Cell Therapy News Volume 14.10 | Mar 18 2013

Differential Stem- and Progenitor-Cell Trafficking by Prostaglandin E₂
Scientists showed that inhibition of endogenous prostaglandin E₂ by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) treatment in mice results in modest hematopoietic stem cell egress from the bone marrow. Hematopoietic grafts mobilized with NSAIDs had superior repopulating ability and long-term engraftment. [Nature] Abstract | Press Release

Outcomes of Transplantation Using Various Hematopoietic Cell Sources in Children with Hurler’s Syndrome after Myeloablative Conditioning
Investigators report transplantation outcomes on 258 children with Hurler syndrome (HS) after a myelo-ablative conditioning regimen. Results of allogeneic transplantation for HS are encouraging with similar event free survival (EFS) rates after HLA matched sibling donor, 6/6 matched unrelated-cord blood (CB), 5/6-unrelated-CB and 10/10 HLA matched unrelated donor (UD). The use of mismatched UD and 4/6 matched-unrelated CB was associated with lower EFS. [Blood] Abstract | Press Release

Proteoglycan 4 Expression Protects against the Development of Osteoarthritis
Researchers report that intra-articular expression of proteoglycan 4 (Prg4) in mice protects against development of osteoarthritis (OA). Intra-articular injection of helper-dependent adenoviral vector expressing Prg4 protected against the development of posttraumatic OA when administered either before or after injury. [Sci Transl Med] Abstract | Press Release

Developing Rods Transplanted into the Degenerating Retina of Crx-Knockout Mice Exhibit Neural Activity Similar to Native Photoreceptors
The authors concluded that Nrl-promoter driven GFP-tagged donor photoreceptors exhibit physiological characteristics of rods and that induced pluripotent stem cell-derived rods in vitro may provide a renewable source for cell replacement therapy. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Transplantation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promotes Tissue Regeneration in a Glaucoma Model through Laser-Induced Paracrine Factor Secretion and Progenitor Cell Recruitment
Researchers have used a laser-induced model of open angle glaucoma to evaluate the potential of bone marrow cell populations and the mechanisms involved in tissue repair. In addition, they investigated laser-induced tissue remodeling as a method of targeting effector cells into damaged tissues. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Targeting miR-21 for the Therapy of Pancreatic Cancer
Scientists investigated whether targeting microRNA-21 (miR-21) in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA)-derived cell lines using lentiviral vectors (LVs) may impede tumor growth. They demonstrated that LVs-transduced human PDA efficiently downregulated miR-21 expression, both in vitro and in vivo. [Mol Ther] Abstract

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Adipose Tissue vs Bone Marrow: In Vitro Comparison of Their Tropism towards Gliomas
Commercial and primary culture adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) and commercial bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) demonstrated no statistically significant difference in their migration towards glioma conditioned media in vitro. There was statistically significant difference in the proliferation rate of both commercial AMSCs and BMSCs as compared to primary culture AMSCs, suggesting primary cultures have a slower growth rate than commercially available cell lines. [PLoS One]
Full Article | Press Release

Administration of PLGA Nanoparticles Carrying shRNA against Focal Adhesion Kinase and CD44 Results in Enhanced Antitumor Effects against Ovarian Cancer
Using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) against focal adhesion kinase and CD44, investigators demonstrated that simultaneous knockdown of both these genes inhibits cancer growth more efficiently than knockdown of either gene individually. Plasmids targeting these genes or non-relative control sequences were constructed and delivered to ovarian cancer targets by biodegradable poly D,L-lactide-co-glycolide acid nanoparticles (PLGANPs). [Cancer Gene Ther] Abstract

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neural Cells Survive and Mature in the Nonhuman Primate Brain
Investigators showed that transplanted autologous rhesus monkey induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural progenitors survive for up to six months and differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and myelinating oligodendrocytes in the brains of MPTP-induced hemiparkinsonian rhesus monkeys with a minimal presence of inflammatory cells and reactive glia. [Cell Rep] Abstract | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

Three Years after Transplants in Human Mandibles, Histological and In-Line Holotomography Revealed that Stem Cells Regenerated a Compact Rather than a Spongy Bone: Biological and Clinical Implications
Mesenchymal stem cells deriving from dental pulp differentiate into osteoblasts capable of producing bone. In previous studies, the authors extensively demonstrated that, when seeded on collagen I scaffolds, these cells can be conveniently used for the repair of human mandible defects. Here, they assessed the stability and quality of the regenerated bone and vessel network three years after the grafting intervention, with conventional procedures and in-line holotomography, an advanced phase-imaging method using synchrotron radiation that offers improved sensitivity toward low-absorbing structures. [Stem Cells Transl Med] Abstract | Press Release

