Source: United Press International
Posted: October 31, 2006
Summary:
British scientists have grown a liver from stem cells in the first step toward creating fully viable livers, perhaps within 10 years.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Parts Of Liver Created Using Umbilical Cord Stem Cells
Source: Medical News Today
Posted: October 31, 2006 - 11:00am (PST)
Summary:
Scientists from Newcastle University, UK, reported that small sections of human liver have been created from umbilical cord stem cells. The researchers say this technology could eventually be used to grow small livers that could be used for drug tests - doing away with the need for human volunteers to take risks. The scientists cautioned that it the ability to produce whole new livers for transplants is still far off. However, within the next 15 years, tiny livers could be produced and used for treating patients.
This finding seems as if it might be able to yield safer drug trials and replace damaged or diseased livers humans in the future.
Posted: October 31, 2006 - 11:00am (PST)
Summary:
Scientists from Newcastle University, UK, reported that small sections of human liver have been created from umbilical cord stem cells. The researchers say this technology could eventually be used to grow small livers that could be used for drug tests - doing away with the need for human volunteers to take risks. The scientists cautioned that it the ability to produce whole new livers for transplants is still far off. However, within the next 15 years, tiny livers could be produced and used for treating patients.
This finding seems as if it might be able to yield safer drug trials and replace damaged or diseased livers humans in the future.
Artificial liver for transplant ‘in ten years’
Source: The Times
Date: October 31, 2006
Summary:
BRITISH scientists have grown the first artificial liver in a breakthrough that could eventually allow livers to be grown for human transplants.
Date: October 31, 2006
Summary:
BRITISH scientists have grown the first artificial liver in a breakthrough that could eventually allow livers to be grown for human transplants.
Liver cells grown from cord blood
Source: BBC News
Posted: 31 October 2006, 15:06 GMT
Summary:
British Scientists say they have grown tiny sections of human liver using stem cells from umbilical cords. It is hoped the "mini-livers" will be used to test drugs. However, the scientists believe it will be decades before a grown liver can be used in a human transplant operation. Some scientists are calling this a significant ethical advance because embryos were not required to grow the sections of the liver.
Commentary: Maybe this will eventually lead to regeneration and replacement of livers and other organs in humans. It may also end the ethical controversy surrounding embryonic stem cells if scientists can create replacement organs using alternatives to embryonic stem cells, such as the umbilical cord blood stem cells that were used to grow the sections of the human liver in this experiment.
Posted: 31 October 2006, 15:06 GMT
Summary:
British Scientists say they have grown tiny sections of human liver using stem cells from umbilical cords. It is hoped the "mini-livers" will be used to test drugs. However, the scientists believe it will be decades before a grown liver can be used in a human transplant operation. Some scientists are calling this a significant ethical advance because embryos were not required to grow the sections of the liver.
Commentary: Maybe this will eventually lead to regeneration and replacement of livers and other organs in humans. It may also end the ethical controversy surrounding embryonic stem cells if scientists can create replacement organs using alternatives to embryonic stem cells, such as the umbilical cord blood stem cells that were used to grow the sections of the human liver in this experiment.
Scientists grow artificial liver
Source: Daily Telegraph
Posted: October 31, 2006
Summary:
British scientists have grown a miniature liver from stem cells in a world breakthrough. The tiny organ, about the size of a 1p coin, will be used for drug testing and reduce the need for animal experiments. Scientists said it was the first stage to creating sections which can be used to repair damaged livers and even a full-size functioning version. The creation of the mini-liver by scientists at Newcastle University involved taking stem cells - blank cells capable of developing into different types of tissue - from the umbilical cords of newborn babies.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will have successful clinical applications for repairing damaged and diseased livers in humans.
Posted: October 31, 2006
Summary:
British scientists have grown a miniature liver from stem cells in a world breakthrough. The tiny organ, about the size of a 1p coin, will be used for drug testing and reduce the need for animal experiments. Scientists said it was the first stage to creating sections which can be used to repair damaged livers and even a full-size functioning version. The creation of the mini-liver by scientists at Newcastle University involved taking stem cells - blank cells capable of developing into different types of tissue - from the umbilical cords of newborn babies.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will have successful clinical applications for repairing damaged and diseased livers in humans.
STEM CELL SCIENTISTS GROW LIVER: New hope to end medical testing
Source: Daily Record
Posted: October 31, 2006
Summary:
UK scientists have grown the first artificial human liver using stem cells from umbilical cords to produce a tiny version of the body's largest internal organ. Researchers believe the mini-liver could be used to test new drugs, ending the need for animal testing and clinical trials using human volunteers.
Commentary: Maybe this advancement will lead to safe and effective treatments for patients with liver diseases.
Posted: October 31, 2006
Summary:
UK scientists have grown the first artificial human liver using stem cells from umbilical cords to produce a tiny version of the body's largest internal organ. Researchers believe the mini-liver could be used to test new drugs, ending the need for animal testing and clinical trials using human volunteers.
Commentary: Maybe this advancement will lead to safe and effective treatments for patients with liver diseases.
First liver grown from stem cells offers hope for transplant patients
Source: The Scotsman
Posted: October 31, 2006
Summary:
British scientists announced an artificial liver has been grown for the first time using stem cells taken from umbilical cords. The breakthrough is considered the vital first step towards creating a fully artificial liver that could be used to tackle ever-growing waiting lists for transplants.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will eventually lead to the creation of a liver from stem cells that functions effectively in human liver transplant patients.
Posted: October 31, 2006
Summary:
British scientists announced an artificial liver has been grown for the first time using stem cells taken from umbilical cords. The breakthrough is considered the vital first step towards creating a fully artificial liver that could be used to tackle ever-growing waiting lists for transplants.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will eventually lead to the creation of a liver from stem cells that functions effectively in human liver transplant patients.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Fat Stem Cells Being Studied As Option For Breast Reconstruction
Source: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center via Medical News Today
Posted: October 30, 2006 - 17:00pm (PST)
Summary:
Breast cancer survivors might one day avoid the prospect of invasive breast reconstruction surgery by using stem cells derived from their own fat according to University of Pittsburgh researchers who are studying the potential these cells may have for regenerating new breast tissue.
Posted: October 30, 2006 - 17:00pm (PST)
Summary:
Breast cancer survivors might one day avoid the prospect of invasive breast reconstruction surgery by using stem cells derived from their own fat according to University of Pittsburgh researchers who are studying the potential these cells may have for regenerating new breast tissue.
British scientists grow human liver in a laboratory
Source: Evening Standard
Posted: October 30, 2006
Summary:
British scientists have grown the world's first artificial liver from stem cells in a breakthrough that could pave the way to the development of entire human organs for transplant. The technique that created the 'mini-liver', currently the size of a one pence piece, will be developed to create a full-size functioning liver. Lab-grown liver tissue could be used to test new drugs, and may also reduce the number of animal experiments
Commentary: Hopefully this new breakthrough will eventually lead to organ transplants that are both safe and effective in humans.
Posted: October 30, 2006
Summary:
British scientists have grown the world's first artificial liver from stem cells in a breakthrough that could pave the way to the development of entire human organs for transplant. The technique that created the 'mini-liver', currently the size of a one pence piece, will be developed to create a full-size functioning liver. Lab-grown liver tissue could be used to test new drugs, and may also reduce the number of animal experiments
Commentary: Hopefully this new breakthrough will eventually lead to organ transplants that are both safe and effective in humans.
Cause Of Nerve Fiber Damage In Multiple Sclerosis Identified
Source: University of California - Irvine
Date: October 30, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have identified how the body's own immune system contributes to the nerve fiber damage caused by multiple sclerosis, a finding that can potentially aid earlier diagnosis and improved treatment for this chronic disease.
Commentary: This finding could provide researchers with new understanding of the neurodgenerative functions of multiple sclerosis in order to develop effective treatments for it.
Date: October 30, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have identified how the body's own immune system contributes to the nerve fiber damage caused by multiple sclerosis, a finding that can potentially aid earlier diagnosis and improved treatment for this chronic disease.
Commentary: This finding could provide researchers with new understanding of the neurodgenerative functions of multiple sclerosis in order to develop effective treatments for it.
Researchers Identify Cell Line That Is Resistant To Retroviruses, Including HIV
Source: University of Minnesota
Date: October 30, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have identified a protein that enables viruses such as HIV to infect cells and spread through the body. This discovery gives drug developers a target to discover new types of drugs to stop the virus from spreading.
Commentary: Figuring out how to disable or eliminate this protein will be a critical component of the development any new drugs that effectively stop viruses from spreading.
Date: October 30, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have identified a protein that enables viruses such as HIV to infect cells and spread through the body. This discovery gives drug developers a target to discover new types of drugs to stop the virus from spreading.
Commentary: Figuring out how to disable or eliminate this protein will be a critical component of the development any new drugs that effectively stop viruses from spreading.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Stem cell insulin offers hope to type 1 diabetics
Source: New Scientist
Date: 28 October 2006
Summary:
For the first time, Insulin-secreting cells have been created from human embryonic stem cells by using a cocktail of chemicals to coax the stem cells to form pancreatic cells, raising hopes of a limitless supply of cells that could be transplanted into people with type 1 diabetes.
Commentary; Hopefully this new finding can be successfully replicated in humans and proven an effective treatment for type 1 diabetes.
Date: 28 October 2006
Summary:
For the first time, Insulin-secreting cells have been created from human embryonic stem cells by using a cocktail of chemicals to coax the stem cells to form pancreatic cells, raising hopes of a limitless supply of cells that could be transplanted into people with type 1 diabetes.
Commentary; Hopefully this new finding can be successfully replicated in humans and proven an effective treatment for type 1 diabetes.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Embryonic Stem Cells: Hope Vs. Controversy: What Exactly Are Embryonic Stem Cells, And Where Do They Come From?
Source: CBS News
Posted: October 27, 2006
This news story is a feature that examines the scientific and ethical debate surrounding embryonic stem cell research.
Posted: October 27, 2006
This news story is a feature that examines the scientific and ethical debate surrounding embryonic stem cell research.
Fat Stem Cells Being Studied As Option For Breast Reconstruction
Source: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Date: October 27, 2006
Summary:
Breast cancer survivors might one day avoid the prospect of invasive breast reconstruction surgery by using stem cells derived from their own fat according to University of Pittsburgh researchers who are studying the potential these cells may have for regenerating new breast tissue.
Date: October 27, 2006
Summary:
Breast cancer survivors might one day avoid the prospect of invasive breast reconstruction surgery by using stem cells derived from their own fat according to University of Pittsburgh researchers who are studying the potential these cells may have for regenerating new breast tissue.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Older embryos can survive stem-cell extraction: Mouse study suggests stem-cell work could be made more efficient.
Source: Nature
Posted: 25 October 2006
Summary:
US researchers say they have improved the technique by which stem cells can be coaxed from an embryo without harming it. The technique has been used only on mouse embryos and is still being refined. But it might improve attempts to make embryonic stem (ES) cell lines without destroying human embryos.
Posted: 25 October 2006
Summary:
US researchers say they have improved the technique by which stem cells can be coaxed from an embryo without harming it. The technique has been used only on mouse embryos and is still being refined. But it might improve attempts to make embryonic stem (ES) cell lines without destroying human embryos.
Adult Stem Cells Help Weakened Hearts: Even patients who suffered an episode decades ago can benefit, researchers say.
