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Bedford Research Stem Cells Glow! Breakthroughs in understanding circadian rhythms in stem cells.

Fall 2014: Bedford Research scientists Mouse do, indeed “glow” (Figure 1), and that are following up on their discovery the “glow” actually begins soon after that stem cells have a circadian egg activation, and increases with the rhythm that may need to be sup- + = transition into stem cells (Figure 2). Firefly ported for optimum development in the laboratory. The PER2Luc mouse has circadian genes coupled In the body, the daily pattern of with firefly “Luciferase” genes. When the circadian genes turn “on” they glow, dimly, like a firefly. light and dark controls many sig- nals sent out by the brain, such as Figure 1: PerLuc stem cells those that trigger changes in body Until this fall, Bedford Research scien- glow intermittently temperature, and feelings of hunger tists have been unable to discover the and sleepiness. circadian signal needs of their two new lines of stem cells from the PerLuc Stem cells may especially need cir- mouse because of the lack of a micro- cadian signals to differentiate into spe- scope sensitive enough to detect and cific cell types, such as neurons or photograph the glow of a small num- bone marrow — but what type of sig- Figure 2: New colony of stem cells ber of cells. from a PerLuc embryo nal should they receive in the labora- tory? And what frequency? There is The good news is that such a micro- These exciting new findings provide growing evidence that each type of cell scope has been developed, and this strong support for the importance of needs a different circadian signal. year became available in the U.S. The circadian rhythms in stem cell growth bad news is that the system costs To answer this question, Bedford Research and development. One of our goals is $160,000 and is not yet available any- to raise funds to purchase the new mi- scientists have taken advantage of a ge- where on the east coast. netically engineered mouse that has the croscope system as soon as possible in firefly “glow” gene (Luciferase) attached Olympus loaned Bedford Research order to discover what circadian to one of the circadian rhythm genes (the scientists a demonstration LV200 for a signals stimulate differentiation of “Period 2” gene). Tissues in this PerLuc couple of weeks this fall during which each cell type. mouse “glow” when Period 2 is active. we discovered that our PerLuc stem cells

MORE NEWS INSIDE FALL 2014 - WINTER 2015

PROSTATE DISEASE RESEARCH BSCRF SCIENCE ADVISORY DONATE TO THE UPDATE COMMITTEE GROWS FOUNDATION Developing a better screening test for Dr. Jose Cibelli joins as chair and Your private donations make prostate cancer. welcomes four new members. our important work possible. SEQUOIA CLUB Bedford’s Science Progress in Stem Prostate Disease Advisory Cell Engineering Research Update Patient recruitment into There is strong evi- Committee Grows the prostate cancer dence that “off-the- Dr. Jose Cibelli joins as chair and screening project is shelf” stem cell thera- welcomes four new members. ongoing. The goal of pies, i.e. one that can Dr. Robert Eyre the project is to develop In January of 2014, Bedford Trustee, Dr. be delivered to any patient, will be pos- Jose Cibelli, head of the Cellular Repro- semen screening tests that will help sible in the future. In order to create diagnose and stage prostate cancer as gramming Lab at Michigan State Uni- such therapies, we will need stem cells versity, joined Bedford’s Science Advi- well as reflect overall male health. A that have been engineered for specific group of urologists in Texas have re- sory Committee as its Chair. This regenerative medicine treatments, such cently joined the research project and summer, the Committee welcomed new as bone marrow stem cells that are re- members: Dr. Fred Davis, Professor of will help recruit patients for the next sistant to HIV. Biology (specializing in Circadian phase of the work. Rhythms) at Northeastern, Dr. David Using “activated” mouse eggs (called “parthenotes”) as a model system, Bed- DiGiusto, Director of the Lab for Cellu- OSU Commencement lar Medicine at City of Hope Cancer ford Research scientists have made sub- In June, Dr. Kiessling was honored to Center, Dr. Phil Horner, Professor of stantial progress adapting new tech- give the commencement address at nologies to “knock-out” the receptor for Neurological Surgery at the Institute State University. Over 25,000 HIV. The same technology is being ap- for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine people filled Reser Stadium where Dr. at University of Washington, and Dr. plied to new cell lines for studies of Kiessling highlighted the importance Steve Sheridan, Senior Researcher at nerve development. for graduates in all fields to stay in- Center for volved with government throughout Genetic Research. We’re Moving! their lives to help our democracy, and We’re thrilled to to help shape the course of science and After 16 years at Davis Square in Som- society. Dr. Ki- have these prestig- erville, MA, we are moving to a larger essling was pre- ious committee space in Bedford, MA. The need to de- sented with an members join Dr. Jose Cibelli at the velop an FDA-approved laboratory Honorary Doc- founding member 2013 Activated Egg Symposium module for “bench to bedside” stem cell torate, and even Dr. Carol Warner. research, plus a unique “lease to pur- took on the rival Dr. Ann Kiessling ducks! (See the at OSU’s largest chase” opportunity prompted the graduation to date. video on our site!) move. We have two years to raise $800,000 to purchase the building. We Lifetime Achievement are seeking support from state life sci- In March, Dr. Kiessling received a Life- ence research funds as well as philan- Dr. Fred Davis, Dr. David DiGiusto at time Achievement Award at the 2014 Northeastern the 2013 Activated University Egg Symposium thropists. HIV Congress held in Mumbia, India. This award recognizes her work on We have one pledge of $75,000. To find understanding HIV infection, estab- out more about endowing the labora- lishment of the tory please email ryan@bedfordresearch SPAR program, and .org so we can take advantage of the her current work lease opportunity and the savings in with HIV Stem Dr. Phil Horner at the overhead that can be diverted to the 2012 Spinal Cord Dr. Steve Sheridan, Cell Therapies. Dr. Kiessling with Workshop Harvard Medical School research. Dr. Anil Purohit

