Source: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Date: June 30, 2009
Summary:
Doctors at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute announced today the completion of the first procedure in which a patient's own heart tissue was used to grow specialized heart stem cells that were then injected back into the patient's heart in an effort to repair and re-grow healthy muscle in a heart that had been injured by a heart attack. The minimally-invasive procedure was completed on the first patient on Friday, June 26.
The procedure is part of a Phase I investigative study approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and supported by the Specialized Centers for Cell-based Therapies at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. It is the first to use adult cells from a patient's own heart to attempt to heal injured heart muscle.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Neural Stem Cell Differentiation Factor Found
Source: Goethe University Frankfurt
Date: June 30, 2009
Summary:
Neural stem cells represent the cellular backup of our brain. These cells are capable of self-renewal to form new stem cells or differentiate into neurons, astrocytes or oligodendrocytes. Astrocytes have supportive functions in the environment of neurons, while oligodendrocytes form the myelin layer around axons in order to accelerate neuronal signal transmission. But how does a neural stem cell "know" which way it is supposed to develop?
On the molecular level receptors of the Notch family play a significant role in this process. So far, only stimulating extracellular ligands of Notch receptors had been described. Biochemists of Goethe University Medical School now describe a long time assumed but not yet identified soluble Notch inhibitor.
Franfurt scientists led by Mirko Schmidt and Ivan Dikic reported in the renowned journal Nature Cell Biology that the secreted protein EGFL7 (Epidermal Growth Factor-like domain 7) is such an inhibitory factor. EGFL7 had already been known from its involvement in the development of blood vessels.
Date: June 30, 2009
Summary:
Neural stem cells represent the cellular backup of our brain. These cells are capable of self-renewal to form new stem cells or differentiate into neurons, astrocytes or oligodendrocytes. Astrocytes have supportive functions in the environment of neurons, while oligodendrocytes form the myelin layer around axons in order to accelerate neuronal signal transmission. But how does a neural stem cell "know" which way it is supposed to develop?
On the molecular level receptors of the Notch family play a significant role in this process. So far, only stimulating extracellular ligands of Notch receptors had been described. Biochemists of Goethe University Medical School now describe a long time assumed but not yet identified soluble Notch inhibitor.
Franfurt scientists led by Mirko Schmidt and Ivan Dikic reported in the renowned journal Nature Cell Biology that the secreted protein EGFL7 (Epidermal Growth Factor-like domain 7) is such an inhibitory factor. EGFL7 had already been known from its involvement in the development of blood vessels.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Early heart attack therapy with bone marrow extract improves cardiac function
Source: University of California - San Francisco
Date: June 29, 2009
Summary:
A UCSF study for the treatment of heart failure after heart attack found that the extract derived from bone marrow cells is as effective as therapy using bone marrow stem cells for improving cardiac function, decreasing the formation of scar tissue and improving cardiac pumping capacity after heart attack. Findings were published online and in the July 2009 issue of the Journal of Molecular Therapy. The cover of the journal features a microscope image of cells from the UCSF study.
The studies were done in mice using a novel stem cell delivery method developed by UCSF researchers to show that the extract from bone marrow cells is as beneficial to cardiac function as are intact, whole cells. Both the cell and cell extract therapies resulted in the presence of more blood vessels and less cardiac cell death, or apoptosis, than no therapy. The study also showed that heart function benefitted despite the finding that few of the injected cells remained in the heart at one month after therapy.
In a related story, below is a video from CBS News about an experimental procedure using adult stem cells to repair heart attack damage:
Watch CBS Videos Online
Date: June 29, 2009
Summary:
A UCSF study for the treatment of heart failure after heart attack found that the extract derived from bone marrow cells is as effective as therapy using bone marrow stem cells for improving cardiac function, decreasing the formation of scar tissue and improving cardiac pumping capacity after heart attack. Findings were published online and in the July 2009 issue of the Journal of Molecular Therapy. The cover of the journal features a microscope image of cells from the UCSF study.