Source: Los Angeles Times
Date: September 21, 2006
Summary:
Using stem cells harvested from patients' own bone marrow, researchers reported improved cardiac function in heart attack patients months, years — and even decades — after the attacks.
Commentary: Maybe this advancement will lead to new stem cell treatments for cariovascular disease in humans.
Date: September 21, 2006
Summary:
Using stem cells harvested from patients' own bone marrow, researchers reported improved cardiac function in heart attack patients months, years — and even decades — after the attacks.
Commentary: Maybe this advancement will lead to new stem cell treatments for cariovascular disease in humans.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Stem Cell Treatment Proven to Reduce Parkinson's Symptoms
Source: Tiantan Puhua Neurosurgical Hospital
Posted: October 24, 2006 9:54 am ET
Summary:
Doctors at Tiantan Puhua Neurosurgical Hospital announced the first known successful stem cell therapy treatment in China, and one of the first in the world, of an American citizen inflicted with the debilitating Parkinson's disease. The new treatment introduces 'Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial cells' (hRPE) to patients' bodies causing them to naturally produce Dopamine, enhancing Dopamine levels in the brain. The doctors are hopeful this treatment could applied to other neurological conditions and other central nervous system disorders.
Commentary: It will be important for these results to be replicated in a large and diverse patient population over a long period of time to ensure that the results are valid and the treatment can truly be considered effective.
Posted: October 24, 2006 9:54 am ET
Summary:
Doctors at Tiantan Puhua Neurosurgical Hospital announced the first known successful stem cell therapy treatment in China, and one of the first in the world, of an American citizen inflicted with the debilitating Parkinson's disease. The new treatment introduces 'Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial cells' (hRPE) to patients' bodies causing them to naturally produce Dopamine, enhancing Dopamine levels in the brain. The doctors are hopeful this treatment could applied to other neurological conditions and other central nervous system disorders.
Commentary: It will be important for these results to be replicated in a large and diverse patient population over a long period of time to ensure that the results are valid and the treatment can truly be considered effective.
Stem cell treatments called 'well-tolerated': 18 cardiac patients had no major side effects, study says
Source: Bloomberg News
Posted: October 24, 2006
Summary:
Treatment with adult stem cells, which may have the potential to help millions of people battling severe coronary artery disease, is "well tolerated" by patients, an initial study found. Patients said they had less chest pain and more ability to exercise after the injection. The research expands on animal studies that have shown that injecting stem cells into the heart may regenerate or repair damaged tissue in the cardiac muscle However, researchers cautioned that the initial study wasn't sufficient to prove that the treatment works.
Commentary: Hopefully this treatment can be successfully replicated and eventually proven effective in treating coronary artery disease in humans.
Posted: October 24, 2006
Summary:
Treatment with adult stem cells, which may have the potential to help millions of people battling severe coronary artery disease, is "well tolerated" by patients, an initial study found. Patients said they had less chest pain and more ability to exercise after the injection. The research expands on animal studies that have shown that injecting stem cells into the heart may regenerate or repair damaged tissue in the cardiac muscle However, researchers cautioned that the initial study wasn't sufficient to prove that the treatment works.
Commentary: Hopefully this treatment can be successfully replicated and eventually proven effective in treating coronary artery disease in humans.
Injecting Patient's Own Stem Cells Treat´s Severe Coronary Artery Disease
Source: Caritas St. Elizabeth's Medical Center
Posted: October 24, 2006
Summary:
Encouraging 12-month results from a Phase I trial investigating the injection of adult bone marrow stem cells into the hearts of patients with severe coronary artery disease will be presented for the first time. The therapy involves injecting patients with a protein that helps to release stem cells from the patient's bone marrow into the blood stream. The stem cells are gathered, selected and then injected into areas of the heart that have been damaged due to an insufficient supply of oxygen-rich blood. The data provide evidence that this therapy is well tolerated at this stage and that larger, Phase II clinical trials can continue in humans.
Commentary: Hopefully Phase II clinical trials to this new stem cell treatment will also be successful and become a widespread, standard treatment for patients with severe coronary artery disease.
Posted: October 24, 2006
Summary:
Encouraging 12-month results from a Phase I trial investigating the injection of adult bone marrow stem cells into the hearts of patients with severe coronary artery disease will be presented for the first time. The therapy involves injecting patients with a protein that helps to release stem cells from the patient's bone marrow into the blood stream. The stem cells are gathered, selected and then injected into areas of the heart that have been damaged due to an insufficient supply of oxygen-rich blood. The data provide evidence that this therapy is well tolerated at this stage and that larger, Phase II clinical trials can continue in humans.
Commentary: Hopefully Phase II clinical trials to this new stem cell treatment will also be successful and become a widespread, standard treatment for patients with severe coronary artery disease.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Stem cells might cause brain tumors, study finds
Source: Reuters
Posted: Ocober 22, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York reported that injecting human embryonic stem cells into the brains of Parkinson's disease patients may cause tumors to form. The researchers said human stem cells injected into rat brains turned into cells that looked like early tumors. The idea behind brain cell transplants is to replace the dead cells.
Commentary: Hopefully researchers will figure out how to eliminate the tumors that formed from this treatment and be able to eventually test it in humans with Parkinson's Disease and treat them successfully.
Posted: Ocober 22, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York reported that injecting human embryonic stem cells into the brains of Parkinson's disease patients may cause tumors to form. The researchers said human stem cells injected into rat brains turned into cells that looked like early tumors. The idea behind brain cell transplants is to replace the dead cells.
Commentary: Hopefully researchers will figure out how to eliminate the tumors that formed from this treatment and be able to eventually test it in humans with Parkinson's Disease and treat them successfully.
Stretching bone marrow stem cells pushes them towards becoming blood vessels
Source: University of California - Berkeley
Posted: October 23, 2006
Summary:
When stretched, a type of adult stem cell taken from bone marrow can be nudged towards becoming the type of tissue found in blood vessels, according to a new study by bioengineers at the University of California, Berkeley. Researchers placed bone marrow stem cells onto a silicone membrane that was stretched longitudinally once every second. It was a cellular workout routine that helped point thestem cell in the direction of becoming the smooth muscle tissue of vascular walls.
Commentary: This discovery could accelerate the development of cells to replace cells that have been damaged or destroyed as a result of heart disease and blood disorders.
Posted: October 23, 2006
Summary:
When stretched, a type of adult stem cell taken from bone marrow can be nudged towards becoming the type of tissue found in blood vessels, according to a new study by bioengineers at the University of California, Berkeley. Researchers placed bone marrow stem cells onto a silicone membrane that was stretched longitudinally once every second. It was a cellular workout routine that helped point thestem cell in the direction of becoming the smooth muscle tissue of vascular walls.
Commentary: This discovery could accelerate the development of cells to replace cells that have been damaged or destroyed as a result of heart disease and blood disorders.
Stem Cells Fight Lupus
Source: ABC 7-TV - Chicago, IL
Posted: October 23, 2006
Here is a feature about lupus and how stem cell therapy may be used to treat it.
Posted: October 23, 2006
Here is a feature about lupus and how stem cell therapy may be used to treat it.
Stem-cell treatment for Parkinson's brings mixed results: Almost total relief of symptoms tempered by hints of cancerous side effects.
Source: Nature
Posted October 22, 2006
Summary:
Symptoms of Parkinson's disease have been relieved in rats using a stem-cell treatment. But a potentially cancerous side effect might put the brakes on such therapies for humans.
Commentary: Maybe further studies on this new treatment will reveal a way of eliminating cancerous side effects and eventually lead to an effective stem cell treatment for Parkinson's Disease in humans.
Posted October 22, 2006
Summary:
Symptoms of Parkinson's disease have been relieved in rats using a stem-cell treatment. But a potentially cancerous side effect might put the brakes on such therapies for humans.
Commentary: Maybe further studies on this new treatment will reveal a way of eliminating cancerous side effects and eventually lead to an effective stem cell treatment for Parkinson's Disease in humans.
Stem Cell Work Shows Promise and Risks: Parkinson's Treatment Tried in Rats Reduced Symptoms but Caused Tumors
Source: Washington Post
Posted: October 23, 2006
Summary:
Scientists announced that nerve cells grown from human embryonic stem cells significantly reduced symptoms of Parkinson's Disease in rats. In a negative side effect of the treatment, the stem cells also caused tumors in the rodents' brains. Researchers said the work showed both the potential benefits and risks of human embryonic stem cells, which have been highly touted for their ability to replace diseased tissue but are controversial because they are derived through the destruction of human embryos.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will provide scientists with new insights into both potential uses as well as risk factors to be aware of before they administer embryonic stem cells to to treat diseases, injuries and other medical conditions in humanns.
Posted: October 23, 2006
Summary:
Scientists announced that nerve cells grown from human embryonic stem cells significantly reduced symptoms of Parkinson's Disease in rats. In a negative side effect of the treatment, the stem cells also caused tumors in the rodents' brains. Researchers said the work showed both the potential benefits and risks of human embryonic stem cells, which have been highly touted for their ability to replace diseased tissue but are controversial because they are derived through the destruction of human embryos.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will provide scientists with new insights into both potential uses as well as risk factors to be aware of before they administer embryonic stem cells to to treat diseases, injuries and other medical conditions in humanns.
Neurons from stem cells cure Parkinson's in rats
Source: Bloomberg News
Posted: October 23, 2006
Summary:
Rats with the type of brain-cell loss found in Parkinson's disease were cured within weeks by transplants of neurons made from embryonic stem cells, scientists report in the online journal Nature Medicine. The finding was tempered by the discovery that the transplants gave rise to noncancerous tumors, according to the report by a team at Cornell University and the University of Rochester.
Commentary: This discovery could eventually lead to and effective stem cell treatment for Parkson's Disease in humans If researchers can eliminate the cancerous tumors created by the stem cell transplant and be successfully replicated in humans with Parkinson's Disease.
Posted: October 23, 2006
Summary:
Rats with the type of brain-cell loss found in Parkinson's disease were cured within weeks by transplants of neurons made from embryonic stem cells, scientists report in the online journal Nature Medicine. The finding was tempered by the discovery that the transplants gave rise to noncancerous tumors, according to the report by a team at Cornell University and the University of Rochester.
Commentary: This discovery could eventually lead to and effective stem cell treatment for Parkson's Disease in humans If researchers can eliminate the cancerous tumors created by the stem cell transplant and be successfully replicated in humans with Parkinson's Disease.
Stem Cells May Help Treat Mental Illness
Source: Korea Times
Posted: October 22, 2006
Summary:
A team of international scientists has found through rodent experiments that embryonic stem cells can help control psychological disorders, such as depression. The scientists were able to differentiate embryonic stem cells into dopamine and serotonin-producing nerve cells while devising a model of psychiatric disease for applying and evaluating the stem cells on approximately 80 animals. After injecting the mice with embryonic stem cells, the scientists reported the animals behaved as if they had taken anti-depressant medication. The study's lead scientists concluded "the tests demonstrate embryonic stem cells may be used to treat mental diseases in the future.’’
Commentary: Hopefully this finding can be successfully replicated in humans and treat mental illness in a large and diverse patient population.
