Cord Blood News Volume 6.24 | Jun 26 2014

Establishment of Human Cell Type-Specific iPS Cells with Enhanced Chondrogenic Potential
The authors report the generation of new induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, which they derived from human articular chondrocytes and from cord blood mononucleocytes via lentiviral-mediated delivery of Oct4, Klf4, Sox2, and cMyc. [Stem Cell Rev] Abstract

Modified Simple Limbal Epithelial Transplantation Using Cryo-Preserved Amniotic Membrane for Unilateral Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency
Researchers report the results of simple limbal epithelial transplantation using a double layered cryo-preserved amniotic membrane graft for the management of unilateral limbal stem cell deficiency. [Am J Ophthalmol] Abstract

Endothelium-Derived Nitric Oxide (NO) Activates the NO-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Mediated Signaling Pathway in Bradykinin-Stimulated Angiogenesis
NO-mediated stimulatory effects on tyrosine phosphorylation of the EGF-R, where cGMP independent. Inhibition of soluble guanylyl cyclase followed by bradykinin stimulation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells did not change tyrosine phosphorylation levels of EGF-R. [Arch Biochem Biophys] Abstract

Distinct Adipogenic Differentiation Phenotypes of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Cells Dependent on Adipogenic Conditions
Researchers tested the potential of three well-established adipogenic cocktails containing IBMX, dexamethasone, and insulin plus indomethacin or rosiglitazone to stimulate adipocyte differentiation in umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. [Exp Biol Med] Abstract

Involvement of Gene Methylation Changes in the Differentiation of Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells into Islet-Like Cell Clusters
Investigators induced human amniotic epithelial cells to differentiate into islet-like cell clusters by nicotinamide plus betacellulin in vitro, and further investigated the DNA methylation status by a Nimble MeDIP microarray before and after cell differentiation to shed light on the molecular mechanisms of this differentiation. [DNA Cell Biol] Abstract

BMP4 Promotes SSEA-1⁺ hUC-MSC Differentiation into Male Germ-Like Cells In Vitro
Whether human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) can be induced to differentiate into germ-like cells with the aid of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP4) was investigated. [Cell Prolif] Abstract

Sustained Expression of Coagulation Factor IX by Modified Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Modification of human CB mesenchymal stromal cells with a lentiviral vector resulted in sustained high Factor IX expression in vitro following differentiation to adipogenic, chondrogenic and osteoblastic cells. [J Gene Med] Abstract

Effects of Sex Hormones on Inflammatory Response in Male and Female Vascular Endothelial Cells
Investigators compare the effects of sex hormones on inflammatory response in human umbilical vein endothelial cells obtained from both male and female donors. [J Endocrinol Invest] Abstract

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

MacroGenics Initiates Phase I Study of MGD006 for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia
MacroGenics, Inc. announced that a first patient received drug in a Phase I study of MGD006 in relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia. MGD006 is a humanized, Dual-Affinity Re-Targeting (DART®) bi-specific antibody-based molecule that binds to both CD123 and CD3, antigens expressed on leukemic cells and T lymphocytes, respectively. This study marks the first clinical trial of a DART product candidate. [MacroGenics, Inc.] Press Release

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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.

NEW Cord Tissue Processing Technician (Cord Blood Registry)

Clinical HSCT Faculty Position (University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health)

Postdoctoral Position – Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research (UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Novel PSC-Based Blood Therapeutics (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)

Research Associate – Hematology/Oncology (University of Chicago)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Hematopoietic Stem Cells & iPSCs (KU Leuven)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Mammalian Hematopoietic and Erythroid Development (The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cell Media Development, High Throughput Screening (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Cell Culture Support Products (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Immunology/Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Associate – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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