Cord Blood News Volume 10.23 | Jun 14 2018

TOP STORY

Transient Inhibition of NF-ΚB Signaling Enhances Ex Vivo Propagation Of Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Researchers showed that chemical inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway leads to a significant improvement of hematopoietic stem cell function from ex vivo cultured human umbilical cord blood derived CD34⁺ cells. [Haematologica] Abstract | Full Article

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

A Mesenchymal Stromal Cell (MSC)-Derived Combination of CXCL5 and Anti-CCL24 Is Synergistic and Superior to MSC and Cyclosporine for the Treatment of Graft-versus-Host Disease

Using a simulated in vitro model of the immunosuppressive effects of MSC on allogeneic graft reactions, a synergistic two-factor combination (2FC) of CXCL5 and anti-CCL24 was identified from a panel of over 100 immunomodulatory factors as being superior to MSC in the modulation of mixed lymphocyte reactions. This 2FC was superior to cyclosporine in ameliorating both moderate and severe graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), while being equivalent to MSC in moderate GVHD and superior to MSC in severe GVHD. [Biol Blood Marrow Transplant] Full Article

Adverse Events Associated with Infusion of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Products: A Prospective and Multicenter Surveillance Study

The authors report on 1125 hematopoietic stem cell transplantations, including 570 peripheral blood stem cell transplantations, 332 allo-bone marrow transplantations and 223 allo-cord blood transplantations. [Transfus Med Rev] Full Article

Human Cord Blood Serum-Derived APP α-Secretase Cleavage Activity is Mediated by C1 Complement

Scientists studied the impact of umbilical cord blood serum (CBS) on modulation of soluble α-amyloid precursor protein (sAPPα) production. Heat-sensitive CBS significantly promoted sAPPα production, indicating that heat-sensitive factors play a role in this process. [Cell Transplant] Abstract

S1P Promotes Migration, Differentiation and Immune Regulatory Activity in Amniotic-Fluid-Derived Stem Cells

Researchers investigated the influence of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) on fast human amniotic stem cells (fHASCs) migration, proliferation, differentiation and immune regulatory functions. They found that fHASC stimulation with S1P potentiated their migratory and proliferative activity in vitro. [Eur J Pharmacol] Abstract

Establishment of a Cell Model of X-Linked Sideroblastic Anemia Using Genome Editing

Using a genome editing system, a mutation was introduced in the erythroid-specific enhancer of the ALAS2 gene in HUDEP2 cells, which were derived from human umbilical stem cells and can produce erythrocytes. The established cell line, termed HA2low, expressed less ALAS2 mRNA than did wild-type cells, even after erythroid differentiation. [Exp Hematol] Abstract

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Older Adults with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

The authors provide guidance on appropriate selection of older patients as transplant candidates, benefits and risks associated with allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, conditioning regimen choice, and stem cell transplant sources as they relate to the conduct of stem cell transplantation in older patients. [Cancers] Full Article

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

Cellenkos^™, Inc. Announces FDA Clearance of Investigational New Drug Application for CK0801 for Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes

Cellenkos^™, Inc. announced that the FDA has cleared the Investigational New Drug (IND) application which allows for Cellenkos^™ to proceed with a Phase I clinical trial of CK0801, 3^rd party cord blood derived regulatory T cells, in patients with bone marrow failure syndrome including aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome and myelofibrosis. [Cellenkos^™, Inc. (PR Newswire Association LLC.)] Press Release

Cynata Reports Positive Six-Month Data from Cohort A in Phase I Trial of CYP-001 in GvHD

Cynata Therapeutics Limited announced positive safety and sustained overall survival rates from a six month follow-up assessment of patients enrolled in Cohort A of its Phase I clinical trial of CYP-001, the company’s lead Cymerus^™ MSC product candidate, in steroid-resistant acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). [Cynata Therapeutics Limited (GlobeNewswire, Inc.)] Press Release

FDA Approves New Treatment Option for Previously Treated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

The FDA approved Venclexta^® in combination with Rituxan^® for the treatment of people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic leukemia, with or without 17p deletion, who have received at least one prior therapy. [Genentech] Press Release

Sexual Harassment Is Rife in the Sciences, Finds Landmark US Study

Sexual harassment is pervasive throughout academic science in the United States, driving talented researchers out of the field and harming others’ careers, finds a report from the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in Washington DC. The analysis concludes that policies to fight the problem are ineffective because they are set up to protect institutions, not victims — and that universities, funding agencies, scientific societies and other organizations must take stronger action. [Nature News] Editorial

North American Universities Increasingly Cancel Publisher Packages

Florida State University (FSU) will head into negotiations with the publisher Elsevier to see how it can resolve a pricing issue. Back in April, FSU announced that it would not renew a so-called “big deal” with Elsevier in 2019, due to its “high and ever-increasing cost,” and would instead subscribe to a subset of the most-needed journals. [The Scientist] Editorial

NEW 47^th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australasian Society for Immunology
December 2-6, 2018
Perth, Australia

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

NEW Research Fellow – Epigenetics and Hematology (University of Edinburgh)

NEW PhD Student – Cellular Immunotherapy (Glycostem Therapeutics)

Research Associate – Advanced Cell Culture Biology (The University of Manchester)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Myeloid Tumors (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital)

Postdoctoral Positions – Cell Biology (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia)

Assistant, Associate, or Full Member Faculty – Myeloid Malignancies (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)

Postdoctoral Position – 3D Chromatin Architecture, Epigenetics and Metabolism (Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute)

Postdoctoral Research Scholar – Hematologic Malignancies (Washington University School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Hematopoiesis and Leukemia (University of Pennsylvania)

Research Fellow – Hematology, Blood Disorders and Stem Cell Biology (New York Blood Center)

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

Have we missed an important article or publication in Cord Blood News? Click here to submit!

Comments or suggestions? Submit your feedback here.