The studies were done in mice using a novel stem cell delivery method developed by UCSF researchers to show that the extract from bone marrow cells is as beneficial to cardiac function as are intact, whole cells. Both the cell and cell extract therapies resulted in the presence of more blood vessels and less cardiac cell death, or apoptosis, than no therapy. The study also showed that heart function benefitted despite the finding that few of the injected cells remained in the heart at one month after therapy.
In a related story, below is a video from CBS News about an experimental procedure using adult stem cells to repair heart attack damage:
Watch CBS Videos Online
Friday, June 26, 2009
Scientists uncovered molecular machinery related to stem cell fate
Source: Stowers Institute for Medical Research
Date: June 26, 2009
Summary:
The Stowers Institute's Xie Lab has revealed how the BAM protein affects germline stem cell differentiation and how it is involved in regulating the quality of stem cells through intercellular competition. The work was published today by PNAS Early Edition.
Maintaining the proper balance between stem cell self-renewal and differentiation is critical for normal homeostasis. An imbalance between the two can lead to tissue degeneration and to the development of tumors. It has long been known that the BAM protein is necessary for germline stem cell differentiation, but the specific molecular mechanism underlying BAM function had remained a mystery until now.
Examining the fruit fly ovary, the Xie Lab established that BAM controls stem cell differentiation and competition by interfering with the function of the protein translation initiation factor eIF4A. EIF4A and BAM antagonize each other to regulate the balance between self-renewal and differentiation by promoting proper expression of E-cadherin — a molecule crucial to the stem cell's ability to attach to its microenvironment (its niche).
Date: June 26, 2009
Summary:
The Stowers Institute's Xie Lab has revealed how the BAM protein affects germline stem cell differentiation and how it is involved in regulating the quality of stem cells through intercellular competition. The work was published today by PNAS Early Edition.
Maintaining the proper balance between stem cell self-renewal and differentiation is critical for normal homeostasis. An imbalance between the two can lead to tissue degeneration and to the development of tumors. It has long been known that the BAM protein is necessary for germline stem cell differentiation, but the specific molecular mechanism underlying BAM function had remained a mystery until now.
Examining the fruit fly ovary, the Xie Lab established that BAM controls stem cell differentiation and competition by interfering with the function of the protein translation initiation factor eIF4A. EIF4A and BAM antagonize each other to regulate the balance between self-renewal and differentiation by promoting proper expression of E-cadherin — a molecule crucial to the stem cell's ability to attach to its microenvironment (its niche).
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Stem Cells Created From Pigs' Connective Tissue Cells
Source: University of Missouri - Columbia
Date: June 25, 2009
Summary:
Scientists at the University of Missouri have developed the ability to take regular cells from a pig's connective tissues, known as fibroblasts, and transform them into stem cells, eliminating several of the hurdles associated with stem cell research. The new study appeared in a recent issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS).
Date: June 25, 2009
Summary:
Scientists at the University of Missouri have developed the ability to take regular cells from a pig's connective tissues, known as fibroblasts, and transform them into stem cells, eliminating several of the hurdles associated with stem cell research. The new study appeared in a recent issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS).
Stem Cell Surprise For Tissue Regeneration
Source: Carnegie Institution
Date: June 25, 2009
Summary:
Scientists working at the Carnegie Institution's Department of Embryology, with colleagues, have overturned previous research that identified critical genes for making muscle stem cells. It turns out that the genes that make muscle stem cells in the embryo are surprisingly not needed in adult muscle stem cells to regenerate muscles after injury. The finding challenges the current course of research into muscular dystrophy, muscle injury, and regenerative medicine, which uses stem cells for healing tissues, and it favours using age-matched stem cells for therapy. The study is published in the June 25 advance online edition of Nature.
