Source: BBC News
Posted: June 12, 2006
Summary:
A potential DNA vaccine for Alzheimer's disease has produced promising results in mice. In tests, it helped cut levels of key amyloid proteins thought to cause the disease by up to 50% in some parts of the brain. And unlike alternative vaccines in development, which use viruses, it produced no side effects.
In tests, the latest vaccine reduced the deposition of amyloid proteins by between 15.5% and 38.5% compared with untreated mice. Deposition in specific areas of the brain - the cerebral cortex and hippocampus - was reduced 40%-50%. The researchers suggest that DNA vaccines of the type they have produced could provide a cheap and effective strategy for treating Alzheimer's in future.
Commentary: Hopefully a vaccine for Alzheimer's Disease in humans will have positive outcomes in clinical trials, and successfully treat or prevent the onset of the disease in a genetically diverse patient population.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Gene-Based Vaccines May Fight Alzheimer's: They slowed brain plaque build-up in mice, but success in humans will be real test, experts say
Source: HealthDay News
Posted: June 12, 2006
Summary:
MONDAY, June 12 (HealthDay News) -- In what might prove a breakthrough against Alzheimer's disease, Japanese researchers have created a new gene-based vaccine that effectively treated mice with an animal form of the brain-robbing illness.
The new vaccine may be an important advance because it avoids side effects seen in other vaccines, according to Dr. Yoh Matsumoto, whose team developed and tested the vaccine at the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Neuroscience.
Researchers hope that DNA vaccines will someday be used to prevent Alzheimer's disease in high-risk patients and treat both early and advanced disease.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will lead to a vaccine that prevents the build up of plaque that destroys brain cells, a hallmark symptom of Alzheimers Disease, and prove effective in a diverse Alzheimer's patient population.
Posted: June 12, 2006
Summary:
MONDAY, June 12 (HealthDay News) -- In what might prove a breakthrough against Alzheimer's disease, Japanese researchers have created a new gene-based vaccine that effectively treated mice with an animal form of the brain-robbing illness.
The new vaccine may be an important advance because it avoids side effects seen in other vaccines, according to Dr. Yoh Matsumoto, whose team developed and tested the vaccine at the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Neuroscience.
Researchers hope that DNA vaccines will someday be used to prevent Alzheimer's disease in high-risk patients and treat both early and advanced disease.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will lead to a vaccine that prevents the build up of plaque that destroys brain cells, a hallmark symptom of Alzheimers Disease, and prove effective in a diverse Alzheimer's patient population.
Signs Of Residual Islet Cell Function In People With Long-term Type 1 Diabetes
Source: Joslin Diabetes Center
Posted: June 12, 2006
Summary:
Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have discovered that a surprisingly high percentage of people with type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent) who have had the disease for 50 years or longer (The Joslin Medalists) may still have residual functioning, insulin-producing islet cells and/or islet cell antibodies. The findings will be presented June 12 at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 66th Annual Scientific Sessions in Washington, D.C.
Commentary: If functionig islet cells can be multiplied, maybe patients could use their own cells to reverse type 1 diabetes without a risk of the rejection of the cells by the immune System.
Posted: June 12, 2006
Summary:
Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have discovered that a surprisingly high percentage of people with type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent) who have had the disease for 50 years or longer (The Joslin Medalists) may still have residual functioning, insulin-producing islet cells and/or islet cell antibodies. The findings will be presented June 12 at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 66th Annual Scientific Sessions in Washington, D.C.
Commentary: If functionig islet cells can be multiplied, maybe patients could use their own cells to reverse type 1 diabetes without a risk of the rejection of the cells by the immune System.
Gene Therapy Injected Into The Brains' Of Mice With Huntington's Disease
Source: Rush University Medical Center
Posted: June 12, 2006
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, and Ceregene Inc., San Diego, have successfully used gene therapy to preserve motor function and stop the anatomic, cellular changes that occur in the brains of mice with Huntington’s disease (HD). This is the first study to demonstrate that, using this delivery method, symptom onset might be prevented in HD mice with this treatment.
