ESC & iPSC News Volume 9.26 | Jul 9 2014

Modeling Fanconi Anemia Pathogenesis and Therapeutics Using Integration-Free Patient-Derived iPSCs
Scientists derived integration free-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from an Fanconi anemia (FA) patient without genetic complementation and report in situ gene correction in FA-iPSCs as well as the generation of isogenic FANCA-deficient human embryonic stem cell lines. [Nat Commun] Abstract

Induction of Primordial Germ Cell-Like Cells from Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells by ERK Signal Inhibition
Coculture of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) with OP9 feeder cells induces mesodermal differentiation in vitro. Using this mesodermal differentiation system, researchers demonstrate that primordial germ cell-like cells were efficiently induced from mouse ESCs by ERK signaling inhibition. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Cell Reprogramming into the Pluripotent State Using Graphene Based Substrates
The authors report that graphene promotes the reprogramming of mouse somatic fibroblasts into induced pluripotent stem cells. They found that the graphene substrate significantly improved cellular reprogramming efficiency by inducing mesenchymal-to-epithelial-transition which is known to affect H3K4me3 levels. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Footprint- and Xeno-Free Human iPSCs Derived from Urine Cells Using Extracellular Matrix-Based Culture
Investigators established a practical, simple, and convenient method to generate integration- and xeno-free induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from urine cells which can be obtained in a non-invasive manner. [Biomaterials] Abstract

Human Embryonic Stem Cells and Macroporous Calcium Phosphate Construct for Bone Regeneration in Cranial Defects in Rats
Scientists investigated human embryonic stem cells for bone regeneration in vivo in critical-sized cranial defects in rats and determined the effects of cell seeding and platelets in macroporous calcium phosphate cement on new bone and blood vessel formation. [Acta Biomater] Abstract

Rad51 Regulates Cell Cycle Progression by Preserving G2/M Transition in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Rad51 and homologous recombination accessory factors may facilitate replication fork progression by preventing replication fork collapse and repair double-strand breaks that spontaneously arise during the normal cell cycle. Researchers demonstrate a novel role for Rad51 during the cell cycle in mouse embryonic stem cells. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

Notch-1 Mediated Cardiac Protection following Embryonic and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Transplantation in Doxorubicin-Induced Heart Failure
Researchers reveal apoptosis was significantly inhibited in embryonic stem and induced pluripotent stem cell transplanted hearts compared with respective controls. [PLoS One] Full Article

Somatostatin Receptor Type 2 Contributes to the Self-Renewal of Murine Embryonic Stem Cells
The roles of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in stem cell biology remain unclear. Investigators aimed to identify GPCRs that might contribute to the self-renewal of mouse embryonic stem cells. [Acta Pharmacol Sin] Abstract

StemCells, Inc. Appoints Dr. Alan Trounson to Board of Directors
StemCells, Inc. announced the appointment of Alan Trounson, Ph.D. to its Board of Directors. Dr. Trounson most recently served as President of The California Institute of Regenerative Medicine. [StemCells, Inc.]
Press Release

Imperial College under Renewed Pressure over Animal Research
Government inspections of animal research in the UK should be reviewed, an independent advisory group said in a report which also adds pressure on Imperial College London over its work in this area. [Nature News] Editorial

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NEW Scientist – Stem Cell Bioengineering and Automation (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency)

NEW Scientist – Cell Banking Program (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency)

NEW Postdoctoral Researcher – Generation of Myocardium In Situ (Van Andel Research Institute)

NEW Postdoctoral Position – Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Human Hematopoietic Specification Using Human Embryonic Stem Cells (Washington University School of Medicine)

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 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)

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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