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Scientists Use Human Stem Cells to Generate Immune System in Mice
Researchers have created the first functioning human thymus tissue from embryonic stem cells in the laboratory. The researchers showed that, in mice, the tissue can be used to foster the development of white blood cells the body needs to mount healthy immune responses and to prevent harmful autoimmune reactions. [Press release from the University of California, San Francisco discussing online prepublication in Cell Stem Cell] Press Release | Abstract | Graphical Abstract | Video
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Transcriptional and Epigenetic Dynamics during Specification of Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) provides a unique opportunity to study the regulatory mechanisms that facilitate cellular transitions in a human context. To that end, researchers performed comprehensive transcriptional and epigenetic profiling of populations derived through directed differentiation of hESCs representing each of the three embryonic germ layers. [Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract
Subtelomeric Hotspots of Aberrant 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine-Mediated Epigenetic Modifications during Reprogramming to Pluripotency
Investigators showed that 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels increase significantly during reprogramming to human induced pluripotent stem cells mainly owing to TET1 activation, and this hydroxymethylation change is critical for optimal epigenetic reprogramming, but does not compromise primed pluripotency. [Nat Cell Biol] Abstract
Human iPS Cell-Derived Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells Induce T-Cell Anergy in In Vitro Generated Alloreactive CD8+ T-Cells
Immunological knowledge about induced pluripotent stem (iPS)-cell derivatives remains enigmatic. Researchers characterized hiPS-derived CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells. [Blood] Abstract
Brief Demethylation Step Allows the Conversion of Adult Human Skin Fibroblasts into Insulin-Secreting Cells
Adult human skin fibroblasts were exposed for 18 hours to the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-azacytidine, followed by a three-step protocol for the induction of endocrine pancreatic differentiation that lasted 36 days. At the end of this treatment, 35 ± 8.9% fibroblasts became pancreatic converted cells that acquired an epithelial morphology, produced insulin, and then released the hormone in response to a physiological glucose challenge in vitro. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract
Role of SIRT6 in Aging and Reprogramming of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
A knockout mouse model of SIRT6 has displayed dramatic phenotypes of accelerated aging. In keeping with its role in aging, the authors demonstrated that human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) from older subjects were more resistant to reprogramming by classic Yamanaka factors than those from young subjects, but the addition of SIRT6 during reprogramming substantially improved such efficiency in older HDFs. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article
Comparison of Electrophysiological Data from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived Cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) to Functional Pre-Clinical Safety Assays
Multi-electrode array data shows that human induced pluripotent stem cell cardiomyocytes demonstrate relevant pharmacology and show excellent correlations to assays used currently to existing functional cardiac electrophysiological studies. [Toxicol Sci] Abstract
Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes Migrate in Response to Gradients of Fibronectin and Wnt5a
Human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes show robust promigratory responses to fibronectin and Wnt5a, findings that have implications on both cardiac development and cell-based therapies. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract
Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Epithelial Cells in a Novel In Vitro Model of Vocal Mucosa
Researchers sought to create a valid, reproducible three-dimensional in vitro model of human origin of vocal fold mucosa of human origin. They hypothesized that co-culture of human embryonic stem cell-derived simple epithelial cells with primary vocal fold fibroblasts under appropriate conditions would elicit morphogenesis of progenitor cells into vocal fold epithelial-like cells and creation of a basement membrane. [Tissue Eng Part A] Abstract
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Italy May Rein in Rogue Stem-Cell Therapy
A controversial decree allowing severely ill patients to continue treatment with an unproven, and possibly unsafe, stem-cell therapy may be amended, if the Italian parliament’s Chamber of Deputies has its way. The Chamber’s social affairs committee unanimously passed amendments to the decree that would allow the Brescia-based Stamina Foundation, which developed the therapy, to continue administering it. [Chamber of Deputies, Italy] Press Release
Japan to Offer Fast-Track Approval Path for Stem Cell Therapies
A retooling of Japan's drug authorization framework, on its way to becoming law, could produce the world's fastest approval process specifically designed for regenerative medicine. [Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency, Japan] Press Release
NIH Saves Lives: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Calls on Congress to Restore Full NIH Funding
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center called on Congress to support restoring full funding to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which supports pioneering research that saves lives. Funding was recently cut due to sequestration. [Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center] Press Release
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