Dear IFATS Member,
Welcome to the November Newsletter from the Stem Cells Portal - the online resource and community for researchers, brought to you by the Stem Cells Journal - the official journal of IFATS. Please take a moment to browse our site and join our new Stem Cells Community, where you can edit your own profile page and interact with other community members.
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Stem Cells Portal Editor,
AlphaMed Press
| | The Stem Cells Community |
Sample Listings:
 New to the Stem Cells Portal! This free, online community is designed provide a comprehensive, searchable directory of stem cell researchers, labs, students, and other professionals connected with stem cell research. Create an account and receive your own profile page, where you can add contact information, details about your work with stem cells, your research, lab, publications, accomplishments, CV, clinical trials, pictures, and more. You can add as much or as little information as you choose, and update it as often as you like. Please join us to provide your profile and begin searching and connecting with your stem cell community! Click here to register and create an account with the community. Sample Profile Page: | | Celebrating 10 Years of hESC Cell Lines |
Ten years ago this November, a paper was published that led to an explosion in the field of stem cell research. In November 1998, Dr. James Thomson's laboratory reported the first derivation of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines from human blastocysts (Science 1998;282:1145-1147).
To celebrate this landmark discovery, and to look forward to the future of stem cell research, STEM CELLS has begun an interview series titled "Celebrating 10 Years of hESC Cell Lines". Over the next several months, STEM CELLS will present interviews reflecting on the lives and achievements of some of the premiere scientists in the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine. The series begins with "An Interview with James Thomson", and will continue with six more interviews in the coming months.
Throughout the series, each lab will also be featured on the "Stem Cells Portal - Featured Labs" and the Portal will also carry additional excerpts from each interview.
Read the Introductory Editorial to this series from Dr. Miodrag Stojkovic, Co-Editor of Stem Cells, in the November issue of STEM CELLS.
Nov. 2008 Issue - James Thomson
Read our interivew with Dr. Thomson in the Nov. issue of STEM CELLS
Read more about Dr. Thomson's lab, featured on the Stem Cells Portal
Read additional excerpts form our interview with Dr. Thomson, available only on the Stem Cells Portal!
Join our Discussion Forum - "The Controversy over Stem Cells"
| | Latest PubMed Articles |
Right on our homepage, see the latest "stem cells' articles from PubMed.
Click the link to go directly to the articles, or click PubMed: Stem Cells to go directly to PubMed and refine your search.
| | Latest Stem Cell News |
Get all the Latest Stem Cells News with our great range of news feeds all in one place, including news from EurekAlert, ScienceDaily, The New York Times, Scientific American, and more.
| | Featured Labs - Dr. James Thomson |
 
Contact Information: James Thomson Professor, Department of Anatomy Genome Center of Wisconsin 425 Henry Mall Madison, WI 53705 Office Phone: 608/263-3585 Fax: 608/265-8984 email: thomson@primate.wisc.edu Celebrating 10 Years of hESC Cell Lines Ten years ago this November, a paper was published that led to an explosion in the field of stem cell research. In November 1998, Dr. James Thomson's laboratory reported the first derivation of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines from human blastocysts (Science 1998;282:1145-1147). To celebrate this landmark discovery, and to look forward to the future of stem cell research, STEM CELLS has begun an interview series titled "Celebrating 10 Years of hESC Cell Lines". Over the next several months, STEM CELLS will present interviews reflecting on the lives and achievements of some of the premiere scientists in the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine. The series begins with "An Interview with James Thomson". Read the Introductory Editorial to this series from Dr. Miodrag Stojkovic, Co-Editor of Stem Cells, in the November issue of STEM CELLS. Read our interview with Dr. Thomson in the November issue of STEM CELLS. Read additional excerpts from our interview with Dr. Thomson, available only on the Stem Cells Portal. Join our Discussion Forum - "The Controversy over Stem Cells" Dr. James Thomson - Scientific Positions: John D. MacArthur Professor, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Adjunct Professor, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara Director of Regenerative Biology, Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin Overview of the Thomson Lab In the early 1990s, the Thomson laboratory derived ES cells from an Old World monkey (the rhesus macaque) and a New World monkey (the common marmoset), work that led to the derivation of the first human ES cells. Much of the initial work in the Thomson laboratory after that derivation focused on establishing human ES cells as an accepted, practical model system. They developed, for example, improved culture conditions, methods for genetic manipulation, and approaches for the in vitro differentiation to key lineages of clinical importance. They are now focused on using these tools to understand the basic biology of pluripotency. For example, they use several conditions that induce uniform differentiation to specific lineages to study in detail how ES cells decide to exit the pluripotent state and become restricted in their potential, and they use a hematopoietic model system to study how that process of restriction can be reversed. Thomson Lab Homepage Overview of Dr. Thomson The University of Wisconsin - Madison The University of Wisconsin Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center The Genome Center of Wisconsin Thomson Lab Protocols Thomson Lab Members Job Opportunities in the Thomson Lab Thomson Publications University of California Santa Barbara, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Morgridge Institute for Research | Featured Resource - The International
Stem Cell Registry
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Mission
The mission of the University of Massachusetts International Stem Cell Registry is to provide a searchable, comprehensive database that includes published and validated unpublished information on all human ES cell lines as well as other pluripotent stem cell lines.
