Cell Therapy News Volume 13.41 | Oct 22 2012

May 12, 2022

Issue 13.41 October 22, 2012

TOP STORY

Researcher, Colleagues Say Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplants from Unrelated Donors Associated with Higher Rates of Chronic Graft-versus-Host-Disease
Researchers conducted a two-year clinical trial comparing two-year survival probabilities for patients transplanted with peripheral blood stem cells or bone marrow stem cells from unrelated donors. While engraftment was faster in patients receiving peripheral blood stem cells, there was a higher incidence of overall chronic graft-versus-host disease in these patients than in those transplanted with bone marrow stem cells. [Press release from the Moffitt Cancer Center discussing online prepublication in The New England Journal of Medicine]
Press Release | Abstract

PUBLICATIONS (Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Efficient Direct Reprogramming of Mature Amniotic Cells into Endothelial Cells by ETS Factors and TGFβ Suppression
Investigators showed that human midgestation c-Kit^– lineage-committed amniotic cells (ACs) can be reprogrammed into vascular endothelial cells (rAC-VECs) without transitioning through a pluripotent state. Functionally, rAC-VECs form stable vasculature in Matrigel plugs and regenerating livers. [Cell]
Abstract | Press Release | Graphical Abstract

Generation of Functional Blood Vessels from a Single c-kit+ Adult Vascular Endothelial Stem Cell
The authors provided evidence for adult vascular endothelial stem cells (VESCs) that reside in the blood vessel wall endothelium. A single transplanted c-kit-expressing VESC by the phenotype lin-CD31+CD105+Sca1+CD117+ can generate in vivo functional blood vessels that connect to host circulation. [PLoS Biol] Full Article | Press Release

In Vivo Maturation of Functional Renal Organoids Formed from Embryonic Cell Suspensions
Researchers constructed renal organoids from single-cell suspensions derived from E11.5 kidneys and then implanted these organoids below the kidney capsule of a living rat host. The implanted tissue exhibited physiologic functions, including tubular reabsorption of macromolecules, that gained access to the tubular lumen on glomerular filtration. [J Am Soc Nephrol] Abstract | Press Release

Bone Marrow Endothelial Progenitors Augment Atherosclerotic Plaque Regression in a Mouse Model of Plasma Lipid Lowering
To explore whether endothelial progenitors contribute to atherosclerosis regression, bone marrow endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from a transgenic strain expressing green fluorescent protein under the control of endothelial cell-specific Tie2 promoter were isolated. These cells were then adoptively transferred into atheroregressing Reversa recipients where they augmented plaque regression induced by reversal of hypercholesterolemia. [Stem Cells] Abstract

mTOR Complex-1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2 Play Different Roles in the Functional Survival of Transplanted Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells in Hindlimb Ischemic Mice via Regulating Inflammation In Vivo
Scientists investigated the role of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in the survival and therapeutic function of transplanted murine adipose-derived stromal cells in a murine peripheral arterial disease model. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Proinflammatory Macrophages Enhance the Regenerative Capacity of Human Myoblasts by Modifying Their Kinetics of Proliferation and Differentiation
Results showed that proinflammatory macrophages improve in vivo the participation of injected myoblasts to host muscle regeneration, extending the window of proliferation, increasing migration, and delaying differentiation. [Mol Ther] Abstract

Effective Delivery of Stem Cells Using an Extracellular Matrix Patch Results in Increased Cell Survival and Proliferation and Reduced Scarring in Skin Wound Healing
Investigators demonstrated the effectiveness of a stem cell therapy for improving wound healing in the skin and reducing scarring by introducing stem cells using a natural patch material. Adipose-derived stromal cells were introduced to excisional wounds created in mice using a non-immunogenic extracellular matrix patch material derived from porcine small intestine submucosa. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Functional Assessment of the Acute Local and Distal Transplantation of Human Neural Stem Cells after Spinal Cord Injury
Researchers hypothesized that acute transplantation of human fetal neural stem cells both locally at the injury site as well as distally via intrathecal injection would lead to improved functional recovery compared with controls. [Spine J] Abstract

Efficacy of Adoptive Cell Transfer of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes after Lymphopenia Induction for Metastatic Melanoma
A single-institution pilot clinical trial was performed combining nonmyeloablative chemotherapy and the adoptive transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes with interleukin-2 in patients with metastatic melanoma. [J Immunother] Abstract | Press Release

Suppression of Hepatocarcinoma Model In Vitro and In Vivo by ECRG2 Delivery Using Adenoviral Vector
To explore new strategies to fight against cancer, researchers systematically evaluated the therapeutic potential of esophageal cancer-related gene 2 (ECRG2) as a biological tool using adenoviral vector (Ad-ECRG2). In vivo experiments show a significant inhibition of cancer growth by intratumoral Ad-ECRG2 administration. [Cancer Gene Ther] Abstract

REVIEWS

Insulin Gene Therapy from Design to Beta Cell Generation
Enteroendocrine cells of the gastrointestinal track may be ideal targets for insulin gene therapy, but cell-targeting difficulties have limited practical implementation of insulin gene therapy for diabetes treatment. Therefore, recent gene transfer technologies developed to generate authentic beta cells through transdifferentiation are highlighted in this review. [Expert Rev Mol Med] Abstract

Biomaterials for Stem Cell Culture and Seeding for the Generation and Delivery of Cardiac Myocytes
This review presents an overview of recent advances in stem cell delivery for cardiac tissue engineering. [Curr Opin Organ Transplant] Abstract

