Volume 13.17 | May 7

Recurrent Variations in DNA Methylation in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells and Their Differentiated Derivatives
Results suggest that verification of baseline epigenetic status is critical for human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-based disease models in which the observed phenotype depends on proper X chromosome inactivation (XCI) or imprinting and that tissue-specific DNA methylation patterns can be accurately modeled during directed differentiation of hPSCs, even in the presence of variations in XCI or imprinting. [Cell Stem Cell]
Abstract | Press Release

Short-Term Calorie Restriction Enhances Skeletal Muscle Stem Cell Function
Researchers found that calorie restriction (CR) enhanced endogenous muscle repair and CR initiated in either donor or recipient animals improved the contribution of donor cells to regenerating muscle after transplant. [Cell Stem Cell] Abstract

High-Strength Silk Protein Scaffolds for Bone Repair
A combination of surface roughness, porosity, and scaffold stiffness favored human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell differentiation toward bone-like tissue in vitro based on biochemical and gene expression for bone markers. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract | Press Release

Analysis of Tissues following Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Therapy in Humans Indicate Limited Long-Term Engraftment and No Ectopic Tissue Formation
Researchers found no correlation between mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) engraftment and treatment response. They concluded that MSCs appear to mediate their function through a “hit and run” mechanism. The lack of sustained engraftment limits the long-term risks of MSC therapy. [Stem Cells] Abstract

Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Corrects Primary Neuropathology and Behavior in Mucopolysaccharidosis IIIA Mice
Researchers compared hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in mucopolysaccharidosis IIIA (MPS IIIA) mice using wild-type donor cells transduced ex vivo with lentiviral vector-expressing sulfamidase (SGSH) versus wild-type donor cell transplant or lentiviral-SGSH transduced MPS IIIA cells. [Mol Ther] Abstract

Stem Cell Therapy in Spinal Cord Injury: In Vivo and Postmortem Tracking of Bone Marrow Mononuclear or Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Researchers addressed the question of whether bone marrow-originated mononuclear cells or mesenchymal stem cells induce neural regeneration when implanted intraspinally. [Stem Cell Rev] Abstract

Inhibition of Kupffer Cell Activity Improves Transplantation of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells and Liver Functions
The authors showed that the inhibition of Kupffer cell activity improves stem cell transplantation into liver tissue and corrects some of the liver functions under conditions of liver injury. [Cell Transplant] Abstract

Functional Neuromuscular Junctions Formed by Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Motor Neurons
Researchers report the development of low-density co-culture conditions that encourage the formation of active neuromuscular synapses between stem cell-derived motor neurons and muscle cells in vitro. [PLoS One]
Full Article | Press Release

Phase I Clinical Trial of Systemically Administered TUSC2(FUS1)-Nanoparticles Mediating Functional Gene Transfer in Humans
Scientists report the first in-human systemic gene therapy clinical trial of tumor suppressor gene TUSC2. [PLoS One] Full Article

Immunomodulatory Effects of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Swine Hemi-Facial Allotransplantation Model
The authors investigated whether the infusion of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, combined with transient immunosuppressant treatment, could suppress allograft rejection and modulate T-cell regulation in a swine orthotopic hemi-facial composite tissue allotransplantation model. [PLoS One] Full Article

Analysis of Molecular Changes After Autologous Cell Therapy in Swine Myocardial Infarction Tissue Can Reveal Novel Targets for Future Therapy
Researchers aimed to characterize the effect of cell therapy at the molecular level to screen for novel target candidates for future therapy of infarcted myocardial tissue. [J Tissue Eng Regen Med] Abstract

Decade-Long Safety and Function of Retroviral-Modified Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells
Researchers report long-term results from three clinical trials to evaluate gammaretroviral vector-engineered T cells for HIV. [Sci Transl Med] Abstract | Press Release

MLA Successfully Completes First UK Animal Stem Cell Treatment Procedures
Medical Australia Limited announced that the first two TUTAVet animal stem cell therapy procedures have been successfully performed in the UK by veterinary surgeon Dr. Stewart Halperin. [Medical Australia Limited]
Press Release

ACT Announces Massachusetts Eye and Ear as Additional Site for Clinical Trial for Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration Using Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived RPE Cells
Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. (ACT) announced that Massachusetts Eye and Ear has received institutional review board approval to be a site for the company’s Phase I/II clinical trial for dry age-related macular degeneration, using human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. [Advanced Cell Technology, Inc.] Press Release

