Ancient Viral Molecules Essential for Human Development
Scientists have shown that certain noncoding RNA molecules, which are genetic remnants of an ancient virus, play a critical role in balancing decisions in early human development–namely pluripotency of early stem cells, a genetic state that enables them to modulate the gamut of human developmental decisions and timing. [Press release from Montana State University discussing online prepublication in Nature Genetics] Press Release|Abstract
Selection and Dynamics of Embryonic Stem Cell Integration into Early Mouse Embryos
The process by which pluripotent cells incorporate into host embryos is of interest to investigate cell potency and cell fate decisions. By comparing a heterogeneous mix of undifferentiated and differentiating embryonic stem cell with more homogeneous undifferentiated culture, the authors examined the role of cellular heterogeneity in this process. [Development] Abstract|Full Article
Generation of Airway Epithelial Cells with Native Characteristics from Mouse Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Scientists generated airway epithelial cells from embryoid bodies by culturing them under serum-free conditions supplemented with Activin and bFGF and by the air-liquid interface method and characterized the induced pluripotent stem cell-derived airway epithelial cells in terms of their gene expression, immunoreactivity, morphology, and function. [Cell Tissue Res] Abstract
REVIEWS
Using hiPSCs to Model Neuropsychiatric Copy Number Variations (CNVs) Has Potential to Reveal Underlying Disease Mechanisms
Genetically engineered mouse models can recapitulate rare variants, displaying some behavioral defects associated with schizophrenia; however, these mouse models cannot recapitulate the full genetic architecture underlying the disorder. Patient-derived human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) present an alternative approach for studying rare variants, in the context of all other risk alleles. [Brain Res] Abstract
Back and Forth in Time: Directing Age in iPSC-Derived Lineages
Following significant progress in manipulating cellular fate, the stem cell field will now have to face the new challenge of controlling cellular age, in order to fully harness the potential of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-technology to advance the research and cure of diseases of the aging brain. [Brain Res] Abstract
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Two MD Anderson Faculty Named as Prestigious AAAS Fellows
Distinguished contributions to understanding p53 tumor suppression in stem cells and breakthrough advances in treating breast cancer have earned two scientists at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center membership in a notable association of scholars. [The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center] Press Release
China Pursues Fraudsters in Science Publishing
China’s main basic research agency is cracking down on scientists who used fake peer reviews to publish papers, demanding that serious offenders return research funding. [ScienceInsider] Editorial
UK Scientists Celebrate Slight Rise in Research Budget
UK scientists’ worst funding fears have not come to pass. The country’s science budget will increase slightly in the coming years, Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne announced as part of a much-anticipated government spending review. [Nature News] Editorial
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