Cell Therapy News Volume 12.36 | Sep 12 2011

Researchers Find Promising New Target in Treating and Preventing the Progression of Heart Failure
Researchers have identified a new drug target that may treat and/or prevent heart failure. When the researchers injected SUMO1 into failing human and pig hearts via gene therapy, cardiac function was significantly improved. [Press release from Mount Sinai School of Medicine discussing online prepublication in Nature] Press Release | Abstract

Isolation and In Vitro Expansion of Human Colonic Stem Cells
Here scientists describe the isolation of stem cells of the human colonic epithelium. [Nat Med] Abstract | Press Release

Multi-Hierarchical Self-Assembly of a Collagen Mimetic Peptide from Triple Helix to Nanofiber and Hydrogel
Many approaches to drive the self-assembly of synthetic systems through the same steps as those of natural collagen are partially successful, but none simultaneously demonstrate all the levels of structural assembly. Here researchers describe a peptide that replicates the self-assembly of collagen through each of the steps. [Nat Chem] Abstract | Press Release

Cooperation Between Both Wnt/β-Catenin and PTEN/PI3K/Akt Signaling Promotes Primitive Hematopoietic Stem Cell Self-Renewal and Expansion
Using a hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell-specific conditional induction line, investigators generated a compound genetic model bearing both Pten deletion and β-catenin activation. [Genes Dev] Abstract | Press Release

Specific Lectin Biomarkers for Isolation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Identified through Array-Based Glycomic Analysis
Using lectin arrays, scientists analyzed glycoproteins extracted from 26 human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) samples and 22 differentiated cell samples, and identified a small group of lectins with distinctive binding signatures that were sufficient to distinguish hPSCs from a variety of non-pluripotent cell types. [Cell Res] Abstract | Press Release

Significant Clinical, Neuropathological and Behavioral Recovery from Acute Spinal Cord Trauma by Transplantation of a Well-Defined Somatic Stem Cell from Human Umbilical Cord Blood
Here, researchers have transplanted a well-defined unrestricted somatic stem cell isolated from human umbilical cord blood into an acute traumatic spinal cord injury of adult immune suppressed rat. [Brain] Abstract

Reversal of Serological, Immunological and Histological Dysfunction in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Mice by Long-Term Serial Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation
In this study, the efficacy of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in systemic lupus erythematosus was investigated and the optimal transplantation window of stem cells was determined either before or after disease onset. [Arthritis Rheum] Abstract

Injectable Biodegradable Polycaprolactone-Sebacic Acid Gels for Bone Tissue Engineering
In the present work, a novel injectable and biodegradable biomaterial is reported, which could be injected on the human body with a surgical syringe. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

A Retroviral Vector Suitable for Ultrasound Image-Guided Gene Delivery to Mouse Brain
Researchers attempted to develop a retroviral vector suitable for expressing exogenous genes in the brains of postnatal and adult mice in the context of the ultrasound image-guided gene delivery technique. [Gene Ther] Abstract

A Virus-Free Poly-Promoter Vector Induces Pluripotency in Quiescent Bovine Cells Under Chemically Defined Conditions of Dual Kinase Inhibition
Here, investigators report the first generation of bovine induced pluripotent stem cell-like cells following transfection with a novel virus-free poly-promoter vector. [PLoS One] Abstract | Press Release

Supramolecular Polymorphism of DNA in Non-Cationic Lα Lipid Phases
The structure of a complex between hydrated DNA and a non-cationic lipid is studied, including its phase diagram. [Eur Phys J E Soft Matter] Abstract | Press Release

Biomaterials May Prove Key to Healing Chronic Wounds in Diabetic Patients
Delivering therapeutic genes using a new biomaterial-based delivery system to the site of chronic wounds in diabetes patients may enhance wound healing. [Press release from the National University of Ireland, Galway discussing research presented at the 24th European Conference on Biomaterials, Dublin] Press Release

Neurosurgeons Use Adult Stem Cells to Grow Neck Vertebrae
Neurosurgery researchers have used a new, leading-edge stem cell therapy to promote the growth of bone tissue following the removal of cervical discs to relieve chronic, debilitating pain. [University of California, Davis Health System] Press Release
 
Potential New Gene Therapy Takes Out “Toxic” Genes to Treat Muscular Dystrophy
Investigators are studying a potential new treatment strategy for dominant forms of muscular dystrophy, thanks to preliminary funding from The Ohio State University Center for Clinical and Translational Science. [Newswise] Press Release

New Patent Law Could Change How Academics Commercialize Discoveries
The U.S. Senate voted 89-9 to approve the American Invents Act (H.R. 1249), ending a 6-year battle over how best to reform a patent system beset by increasing delays and costly litigation. [U.S. Senate, United States] Press Release

Turkish Science Academy Fights Government Changes
The Turkish Academy of Sciences is battling what it sees as a power grab by the Turkish government. [Turkish Academy of Sciences, Turkey] Press Release

