ESC & iPSC News Volume 7.10 | Mar 14 2012

Derivation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Cultured on Synthetic Substrates
Here researchers tested the hypothesis that induced pluripotent stem cells could be maintained in an undifferentiated state in a xeno-free culture system and subsequently be differentiated into mesenchymal stem cells. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Human Embryonic Stem Cells Exhibit Increased Propensity to Differentiate During the G1 Phase Prior to Phosphorylation of pRB
Here scientists employ centrifugal elutriation to isolate and investigate differentiation propensities of human embryonic stem cells in different phases of their cell cycle. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Eomesodermin Induces Mesp1 Expression and Cardiac Differentiation from Embryonic Stem Cells in the Absence of Activin
Here researchers show that transient expression of Eomesodermin promotes cardiovascular fate during embryonic stem cell differentiation. [EMBO Rep] Abstract

Enhancing Immunostimulatory Function of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Dendritic Cells by CD1d Overexpression
In this study, researchers investigated whether CD1d upregulation in human embryonic stem cell-derived dendritic cells may exploit invariant NKT cell adjuvant activity and boost antitumor immunity. [J Immunol] Abstract

A Rapid Lung De-Cellularization Protocol Supports Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation In Vitro and following Implantation
Researchers conclude that a rapid detergent-based de-cellularization approach results in a scaffold that can maintain phenotypic evidence of alveolar epithelial differentiation of embryonic stem cells and support neovascularization following in vivo implantation. [Tissue Eng Part C Methods] Abstract

Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Factors Inhibit T Effector Activation and Induce T Regulatory Cells by Suppressing Protein Kinase C-θ Activation
Researchers provide the first demonstration that embryonic stem cell-derived factors significantly down-regulated the expressions of IL-2 and IFN-γ, while markedly up-regulating the expression of IL-10, TGF-β, and Treg transcription factor Foxp3 in CD4+ CD25+ T cells. [PLoS One] Abstract

DNA Repair in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Is Distinct from That in Non-Pluripotent Human Cells
In this study, a comparison of DNA repair pathways in pluripotent cells, as compared to those in non-pluripotent cells, demonstrated that DNA repair capacities of pluripotent cell lines were more heterogeneous than those of differentiated lines examined and were generally greater. [PLoS One] Abstract

A Simplified Method to Generate Serotonergic Neurons from Mouse Embryonic Stem and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Here researchers have developed a new simple method to induce serotonergic neurons from embryonic stem and induced pluripotent stem cells. [J Neurochem] Abstract

Blood-Derived Human iPS Cells Generate Optic Vesicle-Like Structures with the Capacity to Form Retinal Laminae and Develop Synapses
Researchers sought to determine if human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells derived from blood could produce optic vesicle-like structures with the capacity to stratify and express markers of intercellular communication. [Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci] Abstract | Press Release

Folic Acid Deficiency Inhibits Neural Rosette Formation and Neuronal Differentiation from Rhesus Monkey Embryonic Stem Cells
In the present study, the roles of folic acid in neural differentiation were assessed in a rhesus monkey embryonic stem cell system in vitro. [J Neurosci Res] Abstract

Prizes Awarded for New Research Improving Animal Welfare in the Life Sciences
Wellcome-Trust funded scientists at the Universities of Cambridge and Edinburgh, the Sanger Institute and the Institute of Cancer Research have received prizes for innovations that reduce the use of animals in their research. [Wellcome-Trust] Press Release

Alliance for Advanced Therapies to Officially Launch at BIO-Europe Spring® 2012
EBD Group announced that the Alliance for Advanced Therapies (AAT) will launch at the BIO-Europe Spring® 2012 partnering event. The ATT is a new organization devoted to supporting cell therapy, regenerative medicine and other potentially life-saving advanced therapeutics in Europe. [EBD Group AG] Press Release

Despite Legal Warnings, UNESCO Finally Approves African Science Prize
Overruling its own legal experts, U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO’s) executive board finally approved a new prize for African scientists. [U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization] Press Release

Funding Uncertainty Strands Spain’s Young Scientists
Spanish researchers are feeling the budget squeeze as the country scrambles to negotiate a 2012 budget. [Spanish Government, Spain] Press Release

Brazilian Researchers Protest Budget Cuts
Science agencies in Brazil have voiced concern at the government’s decision to cut the science, technology and innovation budget by nearly a fifth. [The Brazilian Society for the Advancement of Science, Brazil]
Press Release

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

Business Analyst – Product Management (STEMSOFT Software, 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.)

Embryonic Stem Cell Biology Technician (Kymab Ltd.)

Postdoctoral Position – Department of Biomedical Engineering (Tsinghua University School of Medicine)

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