ESC & iPSC News Volume 5.16 | Apr 28 2010

TOP STORY

Gene Silencing may be Responsible for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells’ Limitations
In a recent study, investigators describe finding that an important cluster of genes is inactivated in induced pluripotent stem cells that do not have the full development potential of embryonic stem cells. [Press release from EurekAlert! discussing online prepublication in Nature]

Derive iPSCs feeder-free* with mTeSR®1 by STEMCELL Technologies     *Sun et al., PNAS, 2009

SCIENCE NEWS

Singapore Scientists’ Finding on Early Embryonic Development has Direct Impact on Regenerative Medicine and Assisted Reproduction
Scientists have recently generated significant single cell expression data crucial for a detailed molecular understanding of mammalian development from fertilization to embryo implantation, a process known as the preimplantation period. [Press release from the Genome Institute of Singapore discussing online prepublication in Developmental Cell]

Scientists Create Stem Cells from Eggs of Aging Mice
Researchers have created stem cells from the eggs of aging mice that could be used for reproductive purposes and regenerative medicine. [Press release from New York University Langone Medical Center discussing online prepublication in Aging Cell]

CURRENT PUBLICATIONS

Aberrant Silencing of Imprinted Genes on Chromosome 12qF1 in Mouse Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
By comparing genetically identical mouse embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), researchers show here that their overall messenger RNA and microRNA expression patterns are indistinguishable with the exception of a few transcripts encoded within the imprinted Dlk1-Dio3 gene cluster on chromosome 12qF1, which were aberrantly silenced in most of the iPSC clones. [Nature]

Resolution of Cell Fate Decisions Revealed by Single-Cell Gene Expression Analysis from Zygote to Blastocyst
The results illustrate the power of single-cell expression analysis to provide insight into developmental mechanisms. The technique should be widely applicable to other biological systems. [Dev Cell]

Efficient Generation of Lens Progenitor Cells and Lentoid Bodies from Human Embryonic Stem Cells in Chemically Defined Conditions
Researchers report the development of a new three-stage system that differentiates human embryonic stem cells into large quantities of lens progenitor-like cells and differentiated 3-dimensional lentoid bodies. [FASEB J]

Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Endothelial Cells Engraft Into the Ischemic Hindlimb and Restore Perfusion
Researchers examined the effect of delivery modality on the survival, localization, and functional effects of exogenously administered embryonic stem cells or endothelial cells derived from them in the ischemic hindlimb. [Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol]

p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Controls a Switch Between Cardiomyocyte and Neuronal Commitment of Murine Embryonic Stem Cells by Activating MEF2C-dependent BMP2 Transcription
In this study, researchers investigate the role of the three major MAP kinases (ERK, JNK and p38) in embryonic stem (ES) cell lineage commitment, and show that the p38 MAPK-specific inhibitor SB203580 blocks the spontaneous differentiation of ES cells into cardiomyocytes, and instead induces the differentiation of these ES cells into neurons. [Stem Cells Dev]

Influence of Acellular Natural Lung Matrix on Murine Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation and Tissue Formation
Investigators report here the first attempt to produce and use whole acellular lung as a matrix to support development of engineered lung tissue from murine embryonic stem cells. [Tissue Eng Part A]

Selective Removal of Undifferentiated Embryonic Stem Cells from Differentiation Cultures Through HSV1 Thymidine Kinase and Ganciclovir Treatment
To overcome the risk of teratoma formation after transplantation of differentiated cells, a negative selection system was established that permits selective removal of undifferentiated cells during in vitro differentiation. [Stem Cell Rev]

Effective Culture Conditions for the Induction of Pluripotent Stem Cells
Medium containing Knockout DMEM with 20% knockout serum replacement permits efficient induction of induced pluripotent stem cells from both mouse embryonic fibroblasts and adult tail tip fibroblasts. [Biochim Biophys Acta]

Erythropoietic Differentiation of a Human Embryonic Stem Cell Line Harbouring the Sickle Cell Anemia Mutation
Herein is reported efficient erythropoietic differentiation of a human embryonic stem cell line derived from a preimplantation genetic diagnosis-screened embryo that harbors the homozygous sickle cell disease hemoglobinopathy mutation. [Reprod Biomed Online]

Epigenetic Mechanisms Regulate MHC and Antigen Processing Molecules in Human Embryonic and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Researchers showed that low levels of mayor histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-I molecules were associated with absent or reduced expression of the transporter associated with antigen processing 1 and tapasin components in human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, which are involved in the transport and load of peptides. [PLoS One]

