CellNet: Network Biology Applied to Stem Cell Engineering Researchers developed CellNet, a network biology platform that more accurately assesses the fidelity of cellular engineering than existing methodologies and generates hypotheses for improving cell derivations. Analyzing expression data from 56 published reports, they found that cells derived via directed differentiation more closely resemble their in vivo counterparts than products of direct conversion, as reflected by the establishment of target cell-type gene regulatory networks. [Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract | Press Release Myc Inhibition Is Effective against Glioma and Reveals a Role for Myc in Proficient Mitosis Investigators preclinically validated Myc inhibition as a therapeutic strategy in mouse and human glioma, using a mouse model of spontaneous multifocal invasive astrocytoma and its derived neuroprogenitors, human glioblastoma cell lines, and patient-derived tumors both in vitro and in orthotopic xenografts. [Nat Commun] Full Article | Press Release Tracheal Tissue Engineering in Rats Scientists describe a protocol using a tissue engineering strategy and orthotopic transplantation of either natural decellularized donor tracheae or artificial electrospun nanofiber scaffolds into a rat model. [Nat Protoc] Abstract Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Reduces Abnormalities in the Expression of Immune Genes in Multiple Sclerosis Investigators evaluated by microarray DNA-chip technology the gene expression of peripheral CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets sorted from patients with multiple sclerosis patients before autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT), at six months, one year and two years after AHSCT and from healthy control subjects. [Clin Sci] Abstract Functional Tooth Restoration by Next-Generation Bio-Hybrid Implant as a Bio-Hybrid Artificial Organ Replacement Therapy Investigators enveloped embryonic dental follicle tissue around a hydroxyapatite-coated dental implant, and transplanted into the lower first molar region of a murine tooth-loss model. [Sci Rep] Full Article The Combination Use of Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Treated Dentin Matrix for Tooth Root Regeneration by Cell Homing In vivo, transplantation of autologous platelet-rich fibrin and allogeneic treated dentin matrix into fresh tooth extraction socket achieved successful root regeneration three months postsurgery, characterized by the regeneration of cementum and periodontal ligament-like tissues with orientated fibers, indicative of functional restoration. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract Lenti-GDNF Gene Therapy Protects against Alzheimer’s Disease-Like Neuropathology in 3xTg-AD Mice and MC65 Cells Recombinant lentiviral vectors were used to overexpress glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) gene in hippocampal astrocytes of 3xTg-AD mice in vivo, and also in the MC65 human neuroblastoma that conditionally overexpresses the 99-residue carboxyl-terminal fragment of the amyloid precursor protein. [CNS Neurosci Ther] Abstract CD31+ Cell Transplantation Promotes Recovery from Peripheral Neuropathy Recently, the authors reported that human peripheral blood-derived CD31+ cells are highly angiogenic. In this study, they investigated the beneficial effects of CD31+ cells on peripheral neuropathy in mice. [Mol Cell Neurosci] Abstract Bystander Activation and Anti-Tumor Effects of CD8+ T Cells following Interleukin-2 Based Immunotherapy Is Independent of CD4+ T Cell Help Utilizing CD4 deficient mouse models, investigators observed a significant expansion of bystander-memory T cells following IL-2 (IT) which was similar to the non-CD4 depleted mice. Expanded bystander-memory CD8+ T cells upregulated PD-1 in the absence of CD4+ T cells which has been published as a hallmark of exhaustion and dysfunction in helpless CD8+ T cells. [PLoS One] Full Article Impaired Interferon-Alpha Production by Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells after Cord Blood Transplantation in Children: Implication for Post-Transplant TLR-Ligand Based Immunotherapy Researchers performed a longitudinal study of plasmacytoid dendritic cells reconstitution in bone-marrow-transplanted (BMT) and single-unit cord blood transplantation (CBT) children. Both CBT and unrelated BMT patients received antithymocyte globulin as part of their GvHD prophylaxis regimen. [Biol Blood Marrow Transplant] Abstract |