NextVolume 11.15 April 26, 2010Previous

Tohoku University Team Discovers New Type of Stem Cells in Human Skin, Bone
A research team from Tohoku University has discovered a new type of pluripotent stem cell in the skin and bone marrow of adults, providing a possible third source of stem cells after embryonic stem cells and human-made induced pluripotent stem cells. [Press release from The Mainichi Daily News discussing online prepublication in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA]
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An RNA Clue to Breast Cancer's Spread Clue
Researchers may have found a new chink in the armor of breast cancer: a short stretch of RNA that can curb the growth of metastasized breast tumors in mice long after the cancers start growing. [Science Press Release]
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Scientist Grows Jaw Bone From Adult Stem Cells
A Columbia scientist has become the first to grow a complex, full-size bone from human adult stem cells. [Press release from Columbia University discussing online prepublication in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA]
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Singapore Scientists’ Finding on Early Embryonic Development has Direct Impact on Regenerative Medicine and Assisted Reproduction
Scientists have recently generated significant single cell expression data crucial for a detailed molecular understanding of mammalian development from fertilization to embryo implantation, a process known as the preimplantation period. [Press release from the Genome Institute of Singapore discussing online prepublication in Developmental Cell]
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Researchers Modify Virus to Hunt Down and Wipe Out Cancer Cells
Researchers exploited the unique markers that appear on the surface of cancer cells to engineer a range of proteins that recognize and attach to these markers. These 'targeting' proteins can be added to a virus so that it recognizes and infiltrates cancer cells. [Press release from University of Leeds discussing online prepublication in Gene Therapy]
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Scientists Create Stem Cells from Eggs of Aging Mice
Researchers have created stem cells from the eggs of aging mice that could be used for reproductive purposes and regenerative medicine. [Press release from New York University Langone Medical Center discussing online prepublication in Aging Cell]
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Body Builders - The Worms that Point the Way to Understanding Tissue Regeneration
Scientists have discovered the gene that enables an extraordinary worm to regenerate its own body parts after amputation — including a whole head and brain. [Press release from The University of Nottingham discussing online prepublication in PLoS Genetics]
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Advanced Cell Technology’s Studies to Support Phase I Multicenter Trial of Patients with Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy Demonstrate Excellent Safety Profile
Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. announced that it has completed key animal studies in connection with its Phase I multicenter study using embryonic stem cell derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium cells to treat patients with Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy, for which it filed an Investigational New Drug Application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in November. [Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. Press Release]
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StemCells, Inc. Plans to Advance to Second Clinical Trial in Batten Disease
StemCells, Inc. announced that it has submitted a protocol to the Food and Drug Administration for initiation of a second clinical trial of its proprietary HuCNS-SC® human neural stem cells in neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, which is also often referred to as Batten disease. [StemCells, Inc. Press Release]
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The Food and Drug Administration Approves Stemedica Investigational New Drug Application for Ischemic Stroke Clinical Trial
Stemedica Cell Technologies, Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved its application for an Investigational New Drug for a clinical trial for ischemic stroke using Stemedica's high potency proprietary allogeneic stem cells. [Stemedica Cell Technologies, Inc. Press Release]
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CURRENT PUBLICATIONS