This free online resource, funded by a grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is intended to be tool for researchers in academia and in the private sector as well as the public. The website provides a wealth of information about various topics related to stem cells. The registry itself is a searchable, continuously expanding database of information on specific stem cell lines and currently includes profiles of over 190 human ES and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell lines. The profiles contain data on the derivation, availability and characteristics of each line. In addition, a key unique feature of the registry is a searchable database of publications related to the properties and applications of each cell line.
The goal is to offer current information on all known human ES cell lines, including those approved by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for federal funding and those derived through other public or private funding sources. The registry will include cell lines from non-profit institutions, academic centers, research enterprises, stem cell banks and industry based in the United States and abroad.
 What you can do:
Browse hES and iPS Cell Lines
Search the Registry - By name, markers, IVF status, subclones, etc.
Search the Literature - A searchable database of research articles that feature iPS and human embryonic stem cell lines that are currently listed in the registry. Publications are also listed in the profile for each cell line.
Find Articles Characterizing Human Embryonic Stem Cell Lines - An ongoing compilation of studies that characterize the properties of stem cells.
Get Research Protocols - For derivation, growth and differentiation of hES cells and iPS cells.
See Images - Showing specific details about morphology and marker staining of human ES cells
Get Information on Stem Cell Laws and Policies
Submit a New Line
Submit New Data
Contact the Registry
More! See the Registry Home Page
| | Featured Society - The Catholic Institute of Cell Therapy |
Contact Information:
Phone: +82-2-590-2489,4936
Fax: +82-2-590-4978
The Catholic Institute of Cell Therapy (Seoul, Korea), founded by the support of the Committee for Life on October 5, 2005, is the central organization to realize the Catholic Church's values and to integrate the capacities of the Catholic Medical Center for adult stem cell research.
The Institute is pursuing the strategic and systematic development of cell therapy by recruiting qualified researchers, establishing a world class infrastructure, and expanding collaborations with domestic and oversea institutes.
The Institute is also operating an independent GMP facility for cell therapy at the Catholic Medical Center, and will begin an Innovation Center to promote the industrialization of stem cell technologies. Together with the Catholic University of Korea, the Institute also presents the annual Catholic International Stem Cell Symposium.
Vision & Specific Objectives of the Catholic Institute of Cell Therapy
Organization of the Catholic Institute of Cell Therapy
History of the Catholic Institute of Cell Therapy
International Cooperation
The Catholic International Stem Cell Symposium
About the Committee for Life
About the Catholic University of Korea's Catholic Medical Center
The Catholic Institute of Cell Therapy Home Page | | Upcoming Meeting Highlights |
  Call for Posters Deadline: 11 December 2008 Agenda Topics - Cancer Stem Cells
- Stem Cell Epigenetics
- Stem Cells in Drug Discovery and Development
- Regenerative Medicine
- Pluripotency, iPSC
- SPECIAL SESSION: Biobanking
At the 2009 conference, you will learn about:- Design precision diagnostic tools and identify disease biomarkers (MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS)
- Reduce late-stage attrition through translational biomarkers, more predictive models, and earlier proof-of-concept studies (TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE)
- Use genomic, proteomic and pathway information to identify the best drug targets (CANCER PROFILING AND PATHWAYS)
- Optimize the design of therapeutic agents, including small- and large-molecules, (MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY, PRECLINICAL DEVELOPMENT OF BIOLOGICS)
- Explore cell-based therapeutics including the latest advances in stem cell therapies
- (STEM CELL THERAPIES, PRECLINICAL DEVELOPMENT OF BIOLOGICS)
- Map intricate pathways and identify drug intervention points
- (CANCER PROFILING AND PATHWAYS)
- Develop safer therapeutics that can flourish in the market with reduced chance of adverse events (PRECLINICAL DRUG SAFETY)
- Generate effective business and diversification strategies to maximize progress with problematic targets and diseases ( EXECUTIVE SUMMIT)
- Leverage informatics tools and strategies to improve R&D success (IT TRACK)
For 16 years, CHI's MOLECULAR MEDICINE TRI-CONFERENCE has tracked the growth, the challenges and opportunities in this space. Molecular medicine can solve the looming healthcare crisis and increase productivity and success in Pharma and Biotech. The 2009 event promises to be the most critical and successful event yet.  For delegatesThe global market for stem cell products and services is forecast to grow almost threefold by 2010, and stem cell research continues to make significant advances towards valuable medical treatments. Despite these advances, the development of stem cell products remains a virtually untapped profit centre. The 4th annual World Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine Congress focused on bridging these gaps between researchers, investors and manufacturers, and the 2009 event is set to do the same. Key topics in 2009 include:- Translating stem cell research into commercially successful therapeutics
- Big pharma perspectives on stem cell therapeutic commercialization
- Business models for regenerative medicine, reimbursement and intellectual property
- Future scenarios for medicine - how regenerative medicine will meet unmet medical need
- Funding, securing investment and overcoming regulatory hurdles
