Cell Therapy News Volume 13.44 | Nov 12 2012

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    Issue 13.44 November 12, 2012
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    Publications | Reviews | Science | Policy | Business | NIH | CBER | Regulatory | Events | Jobs

    TOP STORY
    Early Responses to Adenoviral-Mediated Transfer of the Aquaporin-1 cDNA for Radiation-Induced Salivary Hypofunction
    Researchers conducted a phase I clinical trial to test the safety and biologic efficacy of serotype 5, adenoviral-mediated aquaporin-1 (AdhAQP1 vector) cDNA transfer to a single previously irradiated parotid gland in 11 subjects using an open label, single-dose, dose-escalation design. AdhAQP1 vector delivery to a single parotid gland was safe and transfer of the hAQP1 cDNA increased parotid flow and relieved symptoms in a subset of subjects. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract | Press Release

    Isolate Mouse Cells In As Little As 15 Minutes


     
    PUBLICATIONS (Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

    A Human Disease Model of Drug Toxicity-Induced Pulmonary Edema in a Lung-on-a-Chip Microdevice
    Researchers demonstrated the proof of principle for using a biomimetic microdevice that reconstitutes organ-level lung functions to create a human disease model-on-a-chip that mimics pulmonary edema. The microfluidic device, which reconstitutes the alveolar-capillary interface of the human lung, consists of channels lined by closely apposed layers of human pulmonary epithelial and endothelial cells that experience air and fluid flow, as well as cyclic mechanical strain to mimic normal breathing motions. [Sci Transl Med] Abstract | Press Release

    Mechanism of Extravasation of Infused Regenerative Cells From Microvessels into Tissue Parenchyma
    Leukocytes invade tissue by diapedesis; stem cells are commonly assumed to do likewise, but evidence is lacking. In this study, cardiac-derived regenerative cells and multi-cellular cardiospheres were infused into the coronary vessels of rat hearts. Serial histology revealed a novel mechanism of cell transmigration, “active vascular expulsion”, which underlies the extravasation of infused cells and cell aggregates. [Stem Cells] Abstract

    BMP4 Sufficiency to Induce Choroid Plexus Epithelial Fate from Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Neuroepithelial Progenitors
    Scientists provide evidence for bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) sufficiency to induce choroid plexus epithelial cell (CPEC) fate from neural progenitors derived from mouse embryonic stem cells. In addition to molecular, cellular, and ultrastructural criteria, derived CPECs had functions that were indistinguishable from primary CPECs, including self-assembly into secretory vesicles and integration into endogenous choroid plexus epithelium following intraventricular injection. [J Neurosci] Abstract | Press Release

    Reduction of Pro-Tumorigenic Activity of Human Prostate Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Using Dlk1 or SCUBE1
    The authors set out to reduce the pro-tumorigenic activity of patient cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) using the Dlk1 and SCUBE1 molecules that they had previously identified in prostate development. Their hypothesis was that mesenchymally expressed molecules might reduce CAF pro-tumorigenic activity, either directly or indirectly. [Dis Model Mech] Abstract | Press Release

    Long Term Reparative Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy following Neonatal Hyperoxia-Induced Lung Injury
    Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy may prevent neonatal hyperoxia-induced lung injury (HILI). There is however no clear data on the therapeutic efficacy of MSC in established HILI, the duration of the reparative effects and the exact mechanisms of repair. Researchers aimed to evaluate whether the long term reparative effects of a single intra-tracheal dose of MSC or MSC-conditioned medium are comparable in established HILI. [Pediatr Res] Full Article

    Efficient Non-Viral Gene Therapy with FasL and Del1 Fragments in Mice
    Researchers aimed to improve FasL gene therapy with a non-viral vector by taking advantage of the E3 and C1 domains of Del1 protein, which induces apoptosis and localizes to the extracellular matrix. Mouse explanted tumors derived from a human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line, SCCKN, were treated with plasmids encoding FasL, E3C1, and a fusion of FasL and E3C1. [J Gene Med] Abstract

    Asymmetric siRNA Targeting the bcl-2 Gene Inhibits the Proliferation of Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Vivo
    Researchers demonstrated that an asymmetric small interfering RNA (asiRNA) consisting of 17 base pair duplex region (17 bp asiRNA), 17 bp asiRNA-M2, with a proteolipid micelle delivery system can effectively suppress the growth of H22 and BGC 803 tumors in vivo. These results suggest that the chemically modified asiRNAs may have potential as an effective therapeutic approach for cancer gene therapy in the future. [Int J Oncol] Abstract