Posted: October 22, 2006
Summary:
A team of international scientists has found through rodent experiments that embryonic stem cells can help control psychological disorders, such as depression. The scientists were able to differentiate embryonic stem cells into dopamine and serotonin-producing nerve cells while devising a model of psychiatric disease for applying and evaluating the stem cells on approximately 80 animals. After injecting the mice with embryonic stem cells, the scientists reported the animals behaved as if they had taken anti-depressant medication. The study's lead scientists concluded "the tests demonstrate embryonic stem cells may be used to treat mental diseases in the future.’’
Commentary: Hopefully this finding can be successfully replicated in humans and treat mental illness in a large and diverse patient population.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Retracing Stem Cell Development Leads to Insulin-Producing Cells
Source: Scientific American
Date: October 20, 2006
Summary:
A team of researchers reports that by applying a sequence of chemicals to human embryonic stem cells in a culture dish, it has grown layers of cells similar to pancreatic tissue in a young embryo. Such cells may eventually be suitable for treating diabetes.
Commentary: Maybe this new method of manipulating stem cells will lead to the development of effective treatments for diabetes.
Date: October 20, 2006
Summary:
A team of researchers reports that by applying a sequence of chemicals to human embryonic stem cells in a culture dish, it has grown layers of cells similar to pancreatic tissue in a young embryo. Such cells may eventually be suitable for treating diabetes.
Commentary: Maybe this new method of manipulating stem cells will lead to the development of effective treatments for diabetes.
Osiris stem-cell drug shows promise on bowel disease
Source: Baltimore Sun
Posted: October 20, 2006
Summary:
Baltimore's Osiris Therapeutics announced results of a 10-person clinical trial of an experimental stem-cell treatment. Preliminary data show that all 10 patients in the mid-stage clinical trial saw a reduction in symptoms after receiving intravenous infusions of the adult stem-cell treatment, and three of them went into temporary remission.
The drug, which analysts say is close to becoming the first pure stem cell product on the market, is already under investigation as a treatment for a rare condition associated with bone marrow transplants. But if it also gains approval as a therapy for Crohn's disease - and possibly its cousin Irritable Bowel Syndrome - the drug Prochymal could be the first stem-cell product with a large application as well as a big breadwinner for the newly public Osiris.
Commentary: Hopefully the trial of this drug will yield successful results and prove to be an effective treatment for bowel disease
Posted: October 20, 2006
Summary:
Baltimore's Osiris Therapeutics announced results of a 10-person clinical trial of an experimental stem-cell treatment. Preliminary data show that all 10 patients in the mid-stage clinical trial saw a reduction in symptoms after receiving intravenous infusions of the adult stem-cell treatment, and three of them went into temporary remission.
The drug, which analysts say is close to becoming the first pure stem cell product on the market, is already under investigation as a treatment for a rare condition associated with bone marrow transplants. But if it also gains approval as a therapy for Crohn's disease - and possibly its cousin Irritable Bowel Syndrome - the drug Prochymal could be the first stem-cell product with a large application as well as a big breadwinner for the newly public Osiris.
Commentary: Hopefully the trial of this drug will yield successful results and prove to be an effective treatment for bowel disease
Firm Reports Stem Cell Use for Making of Insulin
Source: The New York Times
Posted: October 20, 2006
Summary:
Scientists at Novocell, a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, reported yesterday that they had developed a process to turn human embryonic stem cells into pancreatic cells that can produce insulin and other hormones. The work by the company is a step toward using embryonic stem cells to replace the insulin-producing cells that are destroyed by the body’s immune system in people with Type 1, or juvenile, diabetes. Years of research remain, however, before a therapy developed from this approach can be put to use. Some experts are calling the new work, published online by the journal Nature Biotechnology, a significant advance, saying it provides proof that insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells can be made from human E.S. cells in a culture dish.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will accelerate the development of stem cell treatments for diabetes in humans.
Posted: October 20, 2006
Summary:
Scientists at Novocell, a biotechnology company based in San Diego, California, reported yesterday that they had developed a process to turn human embryonic stem cells into pancreatic cells that can produce insulin and other hormones. The work by the company is a step toward using embryonic stem cells to replace the insulin-producing cells that are destroyed by the body’s immune system in people with Type 1, or juvenile, diabetes. Years of research remain, however, before a therapy developed from this approach can be put to use. Some experts are calling the new work, published online by the journal Nature Biotechnology, a significant advance, saying it provides proof that insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells can be made from human E.S. cells in a culture dish.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will accelerate the development of stem cell treatments for diabetes in humans.
Novocell Announces Creation Of Insulin-producing Pancreatic Endocrine Cells From Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Source: Novocell, Inc. via Medical News Today
Posted: October 19, 2006 3:05 pm ET
Summary:
Novocell, Inc., a stem cell engineering company, announced the development of a process that efficiently converts human embryonic stem cells into insulin-producing pancreatic endocrine cells. The findings are reported in an article appearing on-line today, in advance of print publication, in the journal Nature Biotechnology. Such an approach could provide a means to produce sufficient quantities of insulin producing cells for transplantation into patients with Type 1 diabetes, a treatment that offers a potential therapy for this disease.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will eventually enable pancreatic endocrine cells to be safely transplanted into patients with type 1 diabetes without risks or harmful side effects.
Posted: October 19, 2006 3:05 pm ET
Summary:
Novocell, Inc., a stem cell engineering company, announced the development of a process that efficiently converts human embryonic stem cells into insulin-producing pancreatic endocrine cells. The findings are reported in an article appearing on-line today, in advance of print publication, in the journal Nature Biotechnology. Such an approach could provide a means to produce sufficient quantities of insulin producing cells for transplantation into patients with Type 1 diabetes, a treatment that offers a potential therapy for this disease.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will eventually enable pancreatic endocrine cells to be safely transplanted into patients with type 1 diabetes without risks or harmful side effects.
Stem cells offer hope of finding cure for diabetes
Source: The Independent
Posted: October 20, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have come a step closer to a cure for diabetes with a study showing that it is possible to create the insulin-producing tissue of the pancreas from human embryonic stem cells in order to control blood sugar levels. The aim of the research is to be able to culture embryonic stem cells so that they can be grown into the desired tissue for repairing damaged organs such as the heart, brain or pancreas.
Scientists at Novocell, Inc., a biotechnology company in the field of stem cell research, have developed a method of converting human embryonic stem cells to the endoderm tissue of the pancreas, the part of the endocrine organ which is necessary for the formation of insulin-producing cells.
Commentary: This study seems to be important progress toward effective stem cell treatments for Type 1 diabetes.
Posted: October 20, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have come a step closer to a cure for diabetes with a study showing that it is possible to create the insulin-producing tissue of the pancreas from human embryonic stem cells in order to control blood sugar levels. The aim of the research is to be able to culture embryonic stem cells so that they can be grown into the desired tissue for repairing damaged organs such as the heart, brain or pancreas.
Scientists at Novocell, Inc., a biotechnology company in the field of stem cell research, have developed a method of converting human embryonic stem cells to the endoderm tissue of the pancreas, the part of the endocrine organ which is necessary for the formation of insulin-producing cells.
Commentary: This study seems to be important progress toward effective stem cell treatments for Type 1 diabetes.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Low Oxygen Preserves Usefulness Of Stem Cells
Source: Yale University
Posted: October 18, 2006
Summary:
Low levels of oxygen, or hypoxia, may help preserve the unique undifferentiated nature of stem or progenitor cells, according to a report by Yale School of Medicine researchers in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Stem cell therapy is a possible future approach for the treatment of cancer and other genetic diseases. However, it is difficult to maintain the biological functions of stem cells and progenitor cells in culture. Both stem cells and progenitor cells can give rise to mature functional cell types. Progenitor cells, also called precursor cells, are derived from stem cells, but can only produce a more limited number of mature cell types.
Zhong Yun, senior author of the study and assistant professor of therapeutic radiology, said the research could facilitate the use of these cells in future stem cell therapies by leading to improved conservation methods.
Commentary: This finding might enable researchers to coax stem cells into specific human cell types to replace damaged or destroyed tissue in order to treat diseases, injuries and medical conditions.
Posted: October 18, 2006
Summary:
Low levels of oxygen, or hypoxia, may help preserve the unique undifferentiated nature of stem or progenitor cells, according to a report by Yale School of Medicine researchers in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Stem cell therapy is a possible future approach for the treatment of cancer and other genetic diseases. However, it is difficult to maintain the biological functions of stem cells and progenitor cells in culture. Both stem cells and progenitor cells can give rise to mature functional cell types. Progenitor cells, also called precursor cells, are derived from stem cells, but can only produce a more limited number of mature cell types.
Zhong Yun, senior author of the study and assistant professor of therapeutic radiology, said the research could facilitate the use of these cells in future stem cell therapies by leading to improved conservation methods.
Commentary: This finding might enable researchers to coax stem cells into specific human cell types to replace damaged or destroyed tissue in order to treat diseases, injuries and medical conditions.
Analysis: Stem cells as diabetes therapy
Source: United Press International
Posted: October 19, 2006
Summary:
In a new study, Novocell, a biotechology company in the field of stem cell research, determined the necessary conditions for turning human embryonic stem cells into insulin-producing cells, a finding that moves the prospect of using these cells to treat diabetes closer to the clinic. In the study, the researchers developed a process for differentiating human embryonic stem cells into insulin-producing pancreatic endocrine cells. The technique, which mimics the normal development that occurs in the body, could be used for generating insulin-producing cells that could be transplanted into type 1 diabetes patients. The company estimates human clinical trials could begin in 2 to 3 years.
Commentary: This finding seems to significant advancement in developing stem cell treatments for diabetes in humans.
Posted: October 19, 2006
Summary:
In a new study, Novocell, a biotechology company in the field of stem cell research, determined the necessary conditions for turning human embryonic stem cells into insulin-producing cells, a finding that moves the prospect of using these cells to treat diabetes closer to the clinic. In the study, the researchers developed a process for differentiating human embryonic stem cells into insulin-producing pancreatic endocrine cells. The technique, which mimics the normal development that occurs in the body, could be used for generating insulin-producing cells that could be transplanted into type 1 diabetes patients. The company estimates human clinical trials could begin in 2 to 3 years.
Commentary: This finding seems to significant advancement in developing stem cell treatments for diabetes in humans.
Novocell Announces Creation of Insulin-producing Pancreatic Endocrine Cells from Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Source: Novocell, Inc.
Posted: October 19, 2006 3:05 pm ET
Summary:
Novocell, Inc., a stem cell engineering company, announced the development of a process that efficiently converts human embryonic stem cells into insulin-producing pancreatic endocrine cells. The findings are reported in an article appearing on-line today, in advance of print publication, in the journal Nature Biotechnology. Such an approach could provide a means to produce sufficient quantities of insulin producing cells for transplantation into patients with Type 1 diabetes, a treatment that offers a potential therapy for this disease.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will eventually enable pancreatic endocrine cells to be safely transplanted into patients with type 1 diabetes without risks or harmful side effects.
Posted: October 19, 2006 3:05 pm ET
Summary:
Novocell, Inc., a stem cell engineering company, announced the development of a process that efficiently converts human embryonic stem cells into insulin-producing pancreatic endocrine cells. The findings are reported in an article appearing on-line today, in advance of print publication, in the journal Nature Biotechnology. Such an approach could provide a means to produce sufficient quantities of insulin producing cells for transplantation into patients with Type 1 diabetes, a treatment that offers a potential therapy for this disease.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will eventually enable pancreatic endocrine cells to be safely transplanted into patients with type 1 diabetes without risks or harmful side effects.
