Our aim at the Australian Stem Cell Centre is to keep you
informed about the latest developments across the stem cell field
including recent highlights in research, clinical translation and
relevant policy and regulations.
We value your suggestions and contributions. If you wish to make a contribution please email us at info@stemcellcentre.edu.au.
STEM CELL RESEARCH NEWS
PUBLICATIONS
INDUSTRY NEWS
POLICY & REGULATION NEWS
Stem Cell Research News
iPS CELL PRODUCTION IMPROVEMENTS
Researchers from The Scripps Research Institute have discovered a method that dramatically improves the production of human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. The original method of producing iPS cells used viruses to insert four genes that cause the cells to revert to a pluripotent state. This method took four weeks and the success rate was only about one in 10,000 cells.
The Scripps research team used a chemical cocktail that halved the time and increased the production of iPS cells by a factor of 200. This improvement will greatly accelerate research.
Read more - A chemical platform for improved induction of human iPSCs Nature Methods advance online publication, doi:10.1038/nmeth.1393 (18 October 2009) (subscription only), and BBC News commentary.
INSIGHTS INTO THE HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Researchers at Stanford University have created human gametes from embryonic stem cells. Primitive human sperm and eggs and the germ cells that make them were created from embryonic stem cells in an experiment that may lead to new treatments for infertility. This development revolutionises scientists’ ability to study the development of the human reproductive system and has already helped to confirm the importance of several genes to egg and sperm formation. It could eventually open new approaches to restoring or preserving fertility, such as gene therapies that stimulate gamete production in the testes or ovaries to allow natural conception.
Another potential benefit could be insights into spontaneous genetic mutations that cause disease and disability. The Stanford team is now trying to create germ cells using reprogrammed adult (iPS) cells with embryo like properties. If this works, it could become possible to use these to grow in-vitro derived eggs and sperm with the genetic characteristics of an infertile person.
Read more - Human DAZL, DAZ and BOULE genes modulate primordial germ-cell and haploid gamete formation. Nature advance online publication, doi:10.1038/nature08562 (28 October 2009) (subscription only) and Times Online news commentary.
LIVER CELL CREATION A STEP CLOSER
Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin have demonstrated that mouse and human iPS cells can generate liver like cells (hepatocytes). This work is extremely important for several reasons. The first of these is the worldwide shortage of donor livers for transplant and the second is the limited availability of liver cells for use in research into liver disease and testing of potential therapies. The generation of patient specific human hepatocytes from iPS cells may help solve the issues raised above.
Read more - Highly Efficient Generation of Human Hepatocyte–like Cells from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Hepatology online publication, doi:10.1002/hep.23354 (17 September 2009)
(subscription only).
SEPARATING THE WHEAT FROM THE CHAFF WITH IPS CELLS
Somatic cells can be reprogrammed into iPS cells by enforced expression of transcription factors. Using serial live imaging of human fibroblasts undergoing reprogramming, researchers identified distinct colony types that morphologically resemble embryonic stem cells yet differ in molecular phenotype and differentiation potential. By analysing expression of pluripotency markers, methylation and differentiation into teratomas, they determined that only one colony type represents true iPS cells, whereas the others represent reprogramming intermediates. They also demonstrated that reprogramming using chemically defined medium favors formation of fully reprogrammed over partially reprogrammed colonies. These data define molecular markers of the fully reprogrammed state and highlight the need for rigorous characterization and standardization of putative iPS cells.
Read more - Live cell imaging distinguishes bona fide human iPS cells from partially reprogrammed cells. Nature Biotechnology advance online publication, doi:10.1038/nbt.1580 (11 October 2009) (subscription only).
STEM CELL RESEARCH OFFERS HOPE FOR COLON CANCER VACCINE
American and Chinese researchers say that human stem cells may provide a means of creating a vaccine against colon cancer and other types of cancers. The research is the first to make the connection between human stem cells and colon cancer vaccination. In this study, the researchers vaccinated mice with human embryonic stem cells and found that the mice developed a consistent immune response against colon cancer cells. The vaccinated mice showed a dramatic decline in tumor growth, compared with non-vaccinated mice. While human embryonic stem cells triggered an immune response, artificially induced pluripotent stem cells did not, a finding that challenges the theory that induced pluripotent stem cells are the same as human embryonic stem cells and may replace them at the forefront of stem cell research.