    Physical Properties and In Vitro Evaluation of Collagen-Chitosan-Calcium Phosphate Microparticle-Based Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Regeneration
    Researchers compared collagen-chitosan-calcium phosphate microparticle-based scaffolds fused with glycolic acid to their counterparts without collagen in terms of degradation, cytocompatibility, porosity, and Young’s modulus. In general, scaffolds exhibited 23% porosity, 0.6-1.2 MPa Young’s modulus, 23% degradation over 4 weeks, and supported a four to seven fold increase in osteoblast cell number over 7 days in culture. [J Biomater Appl] Abstract

    Whitepaper: Automated Cell Isolation Enables More Relevant HIV Models


    REVIEWS

    Genetically Engineered Stem Cell Therapy Targeting Angiogenesis and Tumor Stroma in Gastrointestinal Malignancy
    This review summarizes the advances made in the past decade towards developing novel cell-based cancer therapies using genetically engineered MSCs with a focus on strategies to achieve and enhance tumor specificity and their application to targeting gastrointestinal malignancies such as hepatocellular carcinoma and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. [Stem Cells] Abstract

    Is Belief Larger than Fact: Expectations, Optimism and Reality for Translational Stem Cell Research
    The authors examined media representations in light of the expanding global landscape of stem cell clinical trials, asking what patients may realistically expect by way of timelines for the therapeutic and curative potential of regenerative medicine. [BMC Med] Full Article

    Learn more about the new smartphone app for human blood cell frequencies


    SCIENCE NEWS

    ZIOPHARM Oncology Presents Systemic, DNA/Cell Plasmid Therapy Showing Long-Term Persistence and Anti-Tumor Effects
    ZIOPHARM Oncology, Inc. announced results from a preclinical study demonstrating the long-term persistence and anti-tumor effects of a new synthetic biology approach (DNA/cell plasmid) to controlled protein production in vivo. [Press release from ZIOPHARM Oncology, Inc. discussing research presented at the EORTC-NCI-AACR International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, Dublin] Press Release

    VistaGen Therapeutics and Duke University Announce Heart Tissue Engineering Progress
    VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc. and Duke University announced that results of their collaboration were presented. The presentation, entitled “Human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiac tissue patch with advanced structure and function,” highlighted the important synergistic interactions of VistaGen’s stem cell-derived human cardiomyocytes and Duke’s tissue engineering and analytical technologies. [Press release from VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc. discussing research presented at the American Heart Association 2012 Scientific Sessions, Los Angeles] Press Release

    Two Years Out, All Patients Receiving Autologous Stem Cell Therapy Show Sustained Improvement in Heart Function
    Researchers presented data from their groundbreaking research in the use of autologous adult stem cells with patients who had previous heart attacks. They report that after two years, all patients receiving the stem cell therapy show improvement in heart function. [Press release from the University of Louisville discussing research presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2012 Meeting, Los Angeles] Press Release

    Preclinical Data Support Potential Combinations for Allovectin® with Emerging Immunotherapies
    Vical Incorporated announced the release of animal data at a melanoma conference documenting the benefits of combining the company’s Allovectin® immunotherapy with anti-CTLA-4, anti-PD-1, and anti-PD-L1 antibodies, which are emerging immunotherapies for metastatic melanoma. [Press release from Vical Incorporated discussing research presented at the 9th International Congress of the Society for Melanoma Research, Hollywood] Press Release


     
    POLICY

    Update on Stem Cell Therapy
    The Department of Health saw the necessity to cover regulations for Stem Cell therapy. Stem Cell therapy belongs to the category of Advanced Cell therapy which includes biologics and blood. [Department of Health, Republic of the Philippines] Press Release

    £20 Million Investment for UK Synthetic Biology Research
    In a move that could potentially revolutionize major UK industries and help us to meet serious social and environmental challenges, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council has announced an unprecedented £20M worth of synthetic biology projects. [Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, United Kingdom] Press Release


    BUSINESS

    Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc – Manufacturing Contract for ReNeuron Drug Substance
    Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc announced the signing of a new contract with ReNeuron Group plc. This contract relates to the expansion of CTX cells, the production of a GMP Drug Substance batch and associated testing. The contract is scheduled for completion in the current financial year. [Angel Biotechnology Holdings plc] Press Release

