Mesenchymal Cell News Volume 8.48 | Dec 6 2016

TOP STORY

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niches Produce Lineage-Instructive Signals to Control Multipotent Progenitor Differentiation

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) self-renew in bone marrow niches formed by mesenchymal progenitors and endothelial cells expressing the chemokine CXCL12, but whether a separate niche instructs multipotent progenitor (MPP) differentiation remains unclear. The authors showed that MPPs resided in HSC niches, where they encountered lineage-instructive differentiation signals. [Immunity] Abstract | Graphical Abstract

(Ranked by impact factor of the journal)

IN VITRO

Differentiation Alters Stem Cell Nuclear Architecture, Mechanics, and Mechano-Sensitivity

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation is mediated by soluble and physical cues. Researchers investigated differentiation induced transformations in MSC cellular and nuclear biophysical properties and queried their role in mechanosensation. [Elife] Full Article

Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Program Macrophage Plasticity by Altering their Metabolic Status via a PGE2-Dependent Mechanism

Investigators evaluated the influence of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on human macrophages existing in distinct functional states. MSCs promoted macrophage differentiation, enhanced respiratory burst and potentiated microbicidal responses in naïve macrophages. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Instruct Monocytes towards an IL10-Producing Phenotype by Secreting IL6 and HGF

Scientists studied the mechanism of inhibition by UC-MSCs during the differentiation of monocytes into DCs and focused on the specific source and the role of the involved cytokines. They found that UC-MSCs suppressed monocyte differentiation into DCs and instructed monocytes towards other cell types, with clear decreases in the expression of co-stimulatory molecules, in the secretion of inflammatory factors and in allostimulatory capacity. [Sci Rep] Full Article

Optimizing Cell Sourcing for Clinical Translation of Tissue Engineered Ears

The authors have successfully demonstrated an innovative cell sourcing strategy that facilitates their efforts to achieve clinical translation of their high fidelity, patient-specific ears for auricular reconstruction utilizing only half of the requisite auricular chondrocytes to fabricate mature elastic cartilage. [Biofabrication] Abstract

Mesenchymal Stem Cells/Multipotent Stromal Cells (MSCs) Are Glycolytic and Thus Glucose Is a Limiting Factor of In Vitro Models of MSC Starvation

Investigators demonstrated a rapid uptake of glucose in MSC cultures that was due to a highly glycolytic phenotype for the cells; MSC starvation with serum or other nutrients appears to have a less notable effect on the cells. Their findings highlight the importance of glucose and glucose metabolism on MSC function. [Stem Cell Res Ther] Full Article

Hypoxic Expansion of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Enhances 3D Maturation of Tissue Engineered Intervertebral Discs

The authors aimed to determine the effects of hypoxia during two dimensional expansion and subsequent three dimensional (3D) culture on the in vitro maturation of tissue engineering intervertebral disc (TE-IVDs) made with human mesenchymal stem cells, using a previously developed TE-IVD system. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract

The Stimulatory Effect of Silica Nanoparticles on Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Investigators demonstrated the stimulatory effect of silica nanoparticles (NPs) on osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cell and the application potential of silica NPs in bone tissue engineering. [Biomed Mater] Abstract

Supportive Angiogenic and Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Endothelial Cells in Monolayer and Co-Cultures

To determine how bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) contribute to cellular proangiogenic differentiation, scientists analyzed the differentiation of BMSCs and ECs in standardized monolayer, Transwell and co-cultures. [Int J Oral Sci] Full Article

IN VIVO

Subretinal Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Implantation in Advanced Stage Retinitis Pigmentosa: A Phase I Clinical Safety Study

This prospective clinical case series aimed to investigate the safety of subretinal adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell implantation in advanced stage retinitis pigmentosa. [Stem Cell Res Ther] Full Article

Tetramethylpyrazine Protects against Glucocorticoid-Induced Apoptosis by Promoting Autophagy in Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Improves Bone Mass in Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis Rats

Excess glucocorticoids induce apoptosis of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), which have been shown to play an increasingly important role in the pathogenesis and therapy of osteoporosis. In this study, scientists tested whether tetramethylpyrazine protects rat BMSCs following exposure to glucocorticoids in vitro and in vivo. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract

Stem Cells and Interspecies Chimeras

Chimaeras are both monsters of the ancient imagination and a long-established research tool. Recent advances, particularly those dealing with the identification and generation of various kinds of stem cells, have broadened the repertoire and utility of mammalian interspecies chimaeras and carved out new paths towards understanding fundamental biology as well as potential clinical applications. [Nature] Abstract

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells as a New Getaway for Bone Tissue Engineering: A Systematic Review

Mesenchymal stem cells are frequently used for bone regeneration, however, they are limited in quantity. Moreover, their proliferation and differentiation capabilities reduce during cell culture expansion. Potential application of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has been reported as a promising alternative source for bone regeneration. The authors aimed to systematically review the available literature on osteogenic potential of iPSCs and to discuss methods applied to enhance their osteogenic potential. [Cell Prolif] Abstract