Read more - commentary from Medical News Today. Vaccination with Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Generates a Broad Spectrum of Immunological and Clinical Response against Colon Cancer. Stem Cells online Publication: doi: 10.1002/stem.234 (8 October 2009).
STATE OF THE STEM CELL
In a highly informative article Monya Baker examines the recent past and the outlook for stem cell research. The focus is on iPS cells and how they may be used to further medical knowledge. The article also examines the hurdles that need to be overcome to achieve these goals.
Read more.
STEM CELL REVIEW: ‘LOOKING FORWARD TO 2015’
This latest episode by BioBusinessTV includes interviews with ISSCR members George Daley, Irving Weissman, Shinya Yamanaka, Ronald McKay, Gregory Bonfiglio, Alan Trounson, David Scadden and more discussing where they see stem cell science going in the next five years. To watch the video – click here.
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Some Recent Key Publications
Stem cell researchers from across Australia (including those funded and
not funded by the ASCC) continue to make significant contributions to
the field in diverse areas. Below is a selection of recent key
publications.
A Chemical Platform for Improved Induction of human iPSCs. Tongxiang Lin, Rajesh Ambasudhan, Xu Yuan, Wenlin Li, Simon Hilcove, Ramzey Abujarour, Xiangyi Lin, Heung Sik Hahm, Ergeng Hao, Alberto Hayek & Sheng Ding.
Nature Methods 6, 805 - 808 (2009)
Published online: 18 October 2009 | doi:10.1038/nmeth.1393
Human DAZL, DAZ and BOULE genes modulate primordial germ-cell and haploid gamete formation. Kehkooi Kee, Vanessa T. Angeles, Martha Flores, Ha Nam Nguyen & Renee A. Reijo Pera.
Nature 461, 7268
Published online: 28 October 2009 │ doi:10.1038/nature08562
Highly Efficient Generation of Human Hepatocyte–like Cells from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Karim Si-Tayeb, Fallon K. Noto, Masato Nagaoka, Jixuan Li, Michele A. Battle, Christine Duris, Paula E. North, Stephen Dalton, and Stephen A. Duncan.
Hepatology 9999, 999A
Published online: 17 September 2009 │ doi:10.1002/hep.23354
Live Cell Imaging Distinguishes Bona Fide Human iPS Cells from Partially Reprogrammed Cells. Elayne M Chan, Sutheera Ratanasirintrawoot, In-Hyun Park, Philip D Manos, Yuin-Han Loh, Hongguang Huo, Justine D Miller, Odelya Hartung, Junsung Rho, Tan A Ince, George Q Daley & Thorsten M Schlaeger.
Nature Biotechnology
Advance online publication: 11 October 2009 │ doi:10.1038/nbt.1580
Vaccination with Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Generates a Broad Spectrum of Immunological and Clinical Response against Colon Cancer. Yi Li, Hui Zeng, Ren-He Xu, Bei Liu, Zihai Lia.
Stem Cells
Online Publication: 8 October 2009 │ doi: 10.1002/stem.234
Human embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cell Transplants Improve Recovery after Cervical Spinal Cord Injury. Jason Sharp, Jennifer Frame, Monica Siegenthaler, Gabriel Nistor, Hans S. Keirstead
Stem Cells
Online publication:16 October 2009 │ doi: 10.1002/stem.245
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ADVANCED CELL TECHNOLOGY SEEKS FDA APPROVAL FOR CLINICAL TRIAL
Advanced Cell Technology has filed a request for clinical trial approval to conduct a trial using embryonic stem cell derived retinal cells to treat Stargardt disease. Stargardt disease is an untreatable inherited eye disease which leads to juvenile blindness. Previous animal studies have shown that an injection of retinal cells prevented further vision loss without adverse side effects. The trial should commence in 2010 subject to FDA approval. This represents the second filing for approval of an embryonic stem cell treatment, the first being Geron’s spinal cord injury trial which is currently on hold.
MESOBLAST – SUCCESS WITH BONE MARROW REGENERATION IN CANCER PATIENTS
Australia's Mesoblast announced successful results from the first 18 patients receiving a bone marrow transplant using umbilical cord blood expanded by the patented allogeneic, or ‘off-the-shelf’, Mesenchymal Precursor Cells. Mesoblast intends to develop a therapy that results in bone marrow reconstitution as effectively as unrelated adult bone marrow, but without the potentially life threatening complication of graft-versus-host disease, which occurs in as many as 60% of patients. For more information, see Mesoblast’s media release.