Delivering RNAi Therapeutics with Non-Viral Technology: A Promising Strategy for Prostate Cancer?
The authors discuss the potential of targeting oncogenes implicated in prostate cancer with RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutics using non-viral bioresponsive smart delivery systems that work in harmony with the physiological and biochemical environments of prostate tumors. [Trends Mol Med] Abstract

Cortical Interneurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells: Prospects for Neurological and Psychiatric Disease
This review summarizes the progress made in cortical interneuron development, fetal tissue transplantation and the recent advance in stem cell differentiation toward interneurons. [Front Cell Neurosci] Full Article

Stem Cells Transplantation Technique Has High Potential as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for ED
Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells cultivated on the surface of nanofibrous meshes could be a novel therapeutic strategy against post-prostatectomy erectile dysfunction (ED). [Press release from EurekAlert! discussing research presented at the 28th Annual European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress, Milan] Press Release

BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Presents Breakthrough Phase I/II ALS Clinical Data
BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics will be presenting the initial results of its Phase I/II ALS trial. The presentation will be the first to make public the outstanding Phase I/II clinical trial safety data and promising initial indications of clinical efficacy observed after treatment with NurOwn™, BrainStorm’s stem cell therapy candidate for ALS. [Press release from BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics, Inc. discussing research to be presented at the 65^th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), San Diego] Press Release

Unpaid Dues Delay Spanish Participation in European Science
The European Science Foundation (ESF) has temporarily shut off support for Spanish researchers because Spain’s member organizations failed to pay their membership fees for the foundation. The move, which an ESF spokesperson says should be temporary, may hobble conferences and workshops seeking ESF funding. [European Science Foundation, Europe] Press Release

HHMI Gives $22 Million to National Teaching Training Network
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is giving $22.5 million to expand a network of universities that have adopted the same approach to training U.S. math and science teachers. The award is going to the Texas-based National Math and Science Initiative. [National Math and Science Initiative, United States] Press Release

Phase II ALS Clinical Trial with BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics’ NurOwn™ to Be Expanded to a Third Premiere U.S. Clinical Site
BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics announced that Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the intent to conduct a Phase II clinical trial of NurOwn™ in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). [BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics, Inc.] Press Release

Potomac Photonics Supports BU’s Stem Cell Research with 3D Printed Parts
Digital Manufacturing Leader Potomac Photonics announced that it recently completed precision 3D printed parts for Boston University (BU) to support their research in stem cells. Utilizing a high-resolution 3D printer, Potomac Photonics fabricated precision stencils to pattern seeded stem cells such that cells are grown in a defined arrangement relative to each other. By preparing various stencils, the BU researchers hope to determine how the relative position of stem cells affect their differentiation efficiency and differentiated progeny. [Potomac Photonics] Press Release

Sistemic and Leading CDMO, Progenitor Cell Therapy (PCT) Initiate Study on Novel Stem Cell Characterization Technology
Sistemic Limited (Sistemic) announced the signature of an agreement to allow Progenitor Cell Therapy (PCT) to initiate evaluation studies on Sistemic’s SistemQC™ stem cell characterization technology. The studies have been designed to allow PCT to evaluate the broad applicability of SistemQC™ technology in stem cell characterization employing Sistemic’s patented miRNA profiling system and proprietary analytical approaches to produce miRNA panels, termed Key miRNAs or KmiRs™, which PCT may look to employ in the future in process optimization and cell characterization. [Sistemic Limited] Press Release

NIH Funding Puts Researchers on Path to Restoring Vision Loss from Diabetic Eye Disease
Researchers at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute and the Indiana Center for Vascular Biology at Indiana University School of Medicine are on the cusp of perfecting stem cell treatments that would halt, and potentially reverse, vision loss caused by diabetic retinopathy. [Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute] Press Release

Alnylam Initiates Phase I Clinical Study for ALN-TTRsc, a Subcutaneously Administered RNAi Therapeutic Targeting Transthyretin (TTR) for the Treatment of TTR-Mediated Amyloidosis (ATTR)
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that it has initiated dosing in its Phase I clinical trial with ALN-TTRsc, an RNAi therapeutic targeting TTR for the treatment of ATTR. [Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.] Press Release