Date: June 25, 2009
Summary:
Scientists working at the Carnegie Institution's Department of Embryology, with colleagues, have overturned previous research that identified critical genes for making muscle stem cells. It turns out that the genes that make muscle stem cells in the embryo are surprisingly not needed in adult muscle stem cells to regenerate muscles after injury. The finding challenges the current course of research into muscular dystrophy, muscle injury, and regenerative medicine, which uses stem cells for healing tissues, and it favours using age-matched stem cells for therapy. The study is published in the June 25 advance online edition of Nature.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Discarded Fallopian Tubes Could Be Rich Source Of Stem Cells, Study
Source: Medical News Today
Article Date: 19 June 2009 - 10:00 PDT
Summary:
Medical News Today reports researchers have found that stem cells from fallopian tubes may be potential sources of mesenchymal (blood and bone marrow) stem cells:
"Fallopian tubes normally discarded after hysterectomies and other procedures could become rich potential sources for mesenchymal stem cells which like other types of stem cell can be coaxed to develop into a variety of cell types, according to a new study by researchers in Brazil. Researchers from the University of São Paulo's Human Genome Research Centre, which is directed by Dr Mayana Zatz conducted the study in collaboration with medical doctors from the University's reproductive surgery department. The results are published as an online paper in BioMed Central's open access Journal of Translational Medicine."
Article Date: 19 June 2009 - 10:00 PDT
Summary:
Medical News Today reports researchers have found that stem cells from fallopian tubes may be potential sources of mesenchymal (blood and bone marrow) stem cells:
"Fallopian tubes normally discarded after hysterectomies and other procedures could become rich potential sources for mesenchymal stem cells which like other types of stem cell can be coaxed to develop into a variety of cell types, according to a new study by researchers in Brazil. Researchers from the University of São Paulo's Human Genome Research Centre, which is directed by Dr Mayana Zatz conducted the study in collaboration with medical doctors from the University's reproductive surgery department. The results are published as an online paper in BioMed Central's open access Journal of Translational Medicine."
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Johns Hopkins researchers edit genes in human stem cells
Source: Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
Date: June 18, 2009
Summary:
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have successfully edited the genome of human- induced pluripotent stem cells, making possible the future development of patient-specific stem cell therapies. Reporting this week in Cell Stem Cell, the team altered a gene responsible for causing the rare blood disease paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, or PNH, establishing for the first time a useful system to learn more about the disease.
Date: June 18, 2009
Summary:
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have successfully edited the genome of human- induced pluripotent stem cells, making possible the future development of patient-specific stem cell therapies. Reporting this week in Cell Stem Cell, the team altered a gene responsible for causing the rare blood disease paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, or PNH, establishing for the first time a useful system to learn more about the disease.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Human Embryonic Stem Cells Could Safely Treat Eye Diseases, Research Suggests
Source: Advanced Cell Technology, Inc.
Date: June 15, 2009
Summary:
Advanced Cell Technology and its collaborators at OHSU report the long-term safety and efficacy of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived retinal pigment epithelium produced under manufacturing conditions suitable for human clinical trials. The research shows long-term functional rescue using hESC-derived cells in both the RCS rat and Elov14 mouse, animal models of retinal degeneration and Stargardt disease, respectively.
The research, which appears online ahead of print in the journal Stem Cells, shows long-term functional rescue using hESC-derived cells in both the RCS rat and Elov14 mouse, animal models of retinal degeneration and Stargardt, respectively. The cells survived transplantation for prolonged periods (>220 days) and sustained visual function without tumor formation or untoward pathological reactions. Near-normal functional rescue was also achieved in the 'Stargardt' mouse. To further address safety concerns, a study was carried out in the NIH III immune deficient mouse model. Long-term data (spanning the life of the animals) revealed no evidence of tumor formation after transplantation.
Date: June 15, 2009
Summary:
Advanced Cell Technology and its collaborators at OHSU report the long-term safety and efficacy of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived retinal pigment epithelium produced under manufacturing conditions suitable for human clinical trials. The research shows long-term functional rescue using hESC-derived cells in both the RCS rat and Elov14 mouse, animal models of retinal degeneration and Stargardt disease, respectively.
