Cord Blood News Volume 4.17 | May 3 2012

Identification of Early Gene Expression Changes during Human Th17 Cell Differentiation
The authors identified gene expression changes characterizing early stages of human Th17 cell differentiation through genome-wide gene expression profiling. CD4+ cells isolated from umbilical cord blood were used to determine detailed kinetics of gene expression after initiation of Th17 differentiation with IL1β, IL6 and TGFβ. [Blood] Abstract

A Critical Role for Endoglin in the Emergence of Blood during Embryonic Development
Investigators showed that endoglin, a receptor for the TGFβ superfamily, identifies all cells with hematopoietic fate in the early embryo. [Blood] Abstract

Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Corrects Primary Neuropathology and Behavior in Mucopolysaccharidosis IIIA Mice
Scientists compared hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in mucopolysaccharidosis IIIA (MPS IIIA) mice using wild-type donor cells transduced ex vivo with lentiviral vector-expressing lysosomal enzyme sulfamidase (SGSH) versus wild-type donor cell transplant or lentiviral-SGSH transduced MPS IIIA cells. [Mol Ther] Abstract

The Expression of the Glucocorticoid Receptor in Human Erythroblasts Is Uniquely Regulated by KIT Ligand: Implications for Stress Erythropoiesis
To clarify the relative role of KIT ligand (KITL) and glucocorticoid receptor in stress erythropoiesis in humans, the biological activities of soluble full length, C-terminus truncated human and murine KITL in cultures of cord blood mononuclear and CD34 positive cells, which mimic either steady-state or stress erythropoiesis, were investigated. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

Anti-VEGFR2-Conjugated PLGA Microspheres as an X-Ray Phase Contrast Agent for Assessing the VEGFR2 Expression
Researchers evaluated the feasibility of using anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2)-conjugated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres as an x-ray phase contrast agent to assess the VEGFR2 expression in cell cultures. The cell lines, mouse Lewis lung carcinoma and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, were selected for cell adhesion studies. [Phys Med Biol] Abstract

Transplantation of Insulin-Producing Cells from Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Researchers investigated whether human mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord could be induced to differentiate into insulin-producing cells. [J Biomed Sci] Abstract

Comparison of Pre-Cryopreserved and Post-Thaw-and-Wash-Nucleated Cell Count on Major Outcomes following Unrelated Cord Blood Transplant in Children
To investigate the amount of cell loss after washing and its impact on major outcomes compared to pre-cryopreserved TNC, researchers analyzed data from patients prospectively enrolled on a National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute sponsored cord blood transplant study between 1999 and 2003. [Pediatr Transplant] Abstract

Characterization of Hemangioblast in Umbilical Arteries of Mid-Gestation Mouse Embryos
Findings indicated that in addition to the aorta-gonads-mesonephros the umbilical artery serves as an important, but less supportive, niche for hemangioblast development. [Int J Hematol] Abstract

Cryo-Cell International Taps Leader in Stem Cell Therapy to Serve as Chief Scientific Officer
Cryo-Cell International, Inc. announced the appointment of Linda Kelley, Ph.D., as chief scientific officer. Dr. Kelley is responsible for overseeing Cryo-Cell’s state-of-the art laboratory, translational medicine initiatives and quality assurance program at its stem cell and cord blood banking facility in Oldsmar, Florida. [Reuters] Press Release

ASH Agenda for Hematology Research Identifies Most Promising Areas for Scientific Discovery
The American Society of Hematology (ASH) issued a report urging federal agencies to coordinate hematology research funding around seven specific high-need areas that would produce the greatest impact and translate into improvements in patient care in the United States. [American Society of Hematology]
Press Release

China Cord Blood Corporation Announces Completion of $65 Million Convertible Debt Financing with KKR
China Cord Blood Corporation announced that it has successfully closed a US $65 million convertible debt financing with funds affiliated with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (KKR) China Growth Fund L.P. [China Cord Blood Corporation] Press Release

Chinese Publishers Vow to Cleanse Journals
The China Association for Science and Technology in Beijing has taken the lead among the country’s publishers in trying to clamp down on academic misconduct. [The China Association for Science and Technology, China] Press Release

National Institutes of Health (United States)

Food and Drug Administration (United States)

Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)

European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

Scientist – hPSC Bioengineering (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – Antibody and Hybridoma Technology Platforms (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – Epithelial Cell Research (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – Endothelial Cells (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Research Associate – Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Research Associate – Particle Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Research Technologist – Contract Assay Services (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Business Analyst – Product Management (STEMSOFT Software, Inc.)

Business Development Manager – Stem Cell (SynGen Inc.)

Controller (SynGen Inc.)

Director: Regulatory Affairs (SynGen Inc.)

Manufacturing Manager (SynGen Inc.)

Development Scientist – Cell Therapy (GE Healthcare)

Group Leaders, Principle Scientists – Stem Cell Clinical Product R&D (Shanghai Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd)


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