ESC & iPSC News Volume 7.07 | Feb 22 2012

Fusion Protein Isl1-Lhx3 Specifies Motor Neuron Fate by Inducing Motor Neuron Genes and Concomitantly Suppressing the Interneuron Programs
Researchers found that Isl1-Lhx3 drives motor neuron differentiation with high specificity and efficiency in the spinal cord and embryonic stem cells, bypassing the need for sonic hedgehog. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

miR-132 Regulates the Differentiation of Dopamine Neurons by Directly Targeting Nurr1 Expression
Researchers’ data provide the first evidence that microRNA (miR)-132 is an important molecule regulating embryonic stem cell differentiation into dopamine neurons by directly targeting Nurr1 expression. [J Cell Sci] Abstract

Determination of the Protein Interactome of the Transcription Factor Sox2 in Embryonic Stem Cells Engineered for Inducible Expression of Four Reprogramming Factors
To identify the Sox2-interactome in embryonic stem cells (ESC), researchers engineered ESC for inducible expression of different combinations of epitope-tagged Sox2 along with Oct4, Klf4 and c-Myc. [J Biol Chem] Abstract

Activation of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) Provides a Metabolic Barrier to Reprogramming Somatic Cells into Stem Cells
Researchers evaluated the impact of AMPK activation in regulating the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells from nonstem cells of somatic origin. [Cell Cycle] Abstract

Efficient Derivation and Genetic Modifications of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells on Engineered Human Feeder Cell Lines
Animal sourced feeders may hinder the clinical applications of human stem cells. In order to overcome these hurdles, researchers established immortalized human feeder cell lines by stably expressing human telomerase reverse transcriptase, Wnt3a, and drug resistance genes in adult mesenchymal stem cells. Here, the researchers show that these immortalized human feeders support efficient derivation of virus-free, integration-free human pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and long-term expansion of human iPSCs and embryonic stem cells. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts Are the Optimal Cell Source for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Investigators established induced pluripotent stem cells from human periodontal ligament fibroblasts by introducing the embryonic stem cell markers Oct3/4, Sox2, Nanog, Klf4 and Lin28 by retrovirus transduction, even without the oncogene c-Myc. [Histochem Cell Biol] Abstract

Cure of ADPKD by Selection for Spontaneous Genetic Repair Events in Pkd1-Mutated iPS Cells
Here researchers demonstrate restoration of a genomic mutation heterozygous for Pkd1 (polycystic kidney disease 1) deletion (Pkd1(+/−) to Pkd1(+/R+)) by spontaneous mitotic recombination. Notably, recombination between homologous chromosomes occurred at a frequency of 1~2 per 10,000 induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. [PLoS One] Abstract | Press Release

Transcriptional Activation by Oct4 Is Sufficient for the Maintenance and Induction of Pluripotency
Here, researchers show that fusion proteins containing the coding sequence of Oct4 or Xlpou91 (the Xenopus homolog of Oct4) fused to activating regions, but not those fused to repressing regions, behave as Oct4, suppressing differentiation and promoting maintenance of undifferentiated phenotypes in vivo and in vitro. [Cell Rep] Abstract | Press Release

VistaGen Updates Pipeline of Stem Cell Technology-Based Drug Rescue Candidates
VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc. has identified its initial Top 10 drug rescue candidates and plans to launch two formal drug rescue programs by the end of next quarter. [VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc.] Press Release

Harvard Scientist to Lead USC Center in Stem Cell Research
Biologist Andrew P. McMahon will leave Harvard University to join the Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California (USC) as a Provost Professor and the inaugural holder of the W. M. Keck Professorship of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. [University of Southern California]
Press Release

Guidance for Industry: Early Clinical Trials with Live Biotherapeutic Products: Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control Information; Availability (FR Doc No: 2012-3957) [Food and Drug Administration, United States]

Center for Scientific Review: Notice of Closed Meetings (FR Doc No: 2012-3796) [National Institutes of Health, United States]

November 17, 2011: Cellular, Tissue and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee Meeting: Webcast [Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, United States]

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Business Analyst – Product Management (STEMSOFT Software, Inc.)

Research Technologist (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – hPSC Bioengineering (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – Antibody and Hybridoma Technology Platforms (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Postdoctoral/Research Associate (Children’s Memorial Research Center)

Scientist – Differentiation Segment (Stemgent, Inc.)

Postdoctoral Fellow Position: Stem Cells (University of California, Davis)

Postdoctoral Scientist – Stem Cell Research (Paterson Institute)

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