ESC & iPSC News Volume 11.10 | Mar 16 2016

C/EBPα Creates Elite Cells for iPSC Reprogramming by Upregulating Klf4 and Increasing the Levels of Lsd1 and Brd4
Investigators showed that C/EBPα post-transcriptionally increases the abundance of several hundred proteins, including Lsd1, Hdac1, Brd4, Med1 and Cdk9, components of chromatin-modifying complexes present at super-enhancers. [Nat Cell Biol] Abstract

Improving the Gene Transfection in Human Embryonic Stem Cells: Balancing with Cytotoxicity and Pluripotent Maintenance
Using poly(amidoamine) dendrimers ended with amine, hydroxyl or carboxyl as a model, researchers tested the influences of size and surface group as well as cytotoxicity and endocytosis on human embryonic stem cell gene transfection. [ACS Appl Mater Interfaces] Abstract

Angiogenic Activity Mediates Bone Repair from Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Osteogenic Cells
The authors evaluated osteogenic progenitor cells derived from both human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Phenotypic and genotypic analyses demonstrated that these hESCs/hiPSCs are similar in their osteogenic differentiation efficiency and they generate osteogenic cells comparable to osteogenic cells derived from mesenchymal stromal cells. [Sci Rep] Full Article

In Vivo Reprogramming Reactive Glia into iPSCs to Produce New Neurons in the Cortex following Traumatic Brain Injury
Investigators showed that retroviral mediated expression of four transcription factors, Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c‑Myc, cooperatively reprogrammed reactive glial cells into induced pluripotent stem cells in the adult neocortex following traumatic brain injury. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Inhibition of IKK/NF-κB Signaling Enhances Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from Human Embryonic Stem Cells
The authors report that inhibition of IκB kinase (IKK)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling enhanced differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by expediting the loss of pluripotent markers and increasing the expression of MSC surface markers. [Stem Cell Reports]
Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Comprehensive Identification of Krüppel-Like Factor Family Members Contributing to the Self-Renewal of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells and Cellular Reprogramming
Scientists found that only Klf2, Klf4, and Klf5 produced leukemia inhibitory factor-independent self-renewal, although most KLF proteins, if not all, have the ability to occupy the regulatory regions of Nanog, a critical Klf target gene. [PLoS One] Full Article

Comparative Study of Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESC) and Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (hiPSC) as a Treatment for Retinal Dystrophies
Investigators differentiated retinal pigment epithelium from hESCs or hiPSCs and transplanted them into the subretinal space of the Royal College of Surgeons rat. [Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev] Full Article

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AngioStem™ Inc. Licenses Universal Donor Stem Cell Technology from Queensland University Australia
AngioStem™ Inc. announced signing of an exclusive licensing agreement with Queensland University covering intellectual property on newly discovered placentally derived stem cell populations. The proprietary stem cells are believed to play a role in successful pregnancy by creating new blood vessels that lead to formation and function of the placenta. [AngioStem™ Inc. (Business Wire)] Press Release

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Statisticians Issue Warning over Misuse of P Values
Misuse of the P value is contributing to the number of research findings that cannot be reproduced, the American Statistical Association warns in a statement. The group has taken the unusual step of issuing principles to guide use of the P value, which it says cannot determine whether a hypothesis is true or whether results are important. [Nature News] Editorial

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Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Technologist – Pluripotent Stem Cell Biology (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Cancer Stem Cell Biology (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Chromatin Biology (UT Southwestern Medical Center)

Postdoctoral Position – Human Pluripotent Stem Cells, Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Neural Repair (University of Nebraksa Medical Center)

Postdoctoral Position – Stem Cell Biology and Leukemogenesis (Fundação Hemocentro de Ribeirão Preto)

Postdoctoral Positions – Immunology, Cancer, and Stem Cells (University of Connecticut)

PhD Position – Developmental Epigenetics (Institute of Molecular Biology)

Postdoctoral Positions – Human Stem Cells (University of Pittsburgh)

Postdoctoral Position – Genetics and Genomics of Stem Cells (Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University)

Postdoctoral Candidate – Embryonic Stem Cells and Chromatin Biology (University of Michigan)

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