LABORATORY RESEARCH Survivin Modulates Genes with Divergent Molecular Functions and Regulates Proliferation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells through Evi-1 While investigating conditional Survivin deletion in mice, investigators found that Survivin was highly expressed in phenotypically defined hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and Survivin deletion in mice resulted in significantly reduced total marrow HSC and progenitor cells. [Leukemia] Abstract Engineering Human Tumor Associated Chromosomal Translocations with the RNA-Guided CRISPR-Cas9 System The authors presented a strategy for generating cancer-related human chromosomal translocations in vitro based on the ability of the RNA-guided CRISPR-Cas9 system to induce double-strand breaks at defined positions. Using this approach they generated human cell lines and primary cells bearing chromosomal translocations resembling those described in acute myeloid leukemia and Ewing’s sarcoma at high frequencies. [Nat Commun] Abstract | Press Release NrasG12D Oncoprotein Inhibits Apoptosis of Pre-Leukemic Cells Expressing Cbfβ-SMMHC via Activation of MEK/ERK Axis Investigators used NrasLSL-G12D; Cbfb56M knock-in mice to show that allelic expression of oncogenic NrasG12D and Cbfβ-SMMHC increases survival of pre-leukemic short-term hematopoietic stem cells and myeloid progenitor cells and maintains the differentiation block induced by the fusion protein. [Blood] Abstract Reduced Expression of CD18 Leads to the In Vivo Expansion of Hematopoietic Stem Cells in Mouse Bone Marrow To investigate the role of CD18 in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) biology, researchers thoroughly characterized the HSCs of CD18 Itgb2tm1bay hypomorphic mice both by flow cytometry and using in vitro and in vivo transplantation assays. [Stem Cells] Abstract Gene Profiling Reveals Association between Altered Wnt Signaling and Loss of T-Cell Potential with Age in Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells Investigators examined the gene expression profiles of young and aged hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from human cord blood and adult mobilized peripheral blood, respectively, and found that Wnt signaling genes are differentially expressed between young and aged human HSCs, with less activation of Wnt signaling in aged HSCs. [Aging Cell] Full Article Dynamic Equilibrium of Heterogeneous and Interconvertible Multipotent Hematopoietic Cell Subsets Scientists describe extensive phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of EML cells which stems from the coexistence of multiple cell subsets. Each of these subsets is phenotypically and functionally heterogeneous, and displays distinct multilineage differentiation potential, cell cycle profile, proliferation kinetics, and expression pattern of hematopoietic stem cell markers and some of the key lineage-associated transcription factors. [Sci Rep] Full Article CLINICAL RESEARCH Early Use of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Infants with MLL Gene-Rearrangement-Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Sixty-two infants with MLL gene-rearrangement-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia were treated with the MLL03 protocol of the Japanese Pediatric Leukemia/Lymphoma Study Group: short-course intensive chemotherapy followed by early allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation within four months of the initial induction. [Leukemia] Abstract Factors Predicting Hematopoietic Recovery in Patients Undergoing Autologous Transplantation: 11-Year Experience from a Single Center Investigators evaluated 446 consecutive patients who underwent autologous transplantation at our center between 2001 and 2012. The impact of pre-transplant and collection factors together with CD34+ dosing ranges on engraftment, hospital length of stay and survival endpoints were assessed in order to identify factors which might be optimized to improve outcomes for patients undergoing autologous transplantation using hematopoietic progenitor cells-apheresis. [Ann Hematol] Abstract Heading to ISSCR 2014 in Vancouver? Come Visit Connexon Creative at Booth #507 and Enter to Win $100 Amazon Gift Card! |