Cord Blood News Volume 9.29 | Jul 27 2017

TOP STORY

Down-Regulation of miRNA-451a and miRNA-486-5p Involved in Benzene-Induced Inhibition on Erythroid Cell Differentiation In Vitro and In Vivo

To identify the microRNAs specifically responsible for benzene exposure and their regulatory role in erythroid differentiation, investigators performed a miRNA microarray in CD34⁺ hematopoietic progenitor cells isolated from human umbilical cord blood after treatment with hydroquinone. [Arch Toxicol] Abstract

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TGFβ-Induced Osteogenic Potential of Human Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells via CD73-Generated Adenosine Production

The authors showed that culturing round-shaped human amniotic fluid stem cells under embryonic-type conditions conferred faster proliferation and enhanced the efficiency of osteogenic differentiation of the cells. They showed that this occurs via a TGFβ-induced activation of CD73 and the associated increase in the generation of extracellular adenosine. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Human Amniotic Membrane as Newly Identified Source of Amniotic Fluid Pulmonary Surfactant

Scientists aimed to investigate a potential contribution of the cellular components of the human amniotic membrane to pulmonary surfactant found in amniotic fluid. They identified that cells within the native membrane contained lamellar bodies and expressed all four surfactant proteins as well as ABCA3. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Human Umbilical Cord Blood–Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Small Intestinal Submucosa Hydrogel Composite Promotes Combined Radiation-Wound Healing of Mice

Researchers evaluated the effect of human umbilical cord blood–derived (hUCB)-MSCs and a porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS)-derived extracellular matrix scaffold in a combined radiation-wound mouse model of impaired wound healing. The hUCB-MSCs and SIS hydrogel composite treatment enhanced wound healing and angiogenesis in the wound site of mice. [Cytotherapy] Abstract

Ultrastructural Characteristics and Immune Profile of Equine MSCs from Fetal Adnexa

Investigators compared equine amniotic membrane (AM)- and Wharton’s jelly (WJ)-MSCs’ in vitro features that may be relevant for their clinical employment. MSCs were more easily isolated from WJ, even if MSCs derived from AM exhibited more rapid proliferation. By means of transmission electron microscopy, they ascertained that equine WJ-MSCs constitutively contain a very impressive number of large vesicular structures, scattered throughout the cytoplasm. [Reproduction] Abstract

The Prevalence of CCR5-Δ32 Mutation in a Cohort of Saudi Stem Cell Donors

Scientists investigated the frequency of the CCR5-Δ32 mutation in a cohort of stem cell donors from the cord blood bank and stem cell donor registry. A total of 3025 samples were collected from healthy stem cell donors and from cord blood units. They found 38 heterozygous for CCR5-Δ32 and one homozygous CCR5 mutation out of the 3025 tested individuals. [HLA] Abstract

C/EBPα Deregulation as a Paradigm for Leukemogenesis

While much is known about how CCAAT enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) orchestrates granulopoiesis, the understanding of molecular transformation events, the role(s) of cooperating mutations and clonal evolution during C/EBPα deregulation in leukemia remains elusive. The authors summarize the latest research addressing these topics with special emphasis on CEBPΑ mutations. [Leukemia] Abstract

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

PCM-075, in Combination with Decitabine, in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) for Exploration of the Safety, Tolerability, Dose and Scheduling, and Antitumor Activity

Trovagene, Inc. announced that the U.S. FDA has accepted its Investigational New Drug Application for PCM-075, a Polo-like Kinase 1 inhibitor, and has provided authorization to proceed with the treatment of patients with AML. [Trovagene, Inc.] Press Release

StimLabs Enters Regenerative Medicine Market with Two Groundbreaking Amniotic Tissue Products

StimLabs announced two products in regenerative medicine. Revita^®, the first full thickness placental membrane allograft in a shelf-stable format, and Ascent™, an amniotic fluid allograft that captures key amniotic fluid components in a shelf-stable powder. [StimLabs (PR Newswire Association LLC.)] Press Release

First Human Embryos Edited in U.S.

The first known attempt at creating genetically modified human embryos in the United States has been carried out by a team of researchers in Portland, Oregon. The effort, led by Shoukhrat Mitalipov of Oregon Health and Science University, involved changing the DNA of a large number of one-cell embryos with the gene-editing technique CRISPR, according to people familiar with the scientific results. [MIT Technology Review] Editorial

Budding UK Innovation Agency Gains Cash — and Clout

UK scientists fearful for their research funds ahead of Brexit were cheered when the government announced it would plough an extra £4.7 billion (US$6.1 billion) into research and development by 2020–21. But the biggest winner from the largely industry-focused cash may be a government innovation agency that is rapidly gaining clout. [Nature News] Editorial

Ding, Ding, Ding! CRISPR Patent Fight Enters Next Round

The University of California has fired another legal salvo in the prolonged patent battle over CRISPR, the revolutionary gene-editing technology that has spawned a billion dollar industry. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Senate Spending Panel Would Squeeze Science Agencies but Exceed Trump Request

A Senate spending panel voted to reduce funding in 2018 below current levels for several science agencies under its jurisdiction. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

NEW Keystone Symposia: Regenerative Biology and Applications: Cell Differentiation, Tissue Organization and Biomedical Engineering
October 15-19, 2017
Hong Kong, Hong Kong

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NEW Researcher – Acute Myeloid Leukemia Research (University of Perugia)

Assistant Professor – Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology (Harvard University)

Postdoctoral Position – Cell Biology (The Scripps Research Institute)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Hematopoietic & Mesenchymal Stem Cells (Loma Linda University)

Postdoctoral Associate – Normal & Malignant Hematopoiesis (University of Miami)

Postdoctoral Position – Acute Myeloid Leukemia (University Hospital Heidelberg)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Acute Myeloid Leukemia (Ohio State University)

Senior/Principal Scientist – Stem Cell Research (Plasticell Ltd)

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

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