GERON COLLABORATORS PUBLISH DATA ON hESC-DERIVED CELL THERAPY IN CERVICAL SPINAL CORD INJURY
Geron collaborators have published a paper demonstrating that oligodendrocyte progenitor cells derived from human embryonic stem cells, reduced tissue damage within the lesion and improved recovery of locomotor function when transplanted into a rodent model of cervical spinal cord injury. These data provide preclinical proof-of-concept for the use of GRNOPC1, Geron's human embryonic stem cell-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor product, in patients with cervical spinal cord injuries. For more information, see Geron’s media release.
Read more - Human embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cell Transplants Improve Recovery after Cervical Spinal Cord Injury. Stem Cells, online publication: doi:10.1002/stem.245 (16 October 2009) (subscription only).
CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE FOR REGENERATIVE MEDICINE UPDATE
It has been an eventful month for the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). On October 19 an agreement was signed with the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology to collaborate on stem cell research. The two agencies expect to create synergies by making it easier for Chinese and Californian scientists to form collaborative teams and obtain joint funding. The agreement notes that both agencies will assure the research is conducted in ‘compliance with the highest standards for ethical conduct and safety at all stages of research including clinical study.’ For more information, see CIRM's media release.
On October 28 CIRM announced awards in excess of US$250 million to accelerate the pace of bringing stem cell therapies to the clinic in collaboration with international partners from the UK and Canada. The Disease Team Research Awards include approximately $8 million from the Medical Research Council, UK, and approximately $35 million from the Cancer Stem Cell Consortium, Canada, to fund the international portions of the collaborations. These grants mark the first CIRM funding explicitly expected to result in a filing with the FDA to begin a clinical trial and represent the largest research funding program undertaken by CIRM. This funding round brings CIRMs grants total to about $1 billion.
The Disease Team grants have been awarded to projects for treating cancer (brain tumours, solid cancers, leukemia), eye disease, HIV/AIDS, type 1 diabetes, damage from heart attack, sickle cell anemia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and epidermolysis bullosa, a hereditary life-threatening condition of the skin’s connective layer. For more information see CIRM's media release.
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AWARDED US$6.8M IN GRANTS FOR STEM CELLS
In late October the University of Michigan received 13 federal stimulus grants worth US$6.8 million for stem cell research. In interviews Sean Morrison, director of the university’s Center for Stem Cell Biology, said the school’s efforts have been boosted by President Barack Obama’s executive order earlier this year to end limits on using federal dollars for stem cell research.
A WAVE OF CELL THERAPY PRODUCTS APPROACHING MARKET
The Australian publication Bioshares wrote a very useful article named
‘A Wave of Cell Therapy Products Approaching Market’ during October.
Those interested in access to this report should contact David Blake at
blake@bioshares.com.au.
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Policy and Regulation News
ISSCR TASK FORCE UNPROVEN STEM CELL THERAPIES
The ISSCR recently named a Task Force on Unproven Stem Cell Therapies. The task force will develop a policy statement leading to a listing of asserted stem cell therapies that are, to the knowledge of the society, unsupported by published scientific studies, and a listing of individuals, clinics or other entities practicing unproven stem cell therapies. The primary purpose is to develop a web site that will be a resource for patients, advocacy groups, clinicians, and associations in evaluating claims of benefit from unproven stem cell therapies. The task force will not list proven therapies, and therefore does not act as a review body. Read more.
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$1 million awarded to innovative and clinically focused Australian stem cell projects
The Australian Stem Cell Centre has announced funding for six projects spanning diverse areas from Alzheimer’s to eyes, pelvic floor regeneration to stem cell manufacturing and bioinformatics under its Strategic Development Fund.
Professor Joe Sambrook to be awarded on “Thank You” Day
Professor Joe Sambrook, the ASCC Scientific Director, has received the Victorian Government Leadership and Innovation Award on “Thank You” Day.
Call for Papers: SBE Stem Cell Engineering Conference
DEADLINE EXTENDED: Submit an abstact by 05 February 2010 for this conference that brings together the bioengineering and stem cell biology communities.
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