ESC & iPSC News Volume 8.39 | Oct 2 2013

Gene Regulation and Priming by Topoisomerase IIα in Embryonic Stem Cells
Investigators found that the expression of topo II isoforms, topoisomerase IIα and topoisomerase IIβ, is the characteristic of dividing and postmitotic tissues, respectively. In embryonic stem cells, topoisomerase IIα preferentially occupies active gene promoters. Topoisomerase IIα inhibition compromises genomic integrity, which results in epigenetic changes, altered kinetics of RNA Pol II at target promoters and misregulated gene expression. [Nat Commun] Abstract

Selecting Antagonistic Antibodies that Control Differentiation through Inducible Expression in Embryonic Stem Cells
Scientists describe an innovative system for identifying antibodies by introducing and expressing antibody gene populations in embryonic stem (ES) cells. Following induced antibody expression and secretion, changes in differentiation outcomes of individual antibody-expressing ES clones are monitored using lineage-specific gene expression to identify clones that encode and express signal-modifying antibodies. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

Genome-Wide Profiling Reveals Stimulus-Specific Functions of p53 during Differentiation and DNA Damage of Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Researchers performed genome-wide profiling of p53 chromatin interactions and target gene expression in human embryonic stem cells in response to early differentiation, induced by retinoic acid, versus DNA damage, caused by adriamycin. [Nucleic Acids Res] Full Article

Critical Components of the Pluripotency Network Are Targets for the p300/CBP Interacting Protein (p/CIP) in Embryonic Stem Cells
Investigators found that p/CIP is highly expressed in undifferentiated mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells and is downregulated during differentiation. siRNA-mediated knockdown of p/CIP decreased transcript levels of Nanog, but not Oct4 or Sox2. Microarray expression analysis showed that Klf4, Tbx3 and Dax-1, are significantly downregulated in mES cells when p/CIP is knocked down. [Stem Cell] Abstract

BMP10 as a Potent Inducer of Trophoblast Differentiation in Human Embryonic and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Researchers compared the potency at which bone morphogenetic protein-5 (BMP5), BMP10 and BMP13, which are members of distinct BMP subgroups due to differences in sequential and structural homology, induce differentiation in human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Cell Recognition Molecule L1 Promotes Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation through the Regulation of Cell Surface Glycosylation
Investigators examined whether sialylation and fucosylation are involved in embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation through L1 signaling. RNA interference analysis showed that L1 enhanced differentiation of ESCs into neurons through the upregulation of FUT9 and ST3Gal4. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract

Identifying Division Symmetry of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells: Negative Impact of DNA Methyltransferases on Symmetric Self-Renewal
Over 350 sister embryonic stem cells (ESCs) were isolated through a microdissection method, and then expression levels of 48 key genes were examined for each sister cell. The authors’ system revealed considerable diversities between sister ESCs at both pluripotent and differentiated states, whereas the similarity between sister ESCs was significantly elevated in a 2i (MEK and GSK3b inhibitors) condition, which is believed to mimic the ground state of pluripotency. [Stem Cell Rep]
Full Article | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

Direct Comparison of Autologous and Allogeneic Transplantation of iPSC-Derived Neural Cells in the Brain of a Nonhuman Primate
Using nonhuman primates, scientists found that the autologous transplantation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons elicited only a minimal immune response in the brain. In contrast, the allografts caused an acquired immune response with the activation of microglia (IBA-1⁺/MHC class II⁺) and the infiltration of leukocytes (CD45⁺/CD3⁺). [Stem Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

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Canadian Stem Cell Technology Expected to Offer New Options for Blood Stem Cell Transplants
A Canadian technology that has the potential to boost the number of stem cells given to patients undergoing transplants of the blood-forming system has been recognized as the most impactful stem cell research paper authored by a Canadian in the past year. Dr. Peter Zandstra has been given the 2013 Till & McCulloch Award in recognition of this contribution to global stem cell research. [Stem Cell Network] Press Release

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House Science Committee Drafts Controversial Bill on U.S. Research Funding
A key congressional committee is planning a hearing next month on legislation that could give several U.S. science agencies new marching orders. The details are still a secret, but expect fireworks. The legislation has been drafted by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology in the U.S. House of Representatives. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

NIH Swears Off Science Education
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has never been in the business of supporting precollege science education and promoting health literacy to the public, says NIH Principal Deputy Director Lawrence Tabak. And now it’s official NIH policy, too. NIH will shutter its nine-person Office of Science Education and cease to conduct a range of activities designed to foster health science education among elementary and secondary school students and the general public. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

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NEW Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Research (Bioprocessing Technology Institute)

PhD Student – Neural Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells (TU Dresden)

Research Scientist – Stem Cell Research (Approach People Recruitment)

Postdoctoral Position – Heart Disease and Human ES/iPS Cells (University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Position – Stem Cell and Neurodegenerative Diseases (University of Connecticut Health Center)

Postdoctoral Position – Leukemia Biology (Northwestern University)

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

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

Scientist – Particle Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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

Research Technologist – Mesenchymal Cell Research (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Technologist – Cell Culture Media & Matrices (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Associate/Scientist – Antibodies Group (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Associate – Particle Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Quality Control Analyst – Media (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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