ESC & iPSC News Volume 9.34 | Sep 3 2014

Conversion of Human Fibroblasts into Monocyte-Like Progenitor Cells
Researchers report on the establishment of a novel methodology allowing for the conversion of human fibroblasts into hematopoietic progenitor-like cells with macrophage differentiation potential. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Stress-Induced Enzyme Activation Primes Murine Embryonic Stem Cells to Differentiate toward the First Extraembryonic Lineage
To understand the effects of stress signaling during a critical period of pregnancy, investigators exposed cultured murine embryonic stem cells to hyperosmotic stress. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

Effect of Arsenic Compounds on the Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Differentiation into Cardiomyocytes In Vitro
Investigators evaluated effects of arsenic compounds on embryonic stem cells differentiation into cardiomyocytes in vitro and predict the associated toxic effects. [Chem Res Toxicol] Abstract

Long Non-Coding RNAs as Surrogate Indicators for Chemical Stress Responses in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
The authors identified six novel long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that respond to model chemical stresses in human induced pluripotent stem cells. Their results indicated that the lncRNAs responded to general and specific chemical stresses. [PLoS One] Full Article

Synergistic Transcriptional and Post-Transcriptional Regulation of ESC Characteristics by Core Pluripotency Transcription Factors in Protein-Protein Interaction Networks
The authors analyzed the topological properties of the “core” pluripotency transcription factors OCT4, SOX2 and NANOG in protein-protein interaction networks (PPINs). They identified synergistic interactions between these transcription factors and microRNAs in PPINs during embryonic stem cell (ESC) development [PLoS One]
Full Article

Trisomy 21 Mid-Trimester Amniotic Fluid Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Maintain Genetic Signatures during Reprogramming: Implications for Disease Modeling and Cryobanking
Researchers aimed to derive induced pluripotent stem cells from trisomy 21 human mid-trimester amniotic fluid stem cells and describe their hematopoietic and neurological characteristics. [Cell Reprogram] Abstract

Induced Expression of Fndc5 Significantly Increased Cardiomyocyte Differentiation Rate of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
To help identify the involvement of Fndc5 in the process of cardiomyocyte differentiation, scientists generated a stably inducible transduced mouse embryonic stem cell line that overexpressed Fndc5 following Doxycycline induction. [Gene] Abstract

Transient p53 Suppression Increases Reprogramming of Human Fibroblasts without Affecting Apoptosis and DNA Damage
Researchers report that transient suppression of tumor protein 53 (p53) during nonintegrative reprogramming of human fibroblasts leads to a significant increase in expression of pluripotency markers and overall number of induced pluripotent stem cell colonies, due to downstream suppression of p21, without affecting apoptosis and DNA damage. [Stem Cell Reports] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

Zinc-Finger Nuclease Enhanced Gene Targeting in Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Researchers describe targeting of the Pituitary homeobox 3 (PITX3) locus in human embryonic stem cells using custom designed zinc-finger nucleases, which introduce site-specific double-strand DNA breaks, together with a PITX3-EGFP-specific DNA donor vector. [J Vis Exp] Abstract

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DefiniGEN Joins European Bank for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (EBiSC) Consortium
DefiniGEN Ltd. announced it has joined the EBiSC consortium. The consortium comprises 26 partners, and has been newly-formed with support from the Innovative Medicines Initiative and the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations. [DefiniGEN Ltd.] Press Release

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Australia’s Chief Scientist Unveils Science Strategy
The nation’s chief scientist, Ian Chubb, outlined a national science strategy at a press conference. Among a raft of recommendations, his report calls for creating an Australian Innovation Board to identify priorities that would receive earmarked funding, adding to the rolls of science teachers, adopting a long-term R&D plan, and using science as a tool in Australian diplomacy. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

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Postdoctoral Fellow – Cardiac Differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Cells (Stanford University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Cardiac Animal Surgery (Stanford University)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Based Therapeutics (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)

Postdoctoral Positions – Hematopoietic and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (Indiana University School of Medicine)

Research Technician – Maintenance of Embryonic Stem Cell Lines, Electroporation and Subcloning (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (Brigham & Women’s Hospital – Harvard Medical School)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Proteomic Analysis of the Differentiation of Human ESCs or iPSCs (Cornell University)

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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