Cord Blood News Volume 8.18 | May 12 2016

The Migration and Differentiation of hUC-MSCs(CXCR4/GFP) Encapsulated in BDNF/Chitosan Scaffolds for Brain Tissue Engineering
Given the low expression level of chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor (CXCR)4 on the human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSC) membrane, lentiviral vectors were used to generate hUC-MSCs stably expressing CXCR4 fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP). [Biomed Mater] Full Article

Stirred Tank Bioreactor Culture Combined with Serum-/Xenogeneic-Free Culture Medium Enables an Efficient Expansion of Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells
Researchers established a spinner flask culture system combining gelatin-based Cultispher^®S microcarriers and xeno-free culture medium for the expansion of umbilical cord matrix-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells. [Biotechnol J] Abstract

Hydroquinone Induces DNA Hypomethylation-Independent Overexpression of Retroelements in Human Leukemia and Hematopoietic Stem Cells
The authors found a clear tendency towards increased retrotransposon expression in response to hydroquinone exposure, more pronounced in the case of LINE-1 and HERV. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract

The Transplantation of Akt-Overexpressing Amniotic Fluid-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Protects the Heart against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rabbits
The Akt gene was overexpressed in amniotic fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AFMSCs) using lentiviral transduction, and Akt‑AFMSCs were transplanted into the ischemic myocardium of rabbits prior to reperfusion. Any protective effects resulting from this procedure were subsequently sought after three weeks. [Mol Med Rep] Abstract | Download Full Article

Therapeutic Effects of Wharton Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Rat Abortion Models
Researchers investigated the therapeutic effects and mechanism of Wharton jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells in a spontaneous-abortion rat model. [J Obstet Gynaecol Res] Abstract

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Scripps Florida Awarded $2.5 Million to Advance Development of RNA-Based Therapeutics
Scientists from the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute have been awarded a $2.5 million grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health to design precision drug candidates that target disease-associated RNAs. [The Scripps Research Institute] Press Release

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NEW Postdoctoral Positions – Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (University of Southern California)

Postdoctoral Research Associate – TAM-Family Kinases in Leukemogenesis (Emory University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Hematopoietic Stem Cells (University of Pennsylvania)

Principal Investigator – Stem Cell Biology and Regeneration Medicine (Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center)

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (University of Pittsburgh)

Associate Scientist – Hematopoietic Stem Cell Biology (Editas Medicine)

Research Associate – Hematopoietic Stem Cell Biology (Editas Medicine)

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

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