The first reported generation of footprint-free human induced pluripotent stem cell line (SCIKFi001-A) in Indonesia from cGMP grade umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) using synthetic self-replicating RNA.

Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line SCIKFi001-A was reprogrammed from cGMP grade umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) via non-integrating, virus free, self-replicating RNA for eventual use in regenerative medicine. UC-MSCs, a type of multipotent stem cells with fibroblast-like phenotypes, were previously isolated, cryobanked, expanded and characterized in accordance with cGMP principles. The iPSCs generated from this cGMP grade cell line were then characterized and pluripotency was established. Here we showed that UC-MSCs can be reprogrammed to iPSCs using a safer and more regulatory friendly method, which will enable researchers to accelerate their clinical development timeline.

Dupuytren's and Ledderhose Diseases in a Family with LMNA-Related Cardiomyopathy and a Novel Variant in the ASTE1 Gene.

Dupuytren's disease (palmar fibromatosis) involves nodules in fascia of the hand that leads to flexion contractures. Ledderhose disease (plantar fibromatosis) is similar with nodules of the foot. While clinical aspects are well-described, genetic mechanisms are unknown. We report a family with cardiac disease due to a heterozygous LMNA mutation (c.736C>T, p.Gln246Stop) with palmar/plantar fibromatosis and investigate the hypothesis that a second rare DNA variant increases the risk for fibrotic disease in LMNA mutation carriers. The proband and six family members were evaluated for the cardiac and hand/feet phenotypes and tested for the LMNA mutation. Fibroblast RNA studies revealed monoallelic expression of the normal LMNA allele and reduced lamin A/C mRNAs consistent with LMNA haploinsufficiency. A novel, heterozygous missense variant (c.230T>C, p.Val77Ala) in the Asteroid Homolog 1 (ASTE1) gene was identified as a potential risk factor in fibrotic disease using exome sequencing and family studies of five family members: four LMNA mutation carriers with fibromatosis and one individual without the LMNA mutation and no fibromatosis. With a possible role in epidermal growth factor receptor signaling, ASTE1 may contribute to the increased risk for palmar/plantar fibromatosis in patients with Lamin A/C haploinsufficiency.