Cell Memory Loss Enables the Production of Stem Cells
Scientists identified a molecular key that helps maintain identity and prevents the conversion of adult cells into induced pluripotent stem cells. They identified genes that when suppressed effectively erase a cell’s memory, making the cell more susceptible to reprogramming and, consequently, making the process of reprogramming quicker and more efficient. [Press release from the Harvard Stem Cell Institute discussing online prepublication in Nature] Press Release|Abstract
Generation of Serotonin Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Investigators demonstrated efficient differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells to cells resembling central serotonin neurons, primarily those located in the rhombomeric segments 2-3 of the rostral raphe, which participate in high-order brain functions. [Nat Biotechnol] Abstract
3D Chromosome Regulatory Landscape of Human Pluripotent Cells
Scientists describe the 3D chromosome regulatory landscape of human naive and primed embryonic stem cells. To devise this map, they identified transcriptional enhancers and insulators in these cells and placed them within the context of cohesin-associated CTCF-CTCF loops using cohesin ChIA-PET data. [Cell Stem Cell] Abstract|Graphical Abstract|Press Release
Long-Term Xeno-Free Culture of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells on Hydrogels with Optimal Elasticity
Scientists investigated human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCS) cultures on biomaterials with different elasticities that were grafted with different nanosegments. The hPSCs cultured on the stiffest substrates tended to differentiate after five days of culture, whereas the hPSCs cultured on the optimal elastic substrates maintained their pluripotency for over 20 passages under xeno-free conditions. [Sci Rep] Full Article
Potential Applications of Keratinocytes Derived from Human Embryonic Stem Cells
The authors focus on the potential off-the-shelf use of human embryonic stem cells-derived keratinocytes for future clinical applications as well as a powerful in vitro skin model to study skin function and integrity, host-pathogen interactions and disease pathogenesis. [Biotechnol J] Abstract
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INDUSTRY NEWS
New Center Focuses on Regenerative Medicine
A new center has been formed at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis to facilitate research that explores the regenerative properties of cells and tissues. [Washington University in St. Louis] Press Release
Decision to End Monkey Experiments Based on Finances, Not Animal Rights, NIH Says
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) revealed that it had begun to phase out controversial monkey experiments at one of its labs in Poolesville, Maryland. The action followed an aggressive yearlong campaign by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, but an NIH director told ScienceInsider that financial straits—not animal rights pressures—led to the decision. [ScienceInsider] Editorial
In Unique Deal, Elsevier Agrees to Make Some Papers by Dutch Authors Free
A standoff between Dutch universities and publishing giant Elsevier is finally over. After more than a year of negotiations—and a threat to boycott Elsevier’s 2500 journals—a deal has been struck: For no additional charge beyond subscription fees, 30% of research published by Dutch researchers in Elsevier journals will be open access by 2018. [ScienceInsider] Editorial
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