ESC & iPSC News Volume 9.25 | Jul 2 2014

Low-Grade Chromosomal Mosaicism in Human Somatic and Embryonic Stem Cell Populations
Scientists studied the genetic content of 92 individual human cells, including fibroblasts, amniocytes and embryonic stem cells, using single-cell array-based comparative genomic hybridization. [Nat Commun] Abstract

Suv39h-Dependent H3K9me3 Marks Intact Retrotransposons and Silences LINE Elements in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Scientists dissected Suv39h-dependent histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) by genome-wide ChIP sequencing in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Refined bioinformatic analyses of repeat subfamilies indicated selective accumulation of Suv39h-dependent H3K9me3 at interspersed repetitive elements that cover ~5% of the ESC epigenome. [Mol Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

CstF-64 Supports Pluripotency and Regulates Cell Cycle Progression in Embryonic Stem Cells through Histone 3′ End Processing
The role of 3′ end processing in regulation of embryonic stem cell (ESC) pluripotency and cell cycle is poorly understood. To better understand these processes, investigators examined mouse ESCs that lack the 3′ end-processing factor CstF-64. [Nucleic Acids Res] Full Article

Passage Number Is a Major Contributor to Genomic Structural Variations in Mouse iPS Cells
The authors studied the extent of genomic variation on the scale of individual cells originating from the same animal. They used mouse neural stem cells grown from embryonic cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells generated from embryonic brain cells, B cells or fibroblasts, and performed comparative analysis with cultures of fibroblasts from the same mouse. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Generation of Insulin-Producing β-Like Cells from Human iPS Cells in a Defined and Completely Xeno-Free Culture System
Scientists developed a five-step xeno-free culture system to efficiently differentiate human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells into insulin-producing cells in vitro. [J Mol Cell Biol] Abstract

Antiviral Responses in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells: Differential Development of Cellular Mechanisms in Type I Interferon Production and Response
Researchers report that mouse embryonic stem cells are able to respond to type-I interferons (IFNs), express IFN-stimulated genes, and mediate the antiviral effect of type-I IFNs against La Crosse virus and chikungunya virus. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article

Dual Gene Expression in Embryoid Bodies Derived from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Using Episomal Vectors
Scientists sought to establish an efficient method of transfection and rotary culture to generate embryoid bodies that stably express two genes. The pMetLuc2-Reporter vector was transfected using FuGENE HD, Lipofectamine LTX, X-tremeGENE, or TransIT-2020 transfection reagents. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

Derivation and Long-Term Culture of an Embryonic Stem Cell-Like Line from Zebrafish Blastomeres under Feeder-Free Condition
Scientists describe the derivation and long-term culture of an embryonic stem cell-like line derived from zebrafish blastomeres without the use of feeder cells. [Zebrafish] Full Article | Press Release

Antitumor Effects of CD40 Ligand-Expressing Endothelial Progenitor Cells Derived from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in a Metastatic Breast Cancer Model
Scientists sought to explore whether human induced pluripotent stem cells could be used as a reliable and accessible cell source to generate human endothelial progenitor cells suitable for cancer treatment. [Stem Cells Transl Med] Abstract

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

Advanced Cell Technology Appoints Paul K. Wotton, Ph.D, President and Chief Executive Officer
Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. (ACT) announced the appointment of Paul Wotton, Ph.D., to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Wotton joins ACT from Antares Pharma Inc., where he served as President and CEO since October, 2008. [Advanced Cell Technology, Inc.] Press Release

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French Research Funding System Is Too ‘Rigid,’ OECD Says
France’s research system is ‘rigid’ and ‘complex,’ according to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The study urges the center-left government of François Hollande to continue reforms set in motion over the past decade but criticizes France’s tax credit system for R&D as ineffective and ‘too generous.’ [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Australian Scientists Take to the Streets to Protest Job Cuts
Abandoning their usual reserve, nearly 1000 scientists across the country downed instruments and grabbed placards to protest pending job losses at the nation’s leading research organization, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

U.S. Aging Researchers Prepare for Loss of Hungry Mouse Colony
The National Institute on Aging, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, revealed earlier this month that it will be phasing out its colony of calorie-restricted rodents. Although most researchers who study aging won’t be affected by the decision, some scientists will have to pay substantially more for experimental mice, and some may be priced out of the field. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

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

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Technician (JAM Scientific and Medical)

Postdoctoral Positions – Stem Cell Biology (State University of New York)

Postdoctoral Position – Studying RNA and Heart Biology Using Human Stem Cells (University of Pittsburgh)

Postdoctoral Position – Functional Characterization of Neurons Derived from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (Radboud University Medical Center)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Hematopoietic Stem Cells as Well as on Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (KU Leuven)

Postdoctoral Position – Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology (Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research)

PhD Studentship – Molecular Mechanism of Asymmetric Stem Cell Division (King’s College London)

Postdoctoral Fellows – Reproductive Sciences/Embryonic Development (University of Maryland)

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cell Biology Endoderm Lineages (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Biology (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cell Media Development, High Throughput Screening (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Cell Culture Support Products (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Immunology/Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Associate – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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