“This could be an important step toward a disease modifying therapy,” says co-author Jeffrey H. Kordower, Ph.D., director of the Research Center for Brain Repair at Rush. “We could potentially be stopping the disease process in its tracks, delaying symptoms from ever showing up.”
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will lead to clinical applications and successful treatments for humans with Huntington's Disease.
Posted: June 12, 2006
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, and Ceregene Inc., San Diego, have successfully used gene therapy to preserve motor function and stop the anatomic, cellular changes that occur in the brains of mice with Huntington’s disease (HD). This is the first study to demonstrate that, using this delivery method, symptom onset might be prevented in HD mice with this treatment.
“This could be an important step toward a disease modifying therapy,” says co-author Jeffrey H. Kordower, Ph.D., director of the Research Center for Brain Repair at Rush. “We could potentially be stopping the disease process in its tracks, delaying symptoms from ever showing up.”
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will lead to clinical applications and successful treatments for humans with Huntington's Disease.
Researchers Discover Possible HIV Therapy In An Animal Study
Source: Oregon Health & Science University
Posted: June 9, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have published a new study this week suggesting an important component of the immune system damaged by AIDS can possibly be replaced. Specifically, researchers at the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute (VGTI) at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) have been able to promote T-cell regeneration in a study involving rhesus macaque monkeys.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will eventually have clinical applications to treat immune dieases and disorders in humans.
Posted: June 9, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have published a new study this week suggesting an important component of the immune system damaged by AIDS can possibly be replaced. Specifically, researchers at the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute (VGTI) at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) have been able to promote T-cell regeneration in a study involving rhesus macaque monkeys.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will eventually have clinical applications to treat immune dieases and disorders in humans.
Genes Governing Embryonic Stem Cell "Immortality" Discovered
Source: Scientific American
Posted: June 12, 2006
Summary:
Biologists at Princeton University have used a bent sequence of RNA--so-called short hairpin RNA (shRNA)--to sequentially turn on and off various genes within embryonic stem cells from a mouse. The shRNA, delivered by a virus, allowed the researchers to determine whether a given gene helped control stem cell differentiation. The research offers hope of one day being able to control the renewal and development of stem cells into specific specialized cells.
Commentary: Hopefully ths study will provide researchers and scientists with a model to eventually develop patient-tailored treatments from stem cells that will be able to treat diseases and injuries without posing a risk of patient immune system rejection.
Posted: June 12, 2006
Summary:
Biologists at Princeton University have used a bent sequence of RNA--so-called short hairpin RNA (shRNA)--to sequentially turn on and off various genes within embryonic stem cells from a mouse. The shRNA, delivered by a virus, allowed the researchers to determine whether a given gene helped control stem cell differentiation. The research offers hope of one day being able to control the renewal and development of stem cells into specific specialized cells.
Commentary: Hopefully ths study will provide researchers and scientists with a model to eventually develop patient-tailored treatments from stem cells that will be able to treat diseases and injuries without posing a risk of patient immune system rejection.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Researchers Find Stroke Death Channel
Source: University of British Columbia
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
New therapies for stroke patients may soon be possible, thanks to a discovery made by a team of University of British Columbia neuroscience researchers who have found a new stroke death channel -- the conduit through which key chemicals are lost from brain cells during stroke, causing the cell death that disables stroke victims.
Commentary: Maybe this fnding could enable the prevention of brain cell death, or even enable the reproduction or regeneration of brain cells and brain cell chemicals that are destroyed as the result of a stroke, and provide new strategies for the development of therapies and treatments for stroke patients.
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
New therapies for stroke patients may soon be possible, thanks to a discovery made by a team of University of British Columbia neuroscience researchers who have found a new stroke death channel -- the conduit through which key chemicals are lost from brain cells during stroke, causing the cell death that disables stroke victims.
Commentary: Maybe this fnding could enable the prevention of brain cell death, or even enable the reproduction or regeneration of brain cells and brain cell chemicals that are destroyed as the result of a stroke, and provide new strategies for the development of therapies and treatments for stroke patients.
