ESC & iPSC News Volume 11.32 | Aug 17 2016

TOP STORY

An Isogenic Human ESC Platform for Functional Evaluation of Genome-wide-Association-Study-Identified Diabetes Genes and Drug Discovery

The authors created isogenic human ESCs with mutations in genome-wide association studies-identified susceptibility genes for type 2 diabetes. [Cell Stem Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Targeted Epigenetic Remodeling of Endogenous Loci by CRISPR/Cas9-Based Transcriptional Activators Directly Converts Fibroblasts to Neuronal Cells

Overexpression of exogenous fate-specifying transcription factors can directly reprogram differentiated somatic cells to target cell types. Scientists showed that similar reprogramming can also be achieved through the direct activation of endogenous genes using engineered CRISPR/Cas9-based transcriptional activators. [Cell Stem Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

OCT4 Acts as an Integrator of Pluripotency and Signal-Induced Differentiation

Using genomic approaches along with loss- and gain-of-function genetic models, scientists identified OCT4-dependent mechanisms that provide embryonic stem cells with the means to customize their response to external cues. [Mol Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Ordered Chromatin Changes and Human X Chromosome Reactivation by Cell Fusion-Mediated Pluripotent Reprogramming

Investigators used cell fusion to examine the earliest events in the reprogramming-induced inactive X chromosome reactivation of human female fibroblasts. [Nat Commun] Full Article | Press Release

CRISPR/Cas9 Mediated Genome Editing in ES Cells and Its Application for Chimeric Analysis in Mice

Investigators showed that large deletions with two single guide RNAs as well as dsDNA-mediated point mutations are efficient in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). [Sci Rep] Full Article

Enriched Retinal Ganglion Cells Derived from Human Embryonic Stem Cells

The authors presented a 45-day protocol that utilizes magnetic activated cell sorting to generate enriched population of retinal ganglion cells via stepwise retinal differentiation using human embryonic stem cells. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Quercetin Induced ROS Production Triggers Mitochondrial Cell Death of Human Embryonic Stem Cells

The authors demonstrated that mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), strongly induced by quercetin (QC) in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) but not in human dermal fibroblasts, were responsible for QC-mediated hESC’s cell death. [Oncotarget] Full Article

Serum Starvation-Induced Cell Cycle Synchronization Stimulated Mouse rDNA Transcription Reactivation during Somatic Cell Reprogramming into iPSCs

Researchers demonstrated that, after transient inhibition, retroviral induced ribosomal RNA transcriptional activity was reprogrammed towards a pluripotent state. [Stem Cell Res Ther] Full Article

Xist and Tsix Transcription Dynamics Is Regulated by the X-to-Autosome Ratio and Semi-Stable Transcriptional States

Investigators generated Xist and Tsix reporter mouse embryonic stem cell lines, to study the genetic and dynamic regulation of these genes upon differentiation. [Mol Cell Biol] Abstract | Full Article

Molecular Basis for the Genome Engagement by Sox Proteins

The authors discuss the current knowledge on how Sox transcription factors such as Sox2, Sox17, Sox18 and Sox9 ‘read’ the genome to find and regulate their target genes and highlight the roles of partner factors including Pax6, Nanog, Oct4 and Brn2. They integrate insights from structural and biochemical studies as well as high-throughput assays to probe DNA specificity in vitro as well as in cells and tissues. [Semin Cell Dev Biol] Abstract

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

BioTime Announces Issuance of 31 New Patents to Strengthen its Patent Portfolio in Regenerative Medicine

BioTime, Inc. announced the issuance of 31 new patents between July 3, 2015 and August 3, 2016 that are owned by or licensed to BioTime, or its family of companies. The new patents add to the over 700 issued and pending patents worldwide in the collective portfolio and further strengthen the Company and its affiliates’ IP position in the field of regenerative medicine. [BioTime, Inc.] Press Release

HumanZyme^® Launches New Human Cell-Expressed LIF (Leukemia Inhibitory Factor) for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine Applications

HumanZyme Inc. announced the launch of a new HumanKine^® authentic recombinant human protein, LIF. [HumanZyme (Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.)] Press Release

Spiking Genomic Databases with Misinformation Could Protect Patient Privacy

Large genomic databases are indispensable for scientists looking for genetic variations associated with diseases. But they come with privacy risks for people who contribute their DNA. A 2013 study showed that hackers could use publicly available information on the Internet to identify people from their anonymized genomic data. [Nature News] Editorial

A Tale of Two Governments: The Politician Behind Argentina’s Science Growth

Lino Barañao, the only minister to stay in power after last year’s elections, lays out his plans to maintain the trajectory of science growth that he helped to launch in 2003. [Nature News] Editorial

UK Government Gives Brexit Science Funding Guarantee

British scientists say they’re relieved by a government promise to guarantee them funding for existing EU research projects, even after the country leaves the European Union. But the reassurance only partly allays concerns about Brexit’s effect on UK science. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW World Stem Cell Summit 2016
December 6-9, 2016
West Palm Beach., United States

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

NEW PhD Studentship – Fibrosis (National University of Ireland, Galway)

Technical Sales Representative (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Assistant Professor – Developmental Biology (Washington University School of Medicine)

Core Staff Scientist (Moffitt Cancer Center)

Postdoctoral Position – Regenerative Medicine (University of California, San Francisco)

Postdoctoral Position – Biomedical Engineering (University of South Dakota)

Postdoctoral Position – Cardiovascular Stem Cell Biology (Yale University)

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

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

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

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