ESC & iPSC News Volume 7.32 | Aug 15 2012

Regulation and Expression of the ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) Transporter ABCG2 in Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Researchers used quantitative real-time PCR, Northern blots, whole genome RNA sequencing, Western blots, and immunofluorescence microscopy to study ABCG2 expression in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). They found that full-length ABCG2 mRNA transcripts are expressed in undifferentiated hESC lines. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Partial Promoter Substitutions Generating Transcriptional Sentinels of Diverse Signaling Pathways in Embryonic Stem Cells and Mice
Scientists created an allelic series of embryonic stem cells and mice, each containing a signal-responsive sentinel with different fluorescent reporters that respond with sensitivity and specificity to retinoic acids, BMPs, activin A, Wnts, or Notch, and that can be adapted to any pathway that acts via DNA elements. [Dis Model Mech] Abstract | Full Article

A Focused Microarray for Screening Rat Embryonic Stem Cell Lines
The authors describe a focused microarray for screening rat embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and provide validation data that this array can distinguish undifferentiated rat ESCs from rat trophoblast stem cells, rat extraembryonic endoderm cells, mouse embryonic fibroblast feeder cells and differentiated rat ESCs. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

The Generation of Definitive Neural Stem Cells from PiggyBac Transposon Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Can Be Enhanced by Induction of the NOTCH Signaling Pathway
Murine piggyBac transposon induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were clonally expanded in floating sphere colonies to generate primitive neural stem cells (NSCs) initially with serum-free media containing leukemia inhibitory factor and followed by with fibroblast growth factor-2 to form colonies of definitive NSCs. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

TAP-Deficient Human iPS Cell-Derived Myeloid Cell Lines as Unlimited Cell Source for Dendritic Cell-Like Antigen-Presenting Cells
Investigators attempted to establish a method through which they could obtain a large number of functional antigen-presenting cells (APC) with a simple procedure. They transduced induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived CD11b⁺ myeloid cells with genes associated with proliferative or anti-senescence effects, enabling the cells to propagate for more than four months in a macrophage colony-stimulating factor-dependent manner while retaining their capacity to differentiate into functional APC. [Gene Ther] Abstract

Honokiol Inhibits Vascular Vessel Formation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Endothelial Cells via the Suppression of PECAM and MAPK/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Scientists evaluated the antiangiogenic activity of honokiol using mouse embryonic stem (mES) cell-derived embryoid bodies (EBs). mES-derived EBs were formed using hanging drop cultures and vascular formation was induced on gelatincoated plates in EGM-2 medium. [Cell Physiol Biochem] Abstract

Evaluation of Unrestricted Somatic Stem Cells as a Feeder Layer to Support Undifferentiated Embryonic Stem Cells
Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) cultured on human unrestricted somatic stem cells (USSCs) exhibited proven differentiation potential to germ cell layers showing normal karyotype. The major advantage of hUSSCs is their ability to be continuously cultured for at least 50 passages. Researchers also found that hUSSCs have the potential to provide ESCs support from the early moments of isolation. [Mol Reprod Dev] Abstract

Cardiac Tissue Development for Delivery of Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Endothelial and Cardiac Cells in Natural Matrices
Researchers explored the combinatorial use of decellularized tissues, moldable hydrogels, patterned cell-seeding, and cell-sheet engineering and found that a combination of these methods is optimal in the recreation of transplantable cardiac-like tissue in vivo. [J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater] Abstract

Wellcome Trust and MRC Invest in World-Class Stem Cell Institute at Cambridge
Two of the UK’s largest funders of medical research are to invest £8 million in a new world-leading centre for stem cell biology and medicine at the University of Cambridge. The Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council (MRC) Cambridge Stem Cell Institute will advance our understanding of stem cells and their potential to treat a range of life-threatening conditions that currently have no effective cures. [University of Cambridge] Press Release

Pluristem Receives Approval to Commence a Phase I/II Study for Muscle Regeneration in Germany
Pluristem Therapeutics, Inc. announced it has received approval from the Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, the medical regulatory body in Germany, to commence a Phase I/II randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study to assess the safety and efficacy of its Placental eXpanded cells, through intramuscular injections, for the regeneration of injured gluteal musculature following total hip replacement. [Pluristem Therapeutics, Inc.] Press Release

Inquiry Launch: Regenerative Medicine
The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee have launched an inquiry into regenerative medicine. The Committee will consider whether the UK is in a position to support the translation of knowledge from world-leading research in the field of regenerative medicine to treatments, and to benefit from the associated commercial opportunities. [House of Lords Science and Technology Committee, United Kingdom] Press Release

Gillibrand Announces Bill to Spur the Growth of New Science and Technology Jobs in Capital Region
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced legislation to spur the growth of new science and technology jobs in the Capital Region and across New York. The America Innovates Act would help scientists and researchers secure valuable resources and training to turn new discoveries into marketable products, new high-tech companies, and jobs. [U.S. Senate, United States] Press Release

Montenegro Science Academy Faces Funding Freeze Over Merger
Montenegro’s official science academy may see its budget subject to month-by-month approvals, or even face deep budget cuts, if it does not comply with a law forcing it to merge with the country’s unofficial science academy. The move is the latest in an escalating conflict between the Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts, which says its academic autonomy is under attack, and the Montenegrin science ministry, which seeks to merge the two academies. [Montenegrin Academy of Sciences and Arts, Montenegro] Press Release

Scientist – Mesenchymal Cell Research (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Research Technologist – Media Development (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Research Technologist – Research and Development (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientific Communications & Publishing Coordinator (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Quality Control Operations Coordinator (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Stem Cell Researcher (BioTalentum Ltd.)

Postdoctoral Research Position (University Lille 2 France)

Postdoctoral Position – Stem Cells (Children’s Hospital of Chicago Research Center)


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