ESC & iPSC News Volume 14.33 | Aug 28 2019

TOP STORY

Self-Organized Formation of Developing Appendages from Murine Pluripotent Stem Cells

Scientists report means for induction of an limb bud-like mesenchymal/epithelial complex tissues from murine PSCs in vitro. [Nat Commun] Full Article

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

Astrocyte Subtype Vulnerability in Stem Cell Models of Vanishing White Matter

The authors characterized human and mouse pluripotent stem cell‐derived grey and white matter astrocyte subtypes to generate an in vitro vanishing white matter model. [Ann Neurol] Abstract

An In Vitro Human Segmentation Clock Model Derived from Embryonic Stem Cells

Researchers report that a segmentation clock model derived from human embryonic stem cells showed many hallmarks of the mammalian segmentation clock in vivo, including a dependence on the NOTCH and WNT signaling pathways. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Tailored Tetravalent Antibodies Potently and Specifically Activate Wnt/Frizzled Pathways in Cells, Organoids and Mice

Investigators showed that FLAgs underlaid differentiation of pluripotent stem cells, sustained organoid growth, and activated stem cells in vivo. [eLife] Full Article

TERRA Regulate the Transcriptional Landscape of Pluripotent Cells through TRF1-Dependent Recruitment of PRC2

Researchers showed that telomere repeat binding factor 1 (TRF1), a component of the shelterin complex, regulated the genome-wide binding of polycomb and polycomb H3K27me3 repressive marks to pluripotency genes, thereby exerting vast epigenetic changes that contributed to the maintenance of mouse ES cells in a naïve state. [eLife] Full Article

Base Editor Correction of COL7A1 in Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Patient-Derived Fibroblasts and iPSCs

Scientists treated iPSCs derived from recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) fibroblasts with adenine base editor. The edited iPSCs were differentiated into mesenchymal stromal cells, a cell population with therapeutic potential for RDEB. [J Invest Dermatol] Abstract

Automated Real-Time Monitoring of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Aggregation in Stirred Tank Reactors

Researchers developed a human iPSC-specific suspension culture unit consisting of a fully monitored continuously stirred tank reactor system integrated into a custom-designed and fully automated incubator. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Highly Sulfated Hyaluronic Acid Maintains Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells under Feeder-Free and bFGF-Free Conditions

To overcome the problems of cell culture cost and xenogeneic contamination, investigators developed a novel culture method in which the undifferentiated state and pluripotency of human iPSCs could be maintained under feeder-free and bFGF-free conditions. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Multifactorial Modeling Reveals a Dominant Role of Wnt Signaling in Lineage Commitment of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

Scientists explored a multiparameter approach using a full factorial design and a simple well-defined culture system to assess individual and synergistic contributions of Wnt, FGF and TGFβ signaling to pluripotency and lineage specification of human iPSCs. [Bioengineering] Full Article

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Modeling Leukemia with Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Researchers discuss practical aspects of iPSC modeling of malignant diseases, review recent studies, and discuss the new opportunities that iPSC models offer, as well as their current limitations and prospects for future development. [Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med] Abstract

Transplantation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells (MA09-hRPE) in Macular Degeneration

The author focuses on the first generation of hESC-RPE cell line, named as “MA09-hRPE” by Astellas Institute of Regenerative Medicine, and its therapeutic application in humans, which evaluated the safety and efficacy a of MA09-hRPE cell line transplanted in patients with macular degeneration. [npj Regen Med] Full Article

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

DiscGenics Receives FDA Fast Track Designation for Cell Therapy for Disc Degeneration

DiscGenics, Inc. announced that the FDA has granted Fast Track designation for its investigational cell therapy, IDCT, currently being evaluated in regulator-allowed clinical trials in the US and Japan for the reduction in pain and disability associated with degenerative disc disease [DiscGenics, Inc.] Press Release

Baylor Awarded CPRIT Grants to Support Cancer Research

Baylor College of Medicine has been awarded more than $17.4 million by the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) to support new cancer research and programs, core facilities and recruitment of new faculty. More than 70 grants were awarded to institutions across Texas, totaling close to $136 million to advance the fight against cancer, including nine grants to Baylor College of Medicine. [Baylor College of Medicine] Press Release

Australia Plans to Tackle Foreign Influence at Nation’s Universities

In response to growing concerns in Australia about foreign influence at universities, cyberspying, and a perceived erosion of freedom of speech on campuses, the country’s education minister announced that a new task force will develop “best-practice guidelines for dealing with foreign interference.” [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Memo to Italy’s President: Your Researchers Need You

Italy’s coalition government ended abruptly, when the nationalist Lega party of deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini announced that it was walking away from its turbulent coalition with the anti-establishment M5S party, known as the Five Star Movement. The collapse is of great concern: a much-delayed funding increase is now on hold, and the political uncertainty adds further threat. [Nature News] Editorial

NSF Graduate Fellowships Disproportionately Go to Students at a Few Top Schools

As this year’s eligible students begin to labor over their applications, it’s worth asking why certain schools come away with dozens of winners each year—and what that means about the academy at large. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

NEW Hypoxia: Molecules, Mechanisms and Disease
January 19-23, 2020
Keystone, Colorado, United States

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

NEW Postdoctoral Researcher – Cell Cycles in Stem Cells (University of California, Santa Cruz)

NEW Postdoctoral Positions – Stem Cell and Bioinformatics (Indiana University School of Medicine)

Scientific Communications Coordinator (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Investigator – Stem Cells (GlaxoSmithKline)

Assistant Specialist – Division of Cardiovascular Medicine (University of California, Davis)

Biologist – Stem Cell Engineering (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)

Postdoctoral Fellow Positions – Cancer Research (Nationwide Children’s Hospital)

Research Technician – Beta Cell Production from Human PSCs (Helmholtz Zentrum München)

Senior Scientist – Cell Engineering and Characterization (Merck & Co., Inc)

Associate Professor – Developmental and Stem Cell Biology (The University of Hong Kong)

Postdoctoral Fellows – Striated Muscle Regeneration (Duke University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Pluripotent Stem Cells & Joint Tissue Development (Boston Children’s Hospital)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Genetics and Epigenomics of iPSC Biology (Stanford University)

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