University of Iowa testing new stem cell treatment: Hope is to combat heart disease
Source: Iowa City Press-Citizen
Posted: October 19, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics are studying a new stem cell treatment that could combat chronic myocardial ischemia, one of the most severe forms of coronary artery disease and the leading killer in the U.S., according to University Hospital officials. They hope the work will determine whether a patient's own cardiac stem cells can be used to treat the disease conventional interventions have failed.
Commentary: Hopefully this study will produce a successful treatment for heart disease and provide researchers with a better understanding of how to stem cells function in order to treat heart disease and damage in humans.
Posted: October 19, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics are studying a new stem cell treatment that could combat chronic myocardial ischemia, one of the most severe forms of coronary artery disease and the leading killer in the U.S., according to University Hospital officials. They hope the work will determine whether a patient's own cardiac stem cells can be used to treat the disease conventional interventions have failed.
Commentary: Hopefully this study will produce a successful treatment for heart disease and provide researchers with a better understanding of how to stem cells function in order to treat heart disease and damage in humans.
Discovery Of Post-stimulus Activated Release Implies New Mechanisms For Dopamine Release
Source: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Date: October 19, 2006
Summary:
The neurotransmitter dopamine continues to be released for nearly an hour after neurons are stimulated, suggesting the existence of secondary mechanisms that allow for sustained availability of dopamine in different regions of the brain including areas critical for memory consolidation, drug induced plasticity and maintaining active networks during working memory, according to a University of Pittsburgh study.
Determining the mechanisms that cause what is being called "post-stimulus activated release" and how they maintain dopamine levels could have important implications for understanding and treating neurological and psychiatric disorders caused by an imbalance of dopamine function including schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Tourette's syndrome, Parkinson's disease and addiction.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will provide researchers with new insights into dopamine function and enable the development of new drugs and treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders caused by an imbalance of dopamine.
Date: October 19, 2006
Summary:
The neurotransmitter dopamine continues to be released for nearly an hour after neurons are stimulated, suggesting the existence of secondary mechanisms that allow for sustained availability of dopamine in different regions of the brain including areas critical for memory consolidation, drug induced plasticity and maintaining active networks during working memory, according to a University of Pittsburgh study.
Determining the mechanisms that cause what is being called "post-stimulus activated release" and how they maintain dopamine levels could have important implications for understanding and treating neurological and psychiatric disorders caused by an imbalance of dopamine function including schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Tourette's syndrome, Parkinson's disease and addiction.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will provide researchers with new insights into dopamine function and enable the development of new drugs and treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders caused by an imbalance of dopamine.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Synchronous Neuronal Firing May Underlie Parkinson's Disease
Source: Duke University Medical Center
Date: October 18, 2006
Summary:
In a finding that contradicts current theories behind Parkinson's disease, neuroscientists at Duke University Medical Center have discovered in mice that critical nerve cells fire all at the same time and thus overwhelm the brain's ability to control the body's movements. Although the researchers made their discoveries in genetically engineered mice, they believe the same processes may occur in humans. The findings may help researchers to better understand Parkinson's disease and to develop new therapeutics for the debilitating disorder.
Commentary: Hopefully this will hasten the development of new treatments that will have successful clinical trials in humans and reduce or eliminate symptoms of Parkson's Disease.
Date: October 18, 2006
Summary:
In a finding that contradicts current theories behind Parkinson's disease, neuroscientists at Duke University Medical Center have discovered in mice that critical nerve cells fire all at the same time and thus overwhelm the brain's ability to control the body's movements. Although the researchers made their discoveries in genetically engineered mice, they believe the same processes may occur in humans. The findings may help researchers to better understand Parkinson's disease and to develop new therapeutics for the debilitating disorder.
Commentary: Hopefully this will hasten the development of new treatments that will have successful clinical trials in humans and reduce or eliminate symptoms of Parkson's Disease.
Cancer Stem Cells Linked To Radiation Resistance
Source: Duke University Medical Center
Date: October 18, 2006
Summary:
Certain types of brain cancer cells, called cancer stem cells, help brain tumors to buffer themselves against radiation treatment by activating a "repair switch" that enables them to continue to grow unchecked, researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found. The researchers also identified a method that appears to block the cells' ability to activate the repair switch following radiation treatment. This finding may lead to the development of therapies for overcoming radiation resistance in brain cancer as well as other types of cancer, the researchers said.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will increase the effectiveness of radiation and enable it to successfully eliminate different types of cancers and tumors.
Date: October 18, 2006
Summary:
Certain types of brain cancer cells, called cancer stem cells, help brain tumors to buffer themselves against radiation treatment by activating a "repair switch" that enables them to continue to grow unchecked, researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found. The researchers also identified a method that appears to block the cells' ability to activate the repair switch following radiation treatment. This finding may lead to the development of therapies for overcoming radiation resistance in brain cancer as well as other types of cancer, the researchers said.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will increase the effectiveness of radiation and enable it to successfully eliminate different types of cancers and tumors.
Stem Cell Treatment Shows Promise for Lou Gehrig's
Source: Journal Transplantation via Ivahoe Newswire
Date: October 16, 2006
Summary:
(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Johns Hopkins researchers believe they may have discovered a potential treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. While tests in humans are still a long way off, they have shown stem cell transplants can lead to the growth of healthy nerve cells in rats specially bred to have an aggressive form of the human disease.
Rats who received the neural stem cells -- which are thought to be able to transform into any type of cell in the nervous system -- began showing signs of the disease seven days later than rats who received dead stem cells for comparison purposes, and they also lived 11 days longer. The researchers emphasize the stem cells were only injected into the lower spines of the rats and not throughout the spinal cord, which may have resulted in significantly better outcomes.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will give researchers new insights into the causes of ALS, which might eventually enable them to develop effective treatments for the disease in humans.
Date: October 16, 2006
Summary:
(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Johns Hopkins researchers believe they may have discovered a potential treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. While tests in humans are still a long way off, they have shown stem cell transplants can lead to the growth of healthy nerve cells in rats specially bred to have an aggressive form of the human disease.
Rats who received the neural stem cells -- which are thought to be able to transform into any type of cell in the nervous system -- began showing signs of the disease seven days later than rats who received dead stem cells for comparison purposes, and they also lived 11 days longer. The researchers emphasize the stem cells were only injected into the lower spines of the rats and not throughout the spinal cord, which may have resulted in significantly better outcomes.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will give researchers new insights into the causes of ALS, which might eventually enable them to develop effective treatments for the disease in humans.
Low Oxygen Preserves Usefulness of Stem Cells
Source: Yale University
Posted: October 18, 2006
Summary;
Low levels of oxygen, or hypoxia, may help preserve the unique undifferentiated nature of stem or progenitor cells, according to a report by Yale School of Medicine researchers in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Stem cell therapy is a possible future approach for the treatment of cancer and other genetic diseases. However, it is difficult to maintain the biological functions of stem cells and progenitor cells in culture. Both stem cells and progenitor cells can give rise to mature functional cell types. Progenitor cells, also called precursor cells, are derived from stem cells, but can only produce a more limited number of mature cell types.
Zhong Yun, the senior author of the study said the research could facilitate the use of these cells in future stem cell therapies by leading to improved conservation methods.
“Once we know how the microenvironment regulates the functions of stem and progenitor cells, we can potentially protect them from premature differentiation or find ways to mobilize these cells for tissue repair and/or regeneration,” he said.
Commentary: Maybe this finding wll hasten researchers' ability to create specific cell types to treat diseases and injuries.
Posted: October 18, 2006
Summary;
Low levels of oxygen, or hypoxia, may help preserve the unique undifferentiated nature of stem or progenitor cells, according to a report by Yale School of Medicine researchers in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Stem cell therapy is a possible future approach for the treatment of cancer and other genetic diseases. However, it is difficult to maintain the biological functions of stem cells and progenitor cells in culture. Both stem cells and progenitor cells can give rise to mature functional cell types. Progenitor cells, also called precursor cells, are derived from stem cells, but can only produce a more limited number of mature cell types.
Zhong Yun, the senior author of the study said the research could facilitate the use of these cells in future stem cell therapies by leading to improved conservation methods.
“Once we know how the microenvironment regulates the functions of stem and progenitor cells, we can potentially protect them from premature differentiation or find ways to mobilize these cells for tissue repair and/or regeneration,” he said.
Commentary: Maybe this finding wll hasten researchers' ability to create specific cell types to treat diseases and injuries.
Stem cells delay paralyzing disease
Source: Reuters
Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2006 3:08pm ET
Summary:
Human fetal stem cells can graft onto the spines of rats and delay some of the paralyzing symptoms of motor neuron disease, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, U.S. researchers reported. The new cells were resistant to the disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, the researchers said.
Commentary: Hopefully researchers can translate these findings into effective human treatments for ALS / Lou Gehrig's disease.
Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2006 3:08pm ET
Summary:
Human fetal stem cells can graft onto the spines of rats and delay some of the paralyzing symptoms of motor neuron disease, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, U.S. researchers reported. The new cells were resistant to the disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS, the researchers said.
Commentary: Hopefully researchers can translate these findings into effective human treatments for ALS / Lou Gehrig's disease.
Neuralstem Stem Cells Extend Life of Rats With Animal Model of ALS
Source: MARKET WIRE
Posted: October 16, 2006
Summary:
Human neural stem cells (hNSCs) developed by Neuralstem, Inc. significantly extended the life of rats with a genetic mutation that gives them a disease similar to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and delayed disease onset, a paper published in the current issue of the journal Transplantation (http://www.transplantjournal.com) reported. The transplanted stem cells, derived from human fetal spinal cord tissue, survived well in the neurodegenerative spinal cord environment, integrated with host cells and delivered neuroprotective factors to the diseased motor neurons.
Commentary: These findings might provide the basis for developing an effective ALS treatment in humans if they can be successfully replicated in a large and heterogenous patient population.
Posted: October 16, 2006
Summary:
Human neural stem cells (hNSCs) developed by Neuralstem, Inc. significantly extended the life of rats with a genetic mutation that gives them a disease similar to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and delayed disease onset, a paper published in the current issue of the journal Transplantation (http://www.transplantjournal.com) reported. The transplanted stem cells, derived from human fetal spinal cord tissue, survived well in the neurodegenerative spinal cord environment, integrated with host cells and delivered neuroprotective factors to the diseased motor neurons.
Commentary: These findings might provide the basis for developing an effective ALS treatment in humans if they can be successfully replicated in a large and heterogenous patient population.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
New leukemia stem cell method cuts risks
Source: United Press International
Posted: October 17, 2006
Summary:
NASHVILLE, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital report they have an improved blood stem cell method for pediatric leukemia. The new technique is particularly promising for children who have failed on standard leukemia treatments. The lead researcher in the development of this new stem cell treatment said the new method allows blood stem cells to come from parents or unmatched adult siblings without the usual toxicity risk, so larger number of patients with leukemia or with non-cancerous blood disorders can be candidates for a stem cell transplant.
Commentary: Hopefully this new technique will prove both safe and effective treatment for a diverse leukemia patient population.
Posted: October 17, 2006
Summary:
NASHVILLE, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital report they have an improved blood stem cell method for pediatric leukemia. The new technique is particularly promising for children who have failed on standard leukemia treatments. The lead researcher in the development of this new stem cell treatment said the new method allows blood stem cells to come from parents or unmatched adult siblings without the usual toxicity risk, so larger number of patients with leukemia or with non-cancerous blood disorders can be candidates for a stem cell transplant.