The research, which appears online ahead of print in the journal Stem Cells, shows long-term functional rescue using hESC-derived cells in both the RCS rat and Elov14 mouse, animal models of retinal degeneration and Stargardt, respectively. The cells survived transplantation for prolonged periods (>220 days) and sustained visual function without tumor formation or untoward pathological reactions. Near-normal functional rescue was also achieved in the 'Stargardt' mouse. To further address safety concerns, a study was carried out in the NIH III immune deficient mouse model. Long-term data (spanning the life of the animals) revealed no evidence of tumor formation after transplantation.
Friday, June 12, 2009
'Designer Molecules' Being Developed To Fight Disease
Source: University of Leicester
Date: 12 June 2009
Summary:
Researchers in the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences at the University of Leicester are developing a new way to make protein based drugs with potential applications in stroke, vascular inflammation, blood vessel formation, regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. The research carried out by Shikha Sharma in Dr Nick Brindle's group in Department of Cardiovascular Sciences aims to allow researchers to rapidly make 'designer proteins' that can bind to disease causing molecules in the body.
Date: 12 June 2009
Summary:
Researchers in the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences at the University of Leicester are developing a new way to make protein based drugs with potential applications in stroke, vascular inflammation, blood vessel formation, regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. The research carried out by Shikha Sharma in Dr Nick Brindle's group in Department of Cardiovascular Sciences aims to allow researchers to rapidly make 'designer proteins' that can bind to disease causing molecules in the body.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
OHSU stem cell test results: OK, so far
Source: The Oregonian
Posted: June 09, 2009, 8:18 PM
Summary;
The Oregonian reports doctors at Oregon Health & Science University found that patieints treated with adult stem cells in a clinical trial to treat Batten Disease, a fatal neurodegenerative disease, have not had any negative side effects from the treatment:
"Starting in 2006, doctors at Oregon Health & Science University opened the brains of six severely ill children and injected special stem cells derived from human fetuses, the first such surgery known. Now, the company behind that experiment has unveiled its take on the results: Five of the six patients are still alive, and none suffered serious problems "considered related to" the stem cells."
Posted: June 09, 2009, 8:18 PM
Summary;
The Oregonian reports doctors at Oregon Health & Science University found that patieints treated with adult stem cells in a clinical trial to treat Batten Disease, a fatal neurodegenerative disease, have not had any negative side effects from the treatment:
"Starting in 2006, doctors at Oregon Health & Science University opened the brains of six severely ill children and injected special stem cells derived from human fetuses, the first such surgery known. Now, the company behind that experiment has unveiled its take on the results: Five of the six patients are still alive, and none suffered serious problems "considered related to" the stem cells."
Monday, June 08, 2009
No dangerous side effects from stem cell treatment for brain disorder
Source: San Jose Mercury News
Posted: June 8, 2009 11:37:55 AM PDT
Updated: June 8, 2009 108:30:14 PM PDT
Summary:
The San Jose Mercury News reports StemCells Inc., a biotechnology company in the field of stem cell research, announced that its stem cell treatment for a rare and fatal brain disorder has no dangerous side effects in patients with the disorder:
"An experimental stem-cell treatment developed by StemCells of Palo Alto has shown no dangerous side effects after being injected into six children with a rare and as-yet always fatal brain disorder, the company said Monday. The groundbreaking study begun in 2006 involves children suffering from Batten disease, a heretofore incurable malady that often causes its mostly young victims to suffer seizures and blindness before killing them."
Details of the treatment procedure are described below:
"The ailment results from a defective gene that fails to create an enzyme the brain needs to dispose of cellular waste. The waste piles up and kills healthy cells until the patients die, typically before they reach their teens. By injecting fetal stem cells into the children's brains, researchers hope the cells will help the brains produce the missing enzyme. In the study, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and involving children in advanced stages of the disease, the stem cells "were well tolerated by all six patients" and produced no ill effects, the company said in a prepared statement."
