A Comparison of Genetically Matched Cell Lines Reveals the Equivalence of Human iPSCs and ESCs
Researchers used genetically matched human embryonic stem cell (ESC) and human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines to assess the contribution of cellular origin, the Sendai virus reprogramming method and genetic background to transcriptional and DNA methylation patterns while controlling for cell line clonality and sex. [Nat Biotechnol] Abstract
A qPCR ScoreCard Quantifies the Differentiation Potential of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
The authors report an improved version of the assay based on qPCR that enables faster, more quantitative assessment of functional pluripotency. They provided an in-depth characterization of the revised signature panel through embryoid body and directed differentiation experiments as well as a detailed comparison to the teratoma assay. [Nat Biotechnol] Abstract
Reprogramming Human B-Cells into Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Its Enhancement by C/EBPα
The authors showed for the first time that freshly isolated non-cultured human cord blood- and peripheral blood-derived CD19+CD20+ B-cells can be reprogrammed to induced pluripotent stem cells carrying complete VDJH immunoglobulin gene monoclonal rearrangements using non-integrative tetracistronic, but not monocistronic, Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and Myc-expressing Sendai Virus. [Leukemia] Abstract
Control of Immune Response to Allogeneic Embryonic Stem Cells by CD3 Antibody–Mediated Operational Tolerance Induction
The authors established in autoimmunity and in transplantation that CD3 antibody therapy induces a state of immune tolerance. Promising results have been obtained with CD3 antibodies in the clinic. In this study, they tested whether this strategy can prolong the survival of undifferentiated embryonic stem cells and their differentiated derivatives in histoincompatible hosts. [Am J Transplant] Abstract
Gingival Fibroblasts as Autologous Feeders for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Researchers established an autologous human gingival fibroblast-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (hGF-iPSC) culture system by evaluating the feeder ability of hGFs. In both serum-containing and serum-free media, hGFs showed higher proliferation than human dermal fibroblasts. [J Dent Res] Abstract
Sox7 Is Dispensable for Primitive Endoderm Differentiation from Mouse ES Cells
The authors characterized the function of Sox7 in primitive endoderm differentiation using mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells as a model system. They showed that ectopic expression of Sox7 in ES cells has a marginal effect on triggering differentiation into primitive endoderm-like cells. [BMC Dev Biol] Full Article
REVIEWS
Vascular Disease Modeling Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Focus in Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome
Several lines of induced pluripotent stem cells have been generated in the last seven years that changed the paradigm for studying diseases and the discovery of new drugs to treat them. The authors focus their attention to vascular diseases in particular Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, a devastating premature aging disease caused by a mutation in the lamin A gene. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun]
Abstract
Visit our reviews page to see a complete list of reviews in the ESC & iPSC research field.
Canada’s New Government May Be a New Beginning for Science
Canadian scientists have been making do for nearly a decade, in the face of funding cuts, federal lab closures, and a blanket gag order on government researchers. For them, the fall of Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Conservative government in the national election wasn’t just a relief—it was the rough emotional equivalent of blowing up the Death Star. [Wired] Editorial
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