Cord Blood News Volume 10.04 | Feb 1 2018

TOP STORY

Antagonism of PPAR-γ Signaling Expands Human Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells by Enhancing Glycolysis

The authors showed that antagonism of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ promotes ex vivo expansion of phenotypically and functionally defined subsets of human cord blood hematopoietic stem cells and hematopoietic progenitor cells. [Nat Med] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

A Forward Genetic Screen Targeting the Endothelium Reveals a Regulatory Role for the Lipid Kinase Pi4ka in Myelo- and Erythropoiesis

Researchers found that endothelium-specific transposon mutagenesis in mice promotes hematopoietic pathologies that are both myeloid and lymphoid in nature. Frequently mutated genes included previously recognized cancer drivers and additional candidates, such as Pi4ka, a lipid kinase whose mutation was found to promote myeloid and erythroid dysfunction. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Inhibition of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase-Activity Expands Multipotent Myeloid Progenitor Cells with Vascular Regenerative Function

Human umbilical cord blood-derived hematopoietic progenitor cells purified using high aldehyde dehydrogenase activity demonstrated pro-angiogenic functions following intramuscular transplantation into immunodeficient mice with hind-limb ischemia. [Stem Cells] Abstract

SPK1-Transfected UCMSC Has Better Therapeutic Activity than UCMSC in the Treatment of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model of Multiple Sclerosis

Scientists investigated the effects of MSCs derived from the human umbilical cord (UCMSC) transfected by sphingosine kinase 1 (SPK1) gene. All the results showed that transplantation of UCMSCs gene modified by SPK1 dramatically reduce the severity of neurological deficits of the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice, paralleling by reductions in demyelination, axonal loss, and astrogliosis. [Sci Rep] Full Article

A Novel Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Blood-Brain Barrier Model: Applicability to Study Antibody-Triggered Receptor-Mediated Transcytosis

Investigators developed a renewable, scalable and transgene free human blood-brain barrier model, composed of brain endothelial cells, generated from human amniotic fluid derived induced pluripotent stem cells, which can also give rise to syngeneic neural cells of the neurovascular unit. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Immunological Impact of Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Natural Killer Cell Co-Culture

Researchers revealed that the outcome of Wharton’s Jelly-derived MSCs (WJ-MSCs)-natural killer (NK) cells crosstalk varied according to the type of cytokines utilized to activate NK cells. Differently activated NK cells exerted distinct cytotoxicities against WJ-MSCs causing their probable death. [Mol Cell Biochem] Abstract

Use of Cord Blood Derived T-Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy: Milestones Achieved and Future Perspectives

The authors summarize the current cord blood (CB) and CB derived T cell applications aiming to better disease control for hematological malignancies and discusses future directions to more effective therapies. [Expert Rev Hematol] Abstract

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Synpromics Announces New Partnership with UCL to Develop Novel Gene Therapies for Blood-Based Disorders

Synpromics Ltd. announced a collaboration with University College London (UCL) Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health to develop novel gene therapies for pathologies affecting the hematopoietic system. [Synpromics Ltd.] Press Release

UF Launches New Center for Regenerative Medicine

The University of Florida (UF) has launched a Center for Regenerative Medicine to develop lifesaving therapies “to heal the body from within” using stem cells that repair damaged tissue and organs. [University of Florida] Press Release

US Government Rethinks How to Retire Research Chimps

The research chimpanzees owned or supported by the US National Institutes of Health are ready to retire — but nearly 300 are still stuck in 3 US research facilities, awaiting spots at the country’s only federally funded sanctuary. [Nature News] Editorial

Indian Science Budget Fails to Impress — Despite Funding Boost

India will raise its spending on science by 10% to 536.2 billion rupees (US$8.4 billion) for 2018-19, compared to the previous year, finance minister Arun Jaitley said. The budget includes 30.7 billion rupees earmarked for artificial intelligence and cyber systems. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW EMBL: Hematopoietic Stem Cells: From the Embryo to the Aging Organism
June 7-9, 2018
Heidelberg, Germany

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NEW Postdoctoral Fellow Positions – Hematopoietic Stem Cell Biology (Nationwide Childrens Hospital and Ohio State University)

NEW Postdoctoral Research Associate – Hematopoiesis (University of North Dakota)

NEW Postdoctoral Scholar – Leukemia (University of Southern California)

NEW Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Fanconi Anemia (Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center)

Scientific Manager – Cell Engineering Lab (Genentech, Inc.)

Research Fellow – Pediatric Cancer and Zebrafish Models (Massachusetts General Hospital)

Postdoctoral Scientists and Research Technologists – Hematopoiesis and Leukemogenesis (City of Hope)

Postdoctoral Associate – Experimental Hematology & Cancer Biology (University of Florida Health Cancer Center)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Hematopoietic Stem Cell Biology (University of Colorado, Anschutz)

PhD Student Position – Leukemia (RWTH Aachen University)

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