ZIOPHARM Oncology Initiates Phase II Study of Ad-RTS IL-12 and Palifosfamide Combination for Treatment of Advanced Breast Cancer
ZIOPHARM Oncology, Inc. announced the initiation of a randomized, open label Phase II clinical study of Ad-RTS IL-12 in combination with palifosfamide to treat patients with non-resectable recurrent or metastatic breast cancer. Ad-RTS IL-12 is a targeted and controlled DNA-based therapeutic designed to express interleukin-12 (IL-12), a protein important for an immune response to cancer. [ZIOPHARM Oncology, Inc.] Press Release

Immune Therapy from Austria Receives Orphan Drug Designation from European Medicines Agency
The European Medicines Agency awarded the Austrian biotech company Activartis an Orphan Drug Designation for its innovative Cancer Immune Therapy AV0113. The Orphan Drug Designation applies specifically to the use of AV0113 for the treatment of glioma, a type of brain tumor, which afflicts around one in 10.000 people in the EU. [Activartis Biotech GmbH] Press Release

NeoStem Announces Intellectual Property Expansion in Cardiovascular Disease
NeoStem, Inc. announced that Amorcyte, LLC, its wholly owned subsidiary, received a Notice of Allowance of claims from the U.S. Patent and Trademark office for patent application 13/285,606 covering a method of treating a progressive myocardial injury caused by an ischemic condition and utilizing a multi-dosing regimen. Once granted, this will represent Amorcyte’s fourth U.S. patent and sixth patent overall. [NeoStem, Inc.]
Press Release

Cryo-Cell International Affiliate Earns Patent for Processing Umbilical Cord Blood for Therapeutic Use in Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases and Spinal Cord and Brain Injuries
A patent issued to Saneron CCEL Therapeutics, Inc. and the University of South Florida may facilitate increased use of cord blood stem cells in medical therapies, according to Linda Kelley, Ph.D., chief scientific officer with Cryo-Cell International. The patent was awarded for a method of retrieval, incubation and transplantation of cells derived from umbilical cord blood. [Cryo-Cell International, Inc.] Press Release

Launch of the Chinese-German Center for Bio-Inspired Materials at the Mainz University Medical Center
A German research team led by Professor Dr. Werner E. G. Müller of the Institute of Physiological Chemistry at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences have launched a Chinese-German Joint Center for Bio-Inspired Materials. Here, the researchers will be able to work closely together on projects in the field of regenerative medicine. [Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz] Press Release

Development of Highly Innovative Tools and Technology for Analysis of Single Cells (SBIR)(R43/R44)(PA-13-140)

Notice of Pre-Application Teleconference Meeting for RFA-CA-13-006 “NCI Experimental Therapeutics-Clinical Trials Network with Phase I Emphasis (ET-CTN)(UM1)”(NOT-CA-13-007)

Government-Owned Inventions; Availability for Licensing (FR Doc No: 2013-06070)

National Cancer Institute; Notice of Closed Meetings (FR Doc No: 2013-05847)

Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings (FR Doc No: 2013-05686)

Food and Drug Administration (United States)

Cellular, Tissue and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting (FR Doc No: 2013-05582)

Draft Guidance for Industry and Review Staff on Formal Dispute Resolution: Appeals Above the Division Level; Availability (FR Doc No: 2013-05721)

Food and Drug Administration/Xavier University Global Medical Device Conference (FR Doc No: 2013-05727)

NEW The Jackson Laboratory: Quality Data at the Bench Begins with Gold Standard Mouse Colony Management
March 28, 1:00PM (ET in US)
Webinar

NEW The 2013 Stem Cell Event Trilogy
June 4-6, 2013
London, United Kingdom

NEW The European Chapter Meeting of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS-EU 2013)
June 17-20, 2013
Istanbul, Turkey

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

Faculty Position – Stem Cell, Vascular and Developmental Biology in Ophthalmology (Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University)

Postdoctoral Researcher (The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio)

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

Postdoctoral Fellow – Pluripotent Stem Cells (Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa)

Lecturer or Reader – Associate Professor (University of Reading)

Cord Blood Laboratory Manager (Puget Sound Blood Center)

Stem Cell Program Director (Cancer Treatment Centers of America)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Regenerative Medicine (The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston)

Scientist – Cellular Immunotherapy, Novel Gene Therapy Approach (bluebird bio)

Senior Scientist – Stem Cell Therapy: Metabolic Diseases (Paramount Recruitment)

Recruit Top Talent: Reach more than 50,000 potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.