New Step Toward Treatment For Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Source: Université Laval
Posted: June 11, 2006
Summary:
A researcher with the Human Genetics Department at Quebec City's Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec (CHUQ) and professor with Université Laval's Faculty of Medicine, has taken an important step toward a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. After performing the first successful muscle cell transplant in young patients two years ago, professor Tremblay announced that eight out of the nine patients have shown promising results.
Commentary: Hopefully further trials of this treatment will be effective in treating a genetically diverse population of Muscular dystrophy patients.
Posted: June 11, 2006
Summary:
A researcher with the Human Genetics Department at Quebec City's Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec (CHUQ) and professor with Université Laval's Faculty of Medicine, has taken an important step toward a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. After performing the first successful muscle cell transplant in young patients two years ago, professor Tremblay announced that eight out of the nine patients have shown promising results.
Commentary: Hopefully further trials of this treatment will be effective in treating a genetically diverse population of Muscular dystrophy patients.
Mechanism For Neurodenegerative Diseases Linked To Transport Proteins
Source: University of Illinois at Chicago
Posted: June 11, 2006
Summary:
Slowing the transport of proteins within cells may be connected to several adult-onset neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington's, ALS and Kennedy disease. Understanding how this cell transport is blocked in these diseases may offer targets for future therapy.
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine showed how a chemical pathway that is obstructed in Kennedy disease interferes with a cellular distribution system called "fast axonal transport" that moves proteins from where they are synthesized to where they are needed in the cell.
Researchers say mechanism for polyQ gene diseases that explains why only nerve cells die and why the terminals die before the cell body. The link to the activation of the JNK enzyme suggests a new therapeutic target that might limit, delay or perhaps prevent progressive neurodegeneration, the researchers conclude.
Commentary: This research seems to povide scientists with new strategies to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
Posted: June 11, 2006
Summary:
Slowing the transport of proteins within cells may be connected to several adult-onset neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington's, ALS and Kennedy disease. Understanding how this cell transport is blocked in these diseases may offer targets for future therapy.
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine showed how a chemical pathway that is obstructed in Kennedy disease interferes with a cellular distribution system called "fast axonal transport" that moves proteins from where they are synthesized to where they are needed in the cell.
Researchers say mechanism for polyQ gene diseases that explains why only nerve cells die and why the terminals die before the cell body. The link to the activation of the JNK enzyme suggests a new therapeutic target that might limit, delay or perhaps prevent progressive neurodegeneration, the researchers conclude.
Commentary: This research seems to povide scientists with new strategies to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
Gene Discovery Opens Door To Tackling Disease
Source: Western Australian Institute for Medical Research
Posted: June 9, 2006
Summary:
Western Australian researchers have discovered a new gene that could lead to breakthroughs in breast and prostate cancer, as well as diabetes.
The gene, called SLIRP, was discovered by a team at the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research's (WAIMR) Laboratory for Cancer Medicine.
The researchers believe the discovery could open the door to targeted new treatments for the cancers.
If researchers can figure out how SLIRP controls the actions of hormones, they may be able develop so-called 'smart' drugs that zoom in on the gene.
Commentary: Hopefully these findings will lead to early detection of diseases and the development of treatments that are tailored to patients' individual genetic make-up.
Posted: June 9, 2006
Summary:
Western Australian researchers have discovered a new gene that could lead to breakthroughs in breast and prostate cancer, as well as diabetes.
The gene, called SLIRP, was discovered by a team at the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research's (WAIMR) Laboratory for Cancer Medicine.
The researchers believe the discovery could open the door to targeted new treatments for the cancers.
If researchers can figure out how SLIRP controls the actions of hormones, they may be able develop so-called 'smart' drugs that zoom in on the gene.
Commentary: Hopefully these findings will lead to early detection of diseases and the development of treatments that are tailored to patients' individual genetic make-up.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Bone marrow may restore cells lost in vision diseases: UF finding could lead to approaches to treat macular degeneration
Source: University of Florida
Posted: June 8, 2006
Summary:
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - University of Florida scientists conducting experiments with mice have found evidence that the body naturally replenishes small amounts of cells in the eye essential for healthy vision. The finding may shatter the belief that a cell layer vital for eyesight called the retinal pigment epithelium, or RPE, is a nonrenewable resource. With evidence that the body does indeed regenerate these cells in small amounts, scientists can focus on ways to accelerate natural healing processes to treat sight-robbing injuries or diseases. Now, researchers believe it may be possible to also grow new cells in the retina to replace cells lost to injury or disease.
