Cell Therapy News Volume 12.38 | Sep 26 2011

    0
    33

    Cell Therapy News 12.38, September 26, 2011

         In this issue: Publications | Science | Policy | Business | NIH | CBER | Regulatory | Events | Jobs
    Cell Therapy News on Facebook  Cell Therapy News on Twitter


    TOP STORY

    Findings Pave Way for Research, Possible Treatments of Multiple Sclerosis and More
    Scientists found a way to rapidly produce pure populations of cells that grow into the protective myelin coating on nerves in mice. [Press release from Case Western Reserve University discussing online prepublication in Nature Methods] Press Release | Abstract

    ON191-AldefluorWebinar_645x110


    PUBLICATIONS
    (Ranked by Impact Factor of the Journal)

    A Reserve Stem Cell Population in Small Intestine Renders Lgr5-Positive Cells Dispensable
    Here scientists specifically ablated Lgr5-expressing cells in mice using a human diphtheria toxin receptor gene knocked into the Lgr5 locus. [Nature] Abstract

    Replication-Dependent Loss of 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine in Mouse Preimplantation Embryos
    Here, researchers demonstrate by immunostaining of mitotic chromosome spreads of preimplantation embryos that the 5-hydroxymethylcytosine associated with the paternal genome in zygote is gradually lost during preimplantation development. [Science] Abstract | Press Release

    Nanowired Three-Dimensional Cardiac Patches
    Here, researchers show that incorporating gold nanowires within alginate scaffolds can bridge the electrically resistant pore walls of alginate and improve electrical communication between adjacent cardiac cells. [Nat Nanotechnol] Abstract | Press Release

    A Human Memory T Cell Subset with Stem Cell–Like Properties
    Here investigators describe a long-lived human memory T cell population that has an enhanced capacity for self-renewal and a multipotent ability to derive central memory, effector memory and effector T cells. [Nat Med] Abstract | Press Release

    Polysilsesquioxane Nanoparticles for Targeted Platin-Based Cancer Chemotherapy by Triggered Release
    Polysilsesquioxane nanoparticles that contain a PtIV-based active agent can be used for the triggered delivery of chemotherapeutics. [Angew Chem Int Ed Engl] Abstract | Press Release

    Induction of Erythropoiesis Using Human Vascular Networks Genetically-Engineered for Controlled Erythropoietin Release
    Here, scientists have genetically-engineered human blood-derived endothelial colony-forming cells to express erythropoietin (EPO) under control of a tetracycline-regulated system, and generated subcutaneous vascular networks capable of systemic EPO release in immunodeficient mice. [Blood] Abstract

    Inhibitors of Tyrosine Phosphatases and Apoptosis Reprogram Lineage-Marked Differentiated Muscle to Myogenic Progenitor Cells
    Here, investigators used the Cre-Lox method to specifically label postmitotic primary multinucleated myotubes and then utilized small molecule inhibitors of tyrosine phosphatases and apoptosis to dedifferentiate these myotubes into proliferating myogenic cells, without gene overexpression. [Chem Biol] Abstract | Press Release

    Inhibition of Activated Pericentromeric SINE/Alu Repeat Transcription in Senescent Human Adult Stem Cells Reinstates Self-Renewal
    Here scientists report that 65% of naturally occurring repairable DNA damage in self-renewing adult stem cells occurs within transposable elements. [Cell Cycle] Abstract | Press Release

    Tissue Engineering a Fetal Membrane
    The aim of this study was to construct an artificial fetal membrane by combination of human amniotic epithelial stem cells and a mechanically enhanced collagen scaffold containing encapsulated human amniotic stromal fibroblasts. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract | Press Release

    Pdx1 and Ngn3 Overexpression Enhances Pancreatic Differentiation of Mouse ES Cell-Derived Endoderm Population
    In order to define the molecular mechanisms regulating the specification and differentiation of pancreatic ß-islet cells, researchers investigated the effect of upregulating Pdx1 and Ngn3 during the differentiation of the ß-islet-like cells from murine embryonic stem (ES) cell-derived activin induced-endoderm. [PLoS One] Abstract | Press Release

    Multiscale Computational Models for Optogenetic Control of Cardiac Function
    Here, scientists demonstrate the potential of optogenetic control in cardiac cells using a hybrid experimental/computational technique. [Biophys J] Abstract | Press Release

    Direct Laser Writing of 3D Scaffolds for Neural Tissue Engineering Applications
    This study reports on the production of high-resolution 3D structures of polylactide-based materials via multi-photon polymerization and explores their use as neural tissue engineering scaffolds. [Biofabrication] Abstract | Press Release

