The Qatar International Conference on Stem Cell Science and Policy

Abstract Objectives In heart as an organ with low renewal capacity, the processes regulating the differentiation of human cardiac stem cells (hCSCs) are crucial for cardiac diseases therapy. Recent studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles during heart development. In this research, the expression profile of a few candidate miRNAs was studied in serial differentiation stages of the hCSCs Read More

Abstract Human pluripotent stem cells can be derived from reprogrammed fibroblasts using overexpression of pluripotency factors (human induced pluripotent stem cells, or hIPSCs). These pluripotent cells are characterized by their capacity to self-renew in vitro while maintaining their property to differentiate into a broad number of cell types. By combining these unique properties, hIPSCs could enable the generation of Read More

Abstract We are working to generate human red blood cells from human pluripotent stem cells at sufficient levels of quality and safety to warrant entry to pre-clinical and clinical studies. These in vitro generated red blood cells (RBCs) offer an alternative to donated blood and may be of particular use for patients receiving repeated red cell transfusions including those with sickle cell disease and thalassaemias. In order to Read More

Abstract Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are pluripotent cells capable of differentiating into other cell lineages in vivo. Global gene expression analysis of hESCs that differentiate into neural cells would help to further define the molecular mechanisms involved in neurogenesis in humans. We performed a comprehensive transcriptome and proteome analysis of hESC differentiation at three different stages: early neural differen Read More

Abstract Our research is focused on understanding the contribution of environmental and genetic factors in the development of obesity and obesity related diseases. We seek to gain a better understanding of these diseases by capturing the disease genotype through the creation of induced pluripotent patient-specific stem cells. These cells can then be used to interrogate the disease phenotype in differentiated adult cells typ Read More

Abstract Stem cells are unspecialized cells able to divide and produce copies of themselves and having the potential to differentiate, ie to produce other cell types in the body. Because of the latter ability, the scientists investigate their possible use in regenerative medicine. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs), especially, have huge therapeutic potential because they can give rise to every cell type in the body (pluripotency) as compared Read More

Abstract Using stem cells for research is one of the most controversial issues that affect the human rights and dignity. On the other hand, this is one of the most important technologies for living organisms. Recently it became more important for research and research organizations due to the hopes of the expected outcomes. Many ethical issues were raised regarding the source of the stem cells and research goals. Regional a Read More

Abstract Therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are believed to occur not only by direct differentiation into injured tissue cells, but also by production of paracrine and autocrine factors. MSCs at the injured tissue environments can promote the secretion of a variety of cytokines and growth factors that have both paracrine and autocrine activities. On this line several studies were performed. For instance, in probin Read More

Abstract Myocardial infarction or failure is a leading cause of mortality in civilized countries. The cardiomyocytes do not have a high regenerative potential often leading, upon disease progression, to regional contractile dysfunction, and necrotized regions slowly replaced by fibroblasts forming scar tissues. Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) are one of the most promising cell types for cell therapy and tissue engineering or tra Read More

Abstract Building a public cord blood stem cell banking system and what it means for Qatar and the wider GCC.

Abstract Much stem cell research and many stem cell-based interventions depend on the availability of numerous viable cell lines. Multipotent and pluripotent stem cell lines may be created from embryonic stem cells, but also from stem cells found in amniotic fluid, umbilical cord blood, and other non-embryonic sources. Stem cell banks could collect, store and share enough cell lines to make good HLA matches with the vast Read More

Abstract It is generally accepted that the notion of informed consent first received official recognition in the Nuremberg Code of 1948. The move, which was a direct response to the inhumane and frequently fatal medical experiments on concentration camp inmates in Nazi Germany, emphasized the significance of allowing human subjects to assert their autonomy by making a decision on whether to participate in a re Read More

Abstract Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), derived by the in vitro reprogramming of somatic cells, resemble embryonic stem cells (hESCs) derived from the inner cell mass of the pre-implantation blastocyst stage embryo. In vitro, these pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) can be directed to differentiate toward specific lineages and, therefore, represent a tractable platform for the study of important events during Read More

Abstract The use of human eggs and embryos in embryonic stem cell research raises numerous ethical issues and questions. This presentation addresses a range of ethical issues regarding the informed consent of persons who donate embryos for use in stem cell research or who donate gametes (egg or sperm) that lead to the creation of embryos that are donated for use in research. Informed consent refers to the proc Read More

Abstract Differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into cardiac progenitors is a powerful approach to dissect the molecular control of early human cardiogenesis. Cardiomyocytes can be derived from hESCs via the formation of embryoid bodies (EBs), which are cellular aggregates containing derivatives of all three germ layers that arise from differentiating hESCs. In order to identify, purify and characterize emergin Read More

Abstract Cardiomyocytes derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are promising candidates to regenerate myocardium as a treatment for heart disease. However, this application is limited because of the inability to prospectively identify a pure population of cardiovascular progenitors (CVPs) that is devoid of residual, undifferentiated cells capable of teratoma formation. Furthermore, the potential of hESC-d Read More