Commentary: This finding could provide scientists with new ideas and strategies for clinical applications of stem cells to treat eye dieases and improve vision.
Posted: June 8, 2006
Summary:
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - University of Florida scientists conducting experiments with mice have found evidence that the body naturally replenishes small amounts of cells in the eye essential for healthy vision. The finding may shatter the belief that a cell layer vital for eyesight called the retinal pigment epithelium, or RPE, is a nonrenewable resource. With evidence that the body does indeed regenerate these cells in small amounts, scientists can focus on ways to accelerate natural healing processes to treat sight-robbing injuries or diseases. Now, researchers believe it may be possible to also grow new cells in the retina to replace cells lost to injury or disease.
Commentary: This finding could provide scientists with new ideas and strategies for clinical applications of stem cells to treat eye dieases and improve vision.
Harvard Embarks on Research Cloning
Source: ScienceNOW Daily News
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
Harvard University researchers have been given the go-ahead to use cloning to create disease-specific lines of human embryonic stem cells.
Experts say research cloning--known as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)--will give scientists a far more effective tool for studying diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson's. But some people oppose the technique for religious and philosophical reasons because it involves creating and destroying fertilized eggs, and the procedure is banned in some states.
Commentary: This story gives a clear overview of the procedure and arrangement of these new experiments.
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
Harvard University researchers have been given the go-ahead to use cloning to create disease-specific lines of human embryonic stem cells.
Experts say research cloning--known as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)--will give scientists a far more effective tool for studying diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson's. But some people oppose the technique for religious and philosophical reasons because it involves creating and destroying fertilized eggs, and the procedure is banned in some states.
Commentary: This story gives a clear overview of the procedure and arrangement of these new experiments.
Harvard stem cell researchers granted approval: Will attempt creation of disease-specific embryonic stem cell lines
Source: Harvard University Gazette
Posted: June 8, 2006
Summary:
Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) researchers at Harvard and Children's Hospital Boston have been cleared to begin experiments using Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) to create disease-specific stem cell lines in an effort to develop treatments for a wide range of now-incurable conditions afflicting tens of millions of people.
Commentary: Intense public scrutiny of these experiments, while it could possibly be viewed as being obsessive and intrusive, is necessary to ensure results will be valid. In addition, it could benefit the field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine in the long run by enhancing its' public credibility.
Posted: June 8, 2006
Summary:
Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) researchers at Harvard and Children's Hospital Boston have been cleared to begin experiments using Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) to create disease-specific stem cell lines in an effort to develop treatments for a wide range of now-incurable conditions afflicting tens of millions of people.
Commentary: Intense public scrutiny of these experiments, while it could possibly be viewed as being obsessive and intrusive, is necessary to ensure results will be valid. In addition, it could benefit the field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine in the long run by enhancing its' public credibility.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Gene Therapy Prevents The Onset Of Diabetic Symptoms In Mice
Source: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Posted: June 2, 2006
Summary:
Using state-of-the-art gene therapy techniques, University of Pittsburgh investigators have successfully prevented the onset of elevated blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, in diabetes-prone mice by inserting a gene encoding for a cytokine -- a protein that stimulates or inhibits the proliferation or function of immune cells -- into their insulin-producing cells.
Commentary: Hopefully the same gene in humans can be manipulated by a procedure similar to the one described above in order to prevent the onset of diabetic symptoms in humans.
Posted: June 2, 2006
Summary:
Using state-of-the-art gene therapy techniques, University of Pittsburgh investigators have successfully prevented the onset of elevated blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, in diabetes-prone mice by inserting a gene encoding for a cytokine -- a protein that stimulates or inhibits the proliferation or function of immune cells -- into their insulin-producing cells.
Commentary: Hopefully the same gene in humans can be manipulated by a procedure similar to the one described above in order to prevent the onset of diabetic symptoms in humans.
