Cord Blood News Volume 8.11 | Mar 24 2016

Role of VEGF-A in Angiogenesis Promoted by Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells: In Vitro Study
The authors describe pro-angiogenic properties of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells derived from human umbilical cord as manifested in vitro. [Stem Cell Res Ther] Abstract

Enhanced Expression of Hepatocyte-Specific microRNAs in Valproic Acid Mediated Hepatic Trans-Differentiation of Human Umbilical Cord Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Investigators analyzed the expression pattern of microRNAs during hepatic trans-differentiation. The protocol employed the use of histone deacetylase inhibitor, valproic acid to induce hepatic trans-differentiation of human umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells. [Exp Cell Res] Abstract

Assessment of Glial Scar, Tissue Sparing, Behavioral Recovery and Axonal Regeneration following Acute Transplantation of Genetically Modified Human Umbilical Cord Blood Cells in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Contusion
Researchers investigated the potential for protective effects of human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCB-MCs) genetically modified with the VEGF and GNDF genes on contusion spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. They showed that a gene delivery using UCB-MCs-expressing VEGF and GNDF genes improved both structural and functional parameters after SCI. [PLoS One] Full Article

Amelioration of Ischemic Brain Injury in Rats with Human Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells: Mechanisms of Action
Scientists have tested a human umbilical cord blood-derived stem cell line that has shown both a significant reduction in stroke infarct volume as well as improved functional recovery following stroke in the rat. In the present study, they addressed the mechanism of action and compared therapeutic efficacy of high vs. low passage non-hematopoietic umbilical cord blood stem cells. [Cell Transplant] Abstract

Early Human Herpes Virus Type 6 Reactivation in Umbilical Cord Blood Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation
The authors investigated human herpes virus type 6 reactivation within 60 days of transplantation in stem cell transplants utilizing single umbilical cord blood, double umbilical cord blood, or umbilical cord blood plus haploidentical stem cells. [Leuk Lymphoma] Abstract

Human Umbilical Cord Blood Mononuclear Cells and Chorionic Plate-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Axon Survival in a Rat Model of Optic Nerve Crush Injury
A rat model of optic nerve crush (ONC) injury was established in order to examine the effects of transplanting human chorionic plate-derived mesenchymal stem cells isolated from the placenta, as well as human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells on compressed rat optic nerves. [Int J Mol Med] Abstract

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Blavatnik Biomedical Accelerator at Harvard University Announces License and Collaboration Agreement with Merck to Develop Novel Cancer Therapeutics
Harvard University has entered into an exclusive license and research collaboration agreement with Merck to further the development of small-molecule therapeutics for leukemia and other cancers. The novel compounds, developed in the laboratory of Harvard scientist Matthew Shair, Ph.D., offer an innovative approach to cancer treatment, targeting enzymes that regulate transcription. [Harvard Office of Technology Development] Press Release

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Postdoctoral Research Associate – Blood Stem cell Microenvironment (University of Illinois)

Associate Scientist – Hematopoietic Stem Cell Biology (Editas Medicine)

Research Associate – Hematopoietic Stem Cell Biology (Editas Medicine)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Hematology/Oncology (Boston Children’s Hospital)

Research Fellow – Erythropoiesis (New York Blood Center)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (Cleveland Clinic)

Translational Research Scientist – Hematology/Oncology (University of Chicago)

Postdoctoral Associate – Epigenetic Regulation of Normal and Leukemic Stem Cells (Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute)

Postdoctoral Positions – Immunology, Cancer, and Stem Cells (University of Connecticut)

PhD Position – Stem Cells and Transplantation (University of Geneva)

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