Cell Therapy News Volume 13.42 | Oct 29 2012

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    Issue 13.42 October 29, 2012
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    Publications | Reviews | Science | Policy | Business | NIH | CBER | Regulatory | Events | Jobs

    TOP STORY
    Towards Germline Gene Therapy of Inherited Mitochondrial Diseases
    Mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are associated with severe human diseases and are maternally inherited through the egg’s cytoplasm. Here researchers investigated the feasibility of mtDNA replacement in human oocytes by spindle transfer. [Nature] Abstract | Press Release

    Complimentary Wallchart: Human Hematopoietic Progenitors. Request Your Copy Today.


     
    PUBLICATIONS (Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

    Role of Neuregulin-1/ErbB Signaling in Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury-Induced Chronic Neuropathic Pain
    Researchers showed that spinal transplantation of mouse embryonic stem cell-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells enhances remyelination in the injured spinal cord and reduces spinal cord injury-induced chronic neuropathic pain. [Stem Cells] Abstract

    Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Endothelial Progenitor Cells Decrease Renal Injury in Experimental Swine Renal Artery Stenosis Through Different Mechanisms
    Investigators tested the hypothesis that endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) protect the post-stenotic kidney by blunting different disease pathways. EPC prominently enhanced renal growth-factor expression and decreased oxidative-stress, while MSC more significantly attenuated renal inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum-stress, and apoptosis. [Stem Cells] Abstract

    Hematopoietic Stem Cell Gene Therapy for the Multisystemic Lysosomal Storage Disorder Cystinosis
    Using a new model of cystinosis, the DsRed Ctns−/− mice, and a lentiviral vector driving the expression of the fusion protein cystinosin-enhanced green fluorescent protein, researchers showed that cystinosin was transferred from CTNS-expressing cells to Ctns-deficient adjacent cells in vitro and in vivo. This transfer led to cystine decreases in Ctns-deficient cells in vitro. [Mol Ther] Abstract

    AAV9-Mediated VEGF-B Gene Transfer Improves Systolic Function in Progressive Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
    Investigators concluded that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and VEGF-D are associated with the compensatory left ventricular hypertrophy and that AAV9-VEGF-B186 gene transfer can rescue the function of the failing heart and postpone the transition towards heart failure. [Mol Ther] Abstract

    Blockade of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells after Induction of Lymphopenia Improves Adoptive T Cell Therapy in a Murine Model of Melanoma
    Total body irradiation-induced lymphopenia followed by docetaxel treatment improved the efficacy of adoptive T cell transfer and dendritic cell immunotherapy in melanoma-bearing mice, inducing a significant reduction in tumor growth and enhancing survival. [J Immunol] Abstract

    HIRA Dependent H3.3 Deposition Is Required for Transcriptional Reprogramming following Nuclear Transfer to Xenopus Oocytes
    Nuclear transfer to eggs and oocytes attempts to identify the mechanism of this direct route towards reprogramming by natural components. In this study, researchers analyzed how the reprogramming of nuclei transplanted to Xenopus oocytes exploits the incorporation of the histone variant H3.3. [Epigenetics Chromatin]
    Abstract | Full Article | Press Release

    Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transfusion Is Safe and Improves Liver Function in Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure Patients
    Investigators assessed the safety and initial efficacy of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell transfusions for acute-on-chronic liver failure patients associated with hepatitis B virus infection. [Stem Cells Transl Med] Abstract | Press Release

    A Small Molecule that Promotes Cardiac Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells under Defined, Cytokine- and Xeno-Free Conditions
    For medical applications, clinical-grade cardiac cells must be produced from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) in a defined, cost-effective manner. Combined use of KY02111 and WNT signaling modulators produced robust cardiac differentiation of hPSCs in a xeno-free, defined medium, devoid of serum and any kind of recombinant cytokines and hormones, such as BMP4, Activin A, or insulin. [Cell Rep]
    Abstract | Press Release

    StemSpan ACF: The WORLD'S FIRST Plasma Component-Free Hematopoietic Expansion Media. Come learn more.


