Hematopoiesis News Volume 3.05 | Feb 7 2012

LABORATORY RESEARCH

Downregulated Expression of hsa–miR–181c in Fanconi Anemia Patients: Implications in TNFα Regulation and Proliferation of Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells
In this study researchers aimed to elucidate the role of miRNAs in the hematopoietic defects observed in fanconi anemia patients. [Blood] Abstract

HIF-1α Deletion Partially Rescues Defects of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Quiescence Caused by Cited2 Deficiency
In this study, the function of Cited2 in adult hematopoiesis was investigated in conditional knockout mice. [Blood] Abstract

Characterization of Thrombopoietin-Responsive Progenitor Cells in Adult Mouse Bone Marrow with In Vivo Megakaryocyte and Erythroid Potential
Identification of cell-surface antigen expression associated with hematopoietic lineage restriction has allowed prospective isolation of progenitor cells with defined hematopoietic potential. To clarify further the cellular origins of megakaryocyte commitment, researchers assessed the in vitro and in vivo megakaryocyte and platelet potential of defined progenitor populations in the adult mouse bone marrow. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract | Press Release

Novel Pathways to Erythropoiesis Induced by Dimerization of Intracellular cMpl in Human Hematopoietic Progenitors
The goal of this study was to define the hematopoietic progenitor stages at which dimerization of intracellular Mpl induces erythropoiesis, and the downstream molecular events that mediate this unanticipated effect. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Non-Canonical NF-κB Signaling Regulates Hematopoietic Stem Cell Self-Renewal and Microenvironment Interactions
Researchers generated RelB/NF-κB2 double-knockout (dKO) mice and found that dKO hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells have profoundly impaired engraftment and self-renewal activity after transplantation into wild-type recipients. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Nonmyeloablative Conditioning Regimen to Increase Engraftment of Gene-Modified Hematopoietic Stem Cells in Young Rhesus Monkeys
These studies establish a clinically relevant pediatric primate model to assess the effects of conditioning regimens on the engraftment of transduced hematopoietic stem cells and the immune responses to cells expressing a foreign gene product. [Mol Ther] Abstract

ERK1 Regulates the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niches
This study reinforces the hypothesis of an active cross-talk between hematopoietic stem cells, their progeny and bone cells in the maintenance of the homeostasis of these compartments. [PLoS One] Abstract

Zebrafish Models for Dyskeratosis Congenita Reveal Critical Roles of p53 Activation Contributing to Hematopoietic Defects through RNA Processing
Through comparative analysis of morpholino oligonucleotide induced knockdown of dkc1 and a retrovirus insertion induced mutation of GAR1/nola1 in zebrafish, researchers demonstrate that hematopoietic defects are specifically recapitulated in these models and that these defects are significantly reduced in a p53 null mutant background. [PLoS One] Abstract

CLINICAL RESEARCH

A Phase I/II Study of Chemosensitization with the CXCR4 Antagonist Plerixafor in Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia
In this phase I/II study, fifty-two patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia were treated with plerixafor in combination with mitoxantrone, etoposide and cytarabine. [Blood] Abstract

Growth Factor-Associated Graft-versus-Host Disease and Mortality 10 years after Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation
This study analyzed the effects of growth factor on outcome after hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation with >9 years follow-up. [Br J Haematol] Abstract

Aberrant Methylation and Decreased Expression of the RIZ1 Gene Are Frequent in Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia of T Cell Phenotype
Scientists analyzed expression and promoter methylation status of the RIZ1 gene in newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and methylation-specific PCR respectively. [Leuk Lymphoma] Abstract

Athersys Announces Positive Results of MultiStem^® Clinical Trial for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Support and Prevention of Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Athersys, Inc. announced positive results from its Phase I clinical trial of MultiStem^® administered to individuals undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants for the treatment of leukemia and related conditions. [Press release from Athersys, Inc. discussing research presented at the Annual American Society for Bone Marrow Transplantation Tandem Meetings, San Diego] Press Release

Chimerix Antiviral Compound, CMX001, Meets CMV Phase II Primary Endpoint in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients
Chimerix, Inc. announced positive results from CMX001 Study 201, a Phase II study evaluating CMX001 for the prevention of cytomegalovirus disease in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. [Press release from Chimerix, Inc. discussing research presented at the 2012 Blood and Marrow Transplantation Tandem Meetings, San Diego] Press Release

REGiMMUNE Initiates Phase I/II Clinical Trial for GvHD – Company Raises $5 Million in Series A Preferred to Fund Trial
REGiMMUNE Corporation announced that it has begun a Phase I/II study of its proprietary compound RGI-2001 for Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD) associated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. [REGiMMUNE] Press Release

Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission Announces New Program for Pre-Clinical and Clinical Research Grants
The Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission has announced a new program for pre-clinical and clinical research grants. This program will support for-profit companies in advancing medical therapies using human stem cells. [Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund] Press Release

$30 Million Gift to Fast Forward Health Care Research, Education and Care at McMaster University
A Hamilton family is giving McMaster University $30 million to accelerate the university’s innovations in health research, education and care. [McMaster University] Press Release

Biotech Leaders Join EntreMed’s Board Of Directors
EntreMed, Inc. announced that Wei-Wu He, Ph.D has joined the Board of Directors as Executive Chairman and Tak W. Mak, Ph.D has joined as a member of the Board of Directors. [EntreMed, Inc.] Press Release

EUSA Pharma Acquires Development and Commercialization Rights to ASPAREC^®
for Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia from Alizé Pharma
EUSA Pharma announced that it has acquired the exclusive worldwide development and commercialization rights to ASPAREC^® for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia from Alizé Pharma. [EUSA Pharma] Press Release

National Institutes of Health (United States)

Food and Drug Administration (United States)
 
Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)
 
European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

NEW European School of Haematology (ESH)-European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT): Training Course on Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
April 22-25, 2012
Sofia, Bulgaria

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the hematopoietic community

Research and Development Technologist, hPSC Media (STEMCELL Technologies)

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies)

Research Technologist, Manufacturing Sciences (STEMCELL Technologies)

Business Analyst – Product Management (STEMSOFT Software)

Postdoctoral Researchers (Centre for Cancer Biology)

Postdoctoral/Research Associate (Children’s Memorial Research Center)

Pediatric Faculty – Hematology/Oncology Stem Cell Sciences (The University of Chicago)

Postdoctoral Positions in Stem Cell Biology (Columbia University)

Professorship in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Head (University of Göttingen)

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