Australia, Singapore Pledge Commitment to Further Scientific Collaboration
Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research and Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote exchange between the two countries in the areas of health and medical research. [Agency for Science, Technology and Research] Press Release

Pathfinder, LLC and SyntheMed, Inc. Complete Merger
SyntheMed, Inc. and Pathfinder, LLC announced the completion of their merger, effective September 2, 2011. [PR Newswire] Press Release

Stem Cell Efforts to Treat Neurological Disease Bolstered with $4.5 Million
The laboratory headed by Steven Goldman, M.D., Ph.D. has received $4.5 million in new funding to further its efforts to use stem cells and related molecules to treat several feared disorders for which there are currently no cures. [University of Rochester Medical Center] Press Release

Bolli Receives $12.8 Million NIH Grant Renewal for Adult Stem Cell Project
University of Louisville cardiologist and researcher Roberto Bolli has received a $12.8 million renewal grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for continued research with adult stem cells. [University of Louisville] Press Release

Mesoblast Receives Clearance to Begin First European Trial of Allogeneic or ‘Off-The-Shelf’ Stem Cell Treatment for Heart Attacks
Mesoblast Limited announced that it had received clearance from the European Medicines Agency to begin a 225-patient multi-center Phase II clinical trial in Europe for its lead cardiovascular product Revascor™ in conjunction with angioplasty and stent procedures to prevent heart failure after a major heart attack. [Mesoblast Limited] Press Release

Pluristem’s PLX Cells Found to Have Potential to Treat Acute Radiation Syndrome
Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. announced that animal studies it has conducted suggest that its PLacental eXpanded (PLX) cells are potentially effective in treating life threatening hematopoietic complications associated with Acute Radiation Syndrome. [Pluristem Therapeutics Inc.] Press Release

ZenBio, Inc. Awarded a Phase I SBIR Grant to Develop Drug Screening Platform with Human Skeletal Muscle Stem Cells
ZenBio, Inc. announced that it has been awarded a Phase I SBIR grant to develop assays using human skeletal muscle stem cells. [ZenBio, Inc.] Press Release

iPierian Appoints Nancy Stagliano as CEO. Peter Van Vlasselaer, Interim CEO, Becomes Executive Chairman of the Board
iPierian, Inc., announced that it has appointed Nancy E. Stagliano, PhD as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The company’s interim CEO, Peter Van Vlasselaer, PhD will become Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. [iPierian, Inc.] Press Release

NIH Centre Faces Spell in Limbo
Francis Collins, director of the US National Institutes of Health, is in danger of missing a self-imposed deadline for his hallmark priority: establishing an NIH centre dedicated to speeding new treatments from the lab to the clinic. Press Release

NIH Genome Institute Announces Key Leadership Appointments
The National Human Genome Research Institute announced the appointment of two senior staff to key leadership positions in the NIH institute best known for leading the Human Genome Project. Press Release

Lab to Marketplace: Tools for Biomedical and Behavioral Research (SBIR [R43/R44]) (FOA: PA-11-335)

Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health; Notice of Meeting (FR Doc No: 2011-23147)

Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings (FR Doc No: 2011-23091)

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (United States)

Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting [FR Doc No: 2011-22766]

Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Notice of Participation [FR Doc No: 2011-23105]

Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Filing Objections and Requests for a Hearing on a Regulation or Order [Docket No. FDA-2011-N-0625]

MEDICINES AND HEALTHCARE REGULATORY AGENCY (United Kingdom)

New Members Sought for Medicines Advisory Committees
The Commission on Human Medicines, the Herbal Medicines Advisory Committee and the Advisory Board on the Registration of Homeopathic Products are looking to recruit new members and commissioners. Press Release

THERAPEUTIC GOODS ADMINISTRATION (Australia)

Presentations About the Regulation of Biologicals

NEW The Power of Modeling Human Disease in NSG Mice
September 22, 2011
Webinar

NEW 1st Annual Congress on Stem Cell Research
September 28-October 2, 2011
Sapanca, Turkey

NEW 4th Annual Maryland Stem Cell Research Symposium
October 6, 2011
Towson, United States

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

Lab Technologist – Tissue Culture (STEMCELL Technologies)

Research and Development Technologist, hPSC Media (STEMCELL Technologies)

Scientist (iPSC) (STEMCELL Technologies)

Contract Assay Service Technologist (STEMCELL Technologies)

Research and Development Technologist (STEMCELL Technologies)

Research Scientist (Vaccine/Bio-Process/Cell Therapy) (LG LIFE SCIENCE)

Postdoctoral Fellow (Stanford University)

Postdoctoral Scholar (University of California, Irvine)

Postdoctoral Position (University of Leicester)

Postdoctoral Position (Michigan State University)

Postdoctoral Scientists (North Carolina Central University)

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