    REVIEWS

    Glial Progenitor Cell-Based Treatment and Modeling of Neurological Disease
    The diseases of myelin are among the most prevalent and disabling conditions in neurology. These fundamentally glial disorders may be amenable to treatment by glial progenitor cells (GPCs), which give rise to astroglia and myelin-producing oligodendrocytes. Given the development of new methods for generating and isolating human GPCs, the myelin disorders may now be compelling targets for cell-based therapy. [Science] Abstract | Press Release

    Stem Cells as Promising Therapeutic Options for Neurological Disorders
    In this review, the stem cell-mediated therapeutic efforts on four major neurological diseases, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and stroke, are introduced, and current problems and future directions are discussed. [J Cell Biochem] Abstract

    Whitepaper: Automated Cell Isolation Enables More Relevant HIV Models


    SCIENCE NEWS

    Cellectis Presents Breakthrough in Fight against Cancer
    Cellectis has announced successfully programming cells from the immune system (T cells) to kill cancer cells. [Press release from Cellectis discussing research presented at the European Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ESGCT), Versailles] Press Release

    Arrowhead Presents Data Showing 99% Target Knockdown in Monkeys without Toxicity Using Subcutaneous Formulation of Dynamic Polyconjugate siRNA Delivery System
    The presentation illustrated the efficacy of Dynamic PolyConjugates (DPCs) formulated for subcutaneous administration using Arrowhead’s latest proprietary polymer masking technology. Using DPCs to deliver siRNA, high-level target gene knockdown is observed at low siRNA doses without toxicity in rodents and non-human primates. [Press release from Arrowhead Research Corporation discussing research presented at the Annual Meeting of the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society, Boston] Press Release

    World Stem Cell Summit 2012


     
    POLICY

    Muted Reaction to New Science Budget in Australia
    Over several rather tense weeks, the federal government froze all science grants while seeking to balance the nation’s budget. But the midyear budget had welcome relief: AUS $1.686 billion for the Australian Research Council, the National Health and Medical Research Council, and the Cooperative Research Centres. [Australian Government, Australia] Press Release

    What They Think: Congressional Leaders Weigh-In on Science
    American students are spending too much time watching television and not enough time studying, and the United States has too little to show for the billions of federal dollars spent on climate research and science education. Those are just a few of the comments from nine senior members of Congress who responded to questions about science and science policy from ScienceDebate, a coalition of science groups. [US Congress, United States] Press Release


    BUSINESS

    StemBioSys and STBTC’s GenCure Announce Human Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cell Research Collaboration Agreement
    The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center (STBTC), through its GenCure affiliate, has established a research collaboration agreement with San Antonio-based StemBioSys, Inc. to provide mononuclear cells from clinical grade human umbilical cord blood to StemBioSys for research and development use. [South Texas Blood & Tissue Center] Press Release

    NIH-CRM Awards Cellular Dynamics up to $7 Million to Produce Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Differentiated Tissue Cells
    The National Institutes of Health Center for Regenerative Medicine (NIH-CRM) has awarded Cellular Dynamics International, Inc. a contract to provide human induced pluripotent stem cell lines and terminally differentiated tissue cells from normal or specified patient populations. The contract is worth up to $7.0 million for the three year life of the agreement. [Cellular Dynamics International, Inc.] Press Release

    ViaCyte Receives $10.1 Million Strategic Partnership Award from CIRM to Continue Development of Diabetes Therapy
    ViaCyte, Inc. announced that it has received a $10.1 million Strategic Partnership Award from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). ViaCyte’s innovative stem cell-based therapy for diabetes has been supported by several previous rounds of funding from CIRM, including a $20 million Disease Team Award in 2009. [ViaCyte, Inc.] Press Release

    Cellectis Bioresearch Inc. Wins a $6.9 Million Contract with The National Institutes of Health on iPS Cells
    Cellectis bioresearch announced that it has been awarded a second contract to provide services to the National Institutes of Health and certain other government agencies. This multiple award, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract, has a maximum order limit of $6.9 million over a period of three years. Under the terms of the contract, the scope of work includes generation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell lines of research grade and differentiation of iPS cells toward specific tissue cell type for research use. [Cellectis] Press Release

    bluebird bio Awarded $9.3 Million from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to Further Gene Therapy Clinical Development
    bluebird bio announced that the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has approved an award to the company for $9.3 million for the first round of its new Strategic Partnership Awards initiative. [bluebird bio] Press Release