Posted: June 8, 2009 11:37:55 AM PDT
Updated: June 8, 2009 108:30:14 PM PDT
Summary:
The San Jose Mercury News reports StemCells Inc., a biotechnology company in the field of stem cell research, announced that its stem cell treatment for a rare and fatal brain disorder has no dangerous side effects in patients with the disorder:
"An experimental stem-cell treatment developed by StemCells of Palo Alto has shown no dangerous side effects after being injected into six children with a rare and as-yet always fatal brain disorder, the company said Monday. The groundbreaking study begun in 2006 involves children suffering from Batten disease, a heretofore incurable malady that often causes its mostly young victims to suffer seizures and blindness before killing them."
Details of the treatment procedure are described below:
"The ailment results from a defective gene that fails to create an enzyme the brain needs to dispose of cellular waste. The waste piles up and kills healthy cells until the patients die, typically before they reach their teens. By injecting fetal stem cells into the children's brains, researchers hope the cells will help the brains produce the missing enzyme. In the study, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and involving children in advanced stages of the disease, the stem cells "were well tolerated by all six patients" and produced no ill effects, the company said in a prepared statement."
Fatal brain disease at work well before symptoms appear
Source: University of Florida
Date June 8, 2009
Summary:
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida scientists have discovered why a paralyzing brain disorder speeds along more rapidly in some patients than others — a finding that may finally give researchers an entry point toward an effective treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often referred to as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Of more than 100 possible mutations of a single gene inherited by people with familial ALS, the mutations most inclined to produce clumps of problematic cellular debris known as “protein aggregates” appear to be associated with quicker progress of the disease, according to researchers with the University of Florida’s McKnight Brain Institute writing online this week in Human Molecular Genetics.
Date June 8, 2009
Summary:
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida scientists have discovered why a paralyzing brain disorder speeds along more rapidly in some patients than others — a finding that may finally give researchers an entry point toward an effective treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often referred to as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Of more than 100 possible mutations of a single gene inherited by people with familial ALS, the mutations most inclined to produce clumps of problematic cellular debris known as “protein aggregates” appear to be associated with quicker progress of the disease, according to researchers with the University of Florida’s McKnight Brain Institute writing online this week in Human Molecular Genetics.
StemCells, Inc. Announces Positive Trial Results
Source: StemCells, Inc.
Date: June 8, 2009
Summary:
In an official company news release, Stem Cells, Inc., a biotechnology company in the field of stem cell research, announced positive results from its clinical trial using purified human neural stem cells to treat Batten disease:
" StemCells, Inc. announced today positive results from the first Phase I clinical trial of its proprietary HuCNS-SC ® product candidate (purified human neural stem cells), including demonstration of a favorable safety profile along with evidence of engraftment and long-term survival of the HuCNS-SC cells. The Phase I trial was designed primarily to assess the safety of HuCNS-SC cells as a potential cell-based therapeutic. Six patients with advanced stages of infantile and late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), often referred to as Batten disease, were transplanted with HuCNS-SC cells and followed for 12 months. Overall, the Phase I data demonstrated that high doses of HuCNS-SC cells, delivered by a direct transplantation procedure into multiple sites within the brain, followed by twelve months of immunosuppression, were well tolerated by all six patients enrolled in the trial. The patients’ medical, neurological and neuropsychological conditions, following transplantation, appeared consistent with the normal course of the disease."
