ESC & iPSC News Volume 6.38 | Sep 28 2011

PTEN Regulates the Pluripotent State and Lineage Fate Choice in Human Embryonic Stem Cells
To explore the PI3K/AKT pathway in human embryonic stem cell (hESC) pluripotency and differentiation, scientists generated stable PTEN knockdown hESCs using short hairpin RNA. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Grafted Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell–Derived Neurospheres Promote Motor Functional Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury in Mice
Here, researchers investigated the therapeutic potential of transplanting human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurospheres into nonobese diabetic-severe combined immunodeficient mice to treat spinal cord injury. [Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A] Abstract

Modeling Abnormal Early Development with Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from Aneuploid Syndromes
Here investigators aimed to produce induced pluripotent stem cell lines that can be used to improve the understanding of aneuploid syndromes. [Hum Mol Genet] Abstract

Human Pompe Disease Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Pathogenesis Modeling, Drug Testing and Disease Marker Identification
Here, scientists report the derivation of Pompe disease induced pluripotent stem cells from two patients with different GAA mutations and their potential for pathogenesis modeling, drug testing and disease marker identification. [Hum Mol Genet] Abstract

Mobilization of Giant piggyBac Transposons in the Mouse Genome
Here, researchers show that the DNA transposon piggyBac can mobilize 100-kb DNA fragments in mouse embryonic stem cells, making it the only known transposon with such a large cargo capacity. [Nucleic Acids Res] Abstract

miRNA Screening Reveals a New miRNA Family Stimulating iPS Cell Generation via Regulation of Meox2
By conducting a microRNA (miRNA) library screen, investigators identified a set of miRNAs critically regulating induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) formation. [EMBO Rep] Abstract

Maintenance of Human Embryonic Stem Cells in Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Conditioned Media Augments Hematopoietic Specification
Here, researchers hypothesized that human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) maintained in human mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned media may be more prone to differentiation towards hematopoietic lineage than hESCs grown in standard human foreskin fibroblast-conditioned media. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

Primitive Cardiac Cells from Human Embryonic Stem Cells
In this study, investigators have developed a differentiation protocol that minimizes the need for specific human embryonic stem cell line optimization. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

Optimization of Protocols for Derivation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Lines from Refractory Strains, Including the Non-Obese Diabetic Mouse
Here, researchers report the development of protocols for the derivation of novel embryonic stem cell (ESC) lines from C57Bl/6 mice based on the combined use of high concentrations of leukemia inhibitory factor and serum-replacement, which is equally applicable to fresh and cryo-preserved embryos. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

Three U-M Researchers Named 2011 MacArthur Fellows
Three University of Michigan (U-M) researchers are among the 22 new MacArthur Fellows announced by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. [University of Michigan Health System] Press Release

Stem Cell Signaling: Transformative NIH Grant Will Support Development of Tissue Regeneration Therapeutics for Traumatic Injuries
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded nearly $2 million to researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University to develop a new class of therapeutics for treating traumatic injuries and degenerative diseases. [Georgia Institute of Technology] Press Release

New Trial for Retinal Stem Cell Treatment Gets Go-Ahead at Moorfields Eye Hospital
Trials of an experimental new treatment that could offer hope to young people suffering from a currently untreatable inherited eye condition will get underway soon at Moorfields Eye Hospital following approval by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. [Moorfields Eye Hospital] Press Release

Embryonic Stem Cell Therapy for Paralysis Given to First Patient in Western United States
The Stanford University School of Medicine and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center have enrolled the fourth participant in the nation’s first trial of cells derived from human embryonic stem cells. [Stanford School of Medicine] Press Release

Cedars-Sinai Opens New Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Core Production Facility
The Cedars-Sinai Regenerative Medicine Institute has opened a new Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Core Facility to produce powerful cells capable of making all tissues of the body from adult human skin cells. [Cedars-Sinai Medical Center] Press Release

Texas Prepares to Fight for Stem Cells
Although scientists and physicians in Texas are excited about the funding to develop stem-cell science, many are concerned that treatments will reach the clinic before safety and efficacy are properly established. [Texas Republican Party, United States] Press Release

Governor Quinn Announces Agreement to Enhance Illinois’ Biotech Industry
During his economic and business trade mission throughout China, Governor Pat Quinn announced the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition, iBIO, and China-based Shanghai Bio Pharmaceutics Association to increase economic opportunities for both regions in the bio-technology field. [Illinois Science & Technology Coalition, United States] Press Release

NIH Announces 79 Awards to Encourage Creative Ideas in Science
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced that it is awarding $143.8 million to challenge the status quo with innovative ideas that have the potential to propel fields forward and speed the translation of research into improved health for the American public. [National Institutes of Health, United States] Press Release

NEW Stem Cells in Drug Discovery and Development
November 2-3, 2011
San Diego, United States

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

Lab Technologist – Tissue Culture (STEMCELL Technologies)

Research and Development Technologist, hPSC Media (STEMCELL Technologies)

Scientist (iPSC) (STEMCELL Technologies)

Contract Assay Service Technologist (STEMCELL Technologies)

Postdoctoral Fellow Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in the Context of CNS Diseases (Abbott GmbH & Co. KGCo. KG)

Postdoctoral Positions in Stem Cells and Immunology (University of Connecticut)

Postdoctoral Scholar (University of California, Irvine)

PhD Research Position in the Department of Biological Chemistry (Weizmann Institute of Science)

Research Group Leader – Human Epigenomics and Stem Cells (MRC Clinical Sciences Centre)

Recruit Top Talent
Reach more than 11,000 potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.

Jobs are categorized regionally: United States, Canada, Europe, Asia Pacific

Visit here to post your career opportunities.

Have we missed an important article or publication in ESC & iPSC News? Click here to submit!

Comments or Suggestions? Email info@connexoncreative.com with your feedback.