Hematopoiesis News Volume 6.23 | Jun 16 2015

Hematopoietic Signaling Mechanism Revealed from a Stem/Progenitor Cell Cistrome
A GATA-2-binding, Gata2 intronic cis-element (+9.5) required for hematopoietic stem cell genesis in mice is mutated in a human immunodeficiency syndrome. Because +9.5 is the only cis-element known to mediate stem cell genesis, researchers devised a strategy to identify functionally comparable enhancers genome-wide. [Mol Cell] Abstract

Targeting Leukemia Stem Cells In Vivo with ANTAGOMIR-126 Nanoparticles in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
The authors hypothesized that microRNA (miR)-126 contributes to ‘stemness’ and is a viable target for eliminating the leukemia stem cell (LSC) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). They showed that miR-126 overexpression characterizes AML LSC-enriched cell subpopulations and contributes to LSC long-term maintenance and self-renewal. [Leukemia] Abstract

Transdifferentiation of Erythroblasts to Megakaryocytes Using FLI1 and ERG Transcription Factors
Several approaches to produce platelets from sources, such as haematopoietic stem cells and pluripotent stem cells, have been attempted but the system is extremely complicated, time-consuming and expensive. Researchers report a novel and simpler technology to obtain platelets using transdifferentiation of human bone marrow erythroblasts to megakaryocytes with overexpression of the FLI1 and ERG genes. [Thromb Haemost] Abstract

Gaucher Disease-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Display Decreased Erythroid Potential and Aberrant Myelopoiesis
Scientists differentiated induced pluripotent stem cells derived from patients with types 1, 2, and 3 Gaucher disease to CD34⁺/CD45⁺/CD43⁺/CD143⁺ hematopoietic progenitor cells and examined their developmental potential. [Stem Cells Transl Med] Abstract

Comparative Long-term Effects of Interferon Alpha and Hydroxyurea on Human Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells
Researchers compared bone marrow serially obtained from myeloproliferative neoplasms patients before and during pegylated interferon α treatment against marrow serially obtained from patients on hydroxyurea. [Exp Hematol] Abstract

MYST2 Acetyltransferase Expression and Histone H4 Lysine Acetylation Are Suppressed in AML
Scientists identified MYST2, a core histone acetyltransferase, to be suppressed in blast cells from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients compared to non-malignant hematopoietic progenitor cells. Loss of MYST2 accelerated leukemic growth and colony formation, while forced expression of MYST2 induced H4K5 acetylation and suppressed hematopoietic progenitor cell growth. [Exp Hematol] Abstract

The Genetic Landscape of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Frequency in Mice
Investigators used a genome-wide association study strategy with the hybrid mouse diversity panel to identify the genetic determinants of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell frequency. [Stem Cell Reports]
Full Article | Graphical Abstract

CLINICAL RESEARCH

High Graft CD8 Cell Dose Predicts Improved Survival and Enables Better Donor Selection in Allogeneic Stem-Cell Transplantation with Reduced-Intensity Conditioning
Researchers evaluated associations between graft T-cell doses and outcomes in 200 patients who underwent reduced-intensity conditioned allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation with a peripheral blood stem-cell graft. [J Clin Oncol] Abstract | Press Release

The Impact of Repeated Autologous Infusion of Hematopoietic Stem Cells in Patients with Liver Insufficiency
Investigators assessed the clinical and biochemical effects of repeated stem cell infusion. Ninety patients with liver cirrhosis were randomized to receive either one session treatment or two sessions four months apart of autologous hematopoietic stem cells transplantation and a control group who received regular liver treatment. [Stem Cell Res Ther] Abstract | Full Article

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

BioLineRx Presents Positive Safety and Efficacy Results for Novel Stem-Cell Mobilization Treatment at European Hematology Association Conference
BioLineRx Ltd. announced the presentation of positive safety and efficacy results for its lead oncology candidate, BL-8040, as a novel approach for the collection of stem cells from the peripheral blood circulation. [Press release from BioLineRx Ltd. discussing research presented at the 20^th Annual Congress of the European Hematology Association, Vienna] Press Release

From our sponsor: Free mouse hematopoietic progenitors wallchart. Request your copy.

Sanford Consortium, Takeda Pharmaceutical Partner in $10-Million “Innovation Alliance”
The Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine and the Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited have agreed to establish a $10-million, five-year Innovation Alliance that would advance each organization’s research missions. [UC San Diego] Press Release

Cord Blood Registry’s New Disease Registry Brings Data & Families Together to Advance Stem Cell Research
Cord Blood Registry^® announced the launch of CBR’s Family Health Registry, a unique registry designed to offer insight into common diseases and conditions affecting families and to bring patients, healthcare professionals and researchers together to expedite and facilitate research related to the discovery of stem cell treatments and potential cures. [Cord Blood Registry^®] Press Release

STEMCELL Technologies Named Company of the Year by BIOTECanada
STEMCELL Technologies Inc. was presented with the Biotech Company of the Year award by BIOTECanada at this year’s BIO International Convention in Philadelphia. [BIOTECanada] 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 community.

Principal Scientist – Hematopoietic Products (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Research Associate – Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Hematopoietic Stem Cell Biology (Harvard Medical School)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Cell Fate Decisions in Normal and Malignant Blood Stem Cells (University of Cambridge)

Head of Stem Cells Immunotherapies Service Lab (NHS Blood and Transplant)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Immune Reconstitution in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (Stanford University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Immune Tolerance (Stanford University)

Postdoctoral Position – Epigenetic Regulation of Hematopoiesis and Leukemia (Karolinska Institute)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Hematopoietic Stem Cell Physiology and Pathophysiology (International Research Center for Medical Sciences)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Leukemia, Stem Cells and Development (Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute)

Recruit Top Talent: Reach more than 60,000 potential candidates by posting your organization’s career opportunities on the Connexon Creative Job Board at no cost.