Cord Blood News Volume 5.36 | Sep 12 2013

Expansion of Donor-Reactive Host T Cells in Primary Graft Failure after Allogeneic Hematopoietic SCT Following Reduced-Intensity Conditioning
Scientists evaluated if the expansion of host T cells could be associated with graft rejection after reduced-intensity conditioning cord blood transplantation (RIC-CBT). Expansion of residual host lymphocytes was observed in four out of seven patients with graft rejection at 3 weeks after CBT, but in none of the 17 patients who achieved engraftment. [Bone Marrow Transplant] Abstract

Blockade by Phosphorothioate Aptamers of Advanced Glycation End Products-Induced Damage in Cultured Pericytes and Endothelial Cells
Researchers screened novel phosphorothioate-modified aptamers directed against advanced glycation end products (AGEs) (AGEs-thioaptamers) using a combinatorial chemistry in vitro, and examined whether these aptamers could inhibit the AGE-induced damage in both retinal pericytes and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. [Microvasc Res] Abstract

Induction of Human Umbilical Wharton’s Jelly-Derived Stem Cells toward Oligodendrocyte Phenotype
The authors examined phenotypic features of human Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs)-derived oligodendrocytes (OLs). They induced human WJMSCs to form OLs by signaling molecules including basic fibroblastic growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor-AA, and triiodothyronine hormone. [J Mol Neurosci] Abstract

Human Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells Have a Potential to Recover Ovarian Function in Mice with Chemotherapy-Induced Sterility
The ability of human amniotic fluid cells (hAFCs) to differentiate into germ cell and oocyte-like cells has been previously documented. In this study, researchers report the potential use of hAFCs to help restore follicles in clinical condition involving premature ovarian failure. [BMC Dev Biol] Full Article

Comparative Analysis of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Bone Marrow, Adipose Tissue, and Umbilical Cord Blood as Sources of Cell Therapy
To characterize mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from different sources, investigators compared human bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs for surface antigen expression, differentiation ability, proliferation capacity, clonality, tolerance for aging, and paracrine activity. [Int J Mol Sci] Abstract | Full Article

CREG Promotes the Proliferation of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells through the ERK/Cyclin E Signaling Pathway
Researchers attempted to investigate the effect of cellular repressor of E1A-stimulated genes (CREG) on the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells and to decipher the underlying molecular mechanisms. Overexpression of CREG in human umbilical vein endothelial cells was obtained by infection with adenovirus carrying CREG. [Int J Mol Sci] Abstract | Full Article

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New Hub Forms Part of ‘Industrial Revolution’ in Regenerative Medicine
Scientists at the Universities of Sheffield, Loughborough and Cambridge are set to lead a new £4.5 million ‘Hub’ aimed at translating lab discoveries into regenerative treatment to help sufferers of Parkinson’s disease and deafness. The Hub forms part of a £25 million investment from three UK Research Councils in research and equipment to support the development of regenerative medicine therapies for a range of applications, including Parkinson’s disease, cardiovascular disease, wound and musculoskeletal repair, eye disorders and deafness. [The University of Sheffield] Press Release

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Transplantation/Stem Cell Research Specialist (University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health)

Stem Cell Biology Researcher – Human Genetics and Stem Cell Biology (The Czech Genetic Bank Ltd.)

Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Stem Cell Biology and Cellular Immunology (Anthony Nolan, University College London)

Research Technologist – Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Products (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Postdoctoral Position – Hematopoietic Stem Cells (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital)

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