A Defined and Xeno-Free Culture Method Enabling the Establishment of Clinical-Grade Human Embryonic, Induced Pluripotent and Adipose Stem Cells
Investigators report the development of a fully defined xeno-free medium, capable of supporting the expansion of human embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells and adipose stem cells. [PLoS One]

INDUSTRY NEWS

Advanced Cell Technology’s Studies to Support Phase I Multicenter Trial of Patients with Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy Demonstrate Excellent Safety Profile
Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. announced that it has completed key animal studies in connection with its Phase I multicenter study using embryonic stem cell derived retinal pigment epithelium cells to treat patients with Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy. [Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. Press Release]

Ontario’s $11.5 Million will Build Network for Stem Cell-Based Therapies
McMaster University’s Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute has received $11.5 million to lead a world-class initiative to develop new stem cell-based therapies. [McMaster University Press Release]

Cellular Dynamics Raises $40.6 Million to Revolutionize Pharma Drug Research with Industrial Manufacture of Human Heart and Other Cells
Cellular Dynamics International, Inc., already the world’s highest volume manufacturer of human heart cells, has closed on a $40.6 million Series B private equity round. [Cellular Dynamics International, Inc. Press Release]

Biotech Gets Lease Agreement Go-Ahead from Rochester Council
The Rochester City Council approved a lease agreement at its regular meeting allowing the company to open a manufacturing facility on the third floor of the city’s Minnesota Bioscience Center. [Post-Bulletin]

POLICY NEWS

Michigan Senate Passes Stem Cell Regulation Package
The Republican-led Senate passed a package of regulations critics say will place a chill on stem cell research in violation of the Michigan Constitution. [Michigan Senate, United States]

Instructions for Completion and Technical Evaluation of the Vertebrate Animal Section (VAS) in NIH Contract Proposals (NOT-OD-10-049) [National Institutes of Health, United States]

Request for Information (RFI): Priorities for the NIH Adherence Research Network (NOT-OD-10-078) [National Institutes of Health, United States]

Waivers for Conflicts of Interest for the May 7, 2010 Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Meeting [Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, United States]

FDA Announces Draft Revised Guidance on Transparency and Advisory Committees [Food and Drug Administration, United States]

Risk Communication Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting [Docket No. FDA-2010-N-0001] [Food and Drug Administration, United States]

Draft Guidance for the Public, Food and Drug Administration Advisory Committee Members, and Food and Drug Administration Staff: Public Availability of Advisory Committee Members’ Financial Interest Information and Waivers; Availability [Docket No. FDA-2002-D-0094] [Food and Drug Administration, United States]

EVENTS

Society for Biological Engineering’s (SBE) 2nd International Conference on Stem Cell Engineering
May 2-5, 2010
Boston, United States

World Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine Congress 2010
May 11-13, 2010
London, United Kingdom

European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Stem Cells, Tissue Homeostasis and Cancer Conference
May 12-15, 2010
Heidelberg, Germany

16th Annual International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) Meeting
May 23-26, 2010
Philadelphia, United States

Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS) – European Union 2010
June 13-17, 2010
Galway, Ireland

International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) 8th Annual Meeting
June 16-19, 2010
San Francisco, United States

United Kingdom National Stem Cell Network (UKNSCN) 3rd Annual Scientific Conference
July 12-14, 2010
Nottingham, United Kingdom

Select BioScience 3rd Annual Stem Cells Europe Conference
August 24-25, 2010
Edinburgh, Scotland

International Society for Cell Therapy (ISCT) – Europe 2nd Regional Meeting
September 11-14, 2010
Belgirate, Italy

Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS) – Asia Pacific 2010
September 15-17, 2010
Sydney, Australia

2010 World Stem Cell Summit
October 4-6, 2010
Detroit, United States

5th World Congress on Preventive & Regenerative Medicine (WCRM) 2010
October 5-7, 2010
Hannover, Germany

Stem Cell Network 10th Annual Scientific Meeting
November 22-24, 2010
Calgary, Canada

Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS) – North America 2010 Annual Conference
December 5-8, 2010
Orlando, United States

Visit our events page to stay up to date with the latest events in the cell, gene and immunotherapy community.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Manager/Sr. Manager, Therapeutic Cell Solutions, Process Development (Lonza)

Sr. Product Support and Training Specialist (CardianBCT)

Recruit Top Talent
Reach more than 11,000 potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities with ESC & iPSC News.

Visit here to post your career opportunities.