    Differentiated Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Sciatic Nerve Injury
    Researchers have been successful in converting bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells into astrocyte-like cells that produce and secrete neurotrophic factors. [Stem Cell Rev] Abstract | Press Release

    ON192-PSC_TrainingSING_645x110


    SCIENCE NEWS

    Aastrom Announces Positive 12-Month Safety and Efficacy Data From IMPACT-DCM Phase II Clinical Trial for Ixmyelocel-T in Treatment of Dilated Cardiomyopathy
    Aastrom Biosciences, Inc. announced that 12-month follow up data from the IMPACT-DCM clinical trial for ixmyelocel-T showed that treatment was well-tolerated and that efficacy observations were consistent with improved function of impaired myocardium in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy including ischemic cardiomyopathy and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. [Press release from Aastrom Biosciences, Inc. discussing research presented at the 15th Annual Heart Failure Society of America Scientific Meeting, Boston] Press Release

    STEMSOFT_645x110_v05


    POLICY

    AACR Releases Landmark Cancer Progress Report
    The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) unveiled the AACR Cancer Progress Report 2011 during a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. [American Association for Cancer Research] Press Release

    Texas Prepares to Fight for Stem Cells
    Although scientists and physicians in Texas are excited about the funding to develop stem-cell science, many are concerned that treatments will reach the clinic before safety and efficacy are properly established. [Texas Republican Party, United States] Press Release

    Stem Cell Lawsuit Back Again
    As expected, the plaintiffs in a law suit claiming that federally funded research on human embryonic stem cells is illegal have appealed a ruling that dealt them a defeat earlier this summer. [U.S. Appeals Court, United States] Press Release

    Governor Quinn Announces Agreement to Enhance Illinois’ Biotech Industry
    During his economic and business trade mission throughout China, Governor Pat Quinn announced the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition, iBIO, and China-based Shanghai Bio Pharmaceutics Association to increase economic opportunities for both regions in the bio-technology field. [Illinois Science & Technology Coalition, United States] Press Release

    Austria Reinstates Disgraced Doctor
    The Medical University of Innsbruck suspended Hannes Strasser three years ago after serious concerns were first raised about his trial of a novel stem-cell therapy for urinary incontinence. But on 8 September the Vienna-based National Disciplinary Committee revoked Strasser’s suspension. [National Disciplinary Committee, Austria] Press Release

    BUSINESS

    Universities and Science Minister to Launch Research Collaboration
    The Minister of State for Universities and Science, David Willetts, officially launched a new phase in an innovative partnership between the North of England´s eight research intensive universities. [The University of Sheffield] Press Release

    Mayo Clinic Enters Collaboration That Takes Aim at Lou Gehrig’s Disease
    Mayo Clinic’s campus in Florida has entered into a collaborative and sponsored research agreement with SK Biopharmaceuticals, with the goal of developing new treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. [Mayo Clinic] Press Release

    Three U-M Researchers Named 2011 MacArthur Fellows
    Three University of Michigan (U-M) researchers are among the 22 new MacArthur Fellows announced by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. [University of Michigan Health System] Press Release

    Stem Cell Signaling: Transformative NIH Grant will Support Development of Tissue Regeneration Therapeutics for Traumatic Injuries
    The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded nearly $2 million to researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University to develop a new class of therapeutics for treating traumatic injuries and degenerative diseases. [Georgia Institute of Technology] Press Release

    AGTC Receives Grant from the Foundation Fighting Blindness for Pre-Clinical Study of Gene Therapy for Eye Disease
    Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation (AGTC) announces that it has received a grant of $1.5 million from the Foundation Fighting Blindness to fund a pre-clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of a gene therapy treatment for X-linked Retinoschisis. [Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation] Press Release

    Penn Vet Professor Gustavo D. Aguirre Receives Grant from Foundation Fighting Blindness
    Foundation Fighting Blindness has awarded Penn Vet Professor of Medical Genetics and Ophthalmology Gustavo D. Aguirre with a $230,000 grant to continue the Penn Translational and Research Facility. [University of Pennsylvania] Press Release

    Three UC Davis Researchers Win Prestigious NIH Awards
    The National Institutes of Health (NIH) named three University of California (UC) Davis researchers recipients of highly competitive awards designed to encourage innovative, high-risk research and accelerate the translation of science into improved health. [University of California, Davis] Press Release

    New Trial for Retinal Stem Cell Treatment Gets Go-Ahead at Moorfields Eye Hospital
    Trials of an experimental new treatment that could offer hope to young people suffering from a currently untreatable inherited eye condition will get underway soon at Moorfields Eye Hospital following approval by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. [Moorfields Eye Hospital] Press Release

