ESC & iPSC News Volume 10.12 | Apr 1 2015

    0
    88

    Newsletter Issue

    ESC & iPSC News 10.12 April 1, 2015

    ESC & iPSC News

    In this issue: Publications | Reviews | Industry News | Policy News | Events | Jobs
    Cell Therapy News on Facebook ESC on Twitter

    TOP STORY
    Targeted Disruption of DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B in Human Embryonic Stem Cells
    Scientists inactivated all three catalytically active DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) in human embryonic stem cells using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to further investigate the roles and genomic targets of these enzymes. [Nat Genet] Abstract
    Enter to Win a Travel Support Award to ISSCR2015!

    PUBLICATIONS (Ranked by impact factor of the journal)
    Activin/Nodal Signaling and NANOG Orchestrate Human Embryonic Stem Cell Fate Decisions by Controlling the H3K4me3 Chromatin Mark
    Investigators used human embryonic stem cells to show that the Activin-SMAD2/3 signaling pathway cooperates with the core pluripotency factor NANOG to recruit the DPY30-COMPASS histone modifiers onto key developmental genes. [Genes Dev] Abstract

    Generation and Expansion of Highly Pure Motor Neuron Progenitors from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
    By using a combination of small molecules that regulate multiple signaling pathways, scientists developed a method to guide human embryonic stem cells to a near-pure population of motor neuron progenitors in 12 days, and an enriched population of functionally mature motorneurons in an additional 16 days. [Nat Commun] Abstract

    Differential Association of Chromatin Proteins Identifies BAF60a/SMARCD1 as a Regulator of Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation
    Using differential chromatin-associated protein, investigators identified several differentially chromatin-associated proteins between undifferentiated and differentiated embryonic stem cells, including the chromatin remodeling protein SMARCD1. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

    Actl6a Protects Embryonic Stem Cells from Differentiating into Primitive Endoderm
    Researchers provide the first evidence that actin-like protein 6A (Actl6a) can protect mouse embryonic stem cells from differentiating into primitive endoderm. [Stem Cells] Abstract

    Pluripotency Activity of Nanog Requires Biochemical Stabilization by Variant Histone Protein H2A.Z
    Investigators established that the variant histone protein H2A.z and Nanog work together to maintain pluripotency. It is shown that H2A.Z influences the protein level of Nanog through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. [Stem Cells] Abstract

    Novel Role of Mitochondrial Manganese Superoxide Dismutase in STAT3 Dependent Pluripotency of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
    Scientists investigated the effect of small molecule curcumin on various signaling pathways essential for self-renewal. Curcumin sustained the leukemia inhibitory factor independent self-renewal of mouse embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells in a signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activity dependent manner. [Sci Rep] Full Article

    A Paracrine Mechanism Accelerating Expansion of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Hepatic Progenitor-Like Cells
    Researchers focused on the cell surface molecules of human iPS cell-derived hepatic progenitor-like cells and analyzed how these molecules modulate expansion of these cells. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

    Properties of Neurons Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells of Gaucher Disease Type 2 Patient Fibroblasts: Potential Role in Neuropathology
    To understand the pathogenesis of the neuronopathic Gaucher disease (GD), induced pluripotent stem cells were generated from fibroblasts isolated from three GD type 2 and two unaffected individuals. [PLoS One] Full Article

    Selective MicroRNA-Offset RNA Expression in Human Embryonic Stem Cells
    In order to gain additional knowledge about human microRNA-offset RNAs and their putative development-related expression, investigators applied next generation sequencing of small RNAs in human embryonic stem cells and fibroblasts. [PLoS One] Full Article

    Take the &quote;if&quote; out of &quote;diff&quote;: reduce variability when differentiating to definitive endoderm.

    REVIEWS
    Reprogramming of Cell Fate: Epigenetic Memory and the Erasure of Memories Past
    The authors explore the potential roles and mechanisms by which histone variants, chromatin remodeling enzymes, and histone and DNA modifications contribute to the stability of cell identity and/or provide a permissive environment for cell fate change during cellular reprogramming. [EMBO J] Full Article

    Making Stem Cells Retinal: Methods for Deriving Retinal Pigment Epithelium and Implications for Patients with Ocular Disease
    The authors review how derivation of retinal pigment epithelium from human induced pluripotent stem cells provides in vitro models for studying mechanisms of retinal disease and discovering new avenues for treatment. [Stem Cells] Abstract

    Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the ESC & iPSC research field.

    INDUSTRY NEWS
    Accellta Grants Exclusive Rights for Micro-Carrier Free Stem Cells Suspension Culture to STEMCELL Technologies
    Accellta announced that it has granted exclusive worldwide rights to STEMCELL Technologies Inc. for manufacturing and distribution of medium for culturing pluripotent stem cells in suspension under feeder-free, non-adherent conditions. [Accellta Ltd.] Press Release

    Fujifilm Holdings to Acquire Cellular Dynamics International, Inc.
    FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation and Cellular Dynamics International, Inc. announced that the two companies have entered into a definitive agreement whereby Fujifilm will acquire CDI via an all-cash tender offer to be followed by a second step merger. [Cellular Dynamics International, Inc.] Press Release

    From our sponsor:
    Learn About Groundbreaking Applications for Feeder-Free hESC & hiPSC Culture.
    Watch Webinar Now

    POLICY NEWS
    U.K. Government Scientists Hit with Media Restrictions
    Advocates for science communication in the United Kingdom have expressed “deep concern” about a change to the Civil Service Code for public workers, including researchers at government agencies. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

    Max Planck Society Unveils €50 Million Support Plan for Young Scientists
    The Max Planck Society will improve its support for junior scientists and do away with a stipend system used mostly for foreign Ph.D. students and postdocs that many had decried as unfair because it doesn’t include basic social security benefits. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

    EVENTS
    NEW British Society for Gene & Cell Therapy (BSGCT) Conference 2015
    June 9-11, 2015
    Glasgow, United Kingdom

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

    JOB OPPORTUNITIES
    NEW PhD Position – Lineage Reprogramming (Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine)

    NEW Stem Cell Culture Scientist (Paramount Recruitment)

    Scientist – Reprogramming and Pluripotent Stem Cell Biology (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

    Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cell Biology Endoderm Lineages (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

    Postdoctoral Fellowship – Stem Cells & Epigenetics (National Institutes of Health)

    PhD Position – Early Human Brain Development Modeling with hiPSCs (University of Bonn)

    Postdoctoral Position – Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells to Study Metabolism and Gene Expression Regulating Neural Tube Development (Joslin Diabetes Center)

    Postdoctoral Research Associate – Stem Cell Engineering (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute)

    Principal Investigators – Cell & Developmental Biology (University of Dundee)

    Postdoctoral Position – Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (hiPSCs) and the Peripheral Nervous System (Inserm)


    Recruit Top Talent: Reach more than 60,000 potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.

    Have we missed an important article or publication in ESC & iPSC News? Click here to submit!

    Comments or suggestions? Submit your feedback here

    Learn more about ESC & iPSC News: Archives | Events | Contact Us