LABORATORY RESEARCH RUNX1a Enhances Hematopoietic Lineage Commitment from Human Embryonic Stem Cells and Inducible Pluripotent Stem Cells Researchers demonstrated that expression of endogenous RUNX1a, an isoform of RUNX1, parallels with lineage commitment and hematopoietic emergence from human pluripotent stem cells, including both human embryonic stem cells and inducible pluripotent stem cells. [Blood] Abstract The Histone Demethylase UTX Regulates Stem Cell Migration and Hematopoiesis Based on an shRNA library and SDF-1 migration screening assay, investigators identified the histone 3 lysine 27 demethylase UTX as a novel regulator for hematopoietic cell migration. Using hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells from their conditional UTX knockout mice, they were able to confirm the regulatory function of UTX on cell migration. [Blood] Abstract Lmo2 Induces Hematopoietic Stem Cell Like Features in T-Cell Progenitor Cells Prior to Leukemia Researchers analyzed proliferation, differentiation, and cell death in CD2-LIM domain Only 2 (Lmo2) transgenic thymic progenitor cells to understand the cellular effects of enforced Lmo2 expression. Lmo2 transgenic T-cell progenitor cells were blocked in differentiation, quiescent, and immortalized in vitro on OP9-DL1 stromal cells. [Stem Cells] Abstract Synergistic Activity of Bortezomib and HDACis in Preclinical Models of B-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia via Modulation of p53, PI3K/AKT and NF-κB Anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of combined histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi)/proteasome inhibitor treatments were analyzed using B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) monocultures, cocultures with primary mesenchymal stroma cells from ALL-patients and xenograft mouse models. [Clin Cancer Res] Abstract Hierarchical Organization of Osteoblasts Reveals the Significant Role of CD166 in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Maintenance and Function Scientists previously demonstrated that osteoblasts (OB) maturational status influences hematopoietic stem cells function whereby immature OB with high Runx2 expression promote hematopoietic expansion. Here, they showed that CD166 expression on OB is directly correlated with Runx2 expression and high hematopoiesis enhancing activity. [Bone] Abstract Abnormal Hematopoietic Phenotypes in Pim Kinase Triple Knockout Mice: Pim Kinase Regulates Hematopoiesis Pim1-/-2-/-3-/- triple knockout (TKO) mice were used to determine the role of Pim kinases in hematopoiesis. Peripheral blood hematological parameters were measured in Pim TKO mice and age-matched wild-type controls. [J Hematol Oncol] Abstract | Full Article CLINICAL RESEARCH Who Is the Better Donor for Older Hematopoietic Transplant Recipients: An Older-Aged Sibling or a Young, Matched Unrelated Volunteer? Transplants in leukemia/lymphoma patients aged ≥50 years were analyzed comparing outcomes for recipients of HLA-matched siblings ≥50 versus HLA-matched unrelated donor < 50 years. [Blood] Abstract Impact of a Donor Source on Adult Philadelphia Chromosome-Negative Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Retrospective Analysis from the Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Working Group of the Japan Society for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Researchers retrospectively analyzed data of 1726 patients who underwent myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) for adult Philadelphia chromosome-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The sources of the allo-SCT were related donors, unrelated donors, and cord blood. [Ann Oncol] Abstract Outcome after First Relapse in Adult Patients with Philadelphia Chromosome-Negative Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia To analyze the outcome of adult patients who developed a first relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the authors collected the clinical data of 332 patients with Philadelphia-chromosome negative ALL, aged 16-65 years, who relapsed after first complete remission (CR1) between 1998 and 2008 in 69 institutions all over Japan, including 58 patients who relapsed after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in CR1. [Br J Haemotol] Abstract |