Aberrant Silencing of Imprinted Genes on Chromosome 12qF1 in Mouse Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
By comparing genetically identical mouse embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), researchers show here that their overall messenger RNA and microRNA expression patterns are indistinguishable with the exception of a few transcripts encoded within the imprinted Dlk1–Dio3 gene cluster on chromosome 12qF1, which were aberrantly silenced in most of the iPSC clones. [Nature]
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Resolution of Cell Fate Decisions Revealed by Single-Cell Gene Expression Analysis from Zygote to Blastocyst
Results illustrate the power of single-cell expression analysis to provide insight into developmental mechanisms. The technique should be widely applicable to other biological systems. [Dev Cell]
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Generation of Pluripotent Stem Cells from Eggs of Aging Mice
These data demonstrate that eggs from old mice can generate pluripotent stem cells, and suggest that the isolation and in vitro culture of embryonic stem cells must select cells with high levels of DNA and telomere integrity, and/or with capacity to repair DNA and telomeres. [Aging Cell]
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Retargeted Adenoviral Cancer Gene Therapy for Tumor Cells Overexpressing Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor or Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor
Investigators assessed the ability of bispecific fusion proteins to improve adenovirus-mediated transfer of therapeutic and marker transgenes. [Gene Ther]
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Knockdown of SOD1 Sensitizes the CD34+ CML Cells to Imatinib Therapy
In this study, researchers found that the CD34+ subpopulation in the chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cell line K562 had a higher expression of SOD1 than that in the CD34 negative cells. [Med Oncol]
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Long Term Expansion of Undifferentiated Human Induced Pluripotent Stem and Embryonic Stem Cells in Suspension Culture Using a Defined Medium
Researchers have applied human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPS) expressing eGFP under control of the OCT4 promoter to establish the expansion of undifferentiated human embryonic stem and hiPS cells in suspension culture. [Stem Cell Res]
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Michigan Senate Passes Stem cell Regulation Package
The Republican-led Senate passed a package of regulations critics say will place a chill on stem cell research in violation of the Michigan Constitution. [Michigan Senate, United States]
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Gubernatorial Candidates Talk Ways to Boost Bioscience
Five gubernatorial candidates offered their prescriptions for creating a healthier climate for Minnesota's biotech industry that included lower taxes, higher government spending, and faith in science over ideology. [Minnesota, United States]
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A Skeptic Questions Cancer Genome Projects
Fueled by hundreds of millions of grant dollars, biomedical researchers have begun sequencing the genomes of thousands of tumor samples in the past few years, linking up scores of labs and sequencing centers in a massive effort to identify the genes behind major cancers. But a leading cancer geneticist this week questioned whether this strategy still makes sense. [Science Insider]
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Vatican Supports Stem Cell Initiative Led By University of Maryland School of Medicine
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine are leading a new international research initiative, funded in part by the Vatican, to explore the therapeutic potential of intestinal stem cells. [University of Maryland School of Medicine Press Release]
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Silence Therapeutics and AstraZeneca Extend siRNA Delivery Collaboration
Silence Therapeutics plc announces that the Company and AstraZeneca have agreed to a one-year extension of their ongoing small interfering RNA delivery collaboration. [Silence Therapeutics plc Press Release]
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Ontario's $11.5 Million will Build Network for Stem Cell-Based Therapies
McMaster University's Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute has received $11.5 million to lead a world-class initiative to develop new stem cell-based therapies. [McMaster University Press Release]
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NeoStem, Inc. and ImmuneRegen BioSciences® Announce a Collaborative Agreement to Advance Stem Cell Technology
NeoStem, Inc. and ImmuneRegen Biosciences, Inc. announced that they have entered into a Collaborative Research Agreement, focused on the development of an advanced, adult human stem cell product. [PR Newswire]
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Florida Biotech Research Money in Jeopardy
Florida researchers could lose $50 million in biomedical research funding due to the state’s $3 billion budget deficit. [Orlando Business Journal]
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Biotech Gets Lease Agreement Go-Ahead from Rochester Council
The Rochester City Council approved a lease agreement at its regular meeting allowing the company to open a manufacturing facility on the third floor of the city's Minnesota Bioscience Center. [Post-Bulletin]
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Instructions for Completion and Technical Evaluation of the Vertebrate Animal Section (VAS) in NIH Contract Proposals (NOT-OD-10-049)
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Request for Information (RFI): Priorities for the NIH Adherence Research Network (NOT-OD-10-078)
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Waivers for Conflicts of Interest for the May 7, 2010 Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Meeting
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FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (United States)

FDA Announces Draft Revised Guidance on Transparency and Advisory Committees
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Risk Communication Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting [Docket No. FDA-2010-N-0001]
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Draft Guidance for the Public, Food and Drug Administration Advisory Committee Members, and Food and Drug Administration Staff: Public Availability of Advisory Committee Members' Financial Interest Information and Waivers; Availability [Docket No. FDA-2002-D-0094]
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