TOP STORIES

Scientists Turn Stem Cells into Precursors for Sperm, Eggs
Researchers have devised a way to efficiently coax human embryonic stem cells derived from excess IVF embryos to become human germ cells, the precursors of egg and sperm cells, in the laboratory. [Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford]

SCIENCE NEWS

Placental Precursor Stem Cells Require Testosterone-free Environment to Survive
Trophoblast stem cells, cells found in the layer of peripheral embryonic stem cells from which the placenta is formed, are thought to exhibit "immune privilege" that aids cell survivability and is potentially beneficial for cell and gene therapies. [University of South Florida, Tampa]

Unraveling the Mechanisms Behind Organ Regeneration in Zebrafish
Researchers have identified an essential cellular pathway in zebrafish that paves the way for limb regeneration by unlocking gene expression patterns last seen during embryonic development. [Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla]

CURRENT PUBLICATIONS

Zfp206, Oct4, and Sox2 Are Integrated Components of a Transcriptional Regulatory Network in Embryonic Stem Cells
Presented here are data showing that Zfp206 works together with two other transcription factors, Oct4 and Sox2, which are also essential regulators of ESC pluripotency. [J Biol Chem]

VEGF Induces Differentiation of Functional Endothelium From Human Embryonic Stem Cells
In this paper, the researchers endeavored to induce and isolate functional endothelial cells from differentiating hESCs. [Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol]

Cripto-1 Is Required for Hypoxia to Induce Cardiac Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
In the present study, the researchers investigated the effect of low levels of oxygen, which occurs naturally in rapidly growing tissues, on Cripto-1 expression in mouse embryonic stem cells and in human embryonal carcinoma cells. [Am J Pathol]

Eset Partners with Oct4 to Restrict Extra-embryonic Trophoblast Lineage Potential in Embryonic Stem Cells
Although ICM-derived embryonic stem cells are normally unable to contribute to the trophectoderm in blastocysts, this study finds that depletion of Eset by shRNAs leads to differentiation with the formation of trophoblast-like cells and induction of trophoblast-associated gene expression. [Genes Dev]

SetDB1 Contributes to Repression of Genes Encoding Developmental Regulators and Maintenance of ES Cell State
A high-throughput shRNA screen was used to identify novel chromatin regulators that influence embryonic stem cell state. [Genes Dev]

INDUSTRY NEWS

Geron and FDA Reach Agreement on Clinical Hold
In discussions with the company, the FDA has advised that it concurs with Geron that positive data from this study and Geron expects the data from this study to enable re-initiation of the clinical trial in the third quarter of 2010.

Gladstone and Stanford In Collaboration to Develop Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Cardiac Therapies
Scientists at the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease and Stanford University School of Medicine will collaborate in a new consortium funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute to develop stem cell and regenerative medicine therapies.

POLICY NEWS

Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Stem Cell Rule
A judge on Tuesday dismissed a Christian adoption agency's challenge to Obama administration regulations expanding stem cell research.

Recovery Act Funds Expand Studies of Stem Cell Biology
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences, part of the National Institutes of Health, is using $5.4 million of Recovery Act funds to accelerate basic studies of induced pluripotent stem cells.

CIRM, the UK and Canada Award more than $250 Million to Accelerate the Pace of Bringing Stem Cell Therapies to the Clinic
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, the state stem cell agency, and two international partners awarded more than $250 million to 14 multidisciplinary teams of researchers in California, the UK and Canada to develop stem cell-based therapies for 11 diseases.

Ontario Targets $25 Million for Stem Cell Research
The Ontario government will announce $25 million for stem cell research as part of an initiative to encourage collaboration among scientists across the province and around the world.

Michigan Panel to Discuss Stem Cell Research Bills
State lawmakers have planned a hearing on proposals that would set up penalties for violations and require reports related to stem cell research in Michigan.

Waivers for Conflicts of Interest for the November 16-17, 2009 Blood Products Advisory Committee Meeting

2009 Meeting Materials of the Blood Products Advisory Committee

EVENTS

WiCell Human Embryonic Stem Cell Course
December 7-9, 2009
Madison, United States

49th American Society for Cell Biology Annual Meeting
December 5-9, 2009
San Diego, United States

Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine World Congress
January 20-21, 2010
San Francisco, United States

Phacilitate Cell and Gene Therapy
January 25-27, 2010
Washington DC, United States

Molecular Medicine Tri-Conference 2010
February 3-5, 2010
San Francisco, United States

SMi's 2nd Annual Stem Cells
February 15-16, 2010
London, United Kingdom

Keystone Symposium B4 Stem Cell Differentiation and Dedifferentiation
February 15-20, 2010
Keystone, United States

Stem Cell Summit
February 16, 2010
New York, United States

16th Annual ISCT meeting
May 23-26, 2010
Philadelphia, United States

ISSCR 8th Annual Meeting
June 16-19, 2010
San Francisco, United States

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Manager, Market Segment Regenerative Medicine (Sigma-Aldrich Corporation)

Technical Specialist (AABB)

R&D Scientist (STEMCELL Technologies)

Technical Support Representative - France (STEMCELL Technologies)

Recruit Top Talent
Reach more than 11,000 potential candidates by posting your organization's career opportunities with Cell Therapy News.
Visit here to post your career opportunities.

Have we missed an important article or publication in Embryonic Cell News? Click here to submit!