ESC & iPSC News Volume 8.35 | Sep 4 2013

Modulation of β-Catenin Function Maintains Mouse Epiblast Stem Cell and Human Embryonic Stem Cell Self-Renewal
Investigators showed that Wnt/β-catenin functions in both self-renewal and differentiation in mouse epiblast stem cells. Stabilization and nuclear translocation of β-catenin and its subsequent binding to T-cell factors induces differentiation. [Nat Commun] Abstract

Stably BDNF-GFP Expressing Embryonic Stem Cells Exhibit a BDNF Release-Dependent Enhancement of Neuronal Differentiation
To study the impact of cell-released brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on neural differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs), which represent an attractive source for cell transplantation studies, researchers generated BDNF-GFP overexpressing mouse ESC clones by knock-in technology. [J Cell Sci] Abstract

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells without c-Myc Reduce Airway Responsiveness and Allergic Reaction in Sensitized Mice
Investigators evaluated the therapeutic effect of induced pluripotent stem cells without c-Myc transplantation in a murine asthma model. [Transplantation] Abstract

Molecular Strategy to Reduce In Vivo Collagen Barrier Promotes Entry of NCX1 Positive Inducible Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC^NCX1+) into Ischemic (or Injured) Myocardium
A tri-cell patch consisting of cardiac sodium-calcium exchanger-1 (NCX1) positive iPSC, endothelial cells, and mouse embryonic fibroblasts was created, co-cultured, and seeded on isolated peritoneum. The expression of fibrosis-related genes was analyzed in cardiac fibroblasts by qPCR and Western blot. [PLoS One] Full Article

FGF7 and Cell Density Are Required for Final Differentiation of Pancreatic Amylase-Positive Cells from Human ES Cells
Investigators examined the role of fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7) in the final induction of pancreatic amylase-containing exocrine cells from induced-pancreatic progenitor cells derived from human embryonic stem (ES) cells. [Cell Tissue Res] Abstract

Genetic Correction of Tauopathy Phenotypes in Neurons Derived from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
The authors report a human neuronal model of tauopathy derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) carrying a TAU-A152T mutation. Using zinc-finger nuclease-mediated gene editing, they generated two isogenic iPSC lines: one with the mutation corrected, and another with the homozygous mutation engineered. [Stem Cell Rep] Full Article | Press Release

Human Stem Cell-Derived Spinal Cord Astrocytes with Defined Mature or Reactive Phenotypes
Using early neuralization, scientists generated spinal cord astrocytes from mouse or human embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells with high efficiency. Remarkably, short exposure to fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) or FGF2 was sufficient to direct these astrocytes selectively toward a mature quiescent phenotype, as judged by both marker expression and functional analysis. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Generation of Germ Cells In Vitro in the Era of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
The authors discuss past and recent advances in the in vitro differentiation of germ cells using pluripotent stem cells, with an emphasis on embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. [Mol Reprod Dev] Abstract

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Stem Cell Agency Awards More than $40 Million in New Research Grants
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine’s governing board, the Independent Citizens Oversight Committee, approved $40 million in funding for researchers at 10 institutions including Stanford, UCLA, UC San Diego, Human BioMolecular Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, The Gladstone Institutes, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, The Salk Institute, Numerate, Inc. and UC Irvine as part of its Early Translational IV Research awards. [California Institute for Regenerative Medicine] Press Release

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Abe Funds Stem Cells to Help Cure Japan Wasting Disease
Economic regeneration is the name of the game for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and cellular regeneration is one way to play it. The government is pushing through bills to fast-track regulatory approval for cell-based products and set new research guidelines. It’s also funding a $1.12 billion study of a type of stem cell free from ethical concerns over embryo harvesting that have dogged the science for more than a decade. [Government of Japan, Japan] English News Article | Japanese Press Release

Survey Shows Faltering Federal Investment in Science Threatens American Research
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology released its 2013 report on government-funded scientific research titled “Unlimited Potential, Vanishing Opportunity.” The report, detailing the findings of a survey of more than 3,700 frontline scientists from all fifty states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, depicts clearly the broad impact of cuts to federal investments in science funding. [The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, United States] Press Release

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NEW Technician Position – Stem Cells and Epigenetics (Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Self-Renewal of Pluripotent Stem Cells (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)

Research Associate – Safety of Stem Cells (The University of Manchester)

Research Technologist – Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Products (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Postdoctoral Position – Neurosteroids and Neural Stem Cells in Developing Brain (Children’s National Medical Center)

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