In this issue:  Science   |  Abstracts  |  Industry News   |  Policy Subscribe   |   Unsubscribe    TOP STORIES Researchers Derive Cancer-killers from Human Embryonic Stem Cells In a study of human tumors growing in mice, University of Minnesota researchers have found that immune cells derived from human embryonic stem cells completely eliminated the tumors in 100 percent-13 of 13-of mice tested. SCIENCE Extreme Makeover on the Molecular Level? New Method Could Change Cells' Identities Scientists have now shown that skin cells can be coaxed to behave like muscle cells-and muscle cells like skin cells-solely by altering who they hang out with. Hebrew University Researchers Discover Method to Neutralize Tumor Growth in Embryonic Stem Cell Therapy Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have discovered a method to potentially eliminate the tumor-risk factor in utilizing human embryonic stem cells. Bone Marrow Stem Cell Co-transplantation Prevents Embryonic Stem Cell Transplant-associated Tumors A team of Japanese researchers describe their study that demonstrates a way to eliminate the problem of tumor growth by co-transplanting bone marrow stem cells along with embryonic stem cells. Pig-to-Monkey Transplant Treats Diabetes Using embryonic tissue for interspecies organ transplants offers a way to evade the host's immune system, say scientists who used the method to treat type 1 diabetes in primates. TriMark Point of Care Testing Conference 2009 May 11, 2009  |  San Diego, California Enter "CONNEXON" at checkout and receive 10% off registration. Visit here to register today. Visit our events page to stay up to date with the latest events in the cell, gene and immunotherapy community. ABSTRACTS Comparative Methylation Profiles and Telomerase Biology of Mouse Multipotent Adult Germline Stem Cells and Embryonic Stem Cells This study comparatively analyzed gene-specific and global DNA methylation profiles as well as the telomerase biology of several maGSC and male ESC lines. Compatibility of Embryonic Stem Cells with Biomaterials The purpose of this study is to evaluate the compatibility of ESCs with biomaterials and the influence of biomaterials on the osteogenic gene expression profile. Functional Pre-mRNA Trans-splicing of Coactivator CoAA and Co-repressor RBM4 During Stem/Progenitor Cell Differentiation This paper identified two intergenic splicing variants, a zinc finger-containing co-activator CoAZ and a non-coding transcript ncCoAZ, between CoAA and its downstream co-repressor gene RBM4. Surface Antigen Phenotypes of Hematopoietic Stem Cells from Embryos and Murine Embryonic Stem Cells The researchers here compare the cell surface phenotype of hematopoietic repopulating cells from murine yolk sac, aorta-gonad-mesonephros, placenta, fetal liver and bone marrow with that of HSCs derived from the in vitro differentiation of murine Embryonic Stem Cells. A Genome-Scale RNAi Screen for Oct4 Modulators Defines a Role of the Paf1 Complex for Embryonic Stem Cell Identity This paper reports a genome-scale RNAi screen for a global survey of genes affecting ESC identity via alteration of Oct4 expression. A Small Molecule Primes Embryonic Stem Cells for Differentiation Using a high-content screen, the researchers have identified a small molecule, named stauprimide, that increases the efficiency of the directed differentiation of mouse and human ESCs in synergy with defined extracellular signaling cues. Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Free of Vector and Transgene Sequences This paper describes the derivation of human iPS cells with the use of non-integrating episomal vectors. INDUSTRY Pfizer, WARF Reach Accord on Stem Cell Drug Therapies Pfizer Inc. on Tuesday announced a licensing agreement with the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, or WARF, for the development of drug therapies using human embryonic stem cells. Barricode Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire IP from Azura Stem Cell UK Barricode has developed an acquisition strategy that will create, over the next few months, a vertically integrated healthcare model applicable to the world's population. Cytori and GE Healthcare Form Partnership to Commercialize StemSource Products in the U.S. Cytori Therapeutics and GE Healthcare, recently announced an agreement by which GE Healthcare will commercialize Cytori's StemSource technology in the North American stem cell banking and research markets. Ontario to Provide Major New Research Funding Ontario, Canada announced recently $100-million in new research funding in a move to keep top talent from fleeing to U.S. laboratories that will soon be awash in stimulus money from the Obama administration. Cord Blood America to Acquire or Build Its Own Stem Cell Laboratory Cord Blood America said recently it has begun due diligence to either purchase or build its own secure cryogenic stem cell bank for the storage of multiple stem cell products including umbilical cord blood stem cells. NeoStem Obtains Exclusive Worldwide License for Innovative Stem Cell Technology and Applications to Heal Chronic Wounds NeoStem, Inc. announced recently it has signed an agreement to license the exclusive worldwide rights to an innovative product and procedure using autologous bone marrow-derived stem cells to promote the healing of chronic wounds. POLICY Obama Wants Additional $300 Million for FDA President Barack Obama wants Congress to give the Food and Drug Administration an additional $300 million in its budget, which the agency called the largest funding boost in its history. Texan Senate Panel Passes Stem Cell Report Bill A legislative committee has approved a proposal by the Senate's chief budget writer to require state agencies and universities to report on any stem cell research they are conducting, funding or supporting.  Learn more about Embryonic Stem Cell News:  Archives  |  Events   |  Subscribe   |  Contact Us This email was sent by: Connexon Creative 400-570 W. 7th Avenue Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1B3 Canada