Cell Therapy News Volume 12.35 | Sep 5 2011

Scientists Make Historical Breakthrough in Cancer Therapy Trial
A team of researchers has helped carry out a cancer therapy trial that reported very promising results. The study shows that an intravenously-delivered viral therapy can consistently infect and spread within tumors without harming normal tissues in humans. [Press release from the University of Ottawa discussing online prepublication in Nature] Press Release | Abstract

LincRNAs Act in the Circuitry Controlling Pluripotency and Differentiation
Here scientists show that knockdown of large intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) has major consequences on gene expression patterns, comparable to knockdown of well-known embryonic stem cell regulators. [Nature] Abstract | Press Release

Adipocyte Lineage Cells Contribute to the Skin Stem Cell Niche to Drive Hair Cycling
Here, researchers identify adipose precursor cells within the skin and demonstrate that their dynamic regeneration parallels the activation of skin stem cells. [Cell] Abstract | Press Release

Spatially Controlled Simultaneous Patterning of Multiple Growth Factors in Three-Dimensional Hydrogels
Investigators developed a method to spatially control the immobilization of different growth factors in distinct volumes in three-dimensional hydrogels, and to specifically guide differentiation of stem/progenitor cells therein. [Nat Mater] Abstract | Press Release

Proof of Principle for Transfusion of In Vitro Generated Red Blood Cells
Investigators addressed the question of the capacity of cultured red blood cell to survive in human. [Blood] Abstract | Press Release

A Two-Step Approach to Myeloablative Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplantation: A Phase I/II Trial Performed with Optimized T-Cell Dosing
Investigators developed a 2 step myeloablative approach to haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in which 27 patients conditioned with total body irradiation were given a fixed dose of donor T cells (HSCT step 1), followed by cyclophosphamide (CY) for T cell tolerization. A CD34 selected HSC product (HSCT step 2) was infused after CY. [Blood] Abstract | Press Release

ATP7A Gene Addition to the Choroid Plexus Results in Long-Term Rescue of the Lethal Copper Transport Defect in a Menkes Disease Mouse Model
Findings provide the first definitive evidence that gene therapy may have clinical utility in the treatment of Menkes disease. [Mol Ther] Abstract | Press Release

Derivation of Insulin Producing Cells from Human Endometrial Stromal Stem Cells and Use in the Treatment of Murine Diabetes
Investigators differentiated human endometrial stromal stem cells into insulin secreting cells using a simple and nontransfection protocol. [Mol Ther] Abstract | Press Release

A Transductionally Re-Targeted Adenovirus Vector for Virotherapy of Her2/Neu Expressing Prostate Cancer
The aim of this study was to develop genetically de- and re-targeted adenovirus vectors to reduce off-target effects and increase target infection for prostate cancer. [Hum Gene Ther] Abstract

Expansion and Delivery of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Three Microcarriers for Soft Tissue Regeneration
Scientists compared the suitability of fabricated micronized acellular dermal matrix, micronized small intestinal submucosa, and gelatin microspheres as expansion and delivery scaffolds for adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Differential Macrophage Polarization Promotes Tissue Remodeling and Repair in a Model of Ischemic Retinopathy
In this study researchers show that umbilical cord blood-derived CD14⁺ progenitor cells provide rescue effects in a mouse model of ischemic retinopathy by promoting physiological angiogenesis and reducing associated inflammation. [Sci Rep] Abstract

Chinese Science Ministry Increases Funding
The Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology unveiled a list of 64 research projects to be funded under the sixth round of its annual National Major Scientific Research Program. [Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, China] Press Release

CIRM Commits $1.8 Million to Build Stem Cell Teams, Accelerate New Therapies
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) approved funding $1.8 million to support 19 researchers in their effort to assemble competitive teams to develop applications for the Disease Team Therapy Development Awards, which will be due in winter 2012. [California Institute for Regenerative Medicine] Press Release

Cenix BioScience and ugichem Sign Research Agreement on Development of Novel Gene Silencing Technology
Cenix BioScience GmbH and ugichem GmbH announced that they have entered into a research agreement to advance the latter’s technology platform. [Cenix BioScience GmbH] Press Release

Kane Biotech Files New Patent on Bone Tissue Regeneration Invention
Kane Biotech Inc. announced the invention and patenting of a new bone tissue regenerating fusion peptide based on the Company’s competence stimulating peptide oral care technology. [Kane Biotech Inc.] Press Release

ReNeuron Receives DSMB Clearance to Progress to Higher Dose in ReN001 Stem Cell Trial for Stroke
The Company is pleased to report that the independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) for the clinical trial has recommended that the trial advances to the evaluation of a higher dose of ReN001. [ReNeuron Group plc] Press Release

Allied Healthcare’s Celxcel Granted Tissue Engineering Patent
Allied Healthcare Group Limited announced that IP Australia has granted its Celxcel business a patent for its proprietary ADAPT Tissue Engineering Process titled “An Implantable Biomaterial and a Method of Producing Same”. [Allied Healthcare Group Limited] Press Release

Cancer Research Institute to Honor Pioneers in Adoptive Immunotherapy
The Cancer Research Institute, Inc. announced the winners of the 2011 William B. Coley Award for Distinguished Research in Tumor Immunology. [Cancer Research Institute] Press Release

Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health; Notice of Meeting (FR Doc No: 2011-22207)

Center For Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings (FR Doc No: 2011-22542)

Extension of Expiration Date for PA-08-191: Research Supplements to Promote Re-Entry into Biomedical and Behavioral Research Careers (NOT-OD-11-112)

Clarification to Notice NOT-OD-11-106: Request for Information (RFI): Input into the Deliberations of the Advisory Committee to the NIH Director Working Group on the Future Biomedical Research Workforce (NOT-OD-11-114)

Outstanding Mentors are Eligible for Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESEM) (NOT-OD-11-115)

Updates to PAR-10-003,”Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPOREs) in Human Cancer for Years 2010, 2011, and 2012 (P50)” (NOT-CA-11-019)

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (United States)

Human Subjects Research Protections: Enhancing Protections for Research Subjects and Reducing Burden, Delay, and Ambiguity for Investigators; Extension of Comment Period [FR Doc No: 2011-22341]

THERAPEUTIC GOODS ADMINISTRATION (Australia)

Therapeutic Goods Regulation: Complementary Medicines
The objective of this audit is to examine the effectiveness of the TGA’s administration of complementary medicines regulation in Australia.

NEW The Jackson Laboratory Copy Number Variation: the History & Future of CNVs
September 15, 2011
Webinar

NEW Science: Stem Cell Imaging: Tips, Tricks & Best Practices
September 21, 2011
Webinar

NEW The Fifth International Conference on Mechanisms of Action of Nutraceuticals
October 13-15, 2011
Brisbane, Australia

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the cell, gene and immunotherapy community.

Lab Technologist – Tissue Culture (STEMCELL Technologies)

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Research and Development Technologist (STEMCELL Technologies)

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Postdoctoral Researchers (University of Cambridge)

Postdoctoral Position (University of Leicester)

Postdoctoral Position (Michigan State University)

Postdoctoral Scientists (North Carolina Central University)

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