South Korea Steps Up Stem-Cell Work
The South Korean health ministry announced that research into stem cells and regenerative medicine will receive a funding boost of 33 billion won (US $29 million) in 2012, four times that given in 2011. [South Korean Health Ministry, South Korea] Press Release

Stem-Cell Arguments Heard in US Appeals Court
A US appeals court heard arguments from lawyers supporting and opposing the US government’s funding for human embryonic stem-cell research, marking another step in what some believe is a slow but steady path to the US Supreme Court. [US Court of Appeals, United States] Press Release

U.S. National Academy Gives Itself a Facelift
The U.S. National Academy of Sciences members took a big step toward changing their image by inviting a younger and more diverse group of scientists to join them. [U.S. National Academy of Sciences, United States] Press Release

Universities Clash by the Nile
An ambitious scheme to create Egypt’s first science city is finally becoming a reality, but a bitter property dispute is overshadowing enthusiasm for the technology park and university complex. [Egyptian Foundation for Technology Education, Egypt] Press Release

Silence Therapeutics’ Partner, Quark Pharmaceuticals, Extends Its Agreement with Pfizer to Develop One of Its Compounds Containing Silence’s AtuRNAi in a New Indication
Silence Therapeutics Plc noted that its partner, Quark Pharmaceuticals, has announced it has amended its existing exclusive Licensing Agreement with Pfizer. [Silence Therapeutics Plc] Press Release

New Fund Established to Stimulate Regenerative Medicine Industry
Pfizer Canada and the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM) have established the Pfizer-CCRM Innovation Fund to accelerate regenerative medicine technologies for drug screening and therapeutic applications. [Marketwire, Incorporated] Press Release

Reinnervate, Roslin Cellab Ally to Develop Protocols for 3-D Growth of hESCs
Reinnervate and Roslin Cellab are joining forces to develop protocols for the 3-D growth of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Roslin Cellab’s expertise in developing and delivering custom tools and protocols in the field of hESC biology will be coupled with Reinnervate’s Alvetex®Scaffold technology. [Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News] Press Release

DSM Agrees to Acquire Kensey Nash to Strengthen Its Biomedical Business
The purchase by DSM of Kensey Nash will strengthen and complement DSM Biomedical’s business and capabilities, while clearly meeting DSM’s financial and strategic criteria. [Royal DSM] Press Release

The Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Announces Launch of iTeos Therapeutics SA
The Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research announced the launch of a private biotechnology enterprise, iTeos Therapeutics SA, to develop a novel pre-clinical pipeline of immunomodulators to stimulate the immune system’s ability to attack cancer. [Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Ltd] Press Release

Bio-Matrix Scientific Group, Inc. Announces Newly Formed Stem Cell Subsidiary – Regen BioPharma Inc., Secures $20,000,000 in Institutional Funding
Bio-Matrix Scientific Group, Inc. announced it has formed a new subsidiary, Regen BioPharma, Inc. Regen BioPharma has developed a vertically-integrated structure for acquiring patents, performing accelerating preclinical and clinical development, and licensing or selling technology developed to large pharma companies in the area of stem cells. [Marketwire, Incorporated] Press Release

UM’s Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute Awarded $10 Million Grant from Starr Foundation
The grant will support the University of Miami (UM) Miller School of Medicine’s Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute in broadening its preclinical and clinical research on stem cells, and help accelerate its pipeline of translational research and programs for a wide range of debilitating conditions including cardiac disease, cancer, wound healing, stroke, glaucoma and chronic kidney and gastrointestinal diseases. [University of Miami Miller School of Medicine] Press Release

Northwest Bio Awarded $5.5 Million German Government Grant
The grant will reimburse fifty percent of the costs for manufacturing in Germany and for Northwest Biotherapeutics, Inc.’s clinical trial with DCVax®-L for brain cancer at up to 30 clinical sites in Germany. [Northwest Biotherapeutics, Inc.] Press Release

Families of SMA Awards New Funding to Advance a CNS Delivered Gene Therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Families of SMA announced the award of up to $750,000 for an important new grant to Dr. Brian Kaspar at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. This award will support preclinical development of a CNS-delivered Gene Therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. [Families of SMA] Press Release

First Fellowships Awarded in New Canadian Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Program
The first two postdoctoral research fellowships of a new program to promote stem cell research in Canada were announced by the program’s sponsors, Canada’s Stem Cell Network and Pfizer. [Stem Cell Network]
Press Release

