ESC & iPSC News Volume 8.41 | Oct 16 2013

    0
    71
    ESC & iPSC News 8.41 October 16, 2013

    ESC & iPSC News

         In this issue: Publications | Reviews | Industry News | Policy News | Events | Jobs
    Cell Therapy News on Facebook  ESC & iPSC News on Twitter

     
    TOP STORY
    Super-Enhancers in the Control of Cell Identity and Disease
    The authors describe the population of transcription factors, cofactors, chromatin regulators, and transcription apparatus occupying super-enhancers in embryonic stem cells and evidence that super-enhancers are highly transcribed. They produced a catalog of super-enhancers in a broad range of human cell types and find that super-enhancers associate with genes that control and define the biology of these cells. [Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract | Press Release
    Take the 'if' out of 'diff': Reduce variability when differentiating to neural progenitors

     
    PUBLICATIONS (Ranked by impact factor of the journal)
    Asymmetric Inheritance of Centrosome-Associated Primary Cilium Membrane Directs Ciliogenesis after Cell Division
    Scientists followed the ciliary membrane in dividing embryonic neocortical stem cells and cultured cells. Ciliary membrane attached to the mother centriole was endocytosed at mitosis onset, persisted through mitosis at one spindle pole, and was asymmetrically inherited by one daughter cell, which retained stem cell character. Abstract | Graphical Abstract

    Context-Dependent Wiring of Sox2 Regulatory Networks for Self-Renewal of Embryonic and Trophoblast Stem Cells
    By comparing genome-wide binding sites of Sox2 in embryonic stem cells and trophoblast stem cells combined with inducible knockout systems, researchers found that, despite the common role in safeguarding the stem cell state, Sox2 regulates distinct sets of genes with unique functions in these two different yet developmentally related types of stem cells. [Mol Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

    DNA Methyltransferase-3-Dependent Nonrandom Template Segregation in Differentiating Embryonic Stem Cells
    The authors’ results unambiguously demonstrate nonrandom template segregation (NRTS) in asymmetrically dividing, differentiating human and mouse embryonic stem cells. Moreover, they showed that NRTS is dependent on DNA methylation and on DNA methyltransferase-3, indicating a molecular mechanism that regulates this phenomenon. [J Cell Biol] Abstract

    CTCF Binding Site Sequence Differences Are Associated with Unique Regulatory and Functional Trends during Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation
    The authors’ previous work suggested that differences in CCCTC-binding factor’s (CTCF’s) binding site sequence may affect the regulation of CTCF recruitment and its function. To investigate this possibility, they characterized changes in genome-wide CTCF binding and gene expression during differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells. [Nucleic Acid Res] Full Article

    Therapeutic Efficacy of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Endothelial Cells in Humanized Mouse Models Harboring a Human Immune System
    The generation of humanized mice harboring a human immune system has provided a tool to perform in vivo immunologic studies of human cells and tissues. Using this model, scientists examined the therapeutic potential of human embryonic stem cell-derived endothelial cells, human embryonic fibroblasts, and cord blood-derived endothelial progenitor cells in a human immune system environment. [Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol] Abstract

    Small Diameter Vascular Graft Engineered Using Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal Cells
    The feasibility of creating small diameter vascular constructs using smooth muscle cells differentiated from human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal cells was evaluated. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

    Electrical Stimulation Promotes Maturation of Cardiomyocytes Derived from Human Embryonic Stem Cells
    Scientists sought to determine whether electrical stimulation could enhance the differentiation and maturation of human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. [J Cardiovasc Transl Res] Abstract

    Gene Expression Profiling Reveals the Heterogeneous Transcriptional Activity of Oct3/4 and Its Possible Interaction with Gli2 in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
    Investigators examined the transcriptional activity of Oct3/4 in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) maintained under standard culture conditions to gain a better understanding of self-renewal in mESCs. [Genomics] Abstract