Commentary: Hopefully this new technique will prove both safe and effective treatment for a diverse leukemia patient population.
Partial-match Cell Transplants For Children With Most Resistant Leukemia
Source: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Date: October 16, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have successfully demonstrated an improved technique for blood stem cell transplantations in children that shows promise for those most likely to fail standard treatment for leukemia. The new technique allows blood stem cells to come from parents or unmatched adult siblings; and it avoids the aggressive, toxic treatments that usually must accompany the transplant. The study's lead investigator says the approach allows the majority of patients with leukemia or non-cancerous blood disorders to receive a transplant.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will eventually lead to an effective treatment for leukemia and improve patient quality of life.
Date: October 16, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have successfully demonstrated an improved technique for blood stem cell transplantations in children that shows promise for those most likely to fail standard treatment for leukemia. The new technique allows blood stem cells to come from parents or unmatched adult siblings; and it avoids the aggressive, toxic treatments that usually must accompany the transplant. The study's lead investigator says the approach allows the majority of patients with leukemia or non-cancerous blood disorders to receive a transplant.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will eventually lead to an effective treatment for leukemia and improve patient quality of life.
Researchers Uncover Cell Fusion Mechanism
Source: American Technion Society
Posted: October 8, 2006
Summary:
In a study that could shed light on disorders that occur in skeletal muscles, bone, the placenta, and other organs where fused cells are common, researchers at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and at the US National Institute of Child Health and Human Development have identified a protein in worms that encourages two or more normal-sized cells to fuse into a single giant cell with multiple nuclei—a normal but little understood phenomenon in biology. The findings could aid researchers looking for ways to fuse therapeutic stem cells or cells carrying replacement genetic parts to cells that are damaged or diseased, according to lead researchers Professor Benjamin Podbilewicz of the Technion and Leonid V. Chernomordik of the NICHD. The study is published in the October 2 issue of the journal Developmental Cell.
Commentary: Maybe this finding can eventually be turned into an effective method to regenerate damaged organs and tissues in humans.
Posted: October 8, 2006
Summary:
In a study that could shed light on disorders that occur in skeletal muscles, bone, the placenta, and other organs where fused cells are common, researchers at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and at the US National Institute of Child Health and Human Development have identified a protein in worms that encourages two or more normal-sized cells to fuse into a single giant cell with multiple nuclei—a normal but little understood phenomenon in biology. The findings could aid researchers looking for ways to fuse therapeutic stem cells or cells carrying replacement genetic parts to cells that are damaged or diseased, according to lead researchers Professor Benjamin Podbilewicz of the Technion and Leonid V. Chernomordik of the NICHD. The study is published in the October 2 issue of the journal Developmental Cell.
Commentary: Maybe this finding can eventually be turned into an effective method to regenerate damaged organs and tissues in humans.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Gene Involved In Common Birth Defect Also Regulates Skin Biology
Source: University of Iowa
Date: October 16, 2006
Summary:
Following up on an earlier discovery that a gene called IRF6 is involved in the common birth defect cleft lip and palate, researchers at the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine and their colleagues have identified the function of the gene. Their latest findings, published online Oct. 15 in Nature Genetics, reveal an unexpected role for IRF6 in the growth and development of skin cells, a discovery that may have implications for wound healing and cancer research.
Commentary: Maybe this discovery will eventually enable researchers to regenerate human tissues that have been injured by wounds or destroyed by diseases.
Date: October 16, 2006
Summary:
Following up on an earlier discovery that a gene called IRF6 is involved in the common birth defect cleft lip and palate, researchers at the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine and their colleagues have identified the function of the gene. Their latest findings, published online Oct. 15 in Nature Genetics, reveal an unexpected role for IRF6 in the growth and development of skin cells, a discovery that may have implications for wound healing and cancer research.
Commentary: Maybe this discovery will eventually enable researchers to regenerate human tissues that have been injured by wounds or destroyed by diseases.
Stem cells could be used to reverse symptoms of motor neurone disease
Source: The Independent
Posted: October 16, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have shown that human stem cells can be used to treat laboratory rats suffering from the same degeneration of the nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain that causes motor neurone disease, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease, in people. New research has shown that human stem cells can be grafted into the lower spinal cord of specially bred rats with a genetic defect that mimics the human disease. Further studies with more extensive transplants are planned before human trials can be carried out.
Commentary; Hopefully experiments using stem cells to treat motor neuron diseases in animals will continue to be successful and eventually lead to human clincal trials to attempt to treat these diseases.
Posted: October 16, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have shown that human stem cells can be used to treat laboratory rats suffering from the same degeneration of the nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain that causes motor neurone disease, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease, in people. New research has shown that human stem cells can be grafted into the lower spinal cord of specially bred rats with a genetic defect that mimics the human disease. Further studies with more extensive transplants are planned before human trials can be carried out.
Commentary; Hopefully experiments using stem cells to treat motor neuron diseases in animals will continue to be successful and eventually lead to human clincal trials to attempt to treat these diseases.
Stems cells 'slow nerve disease'
Source: BBC News
Posted: 16 October 2006, 10:36 GMT 11:36 UK
Summary:
New research has shown that stem cells could be a potential for treatment for the debilitating nerve condition motor neurone disease (MND), also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease. A team of researchers from Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions found that injecting rats with stem cells delayed the onset of MND. The researchers said their findings would help scientists to better understand how stem cells behaved when they were transplanted into the body, but cautioned that clinical use of stem cells was still years away.
Commentary: Hopefull these studies can eventually be translated into an effective treatment for ALS / MND in humans.
Posted: 16 October 2006, 10:36 GMT 11:36 UK
Summary:
New research has shown that stem cells could be a potential for treatment for the debilitating nerve condition motor neurone disease (MND), also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease. A team of researchers from Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions found that injecting rats with stem cells delayed the onset of MND. The researchers said their findings would help scientists to better understand how stem cells behaved when they were transplanted into the body, but cautioned that clinical use of stem cells was still years away.
Commentary: Hopefull these studies can eventually be translated into an effective treatment for ALS / MND in humans.
Stem Cell Transplant Shows Promise Against ALS: It slowed disease progression in rats, scientists say
Source: HealthDay News
Date: October 16, 2006
Summary:
New research by scientists at Johns Hopkins University conducted on rats may yield stem cell treatments that slow amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly called Lou Gehrig's disease. The researchers discoveed that grafting human stem cells into the lower spine of rats bred to duplicate the neurological illness delayed the start of nerve cell damage associated with the disease and slightly prolonged the life of the rats. The team found that the stem cells developed into nerve cells and created extensive connections with existing nerve cells in the rats' spines. The transplanted stem cells did not succumb to ALS.
Commentary: If these results can be successfully in humans, stem cell therapies might eventually be an effective way to treat, or delay, the progression of ALS.
Date: October 16, 2006
Summary:
New research by scientists at Johns Hopkins University conducted on rats may yield stem cell treatments that slow amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly called Lou Gehrig's disease. The researchers discoveed that grafting human stem cells into the lower spine of rats bred to duplicate the neurological illness delayed the start of nerve cell damage associated with the disease and slightly prolonged the life of the rats. The team found that the stem cells developed into nerve cells and created extensive connections with existing nerve cells in the rats' spines. The transplanted stem cells did not succumb to ALS.
Commentary: If these results can be successfully in humans, stem cell therapies might eventually be an effective way to treat, or delay, the progression of ALS.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Human Stem Cells Delay Start Of Lou Gehrig's Disease In Rats
Source: Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
Date: October 15, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have shown that transplanting human stem cells into spinal cords of rats bred to duplicate Lou Gehrig's disease delays the start of nerve cell damage typical of the disease and slightly prolongs life. The grafted stem cells develop into nerve cells that make substantial connections with existing nerves and do not themselves succumb to Lou Gehrig's, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Commentary: While this finding is not a cure for Lou Gehrig's disease, it might provide with new ideas and a new understanding about how stem cells might be applied to the disease, first in animals, and hopefully later, in humans.
Date: October 15, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have shown that transplanting human stem cells into spinal cords of rats bred to duplicate Lou Gehrig's disease delays the start of nerve cell damage typical of the disease and slightly prolongs life. The grafted stem cells develop into nerve cells that make substantial connections with existing nerves and do not themselves succumb to Lou Gehrig's, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Commentary: While this finding is not a cure for Lou Gehrig's disease, it might provide with new ideas and a new understanding about how stem cells might be applied to the disease, first in animals, and hopefully later, in humans.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Key Gene Controlling Kidney Development Found
Source: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Date: October 14, 2006
Summary:
U.S. scientists in Memphis, Tenn., say they've found that a gene called Six2 plays a critical role in the development of human kidneys by keeping a population of "parent" stem cells constantly available to produce the specific cells that give rise to specialized parts of the organ.
Commentary: This finding might enable researchers to make significant progress in creating human kidneys for transplantation into patients with kidney failure.
Date: October 14, 2006
Summary:
U.S. scientists in Memphis, Tenn., say they've found that a gene called Six2 plays a critical role in the development of human kidneys by keeping a population of "parent" stem cells constantly available to produce the specific cells that give rise to specialized parts of the organ.
Commentary: This finding might enable researchers to make significant progress in creating human kidneys for transplantation into patients with kidney failure.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Enhancing Regeneration: Animal Study Suggests Novel Way To Reverse Heart-attack Damage
Source: Children's Hospital Boston
Date: October 11, 2006
Summary:
Using a two-drug approach, researchers at Children's Hospital Boston have demonstrated that it may be possible to rescue heart function after a heart attack and protect the heart from scarring. Working with rats, they combined an agent that overcomes a natural inhibitor of cell division with a naturally occurring growth factor that encourages blood vessel growth (angiogenesis). Together, these two agents enabled heart-muscle cells to multiply and the heart to regain its function after a simulated myocardial infarction (congestive heart failure).
Commentary: This finding might eventually lead to an effective treatment for congestive heart failure in humans if researchers can replicate the combination of overcoming the natural inhibition of cell division with the cell growth factor that encourages cell growth in a large and diverse patient population.
Date: October 11, 2006
Summary:
Using a two-drug approach, researchers at Children's Hospital Boston have demonstrated that it may be possible to rescue heart function after a heart attack and protect the heart from scarring. Working with rats, they combined an agent that overcomes a natural inhibitor of cell division with a naturally occurring growth factor that encourages blood vessel growth (angiogenesis). Together, these two agents enabled heart-muscle cells to multiply and the heart to regain its function after a simulated myocardial infarction (congestive heart failure).
Commentary: This finding might eventually lead to an effective treatment for congestive heart failure in humans if researchers can replicate the combination of overcoming the natural inhibition of cell division with the cell growth factor that encourages cell growth in a large and diverse patient population.
Wisconsin company announces stem-cell Advance
Source: Wisconsin State Journal
Posted: October 11, 2006 - 12:44 AM
Summary:
Researchers led by stem cell pioneer James Thompson of the University of Wisconsin at Madison discovered a way to use human embryonic stem cells to create components of human blood - products, they say, that are safe and can eventually be used to help a range of patients, from those with anemia caused by chemotherapy to soldiers wounded in battle. Stem Cell Products, a new company in the field of stem cell research, will use the components of human blood to produce human treatments for wounds and other blood disorders. The company is hopeful it will be the first successful clinical trial for a commercial stem cell products.
