ESC & iPSC News Volume 9.49 | Dec 17 2014

A Sox2 Distal Enhancer Cluster Regulates Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation Potential
Investigators identified and functionally validated the sequences required for Sox2 transcription based on a computational model that predicted transcriptional enhancer elements within 130 kb of Sox2. [Genes Dev] Abstract | Press Release

Suppression of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Apoptotic Pathways by miR-294/302 Family Synergistically Blocks Let-7-Induced Silencing of Self-Renewal in Embryonic Stem Cells
Scientists show that among many pathways regulated by miR-294/302, the combinatorial suppression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and apoptotic pathways is sufficient in maintaining the self-renewal of embryonic stem cells. [Cell Death Differ] Full Article

Snai1 Promotes ESC Exit from the Pluripotency by Direct Repression of Self-Renewal Genes
In embryonic stem cells (ESCs) Snai1 does not respond to TGFα or BMP4 signaling but it is induced by retinoic acid treatment, which induces the binding, on the Snai1 promoter, of the retinoid receptors RARγ and RXRα the dissociation of the polycomb repressor complex 2 which results in the decrease of H3K27me3 and the increase of histone H3K4me3. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Formation of Well-Defined Embryoid Bodies from Dissociated Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Using Microfabricated Cell-Repellent Microwell Arrays
A simple, scalable, and reproducible technology that allows direct formation of large numbers of homogeneous and synchronized embryoid bodies of defined sizes from dissociated human induced pluripotent stem cells was developed. [Sci Rep] Full Article

miRNA-1 and miRNA-133A Are Involved in Early Commitment of Pluripotent Stem Cells and Demonstrate Antagonistic Roles in the Regulation of Cardiac Differentiation
Investigators analyzed the regulation of miRNA-1 (miR-1) and miR-133a expression during pluripotent stem cell differentiation and investigated their role in DMSO and embryoid body-mediated mesodermal and cardiac differentiation by gain- and loss-of-function studies, as well as in vivo, by the induction of teratomas. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] Abstract

Vitamin C-Induced Pluripotent State in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells by Modulating MicroRNA Expression
Scientists found that vitamin C-induced microRNA (miRNA) expression, particularly embryonic stem cell-specific miRNAs. Vitamin C maintained the miRNA expression of the Dlk1-Dio3 imprinting region. [FEBS J] Abstract

New Type of Sendai Virus Vector Provides Transgene-Free iPS Cells Derived from Chimpanzee Blood
Investigators developed a new Sendai virus vector, TS12KOS, which has improved efficiency, does not integrate into the cellular DNA, and can be easily eliminated. TS12KOS carries KLF4, OCT3/4, and SOX2 in a single vector and can easily generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from human blood cells. [PLoS One] Full Article

Negligible Immunogenicity of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived from Human Skin Fibroblasts
Scientists found that no-integrate human induced pluripotent stem cells had no MHC-II and T cell co-stimulatory molecules expressions but had moderate level of MHC-I and HLA-G expressions. [PLoS One] Full Article

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BioTime Appoints Angus C. Russell to Board of Directors
BioTime, Inc. announced that Angus C. Russell, former Chief Executive Officer of Shire plc, has been appointed to BioTime’s Board of Directors. [BioTime, Inc.] Press Release

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California Stem Cell Agency to Launch New Speedy Funding Mechanism
California’s $3 billion stem cell funding agency has made a sweeping New Year’s resolution. The governing board of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine approved a plan to overhaul the agency’s grant process. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

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NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Stem Cell Biology and Reprogramming (Baylor College of Medicine)

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

Postdoctoral Fellow and Technician – Regenerative Medicine Using iPSC, Embryonic and Adult Stem Cells (University of Illinois at Chicago)

Postdoctoral Position – Pluripotent Stem Cell Biology and Cancer Research (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center)

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Stem Cell Engineering (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute)

Postdoctoral Fellow – In Vitro Modeling of Human Skeletal Muscle Disease (Duke University)

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

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

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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