SCIENCE NEWS

Significant Recovery of Motor and Neurological Functions in Ischemic Stroke Rats with Neuralstem NSI-566 Cells
Neuralstem, Inc. announced that data on Neuralstem’s NSI-566 spinal cord-derived neural stem cell line in a rat model of ischemic stroke was presented. Rats that suffered ischemic stroke by middle cerebral artery occlusion, were transplanted seven days post-stroke with increasing doses of NSI-566 into the stroke area. [Press release from Neuralstem, Inc. discussing research presented at The Society for Neurosciences Annual Meeting, New Orleans] Press Release

Realizing the Potential of Stem Cell Therapy: Studies Report Progress in Developing Treatments for Diseases and Injuries
New animal studies provide additional support for investigating stem cell treatments for Parkinson’s disease, head trauma, and dangerous heart problems that accompany spinal cord injury, according to research findings. [Press release from the Society for Neuroscience discussing research presented at The Society for Neurosciences Annual Meeting, New Orleans] Press Release

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POLICY

Italy’s Research Institutes Urged to Collaborate
The heads of Italy’s 12 national research institutes have been asked to come up with ways of working more closely together, both to save money and to boost their ability to compete for research funds from the European Union. [Italian Research Minister, Italy] Press Release

Australian Research Grants Escape Government Cutbacks
Australia’s research grants have been left untouched in mid-year spending adjustments aimed at maintaining a budget surplus. But scientists are not entirely happy with the figures announced: over the next four years, the government has removed some A$499 million from funds that help universities meet the overhead costs of research, such as equipment and infrastructure. [Australian Science Minister, Australia] Press Release

BUSINESS

Association Establishes the AABB Center for Cellular Therapies
AABB (formerly the American Association of Blood Banks) has established the AABB Center for Cellular Therapies, a functional unit within AABB that will focus on activities designed to foster patient safety and responsible innovation in the cellular therapy and regenerative medicine field. [AABB] Press Release

Kite Pharma Partners with the National Cancer Institute to Develop Novel Cellular Immunotherapy Clinical Products
Kite Pharma, Inc. announced that it has entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the National Cancer Institute for the development and commercialization of novel engineered peripheral blood autologous T cell therapeutics for the treatment of multiple cancer indications. [Kite Pharma, Inc.] Press Release

Alnylam and Genzyme Form Alliance to Develop and Commercialize RNAi Therapeutics in Asia
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Genzyme announced that they have formed an exclusive alliance to develop and commercialize RNAi therapeutics targeting transthyretin for the treatment of transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis in Japan and other Asia-Pacific countries. [Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.] Press Release

Lymphoma SPORE Grant Renewed through Baylor College of Medicine, The Methodist Hospital, Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Cell and Gene Therapy
The Center for Cell and Gene Therapy at Baylor College of Medicine, The Methodist Hospital and Texas Children’s Hospital has received an $11.5 million, five-year grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to continue advancing translational lymphoma research by developing and testing new forms of T-cell immunotherapies to fight the disease. The grant is awarded through the NCI’s Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) funding, which was established to promote collaborative, interdisciplinary translational cancer research. [Baylor College of Medicine] Press Release

UH Engineering Professor Receives $2.1 Million Grant to Study Cancer-Fighting Cells
A professor with the University of Houston (UH) Cullen College of Engineering has won a $2.1 million grant to study the best ways to modify human immune cells to fight against cancer. Navin Varadarajan won the grant from the National Institutes of Health and its National Cancer Institute to conduct this immunotherapy study. [University of Houston] Press Release

Cellectis Wins Up to $9.5 Million NIH Stem Cell Contract
Cellectis bioresearch won a potentially $9.51 million contract to provide stem cell services to NIH and other U.S. government agencies. Under terms of the indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract, Cellectis will carry out services including the production of clinical-grade induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines and differentiation of iPSCs towards specific tissue cell types of clinical grade. [Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News]
Press Release

CEL-SCI Corporation Announces Results of Interim Review of Data from Its Ongoing Phase III Head and Neck Cancer Trial by Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC)
CEL-SCI Corporation announced that an interim review of the safety data from its open label, randomized, controlled, pivotal Phase III study of Multikine (Leukocyte Interleukin, Injection) investigational immunotherapy by an IDMC raised no safety concerns. The IDMC also indicated that no safety signals were found that would call into question the benefit/risk of continuing the study. [CEL-SCI Corporation] Press Release

Arrowhead Research Receives Notice of Patent Allowance for New Formulation of DPC siRNA Delivery System Showing 500-Fold Increase in Potency
Arrowhead Research Corporation announced that it received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for patent application U.S. 13/032,029 entitled, “Compositions for Targeted Delivery of siRNA.” The patent broadly covers compositions, methods, and uses for a new formulation of Arrowhead’s Dynamic Polyconjugate (DPC) siRNA delivery platform, where attachment of siRNA and delivery vehicle is not required to produce high-level, efficient knockdown of target genes. [Arrowhead Research Corporation]
Press Release

OncoSec Receives CE Mark for Its Electroporation Device
OncoSec Medical Inc. announced it has received authorization to CE mark its proprietary gene and drug delivery platform, the OncoSec Medical System electroporation device, for use in the European Economic Area. [OncoSec Medical Inc.] Press Release

The C4C Consortium Announces the Implementation of France’s First Ever Facility for the Industrialization of Cell Therapeutics and Presents the Five Drugs under Development for Use in Personalized Medicine
The C4C consortium announced the implementation of France’s first ever dedicated technical facility for the manufacture of cell therapy products. [Business Wire] Press Release

NIH

Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings (FR Doc No: 2012-25585)

Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings (FR Doc No: 2012-25437)

Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings (FR Doc No: 2012-25838)

National Eye Institute; Notice of Closed Meetings (FR Doc No: 2012-25439)