    Wellcome Trust and MRC Invest £13 Million to Create a New National Stem Cell Resource
    The Wellcome Trust and Medical Research Council (MRC) announced a £12.75 million initiative to create a catalogue of high-quality adult stem cells, so-called ‘induced pluripotent stem cells’ (iPS cells). The initiative will provide a knowledge base to underpin the use of such cells in studying the effects of our genes on health and disease and lay the foundations to create a new iPS cell bank, providing a world-class resource for UK researchers. [Wellcome Trust] Press Release

    Cardiac Cell Therapy Phase III Trial to Treat Refractory Angina
    CryopraxisTM/CellPraxis® aims to start patient recruitment for its Phase III Refractory Angina Cell Therapy Brazilian arm clinical trial by the end of 2012 or early 2013. The phase IIA/B clinical trial study was completed in December 2011. These trials involved the use of a proprietary autologous stem cell formulation indicated for neoangiogeneses. [Business Wire] Press Release

    Tengion Issued Notice of Allowance for U.S. Patent Application Covering Renal Regeneration for its Neo-Kidney Augment™ Product Candidate
    Tengion, Inc. announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued a Notice of Allowance for U.S. Patent Application No. 12/617,721, titled “Isolated Renal Cells and Uses Thereof.” The application includes claims intended to protect important aspects of Tengion’s renal regenerative product candidate, the Neo-Kidney Augment™, for the treatment of advanced chronic kidney disease. [Tengion, Inc.] Press Release

    IntelliCell BioSciences Announces FDA Listing For Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular Based Products
    IntelliCell BioSciences, Inc. announced that it has been notified according to the FDA validation registration number 3009842420, that its new facility located at 460 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022 is now registered to recover, process, package, store, and label human cells and tissue products such as the IntelliCell autologous stromal vascular fraction cellular product. In the registration notification, FDA acknowledged that the IntelliCell process is to be covered under regulations for tissue products. [PR Newswire Association LLC] Press Release

    Healthpoint Biotherapeutics Introduces 5×7 Size Of OASIS® Ultra Tri-Layer Matrix
    Healthpoint Biotherapeutics announced the introduction of a 5 cm x 7 cm size of OASIS® Ultra Tri-Layer Matrix, a naturally-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) material formed from three layers of porcine small intestinal submucosa. The three-layer construct of ECM was designed to provide increased structure for difficult-to-heal and chronic wounds. [Healthpoint Biotherapeutics] Press Release

    Tissue Regeneration at Heart of New Institute
    The emerging field of tissue regeneration, which harnesses the power and healing potential of stem cells, is an area to which scientists around the world are turning their attention. One of the foremost leaders in this area, Mark Sussman from San Diego State University (SDSU), announced the opening of SDSU’s new Integrated Regenerative Research Institute to help advance this area of research in San Diego. [San Diego State University] Press Release

    Kansas City-Based Likarda Named Among World’s Top 50 New Ventures Competing in Global Entrepreneurship Week’s Startup Open
    Likarda, an early-stage animal health company and a spinoff of the University of Kansas Medical Center, is one of the world’s 50 most promising new companies chosen to compete in the Global Entrepreneurship Week’s Startup Open this Monday. Likarda’s primary product, 3D islet cell clusters known as Kanslets™, can be transplanted into animals to cure diabetes through a simple procedure as routine as neutering a pet. [PR Newswire Association LLC] Press Release

    Introducing a New ASGCT Forum for Publication of Methodology and Clinical Development in Gene, Cell, and Oligonucleotide Therapies
    Editors are thrilled to announce the establishment of a new Methods section in Molecular Therapy’s sibling journal, Molecular Therapy Nucleic Acids. The section will focus specifically on methodology and technology development in gene-, cell-, and oligonucleotide-based therapy as well as on clinical development studies essential for safely moving these techniques into the clinic. [Molecular Therapy] Press Release


    NIH

    Government-Owned Inventions; Availability for Licensing (FR Doc No: 2012-27426)

    National Human Genome Research Institute; Amended Notice of Meeting (FR Doc No: 2012-27429)

    National Cancer Institute; Notice of Closed Meetings (FR Doc No: 2012-27267)

    Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings (FR Doc No: 2012-27098)


    CBER

    December 4-5, 2012: Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Meeting Announcement

    2012 Biological Device Application Approvals

    2012 Biological License Application Approvals


    REGULATORY

    Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

    TGA presentation given at the NSW Stem Cell Network, 31 October 2012


    EVENTS

    NEW The Biology of Stem Cells
    Paris, France
    December 20-21, 2012

    NEW International Conference of Personalized Medicine and Targeted Therapies in Cancer
    January 31-February 2, 2013
    Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

    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.)

    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)

    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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