Cord Blood News Volume 4.24 | Jun 21 2012

MiR-181a Regulates MSCs Growth and Immune Function: MicroRNA-181a Regulates Local Immune Balance by Inhibiting Proliferation and Immunosuppressive Properties of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Investigators evaluated if and how microRNA (miR)-181a regulates mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) proliferation and immunosuppressive properties. They found that the expression of miR-181a in the MSCs derived from the umbilical cord and decidua of preeclampsia patients increased relative to MSCs derived from normal patients. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Fast-Degradable Microbeads Encapsulating Human Umbilical Cord Stem Cells in Alginate for Muscle Tissue Engineering
Compared to the usual method of seeding cells in a hydrogel matrix, the human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-microbead-alginate matrix construct had greatly improved cell viability and myogenic differentiation, and hence is promising to enhance muscle regeneration. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

2D Polymer-Based Cultures Expand Cord Blood-Derived Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Support Engraftment of NSG Mice
Researchers focused on identifying promising two dimensional (2D) polymer candidates for hematopoietic stem cell expansion. After a seven day culture period with cytokine supplementation, 2D fibrin, poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) and poly(ε-caprolactone) substrates supported expansion of cord blood-derived CD34+ cells ex vivo. [Tissue Eng Part C Methods] Abstract

Thalidomide Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties in Neonatal Immune Cells
Scientists evaluated the effects of thalidomide on the cytokine response and apoptosis of neonatal immune cells. After whole blood culture and stimulation of cord and adult blood samples, the intracytoplasmic expression and the secreted amounts of IL-2, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-8 were assessed by flow cytometry and Cytokine Bead Array. [Innate Immun] Abstract

The Fate of Renal Allografts Hinges on Responses of the Microvascular Endothelium
Researchers evaluated the renal microvascular endothelial cell responses following exposure to preformed antibodies against human leukocyte antigens (HLA) in the recipient. They used cultured human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells, human microvascular glomerular endothelial cells, activated with and without IFN-γ and TNF-α, and pre-transplant blood group O patient sera containing multispecific HLA class I and class II antibodies. [Exp Mol Pathol] Abstract

Inhibition of Erythropoiesis by Smad6 in Human Cord Blood Hematopoietic Stem Cells
The authors showed that Smad6 inhibits erythropoiesis in human CD34⁺ cord blood hematopoietic stem cells. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract

Characterization and Comparison of Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived KDR+ Cells with Endothelial Cells
Endothelial cells were induced from human embryonic stem cell lines and their biological characteristics were analyzed and compared with both cord blood endothelial progenitor cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro. [Microvasc Res] Abstract

Effects of Different Serum-Levels of Anti-Thymocyte Globulin after Unrelated Donor Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation
Low serum-levels of rabbit-IgG early after transplantation seem to be a strong predictor for acute GvHD grades III-IV, TRM and a low incidence of relapse in patients treated with thymoglobulin before unrelated donor umbilical cord blood transplantation. [Transpl Immunol] Abstract

Cryo-Save to Award Young Researcher at Opening of Its New Headquarters
The leading international family stem cell bank, Cryo-Save, will celebrate the grand opening of its brand new headquarters office in Zutphen, the Netherlands, by honoring PhD. T.H.J. Nijhuis with the Young Investigator Award. [Cryo-Save AG] Press Release

Osiris Receives Second Approval for Life-Saving Stem Cell Drug; Prochymal Granted Marketing Consent by New Zealand
Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. announced it has received consent from New Zealand to market its first-in-class stem cell therapy Prochymal^® (remestemcel-L), for the treatment of acute graft-vs-host disease in children. With this decision New Zealand joins Canada, which last month became the world’s first internationally recognized regulatory authority to grant approval to a stem cell drug. [Osiris Therapeutics, Inc.]
Press Release

Gov. Malloy Announces Award of $9.8 Million in Stem Cell Research Funding
Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced the awards of $9.8 million in stem cell research funds to 19 Connecticut-based researchers. The awards were made by the State of Connecticut Stem Cell Research Advisory Committee at its grant review meeting week. [State of Connecticut, Department of Public Health] 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 – Epithelial Cell Research (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

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

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

Research Associate – Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

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

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

Research Technologist – Media Development (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Business Development Manager – Stem Cell (SynGen Inc.)

Controller (SynGen Inc.)

Director: Regulatory Affairs (SynGen Inc.)

Manufacturing Manager (SynGen Inc.)

Chief Scientific Officer (SynGen Inc.)

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

Stem Cell Therapy Scientist (Paramount Recruitment)


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