ESC & iPSC News Volume 8.01 | Jan 9 2013

Negligible Immunogenicity of Terminally Differentiated Cells Derived from Induced Pluripotent or Embryonic Stem Cells
Investigators examined the immunogenicity of differentiated skin and bone marrow tissues derived from mouse induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). To ensure optimal comparison of iPSCs and embryonic stem (ES) cells, they established ten integration-free iPSC and seven ES-cell lines using an inbred mouse strain, C57BL/6. [Nature] Abstract | Press Release

Regeneration of Human Tumor Antigen-Specific T Cells from iPSCs Derived from Mature CD8⁺ T Cells
Researchers established iPSCs from mature cytotoxic T cells specific for the melanoma epitope MART-1. When cocultured with OP9/DLL1 cells, these iPSCs efficiently generated TCRß⁺CD4⁺CD8⁺ double positive cells expressing a T cell receptor specific for the MART-1 epitope. Stimulation of the CD8⁺ T cells with MART-1 antigen-presenting cells led to the secretion of IFNγ, demonstrating their specific reactivity. [Cell Stem Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

Generation of Rejuvenated Antigen-Specific T Cells by Reprogramming to Pluripotency and Redifferentiation
Investigators reprogrammed clonally expanded antigen-specific CD8⁺ T cells from an HIV-1-infected patient to pluripotency. The T cell-derived induced pluripotent stem cells were then redifferentiated into CD8⁺ T cells that had a high proliferative capacity and elongated telomeres. These rejuvenated cells possessed antigen-specific killing activity and exhibited T cell receptor gene-rearrangement patterns identical to those of the original T cell clone from the patient. [Cell Stem Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

Gli3-Mediated Hedgehog Inhibition in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Initiates and Augments Developmental Programming of Adult Hematopoiesis
Using human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), researchers revealed that reduction of Hh signaling correlates to developmental progression of hematopoiesis throughout human ontogeny. Both chemical- and gene targeting-mediated inactivation of Hh signaling augmented hematopoietic fate, and initiated transitions from embryonic to adult hematopoiesis, as measured by globin regulation in hPSCs. [Blood] Abstract

Directed Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Cells to Neural Crest Stem Cells
This protocol describes in detail how to perform a highly efficient, lineage-specific differentiation of human pluripotent cells to a neural crest stem cell fate. [Nat Protoc] Abstract

An Oct4-Sall4-Nanog Network Controls Developmental Progression in the Pre-Implantation Mouse Embryo
Researchers present the first systematic investigation of the network in pre-implantation mouse embryos using morpholino-mediated gene knockdowns of key embryonic stem cell factors followed by detailed transcriptome analysis of pooled embryos, single embryos, and individual blastomeres. [Mol Syst Biol]
Full Article

A Thermoresponsive and Chemically Defined Hydrogel for Long-Term Culture of Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Investigators report the identification of a family of chemically defined thermoresponsive synthetic hydrogels based on 2-(diethylamino)ethyl acrylate, which support long-term human embryonic stem cell growth and pluripotency over a period of two to six months. [Nat Commun] Abstract | Press Release

Long Interspersed Nucleotide Element-1 Hypomethylation in Folate-Deficient Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
To explore whether folate deficiency directly induced long interspersed nucleotide element-1 (LINE-1) hypomethylation and to analyze the relationship between folate concentration and the LINE-1 methylation level, mouse embryonic stem cells were treated with various concentrations of folate, which was measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay, and the homocysteine content was detected by ELISA. [J Cell Biochem] Abstract

BioTime Signs Definitive Agreement with Geron Regarding Stem Cell Assets
BioTime, Inc. and its recently formed subsidiary BioTime Acquisition Corporation jointly announced that they have entered into a definitive Asset Contribution Agreement with Geron Corporation to acquire the intellectual property, including patents and patent applications, and other assets related to Geron’s human embryonic stem cell programs consistent with the financial terms outlined in the letter of intent announced on November 15, 2012. [BioTime, Inc.] Press Release

Cellular Dynamics Announces Agreement with AstraZeneca on Use of iPSC-derived Human Cells in Drug Discovery Research
Cellular Dynamics International, Inc. announced a Center of Excellence agreement with AstraZeneca to accelerate the pace of drug discovery through the use of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines and tissue cells. [Cellular Dynamics International, Inc.] Press Release

Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute and Intrexon Corporation Establish Collaboration to Accelerate Stem Cell Research
Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute and Intrexon Corporation announced a new collaboration to accelerate stem cell research. [Intrexon Corporation] Press Release

Stem Cell Lawsuit Finally Over
The Supreme Court rejected a request to ban U.S.-funded research on human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). The decision brings to an end a long legal battle that has cast a shadow over hESC studies for over three years. [Supreme Court, United States] Press Release

India Unveils Ambitious Science Policy
The Indian government adopted a new science, technology, and innovation policy that calls for doubling the investment in science in the next five years and establishing India among the top five nations in output of scientific publications by the end of the decade. [Indian Government, India] Press Release

Scientist or Engineer – hPSC Bioengineer (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

MSc – Future Opportunities (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

PhD – Future Opportunities (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Postdoctoral Position – Stem Cells and Epigenetics (Mount Sinai School of Medicine)

Senior QC Analyst/Assay Development Associate (StemCells, Inc.)

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship – Stem Cell Biology (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health)

Postdoctoral Position – Cardiovascular Regenerative Therapies (University of California, Los Angeles)

Senior Postdoctoral Position (Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Biology)


Recruit Top Talent: Reach more than 55,000 potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.

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.