ESC & iPSC News Volume 11.30 | Aug 3 2016

TOP STORY

Original Cell Type Does Not Affect iPS Cell Differentiation to Blood

The effectiveness of reprogramming cells into blood cells is thought to depend on the original cell type and reprogramming method. Researchers showed this assumption is actually the result of epigenetic effects, suggesting any founder cell and reprogramming method is feasible for blood production. [Press release from Kyoto University discussing online prepublication in Cell Stem Cell] Press Release | Abstract | Graphical Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Midbrain-Like Organoids from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Contain Functional Dopaminergic and Neuromelanin-Producing Neurons

Researchers developed a method to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells into a large multicellular organoid-like structure that contains distinct layers of neuronal cells expressing characteristic markers of human midbrain. [Cell Stem Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

Psat1-Dependent Fluctuations in α-Ketoglutarate Affect the Timing of ESC Differentiation

Investigators demonstrated that phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 (Psat1), an Oct4/Sox2/Nanog target protein, regulates changes in α-ketoglutarate, determining the fate of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). [Cell Metab] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

α-Ketoglutarate Accelerates the Initial Differentiation of Primed Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

The authors examined primed human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) and epiblast stem cells and showed that increased αKG or αKG-to-succinate ratios accelerate, and elevated succinate levels delay, primed PSC differentiation. [Cell Metab] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Distinct Metabolic States Can Support Self-Renewal and Lipogenesis in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells under Different Culture Conditions

Researchers comprehensively characterized human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) metabolism by using ¹³C/²H stable isotope tracing and flux analysis to define the metabolic pathways supporting hPSC bioenergetics and biosynthesis. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

cGMP Production of Patient-Specific iPSCs and Photoreceptor Precursor Cells to Treat Retinal Degenerative Blindness

Researchers developed clinically-compatible methods for manufacturing photoreceptor precursor cells from adult skin in a non-profit cGMP environment. Biopsies were obtained from 35 adult patients with inherited retinal degeneration and fibroblast lines were established under ISO class 5 cGMP conditions. Patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were then generated, clonally expanded and validated. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Identification of Polymer Surface Adsorbed Proteins Implicated in Pluripotent Human Embryonic Stem Cell Expansion

Scientists used mass spectrometry to identify proteins adsorbed from a complex mouse embryonic fibroblast conditioned medium found to support pluripotent human embryonic stem cell expansion on a plasma etched tissue culture polystyrene surface. [Biomater Sci] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

High-Efficiency Generation of Induced Pluripotent Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Dermal Fibroblasts Using Recombinant Proteins

Scientists demonstrated a novel method using an inactivated viral particle to package and deliver four purified recombinant Yamanaka transcription factors (Sox2, Oct4, Klf4, and c-Myc) resulting in reprogramming of human primary fibroblasts. [Stem Cell Res Ther] Full Article

An Improved System for Generation of Diploid Cloned Porcine Embryos Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Synchronized to Metaphase

Investigators report an improved method to produce diploid cloned embryos from porcine induced pluripotent stem cells, which were synchronized to the G2/M stage using a double blocking method with aphidicolin and nocodazole. [PLoS One] Full Article

Generation of Two Noradrenergic-Specific Dopamine-Beta-Hydroxylase-FLPo Knock-In Mice Using CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Targeting in Embryonic Stem Cells

Investigators sought to apply CRISPR/Cas9 methods to traditional embryonic stem cell targeting followed by blastocyst injection to overcome the common issues of difficult vector construction and low targeting efficiency. [PLoS One] Full Article

The Quest to Make Fully Functional Human Pancreatic Beta Cells from Embryonic Stem Cells: Climbing a Mountain in the Clouds

The production of fully functional insulin-secreting cells to treat diabetes is a major goal of regenerative medicine. The author reviews progress towards this goal over the last 15 years from the perspective of a beta cell biologist. [Diabetologia] Abstract

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

£1.2 Million for Injectable Stem-Cell Carrying Microspheres to Regenerate Bones

The University of Nottingham has secured £1.2 million to develop injectable stem cell-carrying materials to treat and prevent fractures caused by osteoporosis and other bone-thinning diseases. [University of Nottingham] Press Release

TSRI Scientists Receive Funding to Advance Stem Cell-Based Parkinson’s Therapy

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) and Scripps Clinic have received a grant of nearly $2.4 million from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to support safety and quality tests of a potential stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease. [The Scripps Research Institute] Press Release

Russian Scientists Bracing for Massive Job Losses

Russia’s scientific community is reeling from news that the government plans to fire about 10,000 researchers over the next three years. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Dispute over President’s Age Tears Pasteur Institute Apart

Is 65 too old to stay at the helm of a major research center? That question is sowing division at the Pasteur Institute in Paris, Science has learned, and has plunged the 128-year-old institute, home to 1200 scientists and the place where HIV was first isolated, into a leadership crisis. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Scientists Seek Influence on ‘Brexit Ministry’

Worried at the prospect of losing access to EU funding and collaborations, scientific societies have fired off numerous letters asking the government to keep their country in the EU’s research system, and warning of damage already caused by Brexit. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW Danish Stem Cell Society 2016
November 10-11, 2016
Rungsted, Denmark

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

NEW Center Manager – Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (The University of Queensland)

Technical Sales Representative (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Postdoctoral Position – Cardiovascular Stem Cell Biology (Yale University)

Postdoctoral Positions – Epigenetic Inheritance and Cancer Epigenetics (Columbia University)

Industrial Research Manager – Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering (KU Leuven)

Faculty Position – Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry (University of Poitiers)

Postdoctoral Fellowship(s) – Deciphering the Link Between Adhesion and Pluripotency (The Danish Stem Cell Center)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Pluripotent Stem Cell Technology (University of California, Davis)

Postdoctoral Position – Bone and Stem Cell Research (University of Connecticut Health)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Cancer Biology and Stem Cell Biology Research (City of Hope)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Bioscience Research (The University of Tennessee Health Science Center)

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