Commentary: Hopefully this trial produce an effective, widespread stem cell treatment for wounds and blood disorders.
Posted: October 11, 2006 - 12:44 AM
Summary:
Researchers led by stem cell pioneer James Thompson of the University of Wisconsin at Madison discovered a way to use human embryonic stem cells to create components of human blood - products, they say, that are safe and can eventually be used to help a range of patients, from those with anemia caused by chemotherapy to soldiers wounded in battle. Stem Cell Products, a new company in the field of stem cell research, will use the components of human blood to produce human treatments for wounds and other blood disorders. The company is hopeful it will be the first successful clinical trial for a commercial stem cell products.
Commentary: Hopefully this trial produce an effective, widespread stem cell treatment for wounds and blood disorders.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Pitt researchers study use of stem cells to heal heart
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Posted: October 10, 2006
Summary:
People with severe angina and few treatment options might be able to join a national study that will examine whether their own blood stem cells can heal their hearts. Researchers hope the cells will stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, called angiogenesis, in areas of the heart that don't get sufficient oxygen because of narrowed coronary arteries.
Commentary: If this study yields successful results in treating heart attack damage in a large and diverse patient population, it might lead to futher trials and accelerate the development of widespread and effective clinical treatments for heart disease and heart attacks.
Posted: October 10, 2006
Summary:
People with severe angina and few treatment options might be able to join a national study that will examine whether their own blood stem cells can heal their hearts. Researchers hope the cells will stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, called angiogenesis, in areas of the heart that don't get sufficient oxygen because of narrowed coronary arteries.
Commentary: If this study yields successful results in treating heart attack damage in a large and diverse patient population, it might lead to futher trials and accelerate the development of widespread and effective clinical treatments for heart disease and heart attacks.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Damaged hearts helped by double drug treatment
Source: NewScientist.com news service
Posted: 22:00 09 October 2006
Summary:
Researchers have successfully used drugs to boost new heart tissue and blood vessel growth, potentially reversing the damaging effects of heart attack damage. Treating the hearts of rats that had experienced simulated heart attacks, the researchers found the repaired hearts beat as well as undamaged hearts even after several months.
Commentary: This finding might prove to be a signficant advance in the field of regenerative medicine to treat heart disease if these results can be successfully replicated and have successful tong-term outcomes in humans.
Posted: 22:00 09 October 2006
Summary:
Researchers have successfully used drugs to boost new heart tissue and blood vessel growth, potentially reversing the damaging effects of heart attack damage. Treating the hearts of rats that had experienced simulated heart attacks, the researchers found the repaired hearts beat as well as undamaged hearts even after several months.
Commentary: This finding might prove to be a signficant advance in the field of regenerative medicine to treat heart disease if these results can be successfully replicated and have successful tong-term outcomes in humans.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Researchers Identify a Key Regulator for Skin Stem Cells
Source: Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Date: October 6, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have discovered that turning on a single gene can prevent skin stem cells from maturing into the three types of adult skin cells — epidermal, sebaceous and hair cells. They say this finding could have important implications for scientists trying to grow stem cells in the lab, for both research and potential therapies. As researchers seek ways to manipulate stem cells, which have the ability to differentiate into multiple types of tissues, one challenge they face is maintaining the stem cells in their immature state. The newly identified repressor switch could provide part of the answer.
Commentary: Maybe this discovery will enable scientists to turn skin and other adult stem cell types into different human tissues to regenerate or replace tissue that has been damaged or destroyed by diseases and injuries.
Date: October 6, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have discovered that turning on a single gene can prevent skin stem cells from maturing into the three types of adult skin cells — epidermal, sebaceous and hair cells. They say this finding could have important implications for scientists trying to grow stem cells in the lab, for both research and potential therapies. As researchers seek ways to manipulate stem cells, which have the ability to differentiate into multiple types of tissues, one challenge they face is maintaining the stem cells in their immature state. The newly identified repressor switch could provide part of the answer.
Commentary: Maybe this discovery will enable scientists to turn skin and other adult stem cell types into different human tissues to regenerate or replace tissue that has been damaged or destroyed by diseases and injuries.
Key Regulator For Skin Stem Cells Identified
Source: Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Date: October 6, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have discovered that turning on a single gene can prevent skin stem cells from maturing into the three types of adult skin cells — epidermal, sebaceous and hair cells. They say this finding could have important implications for scientists trying to grow stem cells in the lab, for both research and potential therapies. As researchers seek ways to manipulate stem cells, which have the ability to differentiate into multiple types of tissues, one challenge they face is maintaining the stem cells in their immature state. The newly identified repressor switch could provide part of the answer.
Commentary: Maybe this discovery will enable scientists to turn skin and other adult stem cell types into different human tissues to regenerate or replace tissue that has been damaged or destroyed by diseases and injuries.
Date: October 6, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have discovered that turning on a single gene can prevent skin stem cells from maturing into the three types of adult skin cells — epidermal, sebaceous and hair cells. They say this finding could have important implications for scientists trying to grow stem cells in the lab, for both research and potential therapies. As researchers seek ways to manipulate stem cells, which have the ability to differentiate into multiple types of tissues, one challenge they face is maintaining the stem cells in their immature state. The newly identified repressor switch could provide part of the answer.
Commentary: Maybe this discovery will enable scientists to turn skin and other adult stem cell types into different human tissues to regenerate or replace tissue that has been damaged or destroyed by diseases and injuries.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Natural Anti-viral Enzyme Helps Keep Cancer Cells Alive, Researchers Find
Source: UT Southwestern Medical Center
Date: October 6, 2006
Summary:
A molecule that cells normally use to fight viruses is also involved in keeping cancer cells alive, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered. The anti-viral molecule, called TBK-1, was found to be essential for cancer cells to live, so blocking it might point to a treatment for fighting cancer, the researchers report in today's issue of Cell. UT Southwestern researchers are now looking for chemicals that block TBK-1. They are also screening cancer cells for similar biochemical pathways essential to their survival but not essential in normal cells.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will lead to the development of new drugs to fight cancer, or enable stem cell treatments to effectively treat cancer without the healthy stem cells being "hijacked" by cancerous cells and turned into cancerous cells.
Date: October 6, 2006
Summary:
A molecule that cells normally use to fight viruses is also involved in keeping cancer cells alive, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered. The anti-viral molecule, called TBK-1, was found to be essential for cancer cells to live, so blocking it might point to a treatment for fighting cancer, the researchers report in today's issue of Cell. UT Southwestern researchers are now looking for chemicals that block TBK-1. They are also screening cancer cells for similar biochemical pathways essential to their survival but not essential in normal cells.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will lead to the development of new drugs to fight cancer, or enable stem cell treatments to effectively treat cancer without the healthy stem cells being "hijacked" by cancerous cells and turned into cancerous cells.
First Quantum Grant to fund stem cell repair of damage from stroke: Team from Rice, Baylor College of Medicine aims for 'neuro-vascular regeneration'
Source: Baylor College of Medicine
Date: October 6, 2006
Summary:
HOUSTON -- (October 6, 2006) -- The National Institutes of Health named researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University in Houston as the first and only recipients of the inaugural Quantum Grant for their international research initiative to regenerate damaged brain cells and blood vessels for the treatment of stroke.
Commentary: Hopefully these newly-awarded grants will accelerate the pace of stroke research and the development of effective treatments for stroke patients.
Date: October 6, 2006
Summary:
HOUSTON -- (October 6, 2006) -- The National Institutes of Health named researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University in Houston as the first and only recipients of the inaugural Quantum Grant for their international research initiative to regenerate damaged brain cells and blood vessels for the treatment of stroke.
Commentary: Hopefully these newly-awarded grants will accelerate the pace of stroke research and the development of effective treatments for stroke patients.
USC researchers discover breast cancer stem cells in bone marrow: May mean greater risk for breast cancer patients than previously thought
Source: University of Southern California
Date: October 5, 2006
Summary:
A new study from the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California found that almost all tumor cells found in the bone marrow of early stage breast cancer patients appear to be breast cancer stem cells, suggesting the risk of disease spread for all breast cancer patients may be greater than previously thought.
Commentary: Maybe this study will eventually lead to treatments that target and destroy breast cancer stem cells before they become mature cancers cells, and treat the cancer in its early stages, before it spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body.
Date: October 5, 2006
Summary:
A new study from the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California found that almost all tumor cells found in the bone marrow of early stage breast cancer patients appear to be breast cancer stem cells, suggesting the risk of disease spread for all breast cancer patients may be greater than previously thought.
Commentary: Maybe this study will eventually lead to treatments that target and destroy breast cancer stem cells before they become mature cancers cells, and treat the cancer in its early stages, before it spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body.
Stem Cell Technique To Arrest Urinary Incontinence
Source: Elhuyar Fundazioa
Date: October 4, 2006
Summary:
The University Hospital of Navarra is planning to conduct clinical trials for urinary incontinence using the intraurethral injection of myoblasts (adult stem cells obtained by means of a biopsy of the patient). The trials will be undertaken with 15 women with urinary incontinence. The project is to recruit the sufferers over a six-month period and to carry out the project jointly between the Cellular Therapy Area and the Department of Urology at the University Hospital of Navarra.
Commentary: Maybe these trials will yield successful results and eventually lead to effective stem cell treatments for urinary incontince.
Date: October 4, 2006
Summary:
The University Hospital of Navarra is planning to conduct clinical trials for urinary incontinence using the intraurethral injection of myoblasts (adult stem cells obtained by means of a biopsy of the patient). The trials will be undertaken with 15 women with urinary incontinence. The project is to recruit the sufferers over a six-month period and to carry out the project jointly between the Cellular Therapy Area and the Department of Urology at the University Hospital of Navarra.
Commentary: Maybe these trials will yield successful results and eventually lead to effective stem cell treatments for urinary incontince.
Stem cells not essential for cloning, study hints
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Posted: October 2, 2006
Summary:
For the first time, two mice pups were made from a kind of blood cell that cannot replicate. The findings, published in Nature Genetics, open up new areas of investigation in the field of cloning research
Commentary: Maybe this finding will provide scientists with an new understanding into how to transform blood cells into specific cell types to treat diseases, injuries and medical conditions while avoiding the controversy commonly associated with embryonic stem cell research.
Posted: October 2, 2006
Summary:
For the first time, two mice pups were made from a kind of blood cell that cannot replicate. The findings, published in Nature Genetics, open up new areas of investigation in the field of cloning research
Commentary: Maybe this finding will provide scientists with an new understanding into how to transform blood cells into specific cell types to treat diseases, injuries and medical conditions while avoiding the controversy commonly associated with embryonic stem cell research.
Pitt team claims a 1st in cloning
Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Posted: October 2, 2006
Summary:
In a scientific first, University of Pittsburgh researchers announced they have cloned two live mouse pups from a mature white blood cell. Mature cells -- called fully differentiated cells -- are incapable of dividing or turning into other types of cells, as stem cells can. However, independent experts questioned the validity of the experiment, arguing that animals already have been cloned from mature cells -- and in a more convincing fashion.
Commentary: It seems as though this experiment will need to be replicated in order to be proven valid, and it remains to be seen whether this new cloning technique will have effective human therapeutic benefits for diseases and medical conditions in human patients.