Abstract The extraordinary excitement over the scientific, medical, and financial possibilities of stem cell research has been accompanied by ethical concerns. As a consequence, professional groups have developed approaches to addressing these concerns across the continuum of stem cell research, from bench to bedside and to publication. Prominent approaches that have received considerable traction include those d Read More

Abstract Rapid development in the stem cell field, particularly in the field of pluripotent stem cells, resulted in the establishment of many cell lines, including those of ES cells and iPS cells. Some cell lines were made with the help of public funding while others with private money. The way stem cells are used also varies depending on the purpose of the types of research or medical applications. Regardless of the source of fundin Read More

Abstract Enhancing the regeneration of myelin sheaths in the central nervous system has been identified as an important therapeutic strategy to ameliorate the devastating consequences of demyelination that occur in diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). For remyelination to occur successfully oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) need to be recruited into areas of demyelination, engage with axons, and differentia Read More

Abstract Adult neurogenesis in mammals was rediscovered over twenty years ago and has generated a huge amount of interest as a developmental biology system to study stem cells, proliferation, fate determination and migration. It has also raised hope that these cells may be harnessed to help repair brain injury and disease. Indeed subependymal zone (SEZ) progenitors actively migrate to brain injuries and hel Read More

Abstract MiR-302s is a cluster of polycistronic microRNAs that are exclusively expressed in embryonic stem (ES) cells. MiR-302s' promoter is functional during embryonic development, but it is turned off in later stages. Based on cancer stem cell hypothesis, some pluripotency-associated genes are re-expressed in some tumor tissues and cell lines. In the present study, we have tried to expand our knowledge about the exp Read More

Abstract There is a profound moral question at the heart of all translational research: who should go first in human trials when the risks are not possible to estimate, the trial highly observed, and the effects of failure far-reaching? This paper aims to address this question by unveiling the epistemological problem at its core. Second, the paper will draw attention to some of the unresolvable ethical challenges underlying any Read More

Abstract Every year we witness the introduction of new drugs and medical technologies that improve the health and lives of individuals around the world. Stem cell research holds an awesome potential for restructuring the way we practise medicine. One day, stem cell researches will dramatically alter the way we treat diseases. Since the first human ES cell lines were derived more than a decade ago, hundreds have b Read More

Abstract Embryonic Stem cells have the ability to differentiate under in vitro conditions into cardiomyocytes. A transgenic α-myosin heavy chain (α-MHC+) ES cell line was generated, exhibiting puromycin resistance and expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under control of the α-MHC+ promoter. A puromycin-resistant, EGFP-positive α-MHC+ cardiomyocyte population was isolated with over 92 percent purity. Th Read More

Abstract The application of mesenchymal stem cells differentiated into osteogenic cells is an attractive care modality to enhance the healing process of orthopedics and spinal injuries. Objectives of the in-vitro part of our study are: 1. To isolate and propagate Mesenchymal stem cells ( MSCs) derived from different sources; Bone Marrow (BM), Dental Pulp (DP), and Amniotic Fluid (AF) and 2. Induce their osteogenic differ Read More

Abstract Our objectives were: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as new regulators of stem cell pluripotency and neurogenesis. Recent studies revealed that the expression of several lncRNAs correlates with the expression of pluripotency regulators such as OCT4 and Nanog. Surprisingly, the SOX2 gene, another master regulator of pluripotency, is embedded within an intron of an lncRNA, known as SOX2OT. S Read More

Abstract Introduction: The coagulation/fibrinolysticsystem control the intravascular fibrin hemostasis;in addition to participating in a wide variety of physio-pathological processes. The components of the system have an influence on tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. This is a result of their involvement in tumor matrix construction, angiogenesis and cell migration. Several homeostatic markers are currently used to predict t Read More

Abstract The utility of human pluripotent stem cells is dependent on efficient differentiation protocols that convert these cells into relevant adult cell types. Here we report the robust and efficient differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into white or brown adipocytes. We found that inducible expression of PPARG2 alone or combined with CEBPB and/or PRDM16 in mesenchymal progenitor cells derived from pluripoten Read More

Abstract Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have recently been regarded as potential therapeutic targets in vascular repair. The effects of EPCs are related to their incorporation at sites of vascular lesions and to their release of various angiogenic factors. It has been shown that soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) levels are elevated in patients suffering from cardiovascular disease, which may influence the function of EPCs. We hav Read More

Abstract Stem Cells are undifferentiated cells that have special ability to produce similar cells and differentiate to many functionalized cells. Mechanical stimuli have a determinant effect on morphology and function of body cells, because they are constantly affected by internal and external mechanical loadings. In this research, the importance of mechanical stimuli was assessed on the differentiation of human mese Read More