ESC & iPSC News Volume 8.45 | Nov 13 2013

Isogenic Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Pairs Reveal the Role of a KCNH2 Mutation in Long-QT Syndrome
To study the LQT2-associated c.A2987T KCNH2 mutation under genetically defined conditions, the authors derived induced pluripotent stem cells from a patient carrying this mutation and corrected it. Furthermore, they introduced the same point mutation in human embryonic stem cells, generating two genetically distinct isogenic pairs of long-QT syndromes (LQTS) and control lines. [EMBO J] Full Article

A Conserved Oct4/POUV-Dependent Network Links Adhesion and Migration to Progenitor Maintenance
The authors examined the function of Oct4 homologs in Xenopus embryos and compared this to the role of Oct4 in maintaining mammalian embryo-derived stem cells. Based on a combination of expression profiling of Oct4/POUV-depleted Xenopus embryos and in silico analysis of existing mammalian Oct4 target data sets, they defined a set of evolutionary-conserved Oct4/POUV targets. [Curr Biol] Abstract | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

Beta Cell Dysfunction Due to Increased ER Stress in a Stem Cell Model of Wolfram Syndrome
To investigate the cause of beta cell failure, researchers used induced pluripotent stem cells to create insulin-producing cells from individuals with Wolfram syndrome. WFS1-deficient beta cells showed increased levels of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress molecules, and decreased insulin content. [Diabetes]
Abstract | Press Release

Identification of Ccr4-Not Complex Components as Regulators of Transition from Partial to Genuine Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Researchers performed genome-wide screening with a piggyBac vector to identify genes involved in conversion from partial to genuine induced pluripotent stem cells. This screening led to identification of Cnot2, one of the core components of the Ccr4-Not complex. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

Gain of 20q11.21 in Human Embryonic Stem Cells Improves Cell-Survival by Increased Expression of Bcl-xL
Scientists studied three human embryonic stem cell lines that acquired a gain of 20q11.21 during in vitro culture. The study of the mRNA gene expression levels of the loci located in the common region of duplication showed that HM13, ID1, BCL2L1, KIF3B and the immature form of the micro RNA miR-1825 were up-regulated in mutant cells. [Mol Hum Reprod] Abstract

A Modified TALEN-Based System for Robust Generation of Knock-Out Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Lines and Disease Models
The modular architecture of TAL effectors theoretically enables targeting of any genomic locus and several cloning systems for custom transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) assembly have recently been established. However, there is a lack of versatile TALEN expression systems applicable to human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Here, the authors extend an existing TALE assembly system by a dual set of expression vectors for efficient application of TALEN technology in hPSCs. [BMC Genomics]
Abstract | Full Article

Functional Differences in Engineered Myocardium from Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived versus Neonatal Cardiomyocytes
Scientists built laminar myocardium engineered from cardiomyocytes that were differentiated from mouse embryonic stem cell-derived cardiac progenitors or harvested directly from neonatal mouse ventricles, and compared their anatomy and physiology in vitro. [Stem Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Embryonic Stem Cells and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Skeletal Regeneration
The authors summarize the current knowledge of osteogenic and chondrogenic induction from embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and provide a perspective on the application of iPSCs for skeletal regeneration. [Tissue Eng Part B Rev] Abstract

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

Cellular Dynamics Receives Formal Notice of Grant Award (NGA) for $16 Million Stem Cell Banking Project
Cellular Dynamics International announced that the company has received the NGA from the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine to create a human induced pluripotent stem cell biobank from 3,000 individuals. [Cellular Dynamics International] Press Release

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

FIRST Up: Lawmakers to Examine Bill Renewing U.S. Research
The science committee of the U.S. House of Representatives kicked off discussion of competing proposals to renew and reshape science and education programs at the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and other federal funding agencies. Lawmakers on the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology are expected to hear praise for, and complaints about, bills put forward by the panel’s Republican majority and Democratic minority. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

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

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

Assistant Director (Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine)

Postdoctoral Position – Human Stem Cells (Sabine Costagliola-ULB)

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)

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

Research Scientist – Stem Cell Research (Approach People Recruitment)

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.)

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.