Biomimetic Approaches for Bone Tissue Engineering

The authors review the use of native bone matrix, autologous mesenchymal cells and perfusion bioreactor systems as a tissue-engineering paradigm to grow bone in vitro. They also discuss emergent vascularization strategies to promote graft survival in vivo, and the role of inflammation in bone repair. Finally, they highlight some recent advances in biomimetic approaches to engineering osteochondral tissues, and bone repair approaches designed to recapitulate the native process of endochondral ossification. [Tissue Eng Part B Rev] Abstract

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

BrainStorm Announces NurOwn^® Data to be Highlighted at the 27^th International Symposium on ALS/MND

BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company engaged in the development of first-of-its-kind adult stem cell therapies derived from autologous bone marrow cells for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. NurOwn^® has been administered to approximately 75 patients with ALS in clinical trials conducted in the United States and Israel. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted in the U.S., a clinically meaningful benefit was demonstrated by higher response to NurOwn® compared with placebo. [Press release from BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc. discussing research presented at the 27^th International Symposium on ALS/MND, Dublin] Press Release

CellResearch Corporation Extends Umbilical Cord Tissue Banking Services across the US through Partnership with University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus and CariCord

CellResearch Corporation Pte. Ltd., through its wholly owned subsidiary, CordLabs Pte. Ltd., has entered into an agreement with CariCord Inc. to provide umbilical cord tissue banking services in the United States. CariCord is the private postnatal cord blood and tissue banking partner of ClinImmune Labs at the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus. [CellResearch Corporation Pte. Ltd. (PR Newswire Association LLC)] Press Release

Allen Institute for Cell Science Releases Gene Edited Human Stem Cell Lines

The Allen Institute for Cell Science has released the Allen Cell Collection: the first publicly available collection of gene edited, fluorescently tagged human induced pluripotent stem cells that target key cellular structures with unprecedented clarity. Distributed through the Coriell Institute for Medical Research, these powerful tools are a crucial first step toward visualizing the dynamic organization of cells to better understand what makes human cells healthy and what goes wrong in disease. [The Allen Institute for Cell Science] Press Release

Breakthrough Prize Marks 5^th Anniversary Celebrating Top Achievements in Science and Awards More Than $25 Million in Prizes at Gala Ceremony in Silicon Valley

The Breakthrough Prize and founders Sergey Brin and Anne Wojcicki, Yuri and Julia Milner, and Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, announced the recipients of the 2017 Breakthrough Prizes, marking the organization’s fifth anniversary recognizing top achievements in Life Sciences, Fundamental Physics and Mathematics. A combined total of $25 million was awarded at the gala ceremony in Silicon Valley, hosted by Morgan Freeman. Each of the Breakthrough Prizes is worth $3 million, the largest individual monetary prize in science. [Breakthrough Prize] Press Release

AbbVie and Johns Hopkins to Collaborate on Cancer Research

AbbVie and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine announced that they signed a five-year collaboration agreement with the goal of advancing medical oncology research and discovery at both organizations. Designed to build strong collaboration between AbbVie and Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers, the agreement will focus on several areas of oncology research, which could include lung, colorectal, breast, prostate and hematological cancer. [AbbVie Inc.] Press Release

Late-Breaking Ibrutinib (IMBRUVICA^®) Data Show Complete or Partial Response in Two-Thirds of Patients with Chronic Graft-Versus-Host-Disease, a Frequent and Potentially Life-Threatening Complication of Stem Cell Transplant

AbbVie announced positive results from a Phase II study evaluating ibrutinib (IMBRUVICA^®) in patients with chronic graft-versus-host-disease, a serious and debilitating potential consequence of stem cell or bone marrow transplant, who failed prior systemic therapy. [Abbvie Inc.] Press Release

Help Wanted: Canada Begins Search for Chief Science Adviser

Canada has officially launched its search for a chief government science adviser, fulfilling a campaign promise by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Science Minister Kirsty Duncan, after spending the past year consulting scientists about the exact role that such an adviser should have. [Nature News] Editorial

Congress Is Poised to Back NSF’s Approach to Research

Congress has reached a truce—and possibly a lasting settlement—in the fiercely partisan three-year war between Republican leaders in the House of Representatives and the scientific community over how the National Science Foundation (NSF) should operate. The terms of the agreement, between House and Senate negotiators, may seem like minor changes. But the compromise, which the Senate could adopt as early as this week, resolves differences over how NSF should conduct peer review and manage research in ways that the agency thinks it can live with. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

Maryland Congressman in Running to Head NIH?

Representative Andy Harris, an anesthesiologist who has shown a keen interest in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) while in Congress, has put his hat in the ring for NIH director in the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, he told ScienceInsider. Harris says he knows that some biomedical scientists would view him as a controversial choice, but argues that his blend of research and political experience would make him a good advocate for addressing NIH’s flaws and for growing the agency’s budget in a time of fiscal restraint. [ScienceInsider] Editorial

NEW Stem Cells in Drug Discovery
March 6-7, 2017
Cambridge, United Kingdom

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NEW Postdoctoral Position – Mesenchymal Stem Cells (University Southern California)

NEW Postdoctoral Researcher(s) (National University of Ireland, Galway)

PhD Positions – Transcriptional Networks Regulating Lineage (University of Southern Denmark)

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Professor – Cancer Biology (University of Pennsylvania)

The MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine – PhD Studentships (The Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Stem Cells & Cartilage Development/Disease (Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School)

Staff Scientist/Research Assistant II – Musculoskeletal Tissue Development (Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School)

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