LABORATORY RESEARCH
The Transcriptional Landscape of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Ontogeny Scientists acquired the transcriptomes of developing hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) purified from >2,500 murine embryos and adult mice. They found that embryonic hematopoietic elements clustered into three distinct transcriptional states characteristic of the definitive yolk sac, HSCs undergoing specification, and definitive HSCs. [Cell Stem Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract G9a/GLP-Dependent Histone H3K9me2 Patterning during Human Hematopoietic Stem Cell Lineage Commitment Investigators reported that in adult human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, histone H3 Lys 9 (H3K9me2) chromatin territories are absent in primitive cells and are formed de novo during lineage commitment. [Gene Dev] Abstract Delayed Development of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in the Absence of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Researchers characterized the functional role of Migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in a chronic lymphocytic leukemia mouse model. For this purpose, they crossed Eμ-TCL1 mice with MIF knockout (MIF-/-) mice. The resulting TCL1+/wtMIF-/- mice showed a delayed onset of leukemia, reduced splenomegaly and hepatomegaly and a longer survival than TCL1+/wtMIFwt/wt controls. [Blood] Abstract Divergent Effects of Supraphysiological Notch Signals on Leukemia Stem Cells and Hematopoietic Stem Cells The Leukemia Stem Cell (LSC) hypothesis proposes that a subset of cells in the bulk leukemia population propagates the leukemia. Researchers tested the LSC hypothesis in a mouse model of Notch-induced T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in which the tumor cells are largely CD4+CD8+ T cells. [Blood] Abstract Diabetes Impairs Stem Cell and Proangiogenic Cell Mobilization in Humans Investigators sought to assay mobilization of stem and proangiogenic cells in subjects with and without diabetes mellitus. [Diabetes Care] Abstract CIK Cells from Recurrent or Refractory AML Patients Can Be Efficiently Expanded In Vitro and Used for Reduction of Leukemic Blasts In Vivo Scientists investigated whether cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells from recurrent or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with a high peripheral leukemia cell burdens could be expanded to a clinically usable number, and further evaluated their anti-tumor potentials in vitro and in vivo. [Exp Hematol] Abstract CLINICAL RESEARCH Initial Molecular Response at Three Months May Predict Both Response and Event-Free Survival at 24 Months in Imatinib-Resistant or -Intolerant Patients with Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Chronic Phase Treated With Nilotinib The association between initial molecular response and longer-term outcomes with nilotinib was examined. Patients with imatinib-resistant or -intolerant chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase from the phase II nilotinib registration study with available postbaseline BCR-ABL1 transcript assessments were included. [J Clin Oncol] Abstract Acute Toxicities of Unrelated Bone Marrow versus Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Donation: Results of a Prospective Trial from the NMDP Although peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) have replaced bone marrow (BM) as the most common unrelated donor progenitor cell product collected, a direct comparison of concurrent PBSC vs. BM donation experiences has not been performed. Researchers report a prospective study of 2726 bone marrow and 6768 peripheral blood stem cells donors who underwent collection from 2004-2009. Pain and toxicities were assessed at baseline, during G-CSF administration, on the day of collection, within 48 hours of donation, and weekly until full recovery. [Blood] Abstract Influence of Enzyme and Transporter Polymorphisms on Trough Imatinib Concentration and Clinical Response in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients Investigators explored the impact of genetic polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 enzymes and transporters on the plasma trough concentration of imatinib mesylate and clinical response in chronic myeloid leukemia. [Ann Oncol] Abstract |