Mesenchymal Cell News Volume 8.31 | Aug 9 2016

TOP STORY

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Enhance α-Synuclein Clearance via M2 Microglia Polarization in Experimental and Human Parkinsonian Disorder

Scientists investigated whether mesenchymal stem cells enhance the phagocytic clearance of α-synuclein via M2 microglia polarization, and thereby exert neuroprotective effects in α-synuclein-enriched experimental models and patients with multiple system atrophy. [Acta Neuropathol] Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

IN VITRO

Autophagy Induction Contributes to Cadmium Toxicity in Mesenchymal Stem Cells via AMPK/FOXO3a/BECN1 Signaling

The authors investigated the role of autophagy in cadmium-induced skeleton damage and its potential mechanism. They exposed mesenchymal stem cells to different concentrations of cadmium chloride for 24 hours. [Toxicol Sci] Abstract

IGFBP5 Enhances Osteogenic Differentiation Potential of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells and Wharton’s Jelly Umbilical Cord Stem Cells, via the JNK and MEK/Erk Signaling Pathways

Researchers investigated the molecular role of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) in regulating this osteogenic differentiation potential. [Cell Prolif] Abstract

Serum and Xeno-Free, Chemically Defined, No-Plate-Coating-Based Culture System for Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from the Umbilical Cord

Investigators report for the first time, such a serum-free, xeno-free, completely chemically defined and no-plate-coating-based culture system for the isolation and expansion of umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells, whose biological characteristics were evaluated and compared with serum-containing medium methods. [Cell Prolif] Abstract

Concomitant Beige Adipocyte Differentiation upon Induction of Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Brown Adipocytes

Through analyzing levels of mRNA and protein markers associated with beige adipocyte, scientists found concomitant beige adipocyte differentiation upon induction of mesenchymal stem cells into brown adipocytes in a defined medium containing triiodothyronine, insulin, dexamethasone, and indomethacin. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract

The Potential of Chondrogenic Pre-Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Regeneration in Harsh Nucleus Pulposus Microenvironment

Researchers aimed to identify the potential effect of chondrogenic pre-differentiation on adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in intervertebral disc-like microenvironment, characterized by limited nutrition, acidic, and high osmosis in vitro. [Exp Biol Med] Abstract

IN VIVO

Regeneration of Articular Cartilage by Human ESC-Derived Mesenchymal Progenitors Treated Sequentially with BMP-2 and Wnt5a

Investigators hypothesized that treatment of human embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived chondroprogenitors with bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) followed by wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 5A (Wnt5a) may control the maturational progression of these cells into a hyaline-like chondrocyte phenotype. [Stem Cells Transl Med] Abstract | Full Article

Intraperitoneal Injection (IP), Intravenous Injection (IV) or Anal Injection (AI)? Best Way for Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplantation for Colitis

Three different mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) delivery routes: IP, IV, and AI were compared on DSS-induced colitic mice model. The overall therapeutic factors, MSCs migration and targeting as well as local immunomodulatory cytokines and FoxP3⁺ cells infiltration were analyzed. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Prospects and Progress in Cell Therapy for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

The authors discuss the use of mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells in pre-clinical experimental models of acute respiratory distress syndrome and in ongoing clinical trials. [Expert Opin Biol Ther] Abstract

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

FibroStatin Announces Breakthrough in the Fight Against Drug-Resistant Cancer and Fibrosis

FibroStatin announced the development of a breakthrough treatment to inhibit the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, a fundamental underlying pathology active in drug-resistant invasive cancer and organ fibrosis. [FibroStatin (PR Newswire Association LLC.)] Press Release

Phase II Trial Results of Mesoblast’s Cell Therapy Show Dose-Related Improvements in Biologic Refractory Rheumatoid Arthritis

Mesoblast Limited announced that a single intravenous infusion of its proprietary allogeneic mesenchymal precursor cell (MPC) product candidate, MPC-300-IV, was well tolerated and demonstrated a dose-related improvement in clinical symptoms, physical function, and disease activity relative to placebo through the 12 week primary endpoint in its Phase II trial in biologic refractory rheumatoid arthritis. [Mesoblast Limited (GlobeNewswire)] Press Release

Russian Scientists Bracing for Massive Job Losses

Russia’s scientific community is reeling from news that the government plans to fire about 10,000 researchers over the next three years. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

The FDA Is Prohibited from Going Germline

A potentially renewable provision of the Consolidated Appropriation Act of 2016 forestalling the prospect of human germline modification was signed into law on December 18^th, 2015. The provision has since been incorporated again into the House and Senate appropriation bills for the fiscal year. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

US Agency Lifts Ban on Funding Human–Animal Hybrids

Researchers in the United States will soon be able to resume creating chimaera-based projects. [Nature News] Editorial

Beyond CRISPR: A Guide to the Many Other Ways to Edit a Genome

The zeal with which researchers jumped on a possible new gene-editing system called NgAgo earlier this year reveals an undercurrent of frustration with CRISPR–Cas9 — and a drive to find alternatives. [Nature News] Editorial

NEW 21^st Annual Congress of Asia Pacific Blood and Marrow Transplantation Group 2016 (APBMT 2016)
October 18-30, 2016
Singapore, Singapore

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

NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Stem Cell Functions in the Hematopoietic System and Other Systems Derived from the Mesoderm (University of Illinois at Chicago)

Assistant or Associate Member – Stem Cell/Gene Therapy (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center)

PhD Position – Ultrasound Stimulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Tissue Repair and Regeneration (University of Birmingham)

Postdoctoral Position – Organogenesis and Mesenchymal Stem Cells (University of Southern California)

Postdoctoral Positions – GLUT4 Trafficking in Adipose and Muscle Cells (ShanghaiTech University)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Energy Homeostasis in Skeletal Muscle, Adipose Tissue and Liver (The University of Tennessee Health Science Center)

Postdoctoral Position – Tumor Microenvironment in Sarcoma Progression (Universita’ di Bologna)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Stem Cell Pathways in Mesenchymal Tumors (University of Miami Health System)

Cell Biologist – Mesenchymal Stem Cells (Biostage)

Postdoctoral Position – Bone and Stem Cell Research (University of Connecticut Health)

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