Date: June 8, 2009
Summary:
In an official company news release, Stem Cells, Inc., a biotechnology company in the field of stem cell research, announced positive results from its clinical trial using purified human neural stem cells to treat Batten disease:
" StemCells, Inc. announced today positive results from the first Phase I clinical trial of its proprietary HuCNS-SC ® product candidate (purified human neural stem cells), including demonstration of a favorable safety profile along with evidence of engraftment and long-term survival of the HuCNS-SC cells. The Phase I trial was designed primarily to assess the safety of HuCNS-SC cells as a potential cell-based therapeutic. Six patients with advanced stages of infantile and late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), often referred to as Batten disease, were transplanted with HuCNS-SC cells and followed for 12 months. Overall, the Phase I data demonstrated that high doses of HuCNS-SC cells, delivered by a direct transplantation procedure into multiple sites within the brain, followed by twelve months of immunosuppression, were well tolerated by all six patients enrolled in the trial. The patients’ medical, neurological and neuropsychological conditions, following transplantation, appeared consistent with the normal course of the disease."
Landmark Stem Cells Trial Yields Positive Results
Source: Oregon Health & Science University
Date: June 8, 2009
Summary:
A groundbreaking clinical trial to test the safety and preliminary efficacy of StemCells, Inc.’s (NASDAQ: STEM) proprietary HuCNS-SC® product candidate in children with a rare neurodegenerative disease has yielded a favorable safety profile of the product and evidence of engraftment and long-term survival of the donor cells. The study results were presented at the 12th International Congress on Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (NCL) held June 3 - 6, 2009, in Hamburg, Germany.
The Phase I trial of HuCNS-SC (purified human neural stem cells) conducted at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital included six children with advanced stages of infantile and late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), often referred to as Batten disease. The study participants were transplanted with HuCNS-SC cells and followed for 12 months.
Overall, the Phase I data demonstrated that high doses of HuCNS-SC cells transplanted directly into multiple sites within the brain followed by 12 months of immunosuppression were well tolerated by all six patients. The patients' medical, neurological and neuropsychological conditions following transplantation appeared consistent with the normal course of the disease.
Date: June 8, 2009
Summary:
A groundbreaking clinical trial to test the safety and preliminary efficacy of StemCells, Inc.’s (NASDAQ: STEM) proprietary HuCNS-SC® product candidate in children with a rare neurodegenerative disease has yielded a favorable safety profile of the product and evidence of engraftment and long-term survival of the donor cells. The study results were presented at the 12th International Congress on Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (NCL) held June 3 - 6, 2009, in Hamburg, Germany.
The Phase I trial of HuCNS-SC (purified human neural stem cells) conducted at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital included six children with advanced stages of infantile and late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), often referred to as Batten disease. The study participants were transplanted with HuCNS-SC cells and followed for 12 months.
Overall, the Phase I data demonstrated that high doses of HuCNS-SC cells transplanted directly into multiple sites within the brain followed by 12 months of immunosuppression were well tolerated by all six patients. The patients' medical, neurological and neuropsychological conditions following transplantation appeared consistent with the normal course of the disease.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Sleuths follow lung stem cells for generations to shed light on healing
Source: Duke University Medical Center
Date: June 4, 2009
Summary:
More than one kind of stem cell is required to support the upkeep and repair of the lungs, according to a new study published in the journal Cell Stem Cell. Scientists at Duke University Medical Center painstakingly followed and counted genetically labeled cells in the mouse lung for over a year, under differing conditions, to learn more about natural renewal and healing processes. This information may shed light on what goes wrong in conditions like lung cancer, chronic bronchitis and asthma.
Date: June 4, 2009
Summary:
More than one kind of stem cell is required to support the upkeep and repair of the lungs, according to a new study published in the journal Cell Stem Cell. Scientists at Duke University Medical Center painstakingly followed and counted genetically labeled cells in the mouse lung for over a year, under differing conditions, to learn more about natural renewal and healing processes. This information may shed light on what goes wrong in conditions like lung cancer, chronic bronchitis and asthma.
Ottawa scientists discover new way to enhance stem cells to stimulate muscle regeneration
Source: Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Date: June 4, 2009
Summary:
Scientists at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) and the University of Ottawa have discovered a powerful new way to stimulate muscle regeneration, paving the way for new treatments for debilitating conditions such as muscular dystrophy. The research, to be published in the June 5 issue of Cell Stem Cell, shows for the first time that a protein called Wnt7a increases the number of stem cells in muscle tissue, leading to accelerated growth and repair of skeletal muscle.