UCSF Scientists Begin Studies to Create Cloned Human Embryos
Source: UCSF Today
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
UCSF scientists have begun studies aimed at creating cloned human embryos, using the technique known as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). If the process proves successful, it ultimately could be used to develop patient-specific human embryonic stem cell lines to study such diseases as Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and heart disease. The technique could also be used to develop patient-specific, cell-based therapies for a variety of diseases, and help to illuminate the first steps of human development.
Commentary: It will be important for these studies to be replicated in order to ensure their scientific validity and eliminate the possibly of scientific fraud as was the case in the 2005 South Korea cloning experiments.
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
UCSF scientists have begun studies aimed at creating cloned human embryos, using the technique known as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). If the process proves successful, it ultimately could be used to develop patient-specific human embryonic stem cell lines to study such diseases as Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and heart disease. The technique could also be used to develop patient-specific, cell-based therapies for a variety of diseases, and help to illuminate the first steps of human development.
Commentary: It will be important for these studies to be replicated in order to ensure their scientific validity and eliminate the possibly of scientific fraud as was the case in the 2005 South Korea cloning experiments.
Harvard Researchers Enter Human Embryonic Stem Cell Race
Source: Medical News Today
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Researchers from Harvard University will attempt to create embryonic stem cells. The goal will be to create a human embryo clone, and then extract stem cells from it which identically match a person genetically. The scientists will combine genetic material from the cells of adult humans with egg cells. The egg cells will be donated by women. The new cloned embryos will mature for a few days, after which their stem cells will be extracted.
Commentary: This news release presents a clear and concise oveview of the scientific procedure that will be employed by Harvard scientists in their attempt to create authentic patient-specific stem cells to treat diseases, injuries and conditions.
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Researchers from Harvard University will attempt to create embryonic stem cells. The goal will be to create a human embryo clone, and then extract stem cells from it which identically match a person genetically. The scientists will combine genetic material from the cells of adult humans with egg cells. The egg cells will be donated by women. The new cloned embryos will mature for a few days, after which their stem cells will be extracted.
Commentary: This news release presents a clear and concise oveview of the scientific procedure that will be employed by Harvard scientists in their attempt to create authentic patient-specific stem cells to treat diseases, injuries and conditions.
Harvard starts human cloning work
Source: BBC News
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Researchers from Harvard University have begun efforts to clone human embryos. The scientists say they hope to harvest stem cells to try to fight blood diseases like leukaemia and diabetes.
Commentary: Hopefully these experiments will have successful preliminary outcomes that will lead researchers toward eventually creating patient-specific stem cell lines that will be able to effectively treat diseases, injuries and other medical and health conditions.
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Researchers from Harvard University have begun efforts to clone human embryos. The scientists say they hope to harvest stem cells to try to fight blood diseases like leukaemia and diabetes.
Commentary: Hopefully these experiments will have successful preliminary outcomes that will lead researchers toward eventually creating patient-specific stem cell lines that will be able to effectively treat diseases, injuries and other medical and health conditions.
Harvard plans to make human stem cells
Source: United Press International
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 7 (UPI) -- Harvard University is starting a privately funded program to create cloned human embryos to be used for research into genetically complex diseases.
Harvard says it will create embryos by fusing a cell from a patient's body with a human egg, from which the DNA has been removed. The resulting embryo could be used to generate stem cells to fight specific diseases.
Hopefully this will lead to therapies tailored to patients' genetic makeup in order to avoid immune system rejection and treat dieases and injures.
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 7 (UPI) -- Harvard University is starting a privately funded program to create cloned human embryos to be used for research into genetically complex diseases.
Harvard says it will create embryos by fusing a cell from a patient's body with a human egg, from which the DNA has been removed. The resulting embryo could be used to generate stem cells to fight specific diseases.
Hopefully this will lead to therapies tailored to patients' genetic makeup in order to avoid immune system rejection and treat dieases and injures.
2 New Efforts to Develop Stem Cell Line for Study
Source: New York Times
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Scientists at two universities — Harvard and the University of California, San Francisco — will try to develop embryonic stem cells from the adult cells of patients suffering from certain diseases.
