Cord Blood News Volume 10.08 | Mar 1 2018

TOP STORY

Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) Have a Superior Neuroprotective Capacity Over Fetal MSCs in the Hypoxic-Ischemic Mouse Brain

Investigators compared the therapeutic potential of pluripotent stem cell-derived MSCs (ES-MSCs from embryonic stem cells) to fetal MSCs (AF-MSCs from the amniotic fluid), demonstrating that ES-MSCs have a superior neuroprotective potential over AF-MSCs in the mouse brain following hypoxia-ischemia. [Stem Cells Transl Med] Full Article

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Evaluating Interaction of Cord Blood Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells with Functionally Integrated Three-Dimensional Microenvironments

Scientists showed that the inclusion of cellular components within the 3D-extracellular-matrix (ECM) scaffolds was necessary for maintenance of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) viability in culture, and that irrespective of the microenvironment used, the 3D-ECM structures led to the maintenance of a more primitive subpopulation of HSPC, as determined by flow cytometry and colony forming assays. [Stem Cells Transl Med] Full Article

A Comparison of Bone Marrow and Cord Blood Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Cartilage Self-Assembly

While both bone marrow-derived MSCs and cord blood (CB) MSCs were able to form neocartilage, CB-MSCs resulted in tissue more closely resembling native equine articular cartilage as determined by a quantitative functionality index. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract | Full Article

Long-Term Hematopoietic Engraftment of Congenic Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells after In Utero Intraperitoneal Transplantation to Immune Competent Mice

Investigators compared the ability of congenic and allogeneic mouse amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSC) to engraft the hematopoietic system of time-mated C57BL/6J mice. In utero (IUT) transplantation with congenic cells resulted in 100% of donor animals having chimerism of around 8% and successful hematopoietic long-term engraftment in immune-competent mice when compared to IUT with allogeneic cells. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract | Full Article

Induction of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Tissue-Forming Cells in a Murine Model: Implications for Pelvic Floor Reconstruction

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUMSCs) were isolated, differentiated and characterized in vitro. Both HUMSCs and smooth muscle cells differentiated from HUMSCs were used to fabricate tissue-engineered fascia equivalents. [Cell Tissue Res] Full Article

Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Inhibit Proliferation of Hepatic Stellate Cells In Vitro

Scientists explored the mechanism of action of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUMSCs) on the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro. The upper and lower double-cell co-culture system was established between hUC‑MSCs and HSCs in the experimental group. HSCs were cultured alone as a negative control group. [Int J Mol Med] Full Article

Enhancer DNA Methylation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes

The authors assembled recent data regarding DNA methylation and enhancers’ activity in normal and mainly myeloid malignancies. [Cell Mol Life Sci] Abstract

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the cord blood research field.

Magenta Therapeutics Presents Clinical and Preclinical Data, Including New Preclinical Results on Microglial Engraftment with MGTA-456 Expanded Cord Blood Stem Cell Product

Magenta Therapeutics announced the presentation of pre-clinical and clinical data from its expansion, conditioning and mobilization programs. [Press release from Magenta Therapeutics discussing research presented at the American Society of Bone Marrow Transplant (ASBMT) Annual Bone Marrow Transplant Tandem Meeting, Salt Lake City] Press Release

WideCells Moves a Step Closer to Becoming an End-to-End Stem Cell Service Company following Green Light from UK Regulator

WideCells Group PLC has taken a “significant step” towards becoming an end-to-end stem cell service company, according to chief executive João Andrade. The official approval allows the group, under its brand name BabyCells, to offer umbilical cord blood and tissue storage services to clients in the UK and Europe. [WideCells Group PLC (Proactive Investors)] Press Release

Jazz Pharmaceuticals Announces First Patient Enrolled in Phase II Clinical Trial Evaluating Defibrotide for the Prevention of Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc announced that the first patient has been enrolled in a Phase II clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of defibrotide for the prevention of acute graft-versus-host-disease in adult and pediatric patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. [Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc] Press Release

EU Research Chief’s Next Act: Changing the Future of Academic Publishing

Robert-Jan Smits, one of Europe’s most powerful figures in research, has been appointed as a special envoy on open science at the European Commission, to help push efforts to make all publicly funded research in Europe freely available by 2020. [Science|Business] Editorial

Canadian Science Wins Billions in New Budget

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration released its 2018 budget and scientists couldn’t be happier. It includes almost CAD 4 billion (USD 3.1 billion) in new funding for science over the next five years, a significant portion of which will go to the country’s three granting councils. [Nature News] Editorial

Merkel Makes a Surprise Pick for German Research Minister

German Chancellor Angela Merkel isn’t known for her political surprises. But she managed a big one when she tapped Anja Karliczek, a 46-year-old lawmaker little known outside of party circles, as Germany’s next minister for education and research. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

NEW LabRoots: 2^nd Annual Cell Biology Virtual Event
September 26-27, 2018
Online

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the community.

NEW Postdoctoral Positions – Molecular Biology (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)

Postdoctoral Fellow & Scientist – Acute Myeloid Leukemia (Institute of Hematology)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Functional Genomics of Human Hematopoiesis (Boston Children’s Hospital)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Leukemia (Lund University)

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

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Hematopoiesis (University of North Dakota)

Postdoctoral Scholar – Leukemia (University of Southern California)

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)

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

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