Date: June 4, 2009
Summary:
Scientists at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) and the University of Ottawa have discovered a powerful new way to stimulate muscle regeneration, paving the way for new treatments for debilitating conditions such as muscular dystrophy. The research, to be published in the June 5 issue of Cell Stem Cell, shows for the first time that a protein called Wnt7a increases the number of stem cells in muscle tissue, leading to accelerated growth and repair of skeletal muscle.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Researchers make pig stem cells
Source: Reuters
Posted: June 2, 2009 8:09pm EDT
Summary:
Reuters reports researchers have turn cells from pigs into stem cells that may be able to treat human disease:
"Researchers have found a way to transform ordinary cells from pigs into powerful stem cells in a move that may have implications for human health. With these stem cells, they hope to modify porcine genes that are related to the immune system so that its organs may some day be used for people in need of transplants. In an article published in the Journal of Molecular Cell Biology, the researchers from China described how they managed to re-program ordinary cells taken from the ear and bone marrow of a 10-week-old pig using a virus."
Posted: June 2, 2009 8:09pm EDT
Summary:
Reuters reports researchers have turn cells from pigs into stem cells that may be able to treat human disease:
"Researchers have found a way to transform ordinary cells from pigs into powerful stem cells in a move that may have implications for human health. With these stem cells, they hope to modify porcine genes that are related to the immune system so that its organs may some day be used for people in need of transplants. In an article published in the Journal of Molecular Cell Biology, the researchers from China described how they managed to re-program ordinary cells taken from the ear and bone marrow of a 10-week-old pig using a virus."
World first: Chinese scientists create pig stem cells
Source: Oxford University
Date: June 2, 2009
Summary:
Scientists have managed to induce cells from pigs to transform into pluripotent stem cells - cells that, like embryonic stem cells, are capable of developing into any type of cell in the body. It is the first time in the world that this has been achieved using somatic cells (cells that are not sperm or egg cells) from any animal with hooves (known as ungulates). The implications of this achievement are far-reaching; the research could open the way to creating models for human genetic diseases, genetically engineering animals for organ transplants for humans, and for developing pigs that are resistant to diseases such as swine flu. The work is the first research paper to be published online today (Wednesday 3 June) in the newly launched Journal of Molecular Cell Biology[1].
Date: June 2, 2009
Summary:
Scientists have managed to induce cells from pigs to transform into pluripotent stem cells - cells that, like embryonic stem cells, are capable of developing into any type of cell in the body. It is the first time in the world that this has been achieved using somatic cells (cells that are not sperm or egg cells) from any animal with hooves (known as ungulates). The implications of this achievement are far-reaching; the research could open the way to creating models for human genetic diseases, genetically engineering animals for organ transplants for humans, and for developing pigs that are resistant to diseases such as swine flu. The work is the first research paper to be published online today (Wednesday 3 June) in the newly launched Journal of Molecular Cell Biology[1].
Monday, June 01, 2009
Stem cell protein offers a new cancer target
Source: Children's Hospital Boston
Date: June 1, 2009
Summary:
A protein abundant in embryonic stem cells is now shown to be important in cancer, and offers a possible new target for drug development, report researchers from the Stem Cell Program at Children's Hospital Boston.
Last year, George Daley, MD, PhD, and graduate student Srinivas Viswanathan, in collaboration with Richard Gregory, PhD, also of the Stem Cell Program at Children's, showed that the protein LIN28 regulates an important group of tumor-suppressing microRNAs known as let-7. Increasing LIN28 production in a cell prevented let-7 from maturing, making the cell more immature and stem-like. Since these qualities also make a cell more cancerous, and because low levels of mature let-7 have been associated with breast and lung cancer, the discovery suggested that LIN28 might be oncogenic.