Their purposes in creating the cell lines, which require making an early human embryo, are to study how the diseases develop and also to see if replacement cells can be generated to repair the patient's own degenerating tissues. But the field, despite its much emphasized promise, faces many serious uncertainties.
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Scientists at two universities — Harvard and the University of California, San Francisco — will try to develop embryonic stem cells from the adult cells of patients suffering from certain diseases.
Their purposes in creating the cell lines, which require making an early human embryo, are to study how the diseases develop and also to see if replacement cells can be generated to repair the patient's own degenerating tissues. But the field, despite its much emphasized promise, faces many serious uncertainties.
Harvard funds human cloning
Source: The Times
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Scientists at Harvard University were awarded ethical approval and private funds to pursue therapeutic cloning experiments, which are strongly opposed by the Bush Administration and the Religious Right. Researchers hope that they could lead to cures for conditions such as diabetes and motor neuron disease. The Harvard team will seek to clone embryos using cells from patients with these disorders, and then to create “disease-specific” colonies of embryonic stem cells that can be used to develop new treatments.
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Scientists at Harvard University were awarded ethical approval and private funds to pursue therapeutic cloning experiments, which are strongly opposed by the Bush Administration and the Religious Right. Researchers hope that they could lead to cures for conditions such as diabetes and motor neuron disease. The Harvard team will seek to clone embryos using cells from patients with these disorders, and then to create “disease-specific” colonies of embryonic stem cells that can be used to develop new treatments.
Harvard to Begin Private Project to Make Human Stem Cells
Source: Washington Post
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Harvard University announced the launch of a privately funded, multimillion-dollar program to create cloned human embryos as sources of medically promising stem cells.
Commentary: Hopefully these experiments will be successful and give new momentum to the field of regenerative medicine to treat conditions diseases and injuries
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Harvard University announced the launch of a privately funded, multimillion-dollar program to create cloned human embryos as sources of medically promising stem cells.
Commentary: Hopefully these experiments will be successful and give new momentum to the field of regenerative medicine to treat conditions diseases and injuries
Harvard launches effort to clone human stem cells: A troubled field gets a big boost
Source: Boston Globe
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Harvard scientists announced yesterday that they are attempting to create the first cloned human embryonic stem cells. The goal of the research, they said, is to create a powerful new tool to explore the biology of, and hopefully find treatments for, a number of devastating diseases: juvenile diabetes, genetic blood disorders, and ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Commentary: Hopefully this experiment will eventually lead to the development of patient-specific stem cells to treat diseases injuries and conditions.
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Harvard scientists announced yesterday that they are attempting to create the first cloned human embryonic stem cells. The goal of the research, they said, is to create a powerful new tool to explore the biology of, and hopefully find treatments for, a number of devastating diseases: juvenile diabetes, genetic blood disorders, and ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Commentary: Hopefully this experiment will eventually lead to the development of patient-specific stem cells to treat diseases injuries and conditions.
Plan would create lines of human stem cells
Source: Baltimore Sun
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Harvard University researchers announced an ambitious, privately funded plan to create human stem cell lines from cloned embryos, a controversial venture that could lead to treatments for diabetes, sickle-cell anemia and other ailments. The scientists said the stem cell lines, created in part from DNA taken from sick patients, would also enable them to observe how diseases develop at the earliest stages of human life - long before symptoms are evident.
Commentary: Hopefully this experiment will eventually enable both the effective treatment and prevention of diseases and conditions.
Posted: June 7, 2006
Summary:
Harvard University researchers announced an ambitious, privately funded plan to create human stem cell lines from cloned embryos, a controversial venture that could lead to treatments for diabetes, sickle-cell anemia and other ailments. The scientists said the stem cell lines, created in part from DNA taken from sick patients, would also enable them to observe how diseases develop at the earliest stages of human life - long before symptoms are evident.
Commentary: Hopefully this experiment will eventually enable both the effective treatment and prevention of diseases and conditions.
