ESC & iPSC News Volume 8.43 | Oct 30 2013

Hierarchical Mechanisms for Direct Reprogramming of Fibroblasts to Neurons
Researchers revealed a hierarchical mechanism in the direct conversion of fibroblasts into induced neuronal cells mediated by the transcription factors Ascl1, Brn2, and Myt1l. Ascl1 acts as an “on-target” pioneer factor by immediately occupying most cognate genomic sites in fibroblasts. [Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

Identification and Rescue of α-Synuclein Toxicity in Parkinson Patient-Derived Neurons
Investigators exploited mutation correction of induced pluripotent stem cells and conserved proteotoxic mechanisms from yeast to humans to discover and reverse phenotypic responses to α-Synuclein, a key protein involved in Parkinson’s disease. [Science] Abstract | Press Release

Vascular Progenitors from Cord Blood-Derived iPSC Possess Augmented Capacity for Regenerating Ischemic Retinal Vasculature
To evaluate the potential of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) for treating ischemic retinopathies, scientists generated vascular progenitors from a repertoire of viral-integrated and non-integrated fibroblast and cord blood-derived hiPSC lines, and tested their capacity for homing and engrafting into murine retina in an ischemia-reperfusion model. [Circulation] Abstract

Targeting RNA Foci in iPSC-Derived Motor Neurons from ALS Patients with a C9ORF72 Repeat Expansion
Researchers report a cellular model of C9ORF72 gene-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with motor neurons differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells derived from ALS patients carrying the C9ORF72 repeat expansion. No significant loss of C9ORF72 expression was observed, and knockdown of the transcript was not toxic to cultured human motor neurons. [Sci Transl Med] Abstract | Press Release

Reprogramming of MLL-AF9 Leukemia Cells into Pluripotent Stem Cells
Investigators established an acute myeloid leukemia model by over-expressing the human mixed lineage leukemia AF9 (MLL-AF9) fusion gene in mouse hematopoietic cells that carry Yamanaka factors under the control of doxycycline. [Leukemia] Full Article

Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cortical Neurons Integrate in Stroke-Injured Cortex and Improve Functional Recovery
At two months after transplantation into a stroke-damaged rat cortex, cortically fated cells showed less proliferation and more efficient conversion to mature neurons with morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics of a cortical phenotype and higher axonal projection density as compared with non-fated cells. [Brain] Abstract | Press Release

Pcid2 Inactivates Developmental Genes in Human and Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells to Sustain their Pluripotency by Modulation of Eid1 Stability
Researchers demonstrated that Pcid2 is required for the maintenance of self-renewal both in mouse and human embryonic stem cells. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Partial Restoration of Cardiovascular Function by Embryonic Neural Stem Cell Grafts after Complete Spinal Cord Transection
To restore supraspinal control of sympathetic preganglionic neurons, scientists grafted embryonic brainstem-derived neural stem cells or spinal cord-derived neural stem cells expressing green fluorescent protein into the T4 complete transection site of adult rats. [J Neurosci] Abstract

Human Endogenous Retrovirus K (HML-2) RNA and Protein Expression Is a Marker for Human Embryonic and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Using RTPCR and Western Blot, scientists demonstrate HML-2 RNA and protein expression in undifferentiated human embryonic stem cell and induced pluripotent stem cells. [Retrovirology]
Abstract | Full Article

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UW Expands Stem Cell Research to Waisman Center
Stem cell researchers at the University of Wisconsin’s (UW’s) Waisman Center hope their ongoing work will eventually allow them to move into human clinical trials to treat degenerative illnesses such Parkinson’s disease and Down syndrome. [University of Wisconsin] Press Release

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India’s Supreme Court Mandates Videotaped Consent in Clinical Trials
The Indian Supreme Court ordered the central government to issue regulations mandating videotaped informed consent of all participants in any clinical trial conducted on Indian soil, as well as additional cost-benefit analyses of potential drugs before trials can proceed. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

U.N. Names New Science Advisory Board
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed 26 scientists to a new Scientific Advisory Board that will provide the global body advice on “science, technology and innovation … for sustainable development.” [ScienceInsider] Editorial

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Faculty Position – Stem Cell Biology (University of Notre Dame / College of Science)

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

Scientist – Particle Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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

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

Research Associate – Particle Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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