2 A Track Record Of Translating Basic Research To Patient Care Donate Today In 1996, the Bedford Research Founda- receptor. See the video on our site!) tion was formed in response to a need cannot be federally funded because of “Bedford’s stem for specialized tests and services that an amendment restricting the budget of cell work this were not available anywhere in the the National Institutes of Health. This research is, therefore, entirely depend- world. Today, we still provide these year has moved ent upon philanthropy. specialized tests and it has led us to a new model of funding: In addition to basic science, our team is the field closer to also focused on moving stem cell re- “The Foundation is a forward the realization of search from “bench to bedside.” Capital thinking institution that covers is needed to equip an FDA-approved a curative therapy overhead costs by fee-for-service laboratory module in our new location. for HIV.” testing, thus allowing philan- Please consider donating today, every thropic donations to go directly gift makes a difference. to research.” - Dr. David - Alan Geismer, Chairman, DiGiusto Board of Trustees Director of the Laboratory for Cellular Medicine at City of Hope & Our work to derive a human stem cell Bedford Research Science Advisory line that is resistant to HIV infection Committee Member Since 2013 (Engineered to “knock-out” the HIV The Research Team

Each Experiment Brings Us Closer The average foundation laboratory experiment costs $90,000. Because most of our overhead is covered by fee-for-service labora- tory tests, every dollar you donate goes directly toward these experiments. This innovative funding model allows Bedford Re- search scientists greater flexibility to move the work quickly in promising new directions. Progress requires meeting our annual funding goals. Please become a supporter and help us do more experiments this year.

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Board Of Trustees Ethics Advisory Board Scientific Committee

Alan S. Geismer, Esq. Chairperson John D. Lee, MEd, Extension Education Arthur Applbaum, PhD, Chairperson Jose Cibelli, DVM, PhD Chairperson Sugarman, Rogers, Barshak & Cohen Alan Mayer, AIA Kennedy School of Government Michigan State University Jose Cibelli, DVM, PhD Principal Architect, Mayer & Associates Stanley J. Bodner, MD Fred Davis, PhD, Prof. of Animal Biotechnology, Susan L. Moss, JD, PhD Infectious Disease Specialist Northeastern University Michigan State University Consultant on Equity & Diversity Kenneth A. Burry, MD, David DiGiusto, PhD, Lawrence R. Jones Anil Purohit, PhD Oregon Health Sciences University City of Hope Cancer Research Center CEO, Jones Marketing Services Programs for AIDS and Awareness Robert D. Truog, MD Philip Horner, PhD, Robert L. Kaufmann, MD Victoria Staebler, CPA Children's Hospital, Harvard University of Washington Reproductive Endocrinologist Senior Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch Medical School Steven L. Sheridan, PhD, Sean Kealy, Esq. Margaret S. Wray, BSN, Daniel Wikler, PhD, Harvard Medical School Boston University School of Law Psychiatric Nurse Harvard School of Public Health Carol M. Warner, PhD Northeastern University WWW.BEDFORDRESEARCH.ORG 3 BEDFORD STEM CELL Nonprofit Organization Postage and Fees Paid RESEARCH FOUNDATION Bedford Research Foundation PO Box 1028 Zip Code 01730 Bedford, MA 01730 Permit No. 25

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Breakthroughs In Understanding 1 Circadian Rhythms In Stem Cells Learn More Bedford’s Science Advisory & Get Involved 2 Committee Grows Use your smart phone to scan this code. On our 3 Update On Prostate Disease Project site you can watch time lapse videos, learn about ongoing research, Honors At and donate instantly. 4 And The HIV Congress In India

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Breakthroughs in Understanding Circadian Rhythms in Stem Cells

FOUNDED IN 1996, BEDFORD STEM CELL RESEARCH FOUNDATION IS A BIOMEDICAL INSTITUTE THAT EXISTS TO CONDUCT STEM CELL AND RELATED RESEARCH FOR DISEASES AND CONDITIONS THAT CURRENTLY HAVE NO EFFECTIVE METHODS OF TREATMENT OR CURE.

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