Hematopoiesis News Volume 5.23 | Jun 17 2014

Rapamycin Relieves Lentiviral Vector Transduction Resistance in Human and Mouse Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Scientists showed that rapamycin, an allosteric inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin complexes, facilitates highly efficient lentiviral transduction of mouse and human hematopoietic stem cells and dramatically enhances marking frequency in long-term engrafting cells in mice. [Blood] Abstract

Stem Cell Programs Are Retained in Human Leukemic Lymphoblasts
Whether or not the self-renewal program is retained from stem cells or conferred on progenitors by leukemogenic molecules remains unknown. Investigators addressed the issue in the context of TEL-AML1-associated acute lymphoblastic leukemia by profiling a refined program edited from genes essential for self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells and B-cell development. [Oncogene] Abstract

Early Exposure of Murine Embryonic Stem Cells to Hematopoietic Cytokines Differentially Directs Definitive Erythropoiesis and Cardiomyogenesis in Alginate Hydrogel Three-Dimensional Cultures
Researchers demonstrate that three-dimensional cultures of alginate-encapsulated murine embryonic stem cells cultured in a rotating wall vessel bioreactor can be differentially driven towards definitive erythropoiesis and cardiomyogenesis in the absence of embryoid-like colony formation. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

Non-Marrow Hematopoiesis Occurs in a Hyaluronic Acid-Rich Node and Duct System in Mice
A hyaluronic acid-rich node and duct system was found on the surface of internal organs of mice, and inside their blood and lymph vessels. The nodes were filled with immune cells of the innate system and were especially enriched with mast cells and histiocytes. They also contained hematopoietic progenitor cells such as granulocyte-macrophage, erythroid, multipotential progenitors and mast cell progenitors. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

Hypoxia/Hypercapnia-Induced Adaptation Maintains Functional Capacity of Cord Blood Stem and Progenitor Cells at 4°C
Investigators analyzed the effect of exposure to hypoxic/hypercapnic gas mixture on the maintenance of functional cord blood CD34⁺ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in severe hypothermia employing physiological and proteomic approaches. [J Cell Physiol] Abstract

Distinct Stromal Cell Factor Combinations Can Separately Control Hematopoietic Stem Cell Survival, Proliferation, and Self-Renewal
Scientists demonstrate that hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) survival and maintenance of durable self-renewal potential are variably supported by different Steel factor-containing cocktails with similar HSC-mitogenic activities. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

CLINICAL RESEARCH

Augmented Post-Remission Therapy for a Minimal Residual Disease-Defined High-Risk Subgroup of Children and Young People with Clinical Standard-Risk and Intermediate-Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
No randomized study has shown whether stratification of treatment by minimal residual disease (MRD) response improves outcome in children and young people with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Investigators assessed whether children and young people with clinical standard and intermediate-risk ALL who have persistent MRD at the end of induction therapy benefit from augmented post-remission therapy. [Lancet Oncol] Abstract

The HELIOS Trial Protocol: A Phase III Study of Ibrutinib in Combination with Bendamustine and Rituximab in Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
The authors describe the design and rationale for the Phase III HELIOS trial investigating whether ibrutinib added to bendamustine and rituximab (BR) provides benefits over BR alone in patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma. [Future Oncol] Abstract

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Results from Phase III Study (AML-001) of VIDAZA® (Azacitidine for Injection) in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Presented
Celgene International Sàrl announced that results from AML-001, its Phase III study of VIDAZA® (azacitidine for injection) compared to conventional care regimens in elderly subjects with newly-diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia were presented. [Press release from Business Wire discussing research presented at the 19^th Annual Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA), Milan] Press Release

Astex Pharmaceuticals Presents Final Results of Phase II Study of SGI-110 in Treatment Naïve Elderly Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Astex Pharmaceuticals presented the final results of a Phase II study of SGI-110, a novel hypomethylating agent in elderly acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The results focused on clinical responses as well as safety of two doses of SGI-110 given as a subcutaneous injection daily x5 every 28 days in treatment naïve elderly AML patients not suitable for intensive chemotherapy enrolled in study SGI-110-01. [Press release from Astex Pharmaceuticals discussing research presented at the 19^th Annual Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA), Milan] Press Release

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BioLineRx Receives Approval to Commence Phase I Trial for Novel Stem Cell Mobilization Treatment
BioLineRx Ltd. announced that it has received approval from the Israeli Ministry of Health to commence a Phase I trial for BL-8040, a novel treatment for the mobilization of stem cells from the bone marrow to the peripheral blood circulation. [BioLineRx Ltd.] Press Release

Actinium Engages a Leading CRO to Support Phase III Trial of Iomab-B
Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that it has executed an agreement with ACT Oncology, a full-service clinical research organization (CRO), to utilize their services for a number of clinical development-related projects. This agreement includes the preparations for the Phase III clinical trial of Iomab-B, a myeloconditioning drug for bone marrow transplant preparation. [Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.] Press Release

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)

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the hematopoiesis research community.

Research Associate – Hematopoietic and Leukemic Stem Cells (Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Position/Clinical Pharmacist – Hematopoiesis and Laboratory for Cell Therapy (Sanquin)

Clinical HSCT Faculty Position – Pediatric Hematology-Oncology (University of Wisconsin School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Research Scientist – Stem Cell Biology and Cellular Immunology (The Anthony Nolan Trust)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Mammalian Hematopoietic and Erythroid Development (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Regulation of Cytokine Receptor Signaling in Hematopoietic Stem Cells (University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine)

Postdoctoral Positions – New Models of Hematopoiesis and Hematopoietic Disorders (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Cancer Genomics (University of Chicago)

Postdoctoral Associate – Hematopoietic Differentiation (Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine)

Scientist – Immunology/Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Associate – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Technologist – Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Technologist – PSC Biology and Bioengineering (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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