ESC & iPSC News Volume 6.48 | Dec 7 2011

Forward and Reverse Genetics through Derivation of Haploid Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Here scientists report the generation of haploid mouse embryonic stem cell lines from parthenogenetic embryos. [Cell Stem Cell] Abstract

Ascorbic Acid Enhances the Cardiac Differentiation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Promoting the Proliferation of Cardiac Progenitor Cells
To identify efficient inducers for cardiac differentiation and maturation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and elucidate the mechanisms, researchers systematically screened sixteen cardiomyocyte inducers on various murine iPSCs and found that only ascorbic acid consistently and robustly enhanced the cardiac differentiation of eleven lines including eight without spontaneous cardiogenic potential. [Cell Res] Abstract

Extensive Determination of Glycan Heterogeneity Reveals an Unusual Abundance of High-Mannose Glycans in Enriched Plasma Membranes of Human Embryonic Stem Cells
This study introduces a technique for the rapid profiling and quantitation of N- and O-glycans on cell membranes using membrane enrichment and nanoflow liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry of native structures. [Mol Cell Proteomics] Abstract

Mifepristone Inducible Caspase-1 Expression in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Eliminates Tumor Formation but Spares Differentiated Cells In Vitro and In Vivo
To reduce the risk and improve embryonic stem (ES) cell-based therapy, investigators have established a novel strategy by which they can selectively eliminate tumor cells derived from undifferentiated ES cells but spare differentiated cells. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Efficient and Accurate Homologous Recombination in hESCs and hiPSCs Using Helper-Dependent Adenoviral Vectors
Results suggest that high-capacity helper-dependent adenoviral vector is one of the best methods for efficient and accurate gene targeting in human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells and might be especially useful for therapeutic applications. [Mol Ther] Abstract

Efficient Reprogramming of Human Cord Blood CD34⁺ Cells into Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells with OCT4 and SOX2 Alone
Here, investigators show that the lentiviral expression of OCT4 together with SOX2 driven by a strong spleen focus-forming virus promoter in a single vector can convert 2% of cord blood CD34⁺ cells into induced pluripotent stem cells without additional reprogramming factors. [Mol Ther] Abstract

The Zinc Finger Protein ZFP57 Requires its Cofactor to Recruit DNA Methyltransferases and Maintains the DNA Methylation Imprint in Embryonic Stem Cells via its Transcriptional Repression Domain
To gain insights into the essential processes in genomic imprinting, scientists examined how ZFP57 maintains genomic DNA methylation imprint in mouse embryonic stem cells. [J Biol Chem] Abstract

Epigenetic Modulation of miR-122 Facilitates Human Embryonic Stem Cell Self-Renewal and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Proliferation
Through a series of gene expression analysis, researchers show that miR-122 expression is highly elevated in quiescent human primary hepatocytes but lost or attenuated in human embryonic stem cells and liver cancer cells, while an opposing expression pattern is observed for Pkm2. [PLoS One] Abstract

Rational Bioprocess Design for Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Expansion and Endoderm Differentiation Based on Cellular Dynamics
Scientists present a predictive bioprocess design strategy employing cell- and molecular-level analysis of rate-limiting steps in human pluripotent stem cell expansion and differentiation, and apply it to produce definitive endoderm progenitors using a scalable directed-differentiation technology. [Biotechnol Bioeng] Abstract | Press Release

VistaGen Therapeutics and Synterys Sign Strategic Medicinal Chemistry Collaboration Agreement for Drug Rescue
VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc. and Synterys, Inc. have entered into a strategic medicinal chemistry services agreement. [Vistagen Therapeutics, Inc.] Press Release

U.K. to Open Patient Data and Boost Life Science Funding
As part of a suite of measures to support the country’s life science sector, the United Kingdom plans to increase researchers’ access to medical patient data and funnel £180 million ($280 million) to a new fund designed to help turn basic science into marketable treatments, Prime Minister David Cameron announced. [British Prime Minister, United Kingdom] Press Release

UK Pumps £200 Million Back into Scientific Infrastructure
Britain’s Chancellor George Osborne announced £200 million (US$314 million) for science infrastructure projects in his annual Autumn Statement. [Britain Chancellor, United Kingdom] Press Release

European Commission Confirms New Chief Science Adviser
Two years after announcing that he will be appointing the European Union’s first chief science adviser, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso has confirmed that Scottish microbiologist Anne Glover will be taking up the job in January. [European Commission, European Union] Press Release

EU Seeks $100 Billion for Research
Despite a chaotic European economy, the European Commission has proposed a budget of €80 billion (US$106 billion) for the years 2014 to 2020, up from €50.5 billion for 2007 to 2013. [European Commission, European Union] Press Release

Science Academies at Odds Over New Law in Montenegro
A new law in Montenegro aimed at strengthening science and innovation for development has sparked a war of words between the country’s two science academies, including a call for the country’s science minister to be replaced. [The Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts, Montenegro] Press Release

Adoption and Implementation of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals: Eighth Edition (NOT-OD-12-020) [National Institutes of Health, United States]

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