Hematopoiesis News Volume 7.25 | Jun 28 2016

TOP STORY

Researchers Discover How Faulty Genetic Instructions Drive a Deadly Blood Cancer in Adults

Researchers discovered how a set of faulty genetic instructions keep blood stem cells from maturing, a finding that further explains the development of AML. They revealed how a mutation in the gene DNMT3A, which has been found in approximately 20 to 30 percent of cases of AML, gives normal cells faulty genetic instructions that contribute to the development of cancerous cells. [Press release from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill discussing online prepublication in Cancer Cell] Press Release | Abstract | Graphical Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

MLL-AF9 Expression in Hematopoietic Stem Cells Drives a Highly Invasive AML Expressing EMT-Related Genes Linked to Poor Outcome

To address the impact of cellular origin on acute myeloid leukemia (AML), researchers generated an inducible transgenic mouse model for MLL-AF9-driven leukemia. MLL-AF9 expression in long-term hematopoietic stem cells in vitro resulted in dispersed clonogenic growth and expression of genes involved in migration and invasion. [Cancer Cell] Abstract | Press Release

p38α Activates Purine Metabolism to Initiate Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cell Cycling in Response to Stress

Researchers report a critical role for the p38MAPK family isoform p38α in initiating hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell proliferation during stress hematopoiesis in mice. [Cell Stem Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

MEIS2 Is an Oncogenic Partner in AML1-ETO-Positive AML

Scientists demonstrated that MEIS2 is expressed at high levels in patients with AML1-ETO-positive acute myeloid leukemia and that growth of AML1-ETO-positive leukemia depends on MEIS2 expression. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract

The New and Recurrent FLT3 Juxtamembrane Deletion Mutation Shows a Dominant Negative Effect on the Wild-Type FLT3 Receptor

Recently, a new and recurrent juxtamembrane deletion mutation (p.Q569Vfs*2) resulting in a truncated receptor was identified. The mutated receptor was expressed on the cell surface and still binds its ligand but lost the ability to activate ERK signaling. Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) p.Q569fs-expressing Ba/F3 cells showed no proliferation after ligand stimulation. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Impact of Fluorescent Silicon Nanoparticles on Circulating Hemolymph and Hematopoiesis in an Invertebrate Model Organism

The effects of silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) on hemocytes and hematopoiesis were investigated by administering SiNPs via a vascular injection into an invertebrate model, the silkworm. [Chemosphere] Abstract

Gene Therapy Corrects Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells and Fibroblasts from Coq^9R239X Mice

Researchers developed a lentiviral vector able to overexpress Coq9 mRNA and COQ9 protein in mouse embryonic fibroblasts and hematopoietic progenitor cells from Coq^9R239X mice, an animal model of mitochondrial encephalopathy due to primary coenzyme Q deficiency. [PLoS One] Full Article

CLINICAL RESEARCH

Treatment of Graft Failure with TNI-Based Reconditioning and Haploidentical Stem Cells in Pediatric Patients

Investigators report a cohort of 19 consecutive patients with acute leukemias and non-malignant diseases who experienced graft failure after previous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from matched or haploidentical donors between 2003 and 2012. [Br J Haematol] Abstract

Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Mobilization with ICE Chemotherapy versus Plerixafor-Based Strategies in Patients with Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Investigators analyzed hematopoietic progenitor cell mobilization outcomes in lymphoma patients undergoing chemo-mobilization with ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide (ICE) compared with either routine plerixafor or “just in time” plerixafor based mobilization [Biol Blood Marrow Transplant] Abstract

Hemoglobin Genetics: Recent Contributions of GWAS and Gene Editing

Although the principal erythroid cell transcription factors are known, mechanisms responsible for silencing of the γ-globin gene were obscure until application of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The authors review findings in the field [Hum Mol Genet] Abstract

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

Unum Therapeutics Announces Active Investigational New Drug (IND) Application for ACTR087 in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory B-Cell Lymphoma

Unum Therapeutics announced that the IND application for ACTR087 for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed/refractory CD20-positive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, is now active. [Unum Therapeutics] Press Release

GlycoMimetics Doses First Patient in Phase II Portion of Clinical Trial of GMI-1271 in Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia

GlycoMimetics, Inc. announced dosing of the first patient with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the Phase II portion of its ongoing Phase I/II study evaluating its novel E-selectin antagonist, GMI-1271, combined with chemotherapy. In addition, GlycoMimetics recently announced that the first patient with relapsed or refractory AML has been dosed in the other arm of the Phase II portion of this study. [GlycoMimetics, Inc.] Press Release

The Re-Programmer: Qian Receives Global Award for Stem Cell Research

The 36-year-old assistant professor at University of Northern Carolina School of Medicine’s Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine has been recognized internationally for her scientific developments in cellular reprogramming and stem cell research. Qian is the first-ever recipient of the Boyalife, Science and Science Translational Medicine Award in Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine. [University of Northern Carolina] Press Release

NEW 34^th International Congress of the International Society of Blood Tranfusion (ISBT)
September 3-8, 2016
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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

NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Tumor Microenvironment and Cancer Stem Cells (Duke University)

Scientist – Hematology (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Technical Sales Representative (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Characterizing and Targeting Cancer Stem Cells (City of Hope)

Cytogenetics Laboratory Supervisor (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Hematopoietic Stem Cell Biology (Novartis)

Research Assistants and Associates – Leukemia and Stem Cell Biology (King’s College London)

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Myeloid Leukemia (Upstate Medical University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Leukemia Lymphoma (Emory University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Hematopoietic Stem Cell Biology and Blood Disorders (Brigham & Women’s Hospital)

Research Technician – Hematopoietic Stem Cell Biology (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Hematology/Oncology (Boston Children’s Hospital)

Assistant/Associate/Full Member Faculty – Myeloid Malignancies (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)

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