Join us on June 18th, 2020 to discover how hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are regulated, and the ways this understanding can facilitate new strategies to manage hematopoietic diseases. Linheng Li, Ph.D. will discuss his work in RNA modification to promote self-renewal of HSCs, resulting in HSC expansion.

Dr. Li will examine the key concepts around this research, including:

• N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent RNA modification in eukaryote, shows versatile functions in various physiological processes.
• The critical role of m6A mRNA methylation in the determination of HSC fate.
• Suppression of a m6A reader, Ythdf2, has been reported to promote HSCs self-renewal and resulted in expansion 

These insights may lead to breakthroughs in the treatment of certain leukemias, lymphomas, and myelomas. 

The transplantation of human hematopoietic stem cells isolated from bone marrow is used in the treatment of anemia, immune deficiencies, and other diseases, including cancer. However, since bone marrow transplants require a suitable donor-recipient tissue match, close to one in three patients who could benefit from stem cell transplant—and as many as ninety- five percent of nonwhite patients—never find a suitable match.

Hematopoietic stem cells isolated from umbilical cord blood could be a good alternative source. Readily available and immunologically immature, they allow the donor-recipient match to be less than perfect without the risk of immune rejection by the transplantee. Unfortunately, their therapeutic use is limited since umbilical cord blood contains only about one-tenth of the stem cells found in bone marrow. (Source: Stowers Institute for Medical Research)

"Being able to tap into stem cells’ inherent potential for self-renewal could turn limited sources of hematopoietic stem cells such as umbilical cord blood into a readily available stem source with significant clinical impact,” says Li, while cautioning that his team’s findings still have a gap between genetic-blockade and small molecule inhibition of the M6A pathway in order to be applied the method in human cells.

For more information on Dr. Li's research, see one of his most recent publications: "Suppression of m6A reader Ythdf2 promotes hematopoietic stem cell expansion" ( https://www.nature.com/articles/s41422-018-0072-0 )

 SHARE THE SCIENCE
with
Linheng Li, PhD

Investigator, Stowers Institute for Medical Research,
 Affiliate Professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center,
and Co-Leader of Cancer Biology at the University of Kansas Cancer Center

"Uncover new strategies to manage hematopoietic diseases through HSC self-renewal"

Free webinar.  Open to the public.
​
Thursday, June 18th - 2pm Eastern Time/11am Pacific Time

​RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE

Recent research using cord blood has demonstrated the efficacy of using cord-blood derived components to promote myelination and increase function in neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, autism spectrum disorder, and aging. For our next Share the Science webinar, Dr. Anthony Filiano will speak about the exciting research he and his colleagues are pursuing in this area. 

​Dr. Filiano and his colleagues at the Marcus Center for Cellular Cures (Duke University) are interested in understanding the complex interactions between the immune system and nervous system with the intent to uncover novel therapeutic targets to combat diseases such as autism spectrum disorder. In particular, Dr. Filiano's work is focused on how cord-blood derived cells and products can be used to promote healthy brain function and alleviate behavioral dysfunction in these devastating neurological conditions.

In this Share the Science webinar, Dr. Filiano will discuss two investigational cell therapies for inflammatory disease:

1. Potential use of cord blood monocytes as therapies. Dr. Filiano will highlight approaches and strategies taken at the Marcus Center for Cellular Cures at Duke to identify how cord blood monocytes can be used to treat diseases such as leukodystrophies, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis.
2. Potential use of cord-tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells to reprogram the immune system. Examine the novel mechanisms uncovered through research at the Marcus Center that suggest cord-tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells can reprogram the immune system.

​
Both of these studies point to exciting developments in the use of cord blood and cord tissue. Equally, these studies bring hope to many patients around the world who are looking for treatments to complex conditions often considered untreatable.

​SHARE THE SCIENCE
with
Dr. Anthony Filiano

Principle Investigator & Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery
​Marcus Center for Cellular Cures (MC3) at Duke University

"Targeting Neuroinflammation with Umbilical Cord-Derived Cell Therapies"

Free webinar.  Open to the public.
​
Wednesday, March 27th - 2pm Eastern Time/11am Pacific Time

Save the Cord Foundation and WellSky are proud to welcome Dr. Alvaro Moreira from the University of Texas Health Science Center, as our featured speaker for our next edition of Share the Science on March 18th, 2020. Join us to hear Dr. Moreira present his research using intranasal delivery of human umbilical cord tissue stem cells to restore lung growth and development in an animal model of neonatal lung disease. Register here.

​Share the Science is a free webinar series focused on the cord blood industry and the latest research in this field.  As always, we invite both health professionals and the general public to join us for this unique online educational series. Learn more about this exciting educational series here.

Cord tissue has long been overlooked as a medical resource; however, it is a vital source of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). This birth by-product is typically thrown away. Should we be saving it? If so, how and why? Dr. Alvaro Moreira joins us on March 18th, 2020 to discuss his research in this area using cord tissue MSCs to potentially restore lung growth. 

​Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a devastating lung condition that develops in premature newborns exposed to prolonged mechanical ventilation and supplemental oxygen. Significant morbidity and mortality are associated with this costly disease and effective therapies are limited.

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells are multipotent cells that can repair injured tissue by secreting paracrine factors known to restore the function and integrity of injured lung epithelium and endothelium. Most preclinical studies showing therapeutic efficacy of MSCs for BPD are administered either intratracheally or intravenously. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of human cord tissue‐derived MSC administration given via the intranasal route. Human umbilical cord tissue MSCs were isolated, characterized, and given intranasally (500 000 cells per 20 μL) to a hyperoxia‐induced rat model of BPD. Lung alveolarization, vascularization, and pulmonary vascular remodeling were restored in animals receiving MSC treatment. Gene and protein analysis suggest the beneficial effects of MSCs were attributed, in part, to a concerted effort targeting angiogenesis, immunomodulation, wound healing, and cell survival.

These findings are clinically significant, as neonates who develop BPD have altered alveolar development, decreased pulmonary vascularization and chronic inflammation, all resulting in impaired tissue healing. Our study is the first to report the intranasal delivery of umbilical cord Wharton's jelly MSCs in experimental BPD is feasible, noninvasive, and an effective route that may bear clinical applicability.

SHARE THE SCIENCE
with
Alvaro G. Moreira, MD, MSc

Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics,
Division of Neonatology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

"Intranasal delivery of human umbilical cord tissue stem cells
restores lung growth and development in an animal model of neonatal lung disease"

Free webinar.  Open to the public.
​
Wednesday, March 18th - 2pm Eastern Time/11am Pacific Time

​REGISTER NOW