Posted: October 2, 2006
Summary:
In a scientific first, University of Pittsburgh researchers announced they have cloned two live mouse pups from a mature white blood cell. Mature cells -- called fully differentiated cells -- are incapable of dividing or turning into other types of cells, as stem cells can. However, independent experts questioned the validity of the experiment, arguing that animals already have been cloned from mature cells -- and in a more convincing fashion.
Commentary: It seems as though this experiment will need to be replicated in order to be proven valid, and it remains to be seen whether this new cloning technique will have effective human therapeutic benefits for diseases and medical conditions in human patients.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Novel Pathway Regulates Timing of Brain-Cell Development: Findings may aid in understanding Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, autism
Source: Children's Hospital Boston
Date: October 5, 2006
Summary:
Brain formation involves the carefully timed production of different types of nerve cells by neural stem cells: neurons are produced first, then astrocytes. Making too much of one kind of cell and too little of another at a given time could lead to brain malformations. In the October 6 issue of Cell, researchers in the Neurobiology Program at Children’s Hospital Boston report discovering a new molecular pathway that influences the timing of nerve-cell production. Researchers believe the discovery could have implications for diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and autism.
Commentary: This finding seems to provide researchers with a better understanding of developmental disorders and could provide a basis for producing effective treatments for them.
Date: October 5, 2006
Summary:
Brain formation involves the carefully timed production of different types of nerve cells by neural stem cells: neurons are produced first, then astrocytes. Making too much of one kind of cell and too little of another at a given time could lead to brain malformations. In the October 6 issue of Cell, researchers in the Neurobiology Program at Children’s Hospital Boston report discovering a new molecular pathway that influences the timing of nerve-cell production. Researchers believe the discovery could have implications for diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and autism.
Commentary: This finding seems to provide researchers with a better understanding of developmental disorders and could provide a basis for producing effective treatments for them.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Scientists Show Drug Can Counteract Muscular Dystrophy In Mice
Source: NIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Date: October 4, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have demonstrated for the first time that a single drug can rebuild damaged muscle in two strains of mice that develop diseases comparable to two human forms of muscular dystrophy. The scientists tested the drug, trichostatin A (TSA), an enzyme inhibitor, in two mouse models of muscular dystrophy (MD): one that naturally develops a disease similar to Duchenne muscular dystrophy in humans, the other genetically altered to develop a form of dystrophy similar to the human limb-girdle muscular dystrophy.
The scientists say this is the first time a drug has counteracted MD in a mouse model. However, they emphasize that the drug is only promoting muscle regeneration – it is not curing the defect that causes muscle deterioration. Further studies are needed to determine how long the drug works and if it works in larger animals with bigger muscles, such as dogs, before such drugs can be tested in people.
Commentary: Hopefully this drug will be effective in promoting muscular regeneration in humans with muscular dystrophy, and advance the field of regenerative medicine. Maybe this study will also give new momentum to research into genetic and other factors that cause muscle deterioration, and reverse this progressive disease.
Date: October 4, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have demonstrated for the first time that a single drug can rebuild damaged muscle in two strains of mice that develop diseases comparable to two human forms of muscular dystrophy. The scientists tested the drug, trichostatin A (TSA), an enzyme inhibitor, in two mouse models of muscular dystrophy (MD): one that naturally develops a disease similar to Duchenne muscular dystrophy in humans, the other genetically altered to develop a form of dystrophy similar to the human limb-girdle muscular dystrophy.
The scientists say this is the first time a drug has counteracted MD in a mouse model. However, they emphasize that the drug is only promoting muscle regeneration – it is not curing the defect that causes muscle deterioration. Further studies are needed to determine how long the drug works and if it works in larger animals with bigger muscles, such as dogs, before such drugs can be tested in people.
Commentary: Hopefully this drug will be effective in promoting muscular regeneration in humans with muscular dystrophy, and advance the field of regenerative medicine. Maybe this study will also give new momentum to research into genetic and other factors that cause muscle deterioration, and reverse this progressive disease.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
New Angiogenesis Finding May Help Fight Cancer Growth
Source: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Date: October 3, 2006
Summary:
A researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health has discovered a new part of the complicated mechanism that governs the formation of blood vessels, or angiogenesis. The senior author on the study believes the finding may help halt tumor growth in cancer patients.
Commentary: If this finding can be translated in an effective method of halting tumore growth, maybe stem cell treatments can be administered to regenerate any healthy tissue that was damaged or destroyed by the tumor.
Date: October 3, 2006
Summary:
A researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health has discovered a new part of the complicated mechanism that governs the formation of blood vessels, or angiogenesis. The senior author on the study believes the finding may help halt tumor growth in cancer patients.
Commentary: If this finding can be translated in an effective method of halting tumore growth, maybe stem cell treatments can be administered to regenerate any healthy tissue that was damaged or destroyed by the tumor.
Higher levels of cells originating in bone marrow may be useful in prognosis of liver cancer
Source: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Date: October 3, 2006
Summary:
A new study found that higher levels of specialized blood cells that originate in bone marrow may potentially be used as a prognostic marker in liver cancer. The study showed that elevated levels of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), the precursors to endothelial cells that are found in the lining of blood vessels, were found in patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared to those with tumors that could be treated surgically.
Commentary: May this finding will lead to earlier diagnosis of liver cancer in patients and enable faster and more effective treatments.
Date: October 3, 2006
Summary:
A new study found that higher levels of specialized blood cells that originate in bone marrow may potentially be used as a prognostic marker in liver cancer. The study showed that elevated levels of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), the precursors to endothelial cells that are found in the lining of blood vessels, were found in patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared to those with tumors that could be treated surgically.
Commentary: May this finding will lead to earlier diagnosis of liver cancer in patients and enable faster and more effective treatments.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Cloning Does Not Need Stem Cells
Source: Medical News Today
Posted: October 2, 2006 - 12:00pm (PDT)
Summary:
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh createed two baby mice from a mature blood cell, disproving the previous conception that this could only be done with immature stem cells and that stem cells are required for cloning. They claim that other types of cells may be better than stem cells for cloning. In this experiment, scientist wanted to see whether a granulocyte-a type of white blood cell-could propagate early embryos. The scientists were successful and found the granulocyte to be a far better candidate for cloning than immature stem cells.
Commentary: If this finding can be successfully replicated and applied to treat human diseases, maybe it will quash the ethical controversy over embryonic stem cell research.
Posted: October 2, 2006 - 12:00pm (PDT)
Summary:
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh createed two baby mice from a mature blood cell, disproving the previous conception that this could only be done with immature stem cells and that stem cells are required for cloning. They claim that other types of cells may be better than stem cells for cloning. In this experiment, scientist wanted to see whether a granulocyte-a type of white blood cell-could propagate early embryos. The scientists were successful and found the granulocyte to be a far better candidate for cloning than immature stem cells.
Commentary: If this finding can be successfully replicated and applied to treat human diseases, maybe it will quash the ethical controversy over embryonic stem cell research.
Fully grown cells yield clones: Adult blood cells seem to be easier to reprogramme than stem cells.
Source: Nature
Posted: October 1, 2006
Summary:
By cloning two mice from cells adult blood cells incapable of dividing, researchers have defied the notion that cloning mammals is easiest from stem cells, or other cells that are still dividing. Researchers believe the result might be of interest to researchers who hope, in future, to clone a patient's cells and use the resulting embryo to extract human embryonic stem cells and treat disease. The results show that it might be possible to obtain a patient's nucleus from the cells in a simple blood sample, rather than having to use special stem cells.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will be a scientifically viable alternative to embryonic stem cells, yield effective treatments for diseases in humans, and end the ethical controversy that has surrounded the field of embryonic stem cell research.
Posted: October 1, 2006
Summary:
By cloning two mice from cells adult blood cells incapable of dividing, researchers have defied the notion that cloning mammals is easiest from stem cells, or other cells that are still dividing. Researchers believe the result might be of interest to researchers who hope, in future, to clone a patient's cells and use the resulting embryo to extract human embryonic stem cells and treat disease. The results show that it might be possible to obtain a patient's nucleus from the cells in a simple blood sample, rather than having to use special stem cells.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will be a scientifically viable alternative to embryonic stem cells, yield effective treatments for diseases in humans, and end the ethical controversy that has surrounded the field of embryonic stem cell research.
Adult stem cells may not be needed for successful animal cloning
Source: Scripps Howard News Service
Posted: October 1, 2006
Summary:
For the first time, two mice pups were made from a kind of blood cell that cannot replicate. The results of the experiment could mean that adult stem cells may not be necessary for successful animal cloning. Scientists believe the new findings open up a new area of study in the field of cloning research.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will eventually yield effective treatments for diseases and injuries using adult stem cells.
Posted: October 1, 2006
Summary:
For the first time, two mice pups were made from a kind of blood cell that cannot replicate. The results of the experiment could mean that adult stem cells may not be necessary for successful animal cloning. Scientists believe the new findings open up a new area of study in the field of cloning research.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will eventually yield effective treatments for diseases and injuries using adult stem cells.
Cloned Mice Created From Fully Differentiated Cells, A Milestone In Cloning Research: Studies find differentiated cells are more efficient than stem c
Source: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Date: October 2, 2006
Summary:
New research dismisses the notion that adult stem cells are necessary for successful animal cloning, proving instead that cells that have completely evolved to a specific type not only can be used for cloning purposes, but they may be a better and more efficient starting point. As proof, researchers report they created two mouse pups from a type of blood cell that itself is incapable of dividing to produce a second generation of its own kind.
Commentary: Maybe this advancement will have applications for creating ethical cloned stem cells that will have effective clinical applications for treating human medical conditions, diseases and injuries.
Date: October 2, 2006
Summary:
New research dismisses the notion that adult stem cells are necessary for successful animal cloning, proving instead that cells that have completely evolved to a specific type not only can be used for cloning purposes, but they may be a better and more efficient starting point. As proof, researchers report they created two mouse pups from a type of blood cell that itself is incapable of dividing to produce a second generation of its own kind.
Commentary: Maybe this advancement will have applications for creating ethical cloned stem cells that will have effective clinical applications for treating human medical conditions, diseases and injuries.
Study Advances Cloning Theory, Deals With Dolly
Source: Hartford Courant
Posted: October 2, 2006
Summary:
In a new study, scientists from the University of Connecticut and University of Pittsburgh discovered that mice are more easily cloned using DNA from mature blood cells than from stem cells, a finding that from the say puts a new spin on cloning theory and resolves an old debate about Dolly the sheep, the world's first clone. The scientists reported it was almost 10 times more efficient to clone mice using DNA taken from a fully mature blood cell than from DNA taken from a blood stem cell.
Researchers cite the finding as progress for therapeutic cloning because it proves conclusively that DNA easily obtained from fully mature, or differentiated, cells can produce genetically identical embryonic stem cells. Researchers are working to discover how cloning resets the biological clock of mature cells so they can develop cell lines capable of repairing tissues damaged as a result of many diseases including Parkinson's disease and Type 1 diabetes.
Commentary: Maybe the results of this study will eventually enable the development of effective alternative embryonic stem cell treatments, including blood and adult stem cells to treat diseases and medical conditions.
Posted: October 2, 2006
Summary:
In a new study, scientists from the University of Connecticut and University of Pittsburgh discovered that mice are more easily cloned using DNA from mature blood cells than from stem cells, a finding that from the say puts a new spin on cloning theory and resolves an old debate about Dolly the sheep, the world's first clone. The scientists reported it was almost 10 times more efficient to clone mice using DNA taken from a fully mature blood cell than from DNA taken from a blood stem cell.