- Enhanced production and manufacturing systems
- Finding an industry voice for stem cells and regenerative medicine
- Utilizing induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) cells to their full potential
- Novel strategies for stem cells in drug discovery and research
Last year's speakers included: Attend to participate in a highly interactive, strategically focused program, lead by a panel of 60+ sector leaders, including: - Dr. Ajan Reginald, Global Head of Emerging Technologies, Roche Group Research
- Kimberly A. Benton, PhD, Deputy Director, Division of Cellular & Gene Therapies, OCTGT/CBER, US FDA
- Stephen Potter, Senior VP, Corporate Development, Genzyme Corporation
- Dr. John McNeish, Executive Director, Regenerative Medicine, Pfizer
- Dr. Rajesh Chopra, Global Medical Science Director, Emerging Products, AstraZeneca
- Dr. C. Randal Mills, President & CEO, Osiris Therapeutics, Inc
- Dr. Sudha Kadiyala, Worldwide Director, Business Development & Strategic Planning, Johnson & Johnson
- Dr. Gopalan Narayanan, Manager & Head, Biologicals & Biotechnology Unit, Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
- Dr. Alan J. Lewis, President & CEO, Novocell Inc
- Shosh Merchav, PhD, MBA, Director, Head, Cell Therapy Projects, Teva Innovative Venture, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
- John T. Dimos, PhD, Senior Scientist, iZumi Bio Inc
- Brock C. Reeve, Executive Director, Harvard Stem Cell Institute
- Howard J. Leonhardt, Chairman, CEO & CTO, Bioheart, Inc
- Bruce Wentworth, PhD, Director - Science, MG Biotherapeutics, Director of Research, Genzyme
- Dr. Ann Tsukamoto, COO, StemCells, Inc
Visit www.phacilitate.co.uk/cgtherapy for the latest program information and online registration. E-mail team@phacilitate.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 7839 6137 with any queries. Contact Nicola McCall at nicola@phacilitate.co.uk (Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 6137) for sponsorship/booth information. Few topics have captured the imagination of the general public quite as dramatically as stem cells, both for the potential they offer regenerative medicine and the ethical sensitivities they create. This two-day course is intended to dispel the myths behind stem cell biology and introduce delegates to the science behind the headlines, the pitfalls as well as the promises. Although the course will assume basic knowledge of the biomedical sciences, no previous understanding of stem cell biology will be required. The course is likely to appeal to research scientists from either industrial or academic sectors, considering entering the stem cell field, together with PhD students wishing to gain a thorough understanding of the field at the outset of their studies. Furthermore, the course may prove beneficial for healthcare professionals, wishing to explore the likely influence that stem cell biology will have on the practice of medicine in the future, as well as those working for regulatory bodies or in related fields such as journalism, for which a firm understanding of the principles of stem cell biology may facilitate future coverage of developments in the field.  
ESF-EMBO SymposiumCELL POLARITY AND MEMBRANE TRAFFIC Cell polarity and vesicle sorting are fundamental biological processes that impact stem cell function, cancer, bacterial and viral infections, developmental defects and neurological diseases. A wide range of topics connect polarity with membrane transport, including mRNA transport and epithelial cell polarization, membrane identity and apical/basolateral membrane sorting, axon specification and transport in neurons, vesicle sorting during polarization in budding and fission yeast, and the involvement of membrane traffic in the establishment of polarity in organogenesis. Computational modeling, high throughput screens and revolutionary imaging technologies in multiple model organisms are being applied to these areas and will have a major impact in the future. The time is opportune to bring scientists working in these areas together, to encourage interactions, build new collaborations and push the field forward. Since this is an emerging, interdisciplinary field, we want to attract young people to the meeting and provide ample opportunities to present their work and meet with scientific leaders. We will therefore include short talks chosen from abstracts and provide enough time for informal discussions to foster interactions among the participants.
ESF-FWF Conference in Partnership with LFUIThe Impact of the Environment on Innate Immunity: The Threat of Diseases The threat of diseases: considering the options - is the second in a series of two conferences on the impact of the environment on innate immunity. The first conference was held in April 2007, and set the stage for discussing basic knowledge about one of the most important defense functions of organisms against parasitic diseases: the innate immune system. In May 2009 the follow-up conference will build upon the knowledge gained in the 2007conference and will have a more applied angle. Its highlights will include vectors of disease - both an introduction to the model organisms, and what the prospects are for immunological interference in these organisms; innate defense molecules for use as antibiotics, environmental stressors and global change, emerging disease and innate immunity, and how our knowledge can be used to develop strategies against the spread of new diseases. | | Contact Us/Add Your Resources and Announcements |
Our aim is to bring together a network of stem cell researchers, resources, and information, to encourage and stimulate research. We would like to partner with you to feature: - work from your stem cell lab
- stem cells resources that you can share with our community
- announcements from your lab/institution
- upcoming meetings and events
- new stem cell research products
- highlights of the news and literature
To find out more about becoming a part of our Portal please contact the Portal Editor. | | | | | |
