ESC & iPSC News Volume 9.44 | Nov 12 2014

Human ESC-Derived Dopamine Neurons Show Similar Preclinical Efficacy and Potency to Fetal Neurons when Grafted in a Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease
The authors provide a comprehensive preclinical assessment of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived midbrain dopamine neurons in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease. They show long-term survival and functionality using clinically relevant MRI and PET imaging techniques and demonstrate efficacy in restoration of motor function with a potency comparable to that seen with human fetal dopamine neuron [Cell Stem Cell] Full Article | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

hPSC-Derived Maturing GABAergic Interneurons Ameliorate Seizures and Abnormal Behavior in Epileptic Mice
Scientists demonstrate that human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC)-derived maturing GABAergic interneurons migrate extensively and integrate into dysfunctional circuitry of the epileptic mouse brain. [Cell Stem Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

Transdifferentiation of Human Fibroblasts to Endothelial Cells: Role of Innate Immunity
Scientists show that toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) agonist Poly I:C, combined with exogenous EC growth factors, transdifferentiated human fibroblasts into ECs. Induced ECs significantly improved limb perfusion and neovascularization in the murine ischemic hindlimb. [Circulation] Abstract | Press Release

iPSC-Derived Dopamine Neurons Reveal Differences between Monozygotic Twins Discordant for Parkinson’s Disease
Investigators applied induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology for Parkinson’s disease modeling using twins’ fibroblasts to evaluate and dissect genetic and nongenetic contributions. [Cell Rep]
Full Article | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

Acute Loss of Cited2 Impairs Nanog Expression and Decreases Self-Renewal of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
The authors show that Cited2 is important for proliferation, survival and self-renewal of mouse ESC. They position Cited2 within the pluripotency gene regulatory network by defining Nanog, Tbx3 and Klf4 as its direct targets. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Restore Function in a Human Cell Loss Model of Open-Angle Glaucoma
Using controlled cell loss in ex vivo perfused human outflow pathway organ culture, the authors developed compelling experimental evidence that this level of cell loss compromises intraocular pressure homeostatic function. This function was restored by repopulation of the model with fresh trabecular meshwork cells. They then differentiated induced pluripotent stem cells and used them to repopulate this cell depletion model. [Stem Cells] Abstract | Full Article

Reactivation of Inactive X Chromosome and Post-Transcriptional Reprogramming of Xist in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Researchers investigated whether the sex of somatic cells affects reprogramming efficiency, differentiation potential, and the post-transcriptional processing of Xist RNA after reprogramming. [J Cell Sci] Abstract

Direct Lineage Conversion of Adult Mouse Liver Cells and B Lymphocytes to Neural Stem Cells
Investigators used transduction of doxycycline-inducible transcription factors to generate stable tripotent neural stem cells (NSCs). The induced NSCs maintained their characteristics in the absence of exogenous factor expression and were transcriptionally, epigenetically, and functionally similar to primary brain-derived NSCs. [Stem Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract | Press Release

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

USC Stem Cell Researcher Receives First Broad Fellowship
What makes stem cells develop into kidneys? Lori O’Brien, a postdoctoral research associate in the laboratory of Andrew McMahon, has received the first Broad Fellowship to help answer this question. In particular, O’Brien is focusing her attention on an important epigenetic regulator called Phf19, which encourages embryonic stem cells to self-renew and may have a similar effect on kidney stem cells. [University of Southern California]
Press Release

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Science Adviser Role in the New European Commission in Limbo
Anne Glover’s mandate as chief scientific adviser to the president of the European Commission ended, when the entire commission left office – and it is still unclear how and where the new administration will get scientific advice. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

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

PhD Studentship – The Initial Network for Cellular Reprogramming to Pluripotency (University of Edinburgh)

Postdoctoral Position – Stem Cell and RNA Biology (Lund University)

Postdoctoral Position – Muscle Cell Therapy (I-Stem)

Postdoctoral Scientist – Stem Cell Biology (Texas Biomedical Research Institute)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Pluripotent Stem Cell Laboratory (University of California – San Diego)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Stem Cells & Epigenetics (National Institutes of Health)

Postdoctoral Positions – Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine (Texas Biomedical Research Institute)

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.)

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