Now, publishing Advance Online in Nature Genetics on May 31, Daley, Viswanathan and colleagues show directly that LIN28 can transform cells to a cancerous state, and that it is abundant in a variety of advanced human cancers, particularly liver cancer, ovarian cancer, chronic myeloid leukemia, germ cell tumors and Wilm's tumor (a childhood kidney cancer). They believe that overall, LIN28 and a related protein, LIN28B, may be involved in some 15 percent of human cancers. By blocking or suppressing LIN28, it might be possible to revive the let-7 family's natural tumor-suppressing action.
Date: June 1, 2009
Summary:
A protein abundant in embryonic stem cells is now shown to be important in cancer, and offers a possible new target for drug development, report researchers from the Stem Cell Program at Children's Hospital Boston.
Last year, George Daley, MD, PhD, and graduate student Srinivas Viswanathan, in collaboration with Richard Gregory, PhD, also of the Stem Cell Program at Children's, showed that the protein LIN28 regulates an important group of tumor-suppressing microRNAs known as let-7. Increasing LIN28 production in a cell prevented let-7 from maturing, making the cell more immature and stem-like. Since these qualities also make a cell more cancerous, and because low levels of mature let-7 have been associated with breast and lung cancer, the discovery suggested that LIN28 might be oncogenic.
Now, publishing Advance Online in Nature Genetics on May 31, Daley, Viswanathan and colleagues show directly that LIN28 can transform cells to a cancerous state, and that it is abundant in a variety of advanced human cancers, particularly liver cancer, ovarian cancer, chronic myeloid leukemia, germ cell tumors and Wilm's tumor (a childhood kidney cancer). They believe that overall, LIN28 and a related protein, LIN28B, may be involved in some 15 percent of human cancers. By blocking or suppressing LIN28, it might be possible to revive the let-7 family's natural tumor-suppressing action.
Salk scientists report success with stem cell therapy
Source: San Diego Union-Tribune
Posted: May 31, 2009 7:59 p.m. PDT
Summary:
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have made progress toward using stem cells and gene therapy to treat a genetic disease:
"Scientists at La Jolla's Salk Institute for Biological Studies say they've taken a significant step toward using stem cells and gene therapy to cure a genetic disease. The team led by Salk Professor Juan-Carlos Izpisua Belmonte corrected a defective gene in cells taken from patients with Fanconi anemia, a disease that can lead to bone marrow failure, leukemia and other cancers. Their work, published online Sunday by the journal Nature, offers the first proof that the technology can work in human cells – though more work remains for it to be tried in patients."
Posted: May 31, 2009 7:59 p.m. PDT
Summary:
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have made progress toward using stem cells and gene therapy to treat a genetic disease:
"Scientists at La Jolla's Salk Institute for Biological Studies say they've taken a significant step toward using stem cells and gene therapy to cure a genetic disease. The team led by Salk Professor Juan-Carlos Izpisua Belmonte corrected a defective gene in cells taken from patients with Fanconi anemia, a disease that can lead to bone marrow failure, leukemia and other cancers. Their work, published online Sunday by the journal Nature, offers the first proof that the technology can work in human cells – though more work remains for it to be tried in patients."
Genetic Re-disposition: Combined stem cell-gene therapy approach cures human genetic disease in vitro
Source: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Date: June 1, 2009
Summary:
La Jolla, CA—A study led by researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, has catapulted the field of regenerative medicine significantly forward, proving in principle that a human genetic disease can be cured using a combination of gene therapy and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell technology. The study, published in the May 31, 2009 early online edition of Nature, is a major milestone on the path from the laboratory to the clinic.
Date: June 1, 2009
Summary:
La Jolla, CA—A study led by researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, has catapulted the field of regenerative medicine significantly forward, proving in principle that a human genetic disease can be cured using a combination of gene therapy and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell technology. The study, published in the May 31, 2009 early online edition of Nature, is a major milestone on the path from the laboratory to the clinic.
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