Cord Blood News Volume 9.06 | Feb 16 2017

TOP STORY

Amelioration of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis through Transplantation of Placental Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

To investigate whether placental derived mesenchymal stem cells (PMSCs) share similar characteristics with embryonic mesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs), and if transplanted PMSCs have the ability to integrate and replace degenerated neural cells, researchers transplanted rat PMSCs and EMSCs into the central nervous system of Lewis rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model of multiple sclerosis. [Sci Rep] Full Article

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Recombinant TAT-BMI-1 Fusion Protein Induces Ex Vivo Expansion of Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Hematopoietic Stem Cells

The authors describe a system for the ex vivo expansion of cord blood (CB)-derived hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) based on their transient exposure to a recombinant TAT-BMI-1 chimeric protein. Treatment of CB-CD34⁺ cells for three days with repeated addition of purified TAT-BMI-1 significantly enhanced total cell expansion as well as that of primitive hematopoietic progenitors in culture. [Oncotarget] Full Article

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Using Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and HLA Typing for HLA-Matched Sibling Donor: A Turkish Multicenter Study

Investigators share the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation results of 52 patients with different benign and malign hematological or metabolic diseases or immunodeficiencies, whose donors were their siblings born with this technique in Turkey since 2008. Ninety six percent of the patients have been cured through hematopoietic stem cell transplantation without any complication. [Biol Blood Marrow Transplant] Abstract

Clinical Study of NeuroRegen Scaffold Combined with Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Repair of Chronic Complete Spinal Cord Injury

Eight patients with chronic complete spinal cord injury were enrolled to examine the safety and efficacy of implanting NeuroRegen scaffold with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. Primary efficacy outcomes, including expansion of sensation level and motor-evoked potential-responsive area, increased finger activity, enhanced trunk stability, defecation sensation, and autonomic neural function recovery, were observed in some patients. [Cell Transplant] Full Article

Influence of Hypoxia on the Stemness of Umbilical Cord Matrix-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Cultured on Chitosan Films

Scientists evaluated the influence of hypoxia on chitosan-induced behavior of stem cells. Based on immunophenotyping, chitosan strongly suppressed the expression of CD90 and CD105 cell surface markers, changes partially reversed by combined exposure to hypoxia. [J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater] Abstract

Fentanyl Suppresses the Survival of CD4⁺ T Cells Isolated from Human Umbilical Cord Blood through Inhibition of IKKs-Mediated NF-κB Activation

The authors investigated the effects and the underlying mechanisms of fentanyl anesthetic on T lymphocytes isolated from human umbilical cord blood in vitro. Fentanyl inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis of activated CD4⁺ T cells dose-dependently. Fentanyl could not reverse the increase of cell proliferation in activated groups to be equivalent with those in inactivated group. [Scand J Immunol] Abstract

MLL₅ (KMT₂E): Structure, Function, and Clinical Relevance

The authors summarize recent research characterizing the structural features and biological roles of mixed lineage leukemia (MLL)₅, and they highlight the potential implications of MLL₅ dysfunction in human disease. [Cell Mol Life Sci] Abstract

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

Upstate Opens Cord Blood Bank in a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Upstate Medical University officially opened the Upstate Cord Blood Bank. The bank will collect, test, process, store and distribute umbilical cord blood donated by families throughout central and northern New York to be used by those in need of life-saving medical treatments and for medical research. [Upstate Medical University] Press Release

Amgen Submits Supplemental Biologics License Application for BLINCYTO^® (Blinatumomab) in Relapsed or Refractory B-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Amgen announced the submission of a supplemental Biologics License Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for BLINCYTO^® to include overall survival data from the Phase III TOWER study, supporting the conversion of BLINCYTO’s accelerated approval to full approval. The sBLA also includes new data supporting the treatment of patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. [Amgen] Press Release

Ebola Funding Surge Hides Falling Investment in Other Neglected Diseases

Global funding for research on neglected diseases — which include tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and malaria — is at its lowest level since 2007, according to the annual G-FINDER investment report by Policy Cures, a health-policy analysis firm in Sydney, Australia. [Nature News] Editorial

The Turkish Paradox: Can Scientists Thrive in a State of Emergency?

Political upheaval threatens Turkey’s ambitious plans for research and development. [Nature News] Editorial

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Says a ‘Vaccine Safety’ Commission Is Still in the Works

The vocal vaccine critic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is still talking with President Donald Trump’s administration about establishing a commission to look into vaccine safety, Kennedy said at a press conference held at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. [Science Insider] Editorial

NEW Gordon Research Conference – Cancer Nanotechnology
June 18-23, 2017
West Dover, United States

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the community.

NEW Staff Scientist/Assistant Professor – Nonmalignant Hematology (New York Blood Center)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Cancer Biology (Moffitt Cancer Center)

Postdoctoral Positions – Cancer Proteomics (University of British Columbia)

Assistant/Associate Professor – Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation and/or Gene Therapy (Dana Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center)

Research Associate – Acute Myeloid Leukemia Research (University of Virginia)

Research Group Leader – Leukemia Research (University Hospital Basel)

Scientist Position – Immunology (New York Blood Center)

Full Member Faculty – Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Program (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)

Principle Scientist – Translational Development (Celgene Corporation)

Assistant Associate or Full Member Faculty Position – Myeloid Malignancies (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)

Assistant Member Faculty – Platinum/Immunotherapy (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)

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