Cord Blood News Volume 5.29 | Jul 25 2013

The Combined Influence of Substrate Elasticity and Surface-Grafted Molecules on the Ex Vivo Expansion of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells
Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is an attractive source of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) for transplantation. However, the low number of HSPCs from a single UCB donor limits the direct transplantation of UCB to patients. Because little is known about the effects of the physical microenvironment on HSPC expansion, researchers investigated the ex vivo expansion of HSPCs cultured on biomaterials with different elasticities and grafted with different nanosegments. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Grafts Enriched with Subamnion-Cord-Lining Mesenchymal Stem Cell Angiogenic Spheroids Induce Post-Ischemic Myocardial Re-Vascularization and Preserve Cardiac Function in Failing Rat Hearts
A crucial question in post-ischemic cell therapy refers to the ideal method of cell delivery to the heart. The authors hypothesized that epicardial implantation of subamnion-cord-lining mesenchymal stem cells angiogenic spheroids embedded within fibrin grafts facilitates donor cell survival and enhances cardiac function in failing rat hearts. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

Impact of Graft-versus-Host Disease Prophylaxis on Outcomes after Myeloablative Single-Unit Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation
Myeloablative single-unit umbilical cord blood transplantation using busulfan, thiotepa, fludarabine and ATG resulted in high rates of engraftment and high anti-tumor activity. Researchers designed a new graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis, substituting long-term steroids by mycophenolate mofetil together with a slight reduction of ATG. [Biol Blood Marrow Transplant] Abstract

The Effects of Hedgehog on RNA Binding Protein Msi1 during the Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Scientists evaluated the direct effects of hedgehog (Hh) signaling on the osteogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells and investigated potential downstream regulatory mechanisms responsible for Hh signaling. [Bone] Abstract

Factors Affecting Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cell Suitability for Transplantation in an In Utero Collection Program
Researchers examined maternal, neonatal, and obstetric factors that influence the suitability for banking and transplantation of umbilical cord blood units collected in utero. [Transfusion] Abstract

A Pilot Study of Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transfusion in Patients with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Scientists investigated the safety and efficacy of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell transfusion in primary biliary cirrhosis patients with an incomplete response to ursodeoxycholic acid. [J Gastroenterol Hepatol] Abstract | Full Article

Biologic Properties of Gadolinium Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic Acid-Labeled and PKH26-Labeled Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Investigators aimed to characterize gadolinium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-labeled and PKH26-labeled human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells and to track them with magnetic resonance imaging in vitro and in vivo. [Cytotherapy] Abstract

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

SynGen Hires Former Pall Medical Executive as President of Cord Blood Business Unit
SynGen Inc. announced that it has appointed Frank Pascale, formerly Senior Vice President of Business Development for Pall Medical, to lead its Cord Blood Processing business unit. This appointment follows the 510K clearance of three integrated cord blood processing products provided by the FDA. [SynGen Inc.] Press Release

More Donations Needed as Nation Marks Cord Blood Awareness Month
July is designated as Cord Blood Awareness Month by the federal Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. The national health observance aims to foster greater public recognition of cord blood donation options and to highlight that cord blood stem cells have been utilized in the treatment of more than 80 different hematological disorders. [PR Newswire Association LLC] Press Release

From our sponsor: Free mouse hematopoietic progenitors wallchart. Request your copy.

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)  

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

PhD Students – Molecular Cell Biology and Hematopoiesis (Sanquin)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Stem Cell Biology (The University of Texas Medical School at Houston)

Postdoctoral Position – Hematopoietic Differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Cells (Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Cologne)

Postdoctoral Position – Hematopoiesis & Leukemogenesis (University of Massachusetts Medical School)

Postdoctoral Positions – Stem Cell Biology and Epigenetics (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

Director of Cell Processing Facility (S L Collins Associates, Inc.)

PhD Student Position – Hematopoietic Stem Cells (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Hematopoietic Stem Cells (Albert Einstein College of Medicine)

Recruit Top Talent: Reach more than 50,000 potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.