 and ROCK1. [Cell Syst] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

A Versatile ES Cell-Based Melanoma Mouse Modeling pPlatform

Scientists described the development and validation of an ESC-genetically engineered mouse model platform for rapid modeling of melanoma in mice. The platform incorporated twelve clinically relevant genotypes composed of combinations of four driver alleles and regulatory alleles to spatiotemporally controlled the perturbation of genes-of-interest. [Cancer Res] Abstract

Genome Editing in Patient iPSC Efficiently Corrects the Most Prevalent USH2A Mutations and Reveals Intriguing Mutant mRNA Expression Profiles

Researchers used eSpCas9 to successfully achieve seamless correction of the two most prevalent Usher syndrome (USH)2A mutations in iPSCs of patients with USH or autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa. [Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev] Abstract | Full Article

Homogenous Generation of Dopaminergic Neurons from Multiple hiPSC Lines by Transient Expression of Transcription Factors

The authors developed a protocol based on HBA promoter-driven transient expression of transcription factors by means of adeno-associated viral vectors, that allowed them to generate very consistent numbers of dopaminergic neurons from four different human iPSC lines. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article

SOX21 Ensures Rostral Forebrain Identity by Suppression of WNT8B during Neural Regionalization of Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Investigators found that SOX21 was required for rostral forebrain fate specification. SOX21 knockout led to activation of Wnt signaling, resulting in caudalization of regional identity of rostral forebrain neural progenitor cells. [Stem Cell Reports] Full Article

Genetic Deletion of Hesx1 Promotes Exit from the Pluripotent State and Impairs Developmental Diapause

Scientists showed that Hesx1 was expressed in the preimplantation mouse embryo, where it was required during developmental diapause. Absence of Hesx1 led to reduced expression of epiblast and primitive endoderm determinants and failure of diapaused embryos to resume embryonic development after implantation. [Stem Cell Reports] Full Article

Viral Expression of a SERCA2a-Activating PLB Mutant Improves Calcium Cycling and Synchronicity in Dilated Cardiomyopathic hiPSC-CMs

The authors used a human (h)iPSC cardiomyocyte (CM) model of dilated cardiomyopathy containing phospholamban (PLB) mutation R14del, where they observed that adeno-associated virus 2-driven expression of PLB mutants rescued arrhythmic calcium transients and alleviated decreased calcium transport. [J Mol Cell Cardiol] Abstract

Establishment of a Gorlin Syndrome Model from Induced Neural Progenitor Cells Exhibiting Constitutive GLI1 Expression and High Sensitivity to Inhibition by Smoothened (SMO)

Investigators established a disease model of hedgehog-related tumorigenesis with Gorlin syndrome-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (GS-iPSCs). Induced neural progenitor cells (NPCs) from GS-iPSCs showed constitutive high GLI1 expression and higher sensitivity to SMO inhibition compared with wild-type induced NPCs. [Lab Invest] Abstract

Quantification of the Morphological Characteristics of hESC Colonies

Using image analysis and computational tools, scientists precisely quantified properties using phase-contrast images of human (h)ESC colonies of different sizes during days two, three and four after plating. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Exosome/Microvesicle Content Is Altered in LRRK2 Mutant iPSC-Derived Neural Cells

Researchers profiled two microvesicles from different Parkinson’s disease tissue sources: neural progenitor cells derived from an endogenous adult stem/progenitor cell, called adult human neural progenitor cells; and Leucine-Rich Kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene identified patient iPSCs. [J Comp Neurol] Abstract

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Advances in Pluripotent Stem Cells: History, Mechanisms, Technologies, and Applications

The authors provide a comprehensive portrait of important progress in stem cell research and development. Innovative technologies and real-world applications are emphasized. [Stem Cell Rev Rep] Abstract

An Insight into Reprogramming Barriers to iPSC Generation

Scientists present a comprehensive overview of the barriers that inhibit reprogramming and the understanding of which will pave the way to develop safe strategies for efficient reprogramming. [Stem Cell Rev Rep] Abstract

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

Novoheart to Co-Develop First of Its Kind Human Heart-in-a-Jar Model of Heart Failure with AstraZeneca

Novoheart is pleased to announce a collaboration with global biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, in an effort to develop the world’s first human-specific in vitro, functional model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, a common condition especially among the elderly and in women. [Novoheart Holdings, Inc.] Press Release

Speeding Cell, Gene Therapy Development

An innovative new major private-public partnership led by Harvard and MIT aims to accelerate one of the hottest and most promising areas of medical research: cell and gene therapy. [Harvard University] Press Release

Five Ways China Must Cultivate Research Integrity

A swift increase in scientific productivity has outstripped the country’s ability to promote rigor and curb academic misconduct; it is time to seize solutions. [Nature News] Editorial

Elsevier Signs First Open-Access Deal in the United States

Publishing giant Elsevier has signed its first open-access deal with a US institution, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Inside Higher Ed reports. The arrangement, which CMU announced on 21 November, will allow CMU scholars to publish articles in any Elsevier journal on an immediately free-to-read basis. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

NEW Advances in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine
March 8-11, 2020
Heidelberg, Germany

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

NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – iPSC Heart Cells (Stanford University)

Research Techician – iPSC Culture Lab (University of Luxembourg)

Postdoctoral Associate – Stem Cell Research (University of Minnesota Twin Cities)

Faculty Position – Stem Cell Research (Yale University School of Medicine)

Multiple Positions – Stem Cell Biology (NIH NCATS Stem Cell Translation Laboratory)

Research Assistant – Stem Cells and Engineering (New York Blood Center)

Postdoctoral Researcher – CRISPR/Cas9 in ESCs (Institute of Molecular Biology GmbH)

Postdoctoral Researcher – iPSC Models in Neurology (IRIBHM)

Postdoctoral Scientist – Regenerative Medicine (Cedars-Sinai Medical Center)

PhD Position – Human Inducible Stem Cells (University of Fribourg)

Research Associate – Computational Image Analysis and AI (University of Bristol)

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

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