    Generation of Multipotent Foregut Stem Cells from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
    Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) lines vary in their capacity to generate specialized cells, and the development of universal protocols for the production of tissue-specific cells remains a major challenge. Investigators addressed this limitation for the endodermal lineage by developing a defined culture system to expand and differentiate human foregut stem cells derived from hPSCs. [Stem Cell Rep]
    Full Article | Press Release

    Maintenance of Pluripotency in Mouse ES Cells without Trp53
    Investigators established a new line of Trp53-null embryonic stem (ES) cells by sequential gene targeting and evaluated their ability to differentiate in vitro and in vivo. [Sci Rep] Full Article

    Derivation of Metabolically Active Hepatocytes from Pluripotent Stem Cells - View On-Demand Webinar Now.

     
    REVIEWS
    The Application of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Bone Regeneration: Current Progress and Prospects
    Scientists summarize the primary technologies for generating induced pluripotent stem cells and the biological properties of these cells, review the current advances in induced pluripotent stem cell-based bone regeneration and, finally, discuss the remaining challenges associated with these cells, particularly safety issues and their potential application for osteoregenerative medicine. [Tissue Eng Part B] Abstract

    Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the ESC & iPSC research field.

    Attend World Stem Cell Summit 2013 in San Diego! Your Window to the World of Regenerative Medicine.

     
    INDUSTRY NEWS
    New York Stem Cell Foundation Announces $10.5 Million to Seven New NYSCF-Robertson Investigators
    The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) named seven of the most promising scientists as its 2013 NYSCF – Robertson Investigators. Each Investigator will receive a $1.5 million award, which will be disbursed over the next five years, which will enable them to expand their laboratories and train other scientists. [The New York Stem Cell Foundation] Press Release

    Cellular Dynamics Issued U.S. Patent Covering Differentiation of iPS Cells into Endothelial, Hematopoietic Cells
    Cellular Dynamics International announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued Patent No. 8,557,580 entitled “Methods and Compositions for the Differentiation of Stem Cells”. The newly issued patent relates to the method by which induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are differentiated into the diverse types of endothelial and hematopoietic cells. [Cellular Dynamics International] Press Release

    From our sponsor:
    Learn About Groundbreaking Applications for Feeder-Free hESC & hiPSC Culture Watch Webinar Now

     
    POLICY NEWS
    Minister Halts Italian Stem-Cell Therapy Trial
    The clinical trial of a controversial stem-cell therapy supported by the Italian government has been stopped before recruiting any patients – to the relief of scientists who have been fighting the trial for months. On 10 October, health minister Beatrice Lorenzin announced that she would follow the advice of a special panel of scientific advisors and disallow the trial. [Nature News] Editorial

    New Relief for Regenerative Medicine Accidents
    The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry will introduce a new system of relief for people who suffer unpredictable side effects or infection following treatment with regenerative medicine technology, such as cell sheets. [The Japan News] Editorial

    Stem Cell Rules Clear, Adequate, Says Philippines FDA
    The Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said its guidelines governing stem cell therapy in the country are adequate and clear, including the registration of products, health facilities and ethics review. [Manila Bulletin] Editorial

     
    EVENTS
    NEW Keystone Symposia: Stem Cells and Cancer
    February 2-7, 2014
    Banff, Canada

    Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the ESC & iPSC community.

     
    JOB OPPORTUNITIES
    NEW Postdoctoral Associate – Human and Mouse Stem Cell Biology, Pancreatic and Liver Specification and In Vitro Disease Modeling (Baylor College of Medicine)

    Postdoctoral Position – RNA & Stem Cell Biology (Cancer Research Centre of Lyon)

    Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Stem Cells (Bioprocessing Technology Institute)

    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)

    Scientist – Particle Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

    Research Technologist – Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Products (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.)


    Recruit Top Talent: Reach more than 50,000 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.

    Learn more about ESC & iPSC News: Archives | Events | Contact Us