    ACT Receives Approval for First Human Embryonic Stem Cell Trial in Europe
    Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. announced that it has received clearance from the U.K. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency to begin treating patients as part of a Phase I/II clinical trial for Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy using retinal pigment epithelium derived from human embryonic stem cells. [Advanced Cell Technology, Inc] Press Release

    Embryonic Stem Cell Therapy for Paralysis Given to First Patient in Western United States
    The Stanford University School of Medicine and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center have enrolled the fourth participant in the nation’s first trial of cells derived from human embryonic stem cells. [Stanford School of Medicine] Press Release

    Stratatech Initiates Second Clinical Trial of StrataGraft® Skin Substitute
    Stratatech Corp. announced that it has initiated its second multicenter clinical trial of the company’s StrataGraft® skin substitute. [Stratatech Corporation] Press Release

    Cedars-Sinai Opens New Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Core Production Facility
    The Cedars-Sinai Regenerative Medicine Institute has opened a new Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Core Facility to produce powerful cells capable of making all tissues of the body from adult human skin cells. [Cedars-Sinai Medical Center] Press Release

    SanBio Announces Site Opening of Phase I/IIa Clinical Trial of Novel Cell Therapy in Stable Stroke Patients at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
    SanBio, Inc. announced the site initiation and opening of a Phase I/IIa clinical trial testing a novel cell therapy product, SB623, in patients suffering from disability resulting from ischemic stroke. [PR Newswire] Press Release


    NIH

    NIH Announces 79 Awards to Encourage Creative Ideas in Science
    The National Institutes of Health announced that it is awarding $143.8 million to challenge the status quo with innovative ideas that have the potential to propel fields forward and speed the translation of research into improved health for the American public. Press Release

    NIH Chided on Translational Center, Warned of More Budget Cuts
    A Senate spending panel has praised a new translational center at the National Institutes of Health but scolded NIH officials for how it was created. Press Release

    Senate Panel Trims NIH Budget By $190 Million
    A Senate panel approved a 2012 spending bill that would slightly trim the budget of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), cutting it by $190 million to $30.5 billion. Press Release

    Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings (FR Doc No: 2011-24134)

    Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings (FR Doc No: 2011-24216)

    Environmental Influences on Stem Cells in Development, Health, and Disease (R21) (RFA-ES-11-010)

    Environmental Influences on Stem Cells in Development, Health, and Disease (R01) (RFA-ES-11-011)

    Notice of Correction to the Proposed Project Start and End Dates (Item 13; SF 424 R&R Cover Component) for the 2012 NIH Director’s Pioneer Award Program (RFA-RM-11-004) (NOT-RM-11-026)


    CBER

    September 20, 2011: Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Meeting Public Roster

    September 20, 2011: Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda

    September 22, 2011: Cellular, Tissue and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee Meeting Materials

    September 22, 2011: Cellular, Tissue and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee Meeting Final Agenda

    September 23, 2011: Cellular, Tissue and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee Meeting Materials

    September 23, 2011: Cellular, Tissue and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee Meeting Final Agenda


    REGULATORY

    FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (United States)

    Guidance for Industry on Reproductive and Developmental Toxicities–Integrating Study Results To Assess Concerns; Availability [Docket No. FDA-1999-N-0082 (Formerly Docket No. 1999N-2079)]

    Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Comment Request; Certification to Accompany Drug, Biological Product, and Device Applications or Submissions (Form FDA 3674) [FR Doc No: 2011-24581]


    EVENTS

    NEW JAX Colony Management System
    September 29, 2011
    Webinar

    NEW Workshop on Techniques in Modeling Human Cancer in Mice
    October 14-18, 2011
    Bar Harbor, United States

    NEW 2011 Bioreactor & Growth Environments for Tissue Engineering Training Course
    November 14-16, 2011
    Keele, United Kingdom

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


    JOB OPPORTUNITIES

    Lab Technologist – Tissue Culture (STEMCELL Technologies)

    Research and Development Technologist, hPSC Media (STEMCELL Technologies)

    Scientist (iPSC) (STEMCELL Technologies)

    Contract Assay Service Technologist (STEMCELL Technologies)

    Postdoctoral Fellow –Islet Cell Electrophysiology (Vanderbilt University)

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

    Postdoctoral Fellow (Stanford University)

    Postdoctoral Scholar (University of California, Irvine)

    Recruit Top Talent

    Reach more than 11,000 potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.

    Jobs are categorized regionally: United States, Canada, Europe, Asia Pacific

    Visit
    here to post your career opportunities.

    Have we missed an important article or publication in Cell Therapy News? Click here to submit!

    EmailAddress&RFID=elqReferFriendID“>forwardafriendicon

    Comments or Suggestions? Email info@connexoncreative.com with your feedback.

    Learn more about Cell Therapy News: Archives | Events | Contact Us