Substantial EU Framework Programme 7 Grant Awarded for Clinical Development of Ark’s Pre-Clinical Product Candidate EG013 in the Treatment of Fetal Growth Restriction
Ark Therapeutics Group plc announced it has received notice of the award of an EU Framework Programme 7 Grant of up to €6 million to a consortium led by UCL in which Ark is the sole industrial partner engaged in the research. EG013 is an adenoviral vector containing the vascular endothelial growth factor gene under development by Ark for the treatment of severe fetal growth restriction in pregnant women during the second trimester. [Ark Therapeutics Group plc] Press Release

BioRestorative Therapies Announces Next Generation of Stem Cell Disc Delivery Device
BioRestorative Therapies, Inc. announced that the latest version of its stem cell disc delivery device, which is to be used in the treatment of bulging and herniated discs, has shown improvements when compared to earlier versions. [PR Newswire] Press Release

American CryoStem Announces ACS Laboratories Adipose Tissue and Adult Stem Cell Testing Services
American CryoStem Corporation announced the launch of its new adipose tissue and adult stem cell testing services to assist physicians involved in tissue engraftment, regenerative medicine procedures and cellular therapies utilizing adult adipose derived stem cells. [American CryoStem Corporation] Press Release

Cryo-Cell International Taps Leader in Stem Cell Therapy to Serve as Chief Scientific Officer
Cryo-Cell International, Inc. announced the appointment of Linda Kelley, Ph.D., as chief scientific officer. Dr. Kelley is responsible for overseeing Cryo-Cells state-of-the art laboratory, translational medicine initiatives and quality assurance program at its stem cell and cord blood banking facility in Oldsmar, Florida. [Reuters]
Press Release

NIH Launches Collaborative Program with Industry and Researchers to Spur Therapeutic Development
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) unveiled a collaborative program that will match researchers with a selection of pharmaceutical industry compounds to help scientists explore new treatments for patients.
Press Release

Notice of Change in Participation of NIH Institutes and Centers in PAS-12-169 Limited Competition: Revision Applications to Advance Evidence-Based Research Related to Protections for Human Subjects (U54) (NOT-OD-12-105)

Center For Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings (FR Doc No: 2012-10701)

National Cancer Institute; Notice of Meeting (FR Doc No: 2012-10699)

Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings (FR Doc No: 2012-10577)

Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health Notice of Meeting (FR Doc No: 2012-10967)

Food and Drug Administration (United States)

Senate Appropriations Approves FDA Budget for FY 2013
The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved a fiscal year 2013 budget for FDA. It increases funding to implement the Food Safety and Modernization Act, carry out the medical countermeasures program, and conduct safety inspections in China. Press Release

FDA Issues Final Rule on Sterility Testing of Biological Products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its final rule on sterility testing, amending the requirements for most licensed biological products. Press Release

Amendments to Sterility Test Requirements for Biological Products (FR Doc No: 2012-10649)

NEW The Jackson Laboratory: Improving Mouse Colony Management Efficiency
May 10, 1:00PM (ET in US)
Webinar

NEW Stem Cells USA & Regenerative Medicine Congress
September 20-21, 2012
Boston, United States

NEW 2012 American Society for Cell Biology Annual Meeting
December 15-19, 2012
San Francisco, United States

Visit our events page to see a complete list of events in the cell, gene and immunotherapy community.

Scientist – Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – Epithelial Cell Research (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – hPSC Bioengineering (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – Antibody and Hybridoma Technology Platforms (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Scientist – Endothelial Cells (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Research Associate – Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Research Associate – Particle Chemistry (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Research Technologist – Contract Assay Services (STEMCELL Technologies, Inc.)

Business Analyst – Product Management (STEMSOFT Software, Inc.)

Associate Director, Cell Therapy (Seattle Cancer Care Alliance)

iPSC Scientist Position – Laboratory of Translational Cell Biology (The Bassell Lab, Emory University)

Postdoctoral Position – Translational Breast Cancer Research (ISREC/EPFL)

Senior Scientist (Techshot, Inc.)

Business Development Manager – Stem Cell (SynGen Inc.)

Controller (SynGen Inc.)

Director: Regulatory Affairs (SynGen Inc.)

Manufacturing Manager (SynGen Inc.)

Postdoctoral Fellow – Department of Bioengineering and Barbara Davis Center (University of Colorado at Denver)

Postdoctoral Position – GIGA-Neurosciences (University of Liège)

Postdoctoral Position – Spinal Cord Neural Stem Cells (Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier)

Cellular Therapy Lab Specialist (The University of Texas Medical School at Houston)


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