Hematopoiesis News Volume 5.30 | Aug 12 2014

Functional B-1 Progenitor Cells Are Present in the Hematopoietic Stem Cell-Deficient Embryo and Depend on Cbfβ for Their Development
Investigators demonstrate the presence of transplantable fetal-liver B-1 and marginal zone B progenitor cells in genetically engineered hematopoietic stem cell-deficient embryos. They found that core-binding factor beta (Cbfβ) expression is required for fetal-liver B-1 progenitor cell maturation and expansion. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract

In Vitro Expansion of CD34⁺CD38^– Cells under Stimulation with Hematopoietic Growth Factors on AGM-S3 Cells in Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia
Using serum-containing culture, investigators examined whether AGM-S3 stromal cells, alone or in combination with hematopoietic growth factor(s), stimulated the proliferation of CD34⁺ cells from patients with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia. [Leukemia] Abstract

5-Lipoxygenase Is a Candidate Target for Therapeutic Management of Stem Cell-Like Cells in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Pharmacological and genetic approaches were used to evaluate the effects of 5-lipoxygenase blockade in a PML/RARα-positive model of acute myeloid leukemia. As cancer stem-cell like cell models, scientists used Sca-1⁺/lin^– murine hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells which were retrovirally transduced with PML/RARα. [Cancer Res] Abstract | Press Release

Twist-1, a Novel Regulator of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Self-Renewal and Myeloid Lineage Development
Transcription factor Twist-1 plays essential roles in specification and differentiation of mesoderm-derived tissues. Growing evidence now links Twist-1 to the acquisition of stem-cell-like properties. Scientists report that Twist-1 is more highly expressed in murine hematopoietic stem cells and its expression declines with differentiation. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Prolonged Fasting/Refeeding Promotes Hematopoietic Stem Cell Regeneration and Rejuvenation
Until recently, it was believed that hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) were irreversibly damaged by the aging process. Recent work in mice shows that cycles of prolonged fasting of greater than 72 hours, followed by refeeding can protect HSC from the toxicity associated with chemotherapy and stimulate proliferation of and rejuvenate old HSC. [Rejuvenation Res] Abstract

Measuring Dissolved Oxygen to Track Erythroid Differentiation of Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells in Culture
Scientists describe a simple method to monitor the expansion and maturation of adult human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells into red blood cells in vitro by measuring the oxygen consumption rate of cultures. Cell cultures followed a characteristic pattern of oxygen consumption that is reflective of in vivo erythroid maturation. [J Biotechnol] Abstract

The Ordered Acquisition of Class II and Class I Mutations Directs Formation of Human T(8;21) Acute Myelogenous Leukemia Stem Cells
Researchers show that in t(8;21) acute myelogenous leukemia, hematopoietic stem cells transform into leukemia stem cells via definitively-ordered acquisition of Class II and then Class I abnormalities. [Exp Hematol] Abstract

CLINICAL RESEARCH

Sequential Treatment for Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Fanconi Anemia with Acute Myeloid Leukemia
The natural history of Fanconi anemia (FA) is characterized by marrow failure and a risk for clonal evolution. Evolution to acute myeloid leukemia is the main cause of premature mortality. From August 2006 to December 2011, 6 consecutive patients with FA who received a sequential treatment with chemotherapy and reduced-intensity conditioning for clonal evolution in four different French institutions were reviewed. [Haematologica] Abstract | Full Article

Impact of the International Prognostic Scoring System Cytogenetic Risk Groups on the Outcome of Patients with Primary Myelodysplastic Syndromes Undergoing Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation from Human Leukocyte Antigen-Identical Siblings
To assess the prognostic impact of cytogenetic characteristics after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation accurately, scientists investigated a homogeneous group of 523 patients with primary myelodysplastic syndrome who received stem cells from Human Leukocyte Antigen-identical siblings. [Haematologica]
Abstract | Full Article

Intra-Arterial Immunoselected CD34⁺ Stem Cells for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Treatment with CD34⁺ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells has been shown to improve functional recovery in nonhuman models of ischemic stroke via promotion of angiogenesis and neurogenesis. Scientists determined the safety and feasibility of treatment with CD34⁺ cells delivered intra-arterially in patients with acute ischemic stroke. [Stem Cells Transl Med] Abstract | Press Release

Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the hematopoiesis research field.

US Patent Issued for the Treatment of ALS with Cord Blood Cells
Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair scientists have been awarded a United States patent for their pioneering discoveries related to the treatment of amyloid lateral sclerosis (ALS) with umbilical cord blood cells. [University of South Florida Health] Press Release

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

NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Signaling Transduction (University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research (University of Leuven)

Postdoctoral Positions – Reprogramming and Genetic Engineering Technologies to Develop New Models of Hematopoiesis and Hematopoietic Disorders (Icahn School of Medicine)

Senior Research Fellow/Research Fellow – Hematopoietic and Leukemia Stem Cell Biology (Monash University)

Postdoctoral Position – Molecular Properties of Leukemic Stem Cells (BC Cancer Agency)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Transformation and Maintenance of Leukemia Stem Cells (City of Hope)

PhD Student – Development and Regulation of Innate Immunity (Lund University)

Scientific Manager – hES and iPS Cell Lines to Model Normal Hematopoiesis and Related Blood Diseases (St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital)

Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cell Media Development, High Throughput Screening (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Cell Culture Support Products (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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

Research Associate – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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