Scientists Break New Ground in Embryonic Stem Cells
Researchers have been able to make embryonic stem cells from adult mouse body cells using the cytoplasm of two-cell embryos that were in the “interphase” stage of the cell cycle. Scientists had previously thought the interphase stage – a later stage of the cell cycle – was incapable of converting transplanted adult cell nuclei into embryonic stem cells. [Press release from the Oregon Health & Science University discussing online prepublication in Nature]
Press Release|Abstract
The Retrovirus HERVH Is a Long Noncoding RNA Required for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Identity
Human endogenous retrovirus subfamily H (HERVH) is a class of transposable elements expressed preferentially in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Researchers report that the long terminal repeats of HERVH function as enhancers and that HERVH is a nuclear long noncoding RNA required to maintain hESC identity. [Nat Struct Mol Biol]
Abstract|Editorial
Simple Derivation of Transgene-Free iPS Cells by a Dual Recombinase Approach
Scientists describe a new approach for the simple derivation of transgene-free induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells by the sequential use of two DNA recombinases, C31 Integrase and Cre, to control the genomic insertion and excision of a single, non-viral reprogramming vector. [Mol Biotechnol]
Abstract
Rethinking Differentiation: Stem Cells, Regeneration, and Plasticity
Cell differentiation is an essential process for the development, growth, reproduction, and longevity of all multicellular organisms, and its regulation has been the focus of intense investigation for the past four decades. The study of natural and induced stem cells has ushered an age of re-examination of what it means to be a stem or a differentiated cell. [Cell]
Full Article
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£3.5 Million Boost for Regenerative Medicine Research Programs
The Loughborough University-led Center for Doctoral Training in Regenerative Medicine has been awarded £3.5 million from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Medical Research Council to further its research programs in the fast-growing field of the healthcare industry. [Loughborough University] Press Release
RIKEN Panel Finds Misconduct in Reprogrammed Stem Cell Papers
An investigating committee has concluded that falsification and fabrication mar two recent Nature papers reporting a new, simple way to reprogram mature cells into stem cells. The committee concluded that these acts constitute research misconduct, but it stopped short of calling for the papers to be retracted and will leave the question of disciplinary action to a separate committee. [ScienceInsider]
Editorial
German University Tells Elsevier ‘No Deal’
In the latest skirmish between academia and publishers over the costs of academic journals, the University of Konstanz in Germany has broken off negotiations over a new licensing agreement with the scientific publisher Elsevier. The publisher’s prices are too high, said university Rector Ulrich Rüdiger in a statement, and the institution “will no longer keep up with this aggressive pricing policy and will not support such an approach.” [ScienceInsider]
Editorial
UK Funders Get Tough on Privacy Breaches
Leading UK organizations that fund research have threatened to revoke the funding of scientists who determine the identities of participants in medical and genomic studies who had expressed a wish to remain anonymous. [Nature News]
Editorial
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