Cell Therapy News Volume 10.42 | Oct 26 2009

Fate Therapeutics Announces Creation of Small Molecule Platform for Commercial Scale Reprogramming
The discoveries represent a more than 200 fold improvement in reprogramming efficiency and reduce the reprogramming period to two weeks as compared to methods using only the four reprogramming factors (Oct 3/4, Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc). [Fate Therapeutics, Inc., La Jolla]
Article

Reprogramming a Patient’s Eye Cells May Herald New Treatments Against Degenerative Disease
The research is the first proof in principle that somatic, or body cells, can be reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells simply through the influence of the microenvironment in which the sampled cells are cultured. [University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha]
Article

Growing Cartilage from Stem Cells
Using adult stem cells from bone marrow and skin as well as human embryonic stem cells, researchers have grown cartilage tissue in the lab. [University of California – Davis, Davis]
Article

Adult Stem Cell Study Highlights Promising Application of Autologous Stem Cells for Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury
DaVinci Biosciences LLC announced recently the presentation of their safety and feasibility study demonstrating the administration of autologous bone marrow derived stem cells for the treatment of acute and chronic spinal cord injury. [DaVinci Biosciences LLC, Costa Mesa]
Article

Small Mechanical Forces have Big Impact on Embryonic Stem Cells
Applying a small mechanical force to embryonic stem cells could be a new way of coaxing them into a specific direction of differentiation. [University of Illinois, Champaign]
Article

“Scaffold” Developed to Regenerate Lost or Damaged Bones and Tissues
Scientists have developed a new biologically active “scaffold” made from soluble fibers, which may help humans replace lost or missing bone. [Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv]
Article

Neural Stem Cells Show Promise for Treating Age-Related Macular Degeneration
StemCells, Inc. announced recently new preclinical data showing that its human neural stem cells protect cone photoreceptors in the eye from progressive degeneration and preserve visual function long term. [StemCells, Inc., Palo Alto]
Article

Aeolus Drug Protects the Gastrointestinal Tract in Acute Radiation Syndrome Studies
Aeolus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced recently that recent experiments in preclinical models have shown that AEOL 10150 can effectively increase regeneration of gastro-intestinal stem cells. [Aeolus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Mission Viejo]
Article

ABSTRACTS, REVIEWS AND SPECIAL REPORTS

More Synergetic Cooperation of Yamanaka Factors in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells than in Embryonic Stem Cells
This study established completely reprogrammed induced pluripotent stem cells and analyzed the global promoter occupancy of Yamanaka factors in these cells by ChIP-chip assays. [Cell Res]
Article

DNA Methyltransferase 1 Is Essential for and Uniquely Regulates Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells
To examine the role of Dnmt1, a DNA methyltransferase, in adult hematopoietic stem cells, the researchers conditionally disrupted Dnmt1 in the hematopoietic system. [Cell Stem Cell]
Article

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California and China Agree to Collaborate on Stem Cells
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine and the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology have agreed to collaborate on stem cell research.
Article

South Korea Clone Scientist Convicted
A South Korean court has convicted the disgraced cloning scientist Hwang Woo-suk of fraud over his stem-cell research.
Article

Abortion, Stem Cell Petitions Approved for Missouri Circulation
Two more ballot initiatives were approved for circulation this week, both connected to the issue of abortion and embryonic stem cells.
Article

Gamida Cell and Cellerix Partner on Feasibility Study
Gamida Cell Ltd. and Cellerix, S.A. announced recently that the companies are collaborating on a feasibility study to evaluate the added value of combining the proprietary technologies of each.
Article

Entest BioMedical Announces Intent to Acquire Cancer Research Company Therinject LLC
Once a definitive agreement is in place, Therinject LLC will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Entest BioMedical Inc.
Article

University of Michigan Scientists Win $6.8 Million in Federal Stimulus-fund Grants for Stem Cell Research
University of Michigan researchers have been awarded 13 federal stimulus-fund grants to date, totaling $6.8 million, for research projects involving both adult and embryonic stem cells.
Article

Faust says Harvard Assessing Options on Science Complex
Harvard President Drew Faust said that the university is in the midst of re-assessing options for its long-planned expansion into Allston, including the possibility of “re-imagining” its $1 billion science complex.
Article

Clarification of Eligibility as Primary Applicant for the RFA-OD-09-010 (NOT-OD-10-006)
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Clarification of Registration in ClinicalTrials.gov According to Date of Initiation and Status as an Ongoing Trial (NOT-OD-10-007)
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Human Cell, Tissues and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products (HCT/P) List of Registered Establishments
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FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (United States)

Guidance for Industry: An Acceptable Circular of Information for the Use of Human Blood and Blood Components, October 2009
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