ESC & iPSC News Volume 11.17 | May 4 2016

Pharmacological Reprogramming of Fibroblasts into Neural Stem Cells by Signaling-Directed Transcriptional Activation
Scientists report highly efficient reprogramming of mouse fibroblasts into induced neural stem cell-like cells (ciNSLCs) using a cocktail of nine components. The resulting ciNSLCs closely resemble primary neural stem cells molecularly and functionally. [Cell Stem Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

The Pluripotency Factor Nanog Regulates Pericentromeric Heterochromatin Organization in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Scientists identified a new role for the transcription factor NANOG as a key regulator connecting the pluripotency network with constitutive heterochromatin organization in mouse embryonic stem cells. [Genes Dev] Abstract | Full Article

Site-Specific Genome Editing for Correction of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived from Dominant Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa
The authors performed genome editing with TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 targeting the mutation, c.8068_8084delinsGA. They then cotransfected Cas9 and guide RNA expression vectors expressed with GFP and DsRed, respectively, into induced pluripotent stem cells generated from dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa fibroblasts. Their data established the feasibility of mutation site-specific genome editing in dominant negative disorders. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Study of Mitochondrial Respiratory Defects on Reprogramming to Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Investigators utilized Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy as a mitochondrial disease model to study the effects of homoplasmic mtDNA mutations and subsequent oxidative phosphorylation defects in reprogramming. [Aging (Albany NY)] Full Article

Intercellular Adhesion-Dependent Cell Survival and ROCK-Regulated Actomyosin-Driven Forces Mediate Self-Formation of a Retinal Organoid
Scientists dissected retinal organoid morphogenesis in human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived cultures and established a convenient method for isolating large quantities of retinal organoids for modeling human retinal development and disease. Epithelialized cysts were generated via floating culture of clumps of Matrigel/hESCs. Upon spontaneous attachment and spreading of the cysts, patterned retinal monolayers with tight junctions formed. [Stem Cell Reports] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Optimized Approaches for Generation of Integration-Free iPSCs from Human Urine-Derived Cells with Small Molecules and Autologous Feeder
Researchers optimized reprogramming approaches for human urine-derived cells (hUCs) with very poor proliferation. They report here that a compound cocktail containing cyclic pifithrin-a (a P53 inhibitor), A-83-01, CHIR99021, thiazovivin, NaB, and PD0325901 significantly improved the reprogramming efficiency for hUCs. [Stem Cell Reports] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway Is Essential for Survival of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
The authors focused on the apoptotic response of Alzheimer fibroblast-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and two other Alzheimer free iPSCs to five biologically relevant kinase inhibitors as well as to the death ligand TRAIL. [PLoS One] Full Article

Effects and Mechanisms of Melatonin on Neural Differentiation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Researchers investigated effects and mechanisms of melatonin on neural differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). iPSCs were induced into neural stem cells, then further differentiated into neurons in medium with or without melatonin, melatonin receptor antagonist or phosphatidylinositide 3 kinase inhibitor. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract

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ORIG3N Opens Regenerative Medicine Laboratory and Expanded Headquarters in Boston’s Innovation District
ORIG3N, Inc. announced the formal opening of its new headquarters and laboratory in Boston’s Seaport District. ORIG3N’s new expanded facility will provide state-of-the-art functionality to sustain collaborative research programs that support ORIG3N’s cellular models called LifeSystems™, as well as the company’s product development and commercial activities. [ORIG3N, Inc. (PR Newswire Association LLC.)] Press Release

U.S. And U.K. Universities Announce Binational Postdoc Program
Ph.D. scientists looking for a different kind of PostDoc may wish to consider applying for an unusual new fellowship announced by the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom and the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), in the United States. The appointments last 3 years, with the first and third spent at Birmingham and the second at UIUC. Fellows will have a mentor at each institution. [Science] Editorial

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Research Technologist – Myogenic and Progenitor Cell (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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.)

Scientist and Postdoctoral Positions – Stem Cells (National Institutes of Health)

Postdoctoral Positions – Stem Cell/Genome Editing/Neuroscience/Neurodegeneration (Brigham & Women’s Hospital)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Genomics and Stem Cells (Uniklinik Koln)

Cell Culture Technician (California Institute of Technology)

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Stem Cell Biology and Cell Differentiation (University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Stem Cell Research (Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Stem Cell Biology Regenerative Medicine Institute (NUI Galway)

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

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