Cell Therapy News Volume 12.48 | Dec 5 2011

Screening Ethnically Diverse Human Embryonic Stem Cells Identifies a Chromosome 20 Minimal Amplicon Conferring Growth Advantage
The International Stem Cell Initiative analyzed 125 human embryonic stem cell lines and 11 induced pluripotent stem cell lines, from 38 laboratories worldwide, for genetic changes occurring during culture. [Nat Biotechnol] Abstract | Press Release

Adult Cardiac-Resident Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Like Stem Cells with a Proepicardial Origin
Here researchers describe a population of adult cardiac-resident colony-forming unit-fibroblasts that occupy a perivascular, adventitial niche and show broad trans-germ layer potency in vitro and in vivo. [Cell Stem Cell] Abstract | Press Release

Reprogramming Factor Stoichiometry Influences the Epigenetic State and Biological Properties of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Investigators compared two genetically and highly defined transgenic systems to identify parameters affecting reprogramming of somatic cells to a pluripotent state. [Cell Stem Cell] Abstract | Press Release

Human Dental Pulp-Derived Stem Cells Promote Locomotor Recovery After Complete Transection of the Rat Spinal Cord by Multiple Neuro-Regenerative Mechanisms
Here scientists report that transplantation of human dental pulp stem cells into the completely transected adult rat spinal cord resulted in marked recovery of hind limb locomotor functions. [J Clin Invest]
Abstract | Press Release

Antitumor Activity from Antigen-Specific CD8 T Cells Generated In Vivo from Genetically Engineered Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Here, investigators present the generation of functional tumor-specific human T cells in vivo from genetically modified human hematopoietic stem cells using a human/mouse chimera model. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract | Press Release

Human Artificial Chromosome (HAC) Vector with a Conditional Centromere for Correction of Genetic Deficiencies in Human Cells
Here, scientists demonstrate the utility of HAC, which has a unique gene acceptor site, for delivery of full-length genes and correction of genetic deficiencies in human cells. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA]
Abstract | Press Release

Epirubicin Potentiates rAAV2/5-Mediated TRAIL Expression in Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes and Augments the Anti-Arthritis Effects of rAAV2/5-TRAIL
This study was undertaken to investigate the functions of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV2/5)- tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in fibroblast-like synoviocytes and arthritic mice. [Arthritis Rheum] Abstract

Engineered Cartilage via Self-Assembled hMSC Sheets with Incorporated Biodegradable Gelatin Microspheres Releasing Transforming Growth Factor-β1
Researchers have engineered a system of self-assembled, microsphere-incorporated human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) sheets capable of forming cartilage in the presence of exogenous transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) or with TGF-β1 released from incorporated microspheres. [J Control Release]
Abstract | Press Release

Efficient Reprogramming of Human Cord Blood CD34⁺ Cells into Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells with OCT4 and SOX2 Alone
Here, investigators show that the lentiviral expression of OCT4 together with SOX2 driven by a strong spleen focus-forming virus promoter in a single vector can convert 2% of cord blood CD34⁺ cells into induced pluripotent stem cells without additional reprogramming factors. [Mol Ther] Abstract

Successful Gene Therapy In Utero for Lethal Murine Hypophosphatasia
In the present study, researchers investigated the feasibility of fetal gene therapy using the lethal hypophosphatasia model mice. [Hum Gene Ther] Abstract

Rational Bioprocess Design for Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Expansion and Endoderm Differentiation Based on Cellular Dynamics
Scientists present a predictive bioprocess design strategy employing cell- and molecular-level analysis of rate-limiting steps in human pluripotent stem cell expansion and differentiation, and apply it to produce definitive endoderm progenitors using a scalable directed-differentiation technology. [Biotechnol Bioeng]
Abstract | Press Release

Charge Inversion, Condensation and Decondensation of DNA and Polystyrene Sulfonate by Polyethylenimine
Researchers studied the formation and structure of stable electrostatic complexes between polyanions (DNA and poly(styrene-sulfonate)) and linear polyethylenimine. [Eur Phys J E Soft Matter] Abstract | Press Release

Ceregene Completes Enrolment of Second Phase II Study of CERE-120 for the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
Ceregene, Inc. reported that it has completed enrolment in its Phase IIb trial of CERE-120, a gene therapy product expressing the neurturin gene for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. [Ceregene, Inc.]
Press Release

Celldex Initiates ACT IV, a Pivotal International Phase III Trial of Rindopepimut in Patients with Glioblastoma
Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. announced that it has launched a pivotal, randomized, double-blind, controlled Phase III trial of rindopepimut in patients with surgically resected epidermal growth factor variant III-positive glioblastoma, the “ACT IV Study.” [Celldex Therapeutics, Inc.] Press Release

Court Says Some Donors of Stem Cells Can Be Paid
The Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit said that a federal law prohibiting payment for donated organs did not apply to stem cells extracted from circulating blood. [Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, United States] Press Release

UK Pumps £200 Million Back into Scientific Infrastructure
Britain’s Chancellor George Osborne announced £200 million (US$314 million) for science infrastructure projects in his annual Autumn Statement. [British Chancellor, United Kingdom] Press Release

UK Reforms to Push Use of New Medicines
Britain will promote use of new medicines and has earmarked £180 million ($280 million) to bring modern technologies to market under a package of reforms designed to make the country more attractive to big pharmaceuticals companies. [National Health Service, United Kingdom] Press Release

