Cord Blood News Volume 6.05 | Feb 13 2014

Graft-versus-Host Disease and Survival after Cord Blood Transplantation for Acute Leukemia: A Comparison of the Japanese versus Caucasian Population
An earlier report identified higher risks of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in Caucasian children compared to the Japanese after HLA-matched sibling transplantations. The current analysis explored whether racial differences are associated with GvHD risks after unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation. [Biol Blood Marrow Transplant] Abstract

Expansion of Regulatory T Cells from Umbilical Cord Blood and Adult Peripheral Blood CD4⁺CD25⁺ T Cells
Previous data demonstrated that umbilical cord blood CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells with 4-day stimulation have comparable phenotypes and suppressive function to that of adult peripheral blood CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells. Researchers further examined whether 2-week culture would achieve higher expansion levels of regulatory T cells. [Immunol Res] Abstract

Quality of Functional Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells from Cryopreserved Human Umbilical Cord Blood
Researchers examined the quality of umbilical cord blood (UCB) cryopreserved for 2, 4 and 6 years. The following parameters and procedures were used to test individual units of cryopreserved UCB: the number of total nucleated cells, cell viability, CFU-GM assay, T-cell activation in vitro and hematopoietic stem cell engraftment in NOD/SCID mice in vivo. [Vox Sang] Abstract

In Vitro Screening of LPS-Induced miRNAs in Leukocytes Derived from Cord Blood and Their Possible Roles in Regulating TLR Signals
Researchers hypothesized that LPS-induced miRNAs in the leukocytes from cord blood play an important role in newborn innate immunity, specifically in the regulation of the TLR signaling pathway. [Pediatr Res] Abstract

GSK-3β Inhibition Promotes Early Engraftment of Ex Vivo-Expanded Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Umbilical cord blood (UCB) stem cells can be expanded ex vivo; however, rapid differentiation reduces their regenerative potential. Researchers have recently shown that Wnt/β-catenin signaling is down-regulated in ex vivo-expanded stem cells; therefore, they proposed that re-activation of Wnt signaling using GSK-3β inhibition may act to improve regenerative potential of these ex vivo-expanded stem cells. [Cell Prolif] Abstract

Anti-Inflammatory Actions of Endogenous and Exogenous Interleukin-10 versus Glucocorticoids on Macrophage Functions of the Newly Born
Macrophages were differentiated from cord blood monocytes. A serial dose-response (around 10^-8 M), in vitro study was used to examine the effect of dexamethasone, betamethasone and interleukin-10, on proinflammatory cytokine release, phagocytosis and respiratory burst. [J Perinatol] Abstract

In Vitro Myelotoxic Effects of Cypermethrin and Mancozeb on Human Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells
Cypermethrin and mancozeb were evaluated for their possible effects on hematopoiesis in vitro. Hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells from human cord blood were isolated and then exposed for 14 days to cypermethrin or mancozeb at non-cytotoxic doses (0.9-16 µM), and the effect on hematopoiesis screened via a methylcellulose-based clonogenic assay. [J Immunotoxicol] Abstract

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CBR and ITxM Partner to Advance Awareness of Cord Blood Banking Options
Cord Blood Registry® (CBR®) and The Institute for Transfusion Medicine^SM (ITxM^SM) announce the launch of a multi-year initiative to provide education and guidance to expectant parents regarding options for cord blood banking and donation. [PR Newswire Association LLC] Press Release

REGiMMUNE Begins Enrollment for Phase II Clinical Trial for Graft versus Host Disease
REGiMMUNE Corporation announced that it has begun a Phase II study of its proprietary compound RGI-2001 for GvHD associated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. [REGiMMUNE Co., Ltd.] Press Release

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NEW Director – Clinical Immunogenetics Laboratory (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)

NEW Postdoctoral Position – Stem Cells (Imagine Institute)

NEW Research Technologist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

NEW Research Technologist – Particle Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

NEW Research Technologist – PSC Biology and Bioengineering (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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

Postdoctoral Positions – Hematopoietic Stem Cell Physiology and Bone Marrow Failure (University of Michigan)

Assistant Professorship – Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Microenvironment (University of Zurich)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Morphogenetic Signaling Pathways in Development and Disease (University of Rochester Medical Center)

PhD Candidates – Stem Cells and Biomedical Engineering (Queensland University of Technology – Translational Research Institute)

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