Genetic Exploration of the Exit from Self-Renewal Using Haploid Embryonic Stem Cells
Self-renewal circuitry in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) is increasingly defined. How the robust pluripotency program is dissolved to enable fate transition is less appreciated. The authors developed a forward genetic approach using haploid ESCs. They created libraries of transposon integrations and screened for persistent self-renewal in differentiation-permissive culture. [Cell Stem Cell]
Abstract|Graphical Abstract|Press Release
Snail1-Dependent Control of Embryonic Stem Cell Pluripotency and Lineage Commitment
Scientists demonstrated using isogenic pairs of conditional knockout mouse embryonic stem cells, that Snail1 exerts Wnt- and epithelial-mesenchymal transition independent control over the stem cell transcriptome without affecting self-renewal or pluripotency-associated functions. [Nat Commun]
Abstract
Mutant Astrocytes Differentiated from Rett Syndrome Patients-Specific iPSCs Have Adverse Effects on Wild Type Neurons
Scientists showed that Rett syndrome (RTT) induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines can be efficiently differentiated into astroglial progenitors and glial fibrillary acidic protein expressing astrocytes that maintain isogenic status, that mutant RTT astrocytes carrying three different RTT mutations and their conditioned media have adverse effects on the morphology and function of wild type neurons, and that the glial effect on neuronal morphology is independent of the intrinsic neuronal deficit in mutant neurons. [Hum Mol Genet]
Abstract
Spatially Defined InsP3-Mediated Signaling in Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes
The authors aimed to determine how 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) receptors can translate Ca2+ release into a depolarization of the plasma membrane and consequently arrhythmic activity. They used embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes as a model system since their spontaneous electrical activity depends on InsP3-mediated Ca2+ release. [PLoS One]
Full Article
Kinetic Analysis of Deviation from the Undifferentiated State in Colonies of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells on Feeder Layers
Scientists focused on deviation from the undifferentiated state in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) colonies during culture with feeder cells. Deviated cells from the undifferentiated state of hiPSCs in cultures with SNL and MEF feeder cells were observed at the center and periphery of the colonies, respectively, accompanied by dramatic changes in the cell morphology from small to large flattened shapes. [Biotechnol Bioeng]
Abstract
Considerations for Pre-Clinical Models and Clinical Trials of Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes
The authors review the main questions that should be considered before translating pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived cardiomyocytes into clinical investigations, including the development of good manufacturing practice-level PSC lines, the development of efficient protocols to generate pure populations of cardiac myocytes, and the development of techniques to improve the retention and survival rate of transplanted cells. [Stem Cell Res Ther]
Abstract
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The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) Announces the 2014 Recipients of the McEwen Award for Innovation, the ISSCR-BD Biosciences Outstanding Young Investigator and the ISSCR Public Service Awards
The McEwen Award for Innovation, supported by the McEwen Center for Regenerative Medicine, recognizes original thinking and groundbreaking research pertaining to stem cells or regenerative medicine that opens new avenues of exploration toward the understanding or treatment of human disease or affliction. The ISSCR-BD Biosciences Outstanding Young Investigator Award recognizes exceptional achievements by an ISSCR member and investigator in the early part of their independent career in stem cell research. The ISSCR Public Service Award is given in recognition of outstanding contributions of public service to the fields of stem cell research and regenerative medicine. [The International Society for Stem Cell Research]
Press Release
Leaked Files Slam Stem-Cell Therapy
A series of damning documents seen by Nature expose deep concerns over the safety and efficacy of the controversial stem-cell therapy promoted by Italy’s Stamina Foundation. The leaked papers reveal the true nature of the processes involved, long withheld by Stamina’s president, Davide Vannoni. Other disclosures show that the successes claimed by Stamina for its treatments have been over-stated. [Nature News]
Editorial
U.K. Researchers Ask the Public to Share Medical Data
U.K. medical research charities urged residents to allow scientists to access patient data from the country’s National Health Service. Making their plea through colorful advertisements in the national press, the charities weighed in on a raging national debate. [ScienceInsider]
Editorial
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