EU Seeks $100 Billion for Research
Despite a chaotic European economy, the European Commission has proposed a budget of €80 billion (US$106 billion) for the years 2014 to 2020, up from €50.5 billion for 2007 to 2013. [European Commission, European Union] Press Release

Avita Medical Acquires Intellectual Property from McComb Foundation, Including Core IP Related to ReCell^® Spray‐On Skin™
Avita Medical Ltd. announced that it has successfully completed the transfer and acquisition of Intellectual Property currently licensed through the McComb Foundation of Western Australia. [Avita Medical Ltd.]
Press Release

Largest Ever Heart Stem Cell Studies Get Underway
Two linked clinical studies that will show whether stem cell therapy can save the lives of heart attack patients are now underway in London, following the award of €11.7 million funding from the European Commission. [Queen Mary University of London] Press Release

Lloyd J. Old, M.D., Father of Modern Tumor Immunology, Dies at 78 of Prostate Cancer
The Cancer Research Institute (CRI) announced that CRI founding scientific and medical director Lloyd J. Old, M.D., regarded as the “Father of Modern Tumor Immunology,” died at his home in New York City from prostate cancer. [Cancer Research Institute] Press Release

Rensselaer Professor Deepak Vashishth Named Fellow of AIMBE
Bone and tissue engineering expert Deepak Vashishth, head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has been named a fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE). [Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute] Press Release

Sanford Consortium Opening Celebrates Stem Cell Research on the Mesa
The Scripps Research Institute joined four other institutions on San Diego’s Torrey Pines mesa November 29 in a ceremony celebrating the opening of The Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine. [The Scripps Research Institute] Press Release

Aderans Research Expands Clinical Trial to Four New Locations
Aderans Research recently expanded its hair loss clinical trial to four new cities across the United States. With nearly 350 subjects to date, Aderans is undertaking one of the largest clinical studies ever designed to research cell-based solutions to pattern hair loss. [Aderans Research] Press Release

Administrative Supplements for U.S. – China Biomedical Collaborative Research on Cancer, Mental Health, Allergy, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases including HIV/AIDS and its Co-morbidities (NOT-CA-12-002)

Adoption and Implementation of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals: Eighth Edition (NOT-OD-12-020)

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery (FR Doc No: 2011-30904)

AHRQ Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institutional Award (K12) (RFA-HS-12-001)

Clarification of Common Fund Affiliation for Collaborations with National Centers for Biomedical Computing (PAR-12-001) (NOT-GM-11-116)

Laboratory Animal Welfare: Adoption and Implementation of the Eighth Edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (FR Doc No: 2011-30764)

Limited Competition: Competitive Revision for Technology Development within Biomedical Technology Research Centers (P41) (PAR-12-046)

National Cancer Institute; Amended Notice of Meeting (FR Doc No: 2011-31149)

National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; Notice of Meeting (FR Doc No: 2011-31157)

New Methods for Understanding the Functional Role of Human DNA Sequence Variants in Complex Phenotypes (R01) (RFA-GM-13-002)

Research to Advance Vaccine Safety (R01) (PA-12-037)

Research to Advance Vaccine Safety (R21) (PA-12-038)

UPDATE to American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA): AHRQ Grant Policy Notice Removing Expanded Authorities and No Cost Extensions for AHRQ ARRA Grants (NOT-HS-12-002)

Update of Sample Interinstitutional Assurance (NOT-OD-12-021)

List of Establishments Granted Approval for a Variance to 21CFR640.3(d) and 21CFR640.3(f)

Public Workshop Transcript: Quarantine Release Errors in Blood Establishments

Agency Information Collection Activities; Announcement of Office of Management and Budget Approval; Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on FDA Service Delivery [FR Doc No: 2011-30877]

European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Registration Open for Committee for Advanced Therapies Stakeholders Workshop
Registration is open for a one-day workshop for stakeholders of the Committee for Advanced Therapies, taking place at the European Medicines Agency on 12 January 2012. Press Release

European Medicines Agency Hosts Workshop on Ethics in Pediatric Clinical Trials
The European Medicines Agency has hosted a European workshop on ethical considerations for clinical trials carried out in children. Press Release

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

Documents Released Under Section 11C of the Freedom of Information Act 1982

NEW Keystone Symposia on Molecular and Cellular Biology: The Life of a Stem Cell: From Birth to Death
March 11-16, 2012
Olympic Valley, 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)

Lab Technologist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies)

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies)

Research Technologist, Manufacturing Sciences (STEMCELL Technologies)

Business Analyst – Product Management (STEMSOFT Software)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Adult Neurogenesis and Neural Signaling (University of Kentucky)

Postdoctoral Position (The Laboratory for Equine and Comparative Orthopedic Research)

Research Associate II/III (Louisiana State University)

Associate Professor, Biology and Medicine in Maternal, Perinatal and Child Health (Wayne State University)

Transplant Research Specialist (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

Postgraduate Students (Masaryk University)

Postdoctoral Position – Center for Human Genetics (VIB Research Institute)

Senior Development Associate (Genzyme Corporation)

Research Associate – Cell Culture (Stemgent, Inc.)

Scientist – Differentiation Segment (Stemgent, Inc.)

Scientist II, Innovation – Cell Processing Technologies (Lonza Walkersville, Inc.)

Senior Manager, Innovation – Cell Processing Technologies (Lonza Walkersville, Inc.)


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.