ESC & iPSC News Volume 10.31 | Aug 19 2015

Selective Influence of Sox2 on POU Transcription Factor Binding in Embryonic and Neural Stem Cells
Investigators showed that Oct4 alone binds the Sox/Oct motif and the octamer-containing palindromic MORE equally well. Sox2 binding selectively increases the affinity of Oct4 for the Sox/O. [EMBO Rep]
Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Integrative Genomics Positions MKRN1 as a Novel Ribonucleoprotein within the Embryonic Stem Cell Gene Regulatory Network
Using multilayered systems-level analyses, scientists compiled a makorin-1 (MKRN1)-centered interactome in undifferentiated embryonic stem cells at the proteomic and ribonomic level. [EMBO Rep]
Full Article | Graphical Abstract

PGC Reversion to Pluripotency Involves Erasure of DNA Methylation from Imprinting Control Centers followed by Locus-Specific Re-Methylation
Scientists showed that reverting primordial germ cells (PGCs) to embryonic germ cells involved stable imprinting control centers (ICC) methylation erasure at Snrpn, Igf2r, and Kcnqot1. In contrast, the H19/Igf2 ICC underwent erasure followed by de novo re-methylation. PGCs differentiated in vitro from embryonic stem cells completed Snrpn ICC erasure. [Stem Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Cell-Cycle Control of Bivalent Epigenetic Domains Regulates the Exit from Pluripotency
Researchers showed that bivalent domains and chromosome architecture for bivalent genes are dynamically regulated during the cell cycle in human pluripotent cells. [Stem Cell Rep] Full Article

Directed Differentiation of V3 Interneurons from Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
The authors developed an induction protocol for V3 interneurons (INs) from mouse embryonic stem cells. The effect of the concentration of a strong sonic hedgehog agonist and retinoic acid on expression of progenitor p3 and postmitotic V3 IN transcription factor markers was examined. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

WNT/β-Catenin Signaling Affects Cell Lineage and Pluripotency-Specific Gene Expression in Bovine Blastocysts: Prospects for Bovine Embryonic Stem Cell Derivation
Scientists investigated the effect of WNT activation on pluripotency marker gene expression in the inner cell mass and the trophectoderm and studied the derivation potential of primary bovine embryonic stem cell lines from blastocysts obtained in the presence of the glycogen synthase kinase 3 inhibitor. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

Differentiate or Die: 3-Bromopyruvate and Pluripotency in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Mouse embryonic stem cells grown under standard pluripotency conditions (in the presence of Leukemia Inducing Factor) were treated with 3-bromopyruvate (3BrP). Overall, investigators demonstrated that 3BrP negatively affects pluripotency, forcing cells to become less glycolytic and with more active mitochondria. [PLoS One] Full Article

Generation of iPSCs as a Pooled Culture Using Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting of Newly Reprogrammed Cells
To develop higher throughput induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) reprogramming methods, the authors generated iPSCs as a pooled culture using rigorous cell surface pluripotent marker selection with TRA-1-60 or SSEA4 antibodies followed by magnetic activated cell sorting. [PLoS One] Full Article

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Regenerating Nerve Tissue in Spinal Cord Injuries
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center are exploring a new therapy using stem cells to treat spinal cord injuries within the first 14 to 30 days of injury. The therapy uses a population of cells derived from human embryonic stem cells that support nerve cells and can potentially make poorly functioning nerves function better. [Rush University Medical Center] Press Release

UCI-Led Team Begins First Clinical Trial of Stem Cell-Based Retinitis Pigmentosa Treatment
Participants are being enrolled in the first clinical trial that tests the use of retinal progenitor cells to treat retinitis pigmentosa, reported project director Dr. Henry Klassen of UCI’s Gavin Herbert Eye Institute and Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center. [University of California, Irvine] Press Release

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A for Effort, C for Impact from U.S. Biomedical Research, Study Concludes
Productivity in the biomedical sciences has exploded in the past 50 years in the United States and globally, with more than a million papers now published each year by an even larger number of scientists. Yet dramatic growth in funding and knowledge has not been matched by a similar impact on U.S. public health. That’s the conclusion of a provocative new analysis from researchers who worry that poor research practices are hindering progress. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

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

Senior Research Technician – Cancer and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Qu Biologics)

Advanced Research Assistant – Gene Targeting (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute)

Head of Research – Cellular Operations (Welcome Trust Sanger Institute)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Epigenetics (Institute of Molecular Biology Mainz)

Postdoctoral Position – Stem Cell Biophysics (University Paris Diderot)

Postdoctoral Positions – Human ES & iPS Cells and Heart Regenerative Medicine (University of Pittsburgh)

MICA Stem Cell Scientist (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency)

Stem Cell Scientist (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency)

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