Researchers cite the finding as progress for therapeutic cloning because it proves conclusively that DNA easily obtained from fully mature, or differentiated, cells can produce genetically identical embryonic stem cells. Researchers are working to discover how cloning resets the biological clock of mature cells so they can develop cell lines capable of repairing tissues damaged as a result of many diseases including Parkinson's disease and Type 1 diabetes.
Commentary: Maybe the results of this study will eventually enable the development of effective alternative embryonic stem cell treatments, including blood and adult stem cells to treat diseases and medical conditions.
Cell Differentiation No Barrier to Cloning
Source: Scientific American
Posted: October 1, 2006
Summary:
A new test in mice shows that adult stem cells are actually worse than regular cells for the purposes of cloning with current techniques.
Commentary: The results of this test show that further research needs to be done in the fields of both embryonic and adult stem cell research in order develop patient-specific stem cell treatments
Posted: October 1, 2006
Summary:
A new test in mice shows that adult stem cells are actually worse than regular cells for the purposes of cloning with current techniques.
Commentary: The results of this test show that further research needs to be done in the fields of both embryonic and adult stem cell research in order develop patient-specific stem cell treatments
Scientists find more efficient cloning method: Experiment proves that animals can be cloned from mature cells
Source: Reuters
Posted: October 1, 2006 1:15pm ET
Summary:
Researchers announced the discovery of a more efficient way to clone mice, and said their experiment solved a basic question about cloning science — whether it truly is possible to clone animals from mature cells. However, some scientists argued that truly mature tissue is too old to be re-generated, and that Dolly and the hundreds of cloned cattle, pigs and other creatures that followed here were in fact created using stem cells or stem-like cells by accident. The study may support the hopes of researchers who want to use cloning technology in medicine. Supporters of so-called therapeutic cloning want to some day be able to take a single cell from a patient, perhaps a skin cell, and use it to generate tailor-made tissue or organ transplants.
Commentary: Maybe this discovery can be translated into an effective method for human therapeutic cell cloning and be used to develop patient-specific stem cell treatments for diseases, injuries and medical conditions.
Posted: October 1, 2006 1:15pm ET
Summary:
Researchers announced the discovery of a more efficient way to clone mice, and said their experiment solved a basic question about cloning science — whether it truly is possible to clone animals from mature cells. However, some scientists argued that truly mature tissue is too old to be re-generated, and that Dolly and the hundreds of cloned cattle, pigs and other creatures that followed here were in fact created using stem cells or stem-like cells by accident. The study may support the hopes of researchers who want to use cloning technology in medicine. Supporters of so-called therapeutic cloning want to some day be able to take a single cell from a patient, perhaps a skin cell, and use it to generate tailor-made tissue or organ transplants.
Commentary: Maybe this discovery can be translated into an effective method for human therapeutic cell cloning and be used to develop patient-specific stem cell treatments for diseases, injuries and medical conditions.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
RESEARCH ROUND-UP - SEPTEMBER 2006
Research Round-up is a feature on Ben's Stem Cell News summarizing monthly developments in stem cell research. Here is a summary of significant stem cell research and science news developments that occurred in September 2006:
• September 1 - Scientists at Harvard University identified key compounds that stimulate stem cell growth in the brain, lead to restored function for people neurological disorders.
• September 4 - Scientists from the McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Florida report that adult human brain cells can generate new brain tissue when implanted into the brains of mice, potentially enabling the reversal of aging of the brain and treatments for age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease and stroke.
• September 5 - Researchers at University of Chicago Medical Center have discovered a two-step process that appears to regulate cell fate decisions for many types of developing cells.
• September 6 - Researchers at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine confirm a gene that suppresses tumor cell growth also plays a key role in aging.
• September 6 - University of Michigan researchers found that old stem cells don’t simply wear out, they actively shut themselves down, probably as a defense against becoming cancerous from genetic defects that accumulate with age.
• September 6 - Researchers at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute have located a single molecular switch plays a central role in inducing stem cells in the brain, pancreas, and blood to lose function as they age.
• September 7 - The San Francisco Chronicle reports that researchers have uncovered a fundamental new link between stem cells and aging: a genetic system in the body that seems to fight cancer but also regulates the restorative cells that keep aging at bay.
• September 7 - Michigan State University researchers identified the genes that are active only in the human egg, saying it brings them closer to understanding how eggs produce embryonic stem cells and to being able to duplicate that process without eggs or embryos.
• September 8 - Reuters examines recent advances being made in the relatively new field of anti-aging medicine.
• September 10 - Researchers at the Institute for Stem Cell Research at Edinburgh University in Scotland announced the discovery of a key protein they that may encourage embryonic stem cells to develop into the insulin-producing pancreatic cells that malfunction in patients with diabetes.
• September 11 - Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine demonstrated a new approach to hasten healing at sites of injury - such as heart muscle after a heart attack or brain tissue after a stroke is to use a drug "mobilize" patients' blood vessel-forming cells, called angiogenic cells, so these cells can reach the injured area.
• September 14 - University of T Southwestern Medical Center researchers discovered that blocking one of the body's natural inflammatory factors provides substantial protection against cell death in the brain associated with Parkinson's disease.
• September 20 - Advanced Cell Technology, a biotechnology company, discovered human embryonic stem cells can partly restore vision in blinded rats, and may offer a source of transplants for people with certain eye diseases.
• September 20 - Mesoblast Limited and Angioblast Systems Inc., sister biotechnology companies in the field of stem cell research, announced positive initial results of clinical adult stem cell trials for the treatment of heart disease.
• September 22/23 - A phase I trial to test the safety of injecting fetal brain stem cells into the brains of children to treat Batten disease, a rare yet fatal inherited neurodegenerative disorder, will begin at Oregon Health & Science University's (OHSU) Doernbecher Children's Hospital. The stem cells that will be used in the trial are produced by Palo Alto-based StemCells Inc.
• September 23 - Researchers report they have cultivated a colony of human embryonic stem cells from an apparently dead embryo.
• Septtember 24 - Canadian scientists are investigating a novel way of treating a deadly form of leukemia: by targeting the stem cells that allow the cancer to return after chemotherapy has resulted in apparent remission. They were able to cure some mice transplanted with the human form of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
• September 27 - The NIH reports that a trial of the Edmonton Protocol approach of transplantin insulin-producing islet cells could dramatically benefit certain patients with severe complications of Type 1 diabetes.
• September 30 - Scientists have identified a gene in mice that controls the development of taste buds. They believe the same process occurs in humans. Researchers believe the findings will help scientists better understand how the behavior of certain stem cells is controlled.
• September 1 - Scientists at Harvard University identified key compounds that stimulate stem cell growth in the brain, lead to restored function for people neurological disorders.
• September 4 - Scientists from the McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Florida report that adult human brain cells can generate new brain tissue when implanted into the brains of mice, potentially enabling the reversal of aging of the brain and treatments for age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease and stroke.
• September 5 - Researchers at University of Chicago Medical Center have discovered a two-step process that appears to regulate cell fate decisions for many types of developing cells.
• September 6 - Researchers at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine confirm a gene that suppresses tumor cell growth also plays a key role in aging.
• September 6 - University of Michigan researchers found that old stem cells don’t simply wear out, they actively shut themselves down, probably as a defense against becoming cancerous from genetic defects that accumulate with age.
• September 6 - Researchers at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute have located a single molecular switch plays a central role in inducing stem cells in the brain, pancreas, and blood to lose function as they age.
• September 7 - The San Francisco Chronicle reports that researchers have uncovered a fundamental new link between stem cells and aging: a genetic system in the body that seems to fight cancer but also regulates the restorative cells that keep aging at bay.
• September 7 - Michigan State University researchers identified the genes that are active only in the human egg, saying it brings them closer to understanding how eggs produce embryonic stem cells and to being able to duplicate that process without eggs or embryos.
• September 8 - Reuters examines recent advances being made in the relatively new field of anti-aging medicine.
• September 10 - Researchers at the Institute for Stem Cell Research at Edinburgh University in Scotland announced the discovery of a key protein they that may encourage embryonic stem cells to develop into the insulin-producing pancreatic cells that malfunction in patients with diabetes.
• September 11 - Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine demonstrated a new approach to hasten healing at sites of injury - such as heart muscle after a heart attack or brain tissue after a stroke is to use a drug "mobilize" patients' blood vessel-forming cells, called angiogenic cells, so these cells can reach the injured area.
• September 14 - University of T Southwestern Medical Center researchers discovered that blocking one of the body's natural inflammatory factors provides substantial protection against cell death in the brain associated with Parkinson's disease.
• September 20 - Advanced Cell Technology, a biotechnology company, discovered human embryonic stem cells can partly restore vision in blinded rats, and may offer a source of transplants for people with certain eye diseases.
• September 20 - Mesoblast Limited and Angioblast Systems Inc., sister biotechnology companies in the field of stem cell research, announced positive initial results of clinical adult stem cell trials for the treatment of heart disease.
• September 22/23 - A phase I trial to test the safety of injecting fetal brain stem cells into the brains of children to treat Batten disease, a rare yet fatal inherited neurodegenerative disorder, will begin at Oregon Health & Science University's (OHSU) Doernbecher Children's Hospital. The stem cells that will be used in the trial are produced by Palo Alto-based StemCells Inc.
• September 23 - Researchers report they have cultivated a colony of human embryonic stem cells from an apparently dead embryo.
• Septtember 24 - Canadian scientists are investigating a novel way of treating a deadly form of leukemia: by targeting the stem cells that allow the cancer to return after chemotherapy has resulted in apparent remission. They were able to cure some mice transplanted with the human form of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
• September 27 - The NIH reports that a trial of the Edmonton Protocol approach of transplantin insulin-producing islet cells could dramatically benefit certain patients with severe complications of Type 1 diabetes.
• September 30 - Scientists have identified a gene in mice that controls the development of taste buds. They believe the same process occurs in humans. Researchers believe the findings will help scientists better understand how the behavior of certain stem cells is controlled.
Gene key to taste bud development identified
Source: Duke University Medical Center
Posted: September 30, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have identified a gene that controls the development of taste buds.The researchers made their discovery in mice, but they believe the same process occurs in humans. According to the researchers, the findings will help scientists better understand how the behavior of certain stem cells is controlled. The new findings could also lead to a better understanding of developmental disorders of the gut caused by mutations in the human version of the gene and restore loss of taste often reported by cancer patients during chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatments.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will enable scientists to gain a new understanding about how to manipulate stem cell behavior in order to determine stem cell fate, and also lead to treatments for developmental disorders of the gut and lead to improved well-being for cancer patients who have loss taste sensation.
Posted: September 30, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have identified a gene that controls the development of taste buds.The researchers made their discovery in mice, but they believe the same process occurs in humans. According to the researchers, the findings will help scientists better understand how the behavior of certain stem cells is controlled. The new findings could also lead to a better understanding of developmental disorders of the gut caused by mutations in the human version of the gene and restore loss of taste often reported by cancer patients during chemotherapy or radiation therapy treatments.
Commentary: Maybe this finding will enable scientists to gain a new understanding about how to manipulate stem cell behavior in order to determine stem cell fate, and also lead to treatments for developmental disorders of the gut and lead to improved well-being for cancer patients who have loss taste sensation.
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