    ACT’s European Clinical Trial Advances to First Patient Treatment with Higher Dosage of Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells
    Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. (ACT) announced treatment of the fourth patient, the first in the second patient cohort, in its European clinical trial for Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy. The patient was injected with 100,000 human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells, as compared with 50,000 cells in the three patients comprising the first cohort. [Advanced Cell Technology, Inc.] Press Release

    ACT Announces Second Stargardt’s Disease Patient Treated with Higher Dosage of Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells
    Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. (ACT) announced treatment of the fifth patient, the second in the second patient cohort, in its U.S. clinical trial for Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy. The patient was injected with 100,000 human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells, as compared with the 50,000 cell dose used in the three patients of the first cohort. [Advanced Cell Technology, Inc.] Press Release

    Cardiovascular and Chronic Liver Disease Cell Therapy Clinical Studies Approved in Japan
    Cytori Therapeutics announced two independent investigator-sponsored and funded cell therapy clinical studies in Japan have been approved by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare under the Guidelines on Clinical Research Using Human Stem Cells. One study will investigate the use of Cytori’s cell therapy as a treatment for ischemic heart failure and the other as a treatment for cirrhosis of the liver. [Cytori Therapeutics Inc.]
    Press Release

    Investigator-Sponsored Cell Therapy Clinical Study for Scleroderma Initiated in France
    Cytori Therapeutics announced that an investigator-sponsored and funded clinical study evaluating Cytori’s cell therapy as a potential treatment for limited and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) has been approved to begin in France by the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products. [Cytori Therapeutics Inc.] Press Release

    Stem Cell Therapeutics Announces Admission to Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM) Consortium
    Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. reported its admission to the CCRM industry consortium. [Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp.] Press Release


    NIH

    Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meeting (FR Doc No: 2012-26452)

    Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings (FR Doc No: 2012-26099)

    Center for Scientific Review Notice of Closed Meeting (FR Doc No: 2012-26104)

    Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings (FR Doc No: 2012-26017)


    CBER

    September 20, 2012: Blood Products Advisory Committee Meeting: Transcript

    September 21, 2012: Blood Products Advisory Committee Meeting: Transcript


    REGULATORY

    Food and Drug Administration (United States)

    Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Comment Request; Public Health Service Guideline on Infectious Disease Issues in Xenotransplantation (FR Doc No: 2012-26494)


    EVENTS

    NEW Second Annual Targeting Cancer Stem Cells – Promising New Therapeutics for Oncology
    February 11-12, 2013
    San Francisco, United States

    NEW Primary Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells (HBECs) Training Course
    March 2, 2013
    Vancouver, Canada

    NEW StemCore and CRA 2013 Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPS) Training Workshop
    April 15-19, 2013
    Brisbane, Australia

    NEW The Bone Marrow Niche, Stem Cells, and Leukemia: Impact of Drugs, Chemicals, and the Environment
    May 29-31, 2013
    New York, United States

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


    JOB OPPORTUNITIES

    Quality Control Operations Coordinator (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

    Product Manager – Hematopoietic (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

    Scientific Communications & Publishing Coordinator (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

    Product Quality Scientist (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

    Scientist – Endothelial Cell Research (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

    Research Technologist – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

    Postdoctoral Position – Pathophysiology of Brain Tumors (UMR 6301 ISTCT)

    Research Associate – Quality Assurance (University of California)

    Scientist, Postdoctoral and Research Associate Positions (University of Miami – Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center)

    Postdoctoral Positions in Cell Biology, Biophysics and Neurobiology (University of Missouri – Kansas City)

    Postdoctoral Fellow in Stem Cell Tissue Engineering (Stanford University School of Medicine)

    Cell Therapy Researcher (Bioiberica SA)

    Principal Investigator – Stem Cell and Cardiovascular Diseases (Heart Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine)

    Postdoctoral Position – Tumor Stem Cells (Cancer Institute of New Jersey)

    Quality Assurance Manager (The University of Texas Medical School at Houston)

    Experienced Researcher (Hebrew University of Jerusalem)


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