Cord Blood News Volume 5.00 | Jan 3 2013

In Vivo DPP-4 Inhibition to Enhance Engraftment of Single-Unit Cord Blood Transplants in Adults with Hematological Malignancies
The authors evaluated the feasibility of systemic dipeptidylpeptidase (DPP)-4 inhibition using sitagliptin to enhance engraftment of single-unit UCB grafts in adults with hematological malignancies. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

Endothelial Progenitor Cells Derived from Wharton’s Jelly of the Umbilical Cord Reduces Ischemia-Induced Hind Limb Injury in Diabetic Mice by Inducing HIF-1α/IL-8 Expression
Researchers evaluated the effects of transplantation of endothelial progenitor cells isolated from Wharton’s jelly on hind limb injury caused by femoral artery ligation in mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

Cotransplantation of Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Hematopoietic Engraftment in Cord Blood Transplantation: A Pilot Study
This pilot study is the first report of cotransplantation of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) in cord blood transplantation (CBT). Intravenous infusion of UCMSCs appeared to be a feasible and safe modality to enhance hematopoietic engraftment in patients receiving CBT. [Transplantation] Abstract

A Single Administration of Human Umbilical Cord Blood T Cells Produces Long-Lasting Effects in the Aging Hippocampus
Scientists examined the ability of human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells, CD4+, CD8+, CD3+, CD14+, and CD133+ subpopulations to increase proliferation of neural stem cells both in vitro and in vivo. [Age] Full Article

Autophagy in Endothelial Progenitor Cells Is Cytoprotective in Hypoxic Conditions
CD34+VEGFR-2+ endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were isolated from mononuclear cells of human umbilical cord blood and differentiation to endothelial cells was induced with VEGF. Results demonstrate that autophagy is involved in proliferation and differentiation of EPCs. Furthermore, hypoxia activates autophagy, promoting EPC survival by inhibiting apoptosis. [Am J Physiol Cell Physiol] Abstract

Lovastatin Protects Chondrocytes Derived from Wharton’s Jelly of Human Cord against Hydrogen-Peroxide-Induced In Vitro Injury
The authors aimed to improve the survival and reduce the apoptosis of chondrocytes derived from mesenchymal stem cells from Wharton’s jelly of human umbilical cord by Lovastatin supplementation under hydrogen-peroxide-induced injury conditions to simulate the osteoarthritic micro-environment. [Cell Tissue Res] Abstract

A Comparison of Pluripotency and Differentiation Status of Four Mesenchymal Adult Stem Cells
Researchers compared the stem-ness and differential potential of four adult stem cells from common sources. Four human adult stem cells including adipose tissue-mesenchymal stem cells, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, nasal septum derived multipotent progenitors and umbilical cord blood stem cells were isolated and characterized. [Mol Biol Rep] Full Article

Acute Kidney Injury after Myeloablative Cord Blood Transplantation in Adults: The Efficacy of Strict Monitoring of Vancomycin Serum Trough Concentrations
The authors performed an analysis of acute kidney injury in a new group of 38 adult patients with hematological malignancies treated with unrelated cord blood transplantation after myeloablative conditioning. [Transpl Infect Dis] Abstract

Biological Characterization of Chicken Mesenchymal Stem/Progenitor Cells from Umbilical Cord Wharton’s Jelly
Investigators isolated mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells derived from Wharton’s jelly of the umbilical cord from chicken embryos. They characterized the isolated cells using immunofluorescence and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction techniques. [Mol Cell Biochem] Abstract

Involvement of Placental/Umbilical Cord Blood Acid-Base Status and Gas Values on the Radiosensitivity of Human Fetal/Neonatal Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells
Researchers evaluated the relationship between arterial cord blood (CB) acid-base status, gas values, and the radiosensitivity of CB hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. [J Radiat Res] Full Article

ThermoGenesis Announces Sale of ThermoLine Product Line to Helmer Scientific
ThermoGenesis Corp. announced it has sold its ThermoLine plasma freezer and thawer product line to Helmer Scientific for an undisclosed sum of cash. The acquisition is part of Helmer’s growth strategy and a continuing commitment to providing high quality products to the medical and blood bank community. [ThermoGenesis Corp.] Press Release

Emory/Georgia Tech Regenerative Engineering and Medicine Center Awards 11 Collaborative Seed Grants
The Emory/Georgia Tech Regenerative Engineering and Medicine Center recently awarded 11 seed grants, totaling $630,000, for promising new research in regenerative medicine. The seed grants focus on how the body – including bone, muscle, nerves, blood vessels and tissues – can harness its own potential to heal or regenerate following trauma or disease. [Georgia Institute of Technology] 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 or Engineer – hPSC Bioengineer (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

MSc – Future Opportunities (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

PhD – Future Opportunities (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Postdoctoral Position – Tumor Stem Cells (Cancer Institute of New Jersey)

Research Technologist – Stem Cells and Cancer (Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School)

Postdoctoral Position (University of Iowa College of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Washington University in St Louis – School Of Medicine)


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