Mesenchymal Cell News Volume 6.36 | Sep 23 2014

Paracrine Factors Secreted by Umbilical Cord Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induce Angiogenesis In Vitro by a VEGF-independent Pathway
Investigators evaluated the presence of well-known pro-angiogenic factors in the conditioned media (CM) derived from umbilical cord derived-mesenchymal stem cells by ELISA. While VEGF, a well-known angiogenic factor was not detected in the CM, gene expression was nevertheless detected in these cells. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

Identification of Small Activating RNAs that Enhance Endogenous OCT4 Expression in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
By screening of dsRNAs targeting OCT4 promoter, the authors identified a small activating RNA (saRNA) that activated OCT4 expression in several types of human mesenchymal stem cells. They found that saRNA-induced OCT4 activation can be further enhanced by a histone deacetylase inhibitor, valproic acid. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

Immunogenicity of Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplanted via Different Routes in Diabetic Rats
Investigators evaluated the immunogenicity of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vivo by transplanting MSCs into normal and diabetic rats via the tail vein or pancreas and found that MSCs exhibited low immunogenicity in normal recipients and even exerted some immunosuppressive effects in diabetic rats during the initial phase. [Cell Mol Immunol] Abstract

Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Fetal Origin Deposit Epigenetic Alterations during Long-Term Culture under Serum-Free Condition
Fetal placental mesenchymal stem cells (fPMSCs) have shown promising cell therapy potentials. However, their genetic and epigenetic stability during in vitro propagation has not been well studied. Researchers thus interrogated the methylation alterations and tumorigenicity of fPMSCs after in vitro expansion using serum-free medium. [Expert Opin Biol Ther] Abstract

Targeting of ALK2, a Receptor for Bone Morphogenetic Proteins, Using the Cre/Lox System to Enhance Osseous Regeneration by Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Investigators demonstrate that ALK2 may serve as a novel target to improve in vitro adipose-derived stem cell osteogenic differentiation and enhance in vivo bone regeneration and calvarial healing. [Stem Cells Transl Med] Abstract

Syngeneic Cardiac and Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Display Tissue-Specific MicroRNA Signatures and MicroRNA Subsets Restricted to Diverse Differentiation Processes
MicroRNA expression profiling experiments were performed on syngeneic cardiac and bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells cultured in standard growth medium and then in vitro exposed to adipogenic, osteogenic, cardiomyogenic and endothelial differentiation media. [PLoS One] Full Article

Graphene Supports In Vitro Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation of Goat Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Potential for Bone Tissue Engineering
Investigators evaluated graphene, a biocompatible inert nanomaterial, for its effect on in vitro growth and differentiation of goat adult mesenchymal stem cells. Cell proliferation and differentiation are compared between polystyrene-coated tissue culture plates and graphene-coated plates. [J Appl Toxicol] Abstract

Isolation and Characterization of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Gingival Connective Tissue
The authors aimed to isolate and characterize gingival connective tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs). They also aimed to present a modified isolation method for the GMSCs. [J Periodontal Res] Abstract

The Functional Study of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Harboring Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 in Rat Acute Lung Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Model
The authors aimed to find a more effective therapeutic approach to treat acute lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (ALIRI). They evaluated the combinational effects of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in the rat ALIRI model. [Cell Biochem Funct] Abstract

Pericytes: Multitasking Cells in the Regeneration of Injured, Diseased, and Aged Skeletal Muscle
The authors summarized and evaluated recent advances in our understanding of pericytes’ influence on adult skeletal muscle pathophysiology. They also discuss how further elucidating their biology may offer new approaches to the treatment of conditions characterized by muscle wasting. [Front Aging Neurosci] Full Article

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Mayo Clinic and NUI Galway Formalize Collaboration
The National University Ireland (NUI) Galway has signed an agreement to formalize collaborative ties with the Mayo Clinic Center for Regenerative Medicine. The agreement follows many years of close cooperation, and paves the way for joint collaborations in clinical trials using regenerative therapies. [National University of Ireland, Galway] Press Release

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NEW Postdoctoral Fellowship – Epigenetic Regulation of Cell Fate and Metabolism (University Medical Center Freiburg)

Postdoctoral Position – Cardiopulmonary Molecular Biology (Hannover Medical School)

Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Characterization (INSERM)

Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cell Scientist (UHN Arthritis Program)

Researcher – Phenotypic and Functional Characterization of Adult Stem/Stromal Cells from Bone Marrow and Adipose Tissue (Etablissement Français du Sang Pyrénées-Méditerranée)

Postdoctoral Position – Biomaterials/Cartilage Regeneration (Peking University)

Postdoctoral Fellowship – Developing Applications of Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells in Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital)

Scientist – Mesenchymal Stem and Progenitor Cell Biology (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Myogenic Progenitor Cell Biology (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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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