Why Harvard is Recruiting Egg Donors for Stem Cell Studies
Source: Time
Posted: Tuesday, June 6, 2006
Summary:
Stem cell research in the US took a big leap forward Tuesday when the Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) announced that it would begin recruiting women to donate eggs that scientists will then use to generate human embryonic stem cells. It's the first reported program launched by an academic institute to use somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) to create stem cells. The goal of the studies will be to create disease-specific stem cells from patients; these cells could eventually lead to new treatments for conditions ranging from diabetes to Alzheimer's.
Posted: Tuesday, June 6, 2006
Summary:
Stem cell research in the US took a big leap forward Tuesday when the Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI) announced that it would begin recruiting women to donate eggs that scientists will then use to generate human embryonic stem cells. It's the first reported program launched by an academic institute to use somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) to create stem cells. The goal of the studies will be to create disease-specific stem cells from patients; these cells could eventually lead to new treatments for conditions ranging from diabetes to Alzheimer's.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
U.S. scientists to clone human embryos
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
Two American research teams, one on each coast, said Tuesday they were trying to clone human embryos, then extract stem cells genetically matched to patients.
Scientists at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute and the University of California at San Francisco said their goal was to create embryonic stem-cell colonies to model certain diseases. That could lead to stem-cell therapies, perhaps a decade or more from now.
Commentary: Hopefully these experiments will advance the field of stem cell research to a point that will enable the development of treatments for diseases, injuries and conditions.
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
Two American research teams, one on each coast, said Tuesday they were trying to clone human embryos, then extract stem cells genetically matched to patients.
Scientists at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute and the University of California at San Francisco said their goal was to create embryonic stem-cell colonies to model certain diseases. That could lead to stem-cell therapies, perhaps a decade or more from now.
Commentary: Hopefully these experiments will advance the field of stem cell research to a point that will enable the development of treatments for diseases, injuries and conditions.
Harvard Scientists Try Cloning to Create Stem Cells
Source: Bloomberg
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
Harvard University researchers have entered the race to do what Korean scientist Hwang Woo Suk falsely claimed to have accomplished last year: clone a human embryo in the lab to create stem cells genetically matched to a living person.
The Harvard researchers said today they have begun an effort to combine egg cells donated by women with the genetic material of mature cells from adults to create human embryos in a dish.
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
Harvard University researchers have entered the race to do what Korean scientist Hwang Woo Suk falsely claimed to have accomplished last year: clone a human embryo in the lab to create stem cells genetically matched to a living person.
The Harvard researchers said today they have begun an effort to combine egg cells donated by women with the genetic material of mature cells from adults to create human embryos in a dish.
Children's Hospital begins creating embryonic stem cells
Source: Boston Business Journal - 1:07 PM EDT
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
Children's Hospital Boston has begun pursuing the cloning of human embryonic stem cells.
The hospital announced on Tuesday that its researchers had begun to try to create embryonic stem cells using a process known as nuclear transfer with human eggs and embryos.
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
Children's Hospital Boston has begun pursuing the cloning of human embryonic stem cells.
The hospital announced on Tuesday that its researchers had begun to try to create embryonic stem cells using a process known as nuclear transfer with human eggs and embryos.
Scientists begin attempts to clone human embryos for stem cells
Source: Associated Press
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
Harvard-affiliated researchers said they have begun efforts to create stem cells by cloning human embryos, joining the race among a small group of scientists in this controversial pursuit.
The work at Children's Hospital Boston, the main pediatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, is aimed at eventually creating stem cells for treating blood diseases like sickle-cell anemia, leukemia and other blood disorders.
Commentary: Hopefully this research will provide scientists with new strategies to apply customized stem cells to treat diseases.
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
Harvard-affiliated researchers said they have begun efforts to create stem cells by cloning human embryos, joining the race among a small group of scientists in this controversial pursuit.
The work at Children's Hospital Boston, the main pediatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, is aimed at eventually creating stem cells for treating blood diseases like sickle-cell anemia, leukemia and other blood disorders.
Commentary: Hopefully this research will provide scientists with new strategies to apply customized stem cells to treat diseases.
Harvard researchers start human stem cell project
Source: Reuters
Posted: June 6, 2006 12:02pm ET
Summary:
BOSTON (Reuters) - Researchers at Harvard University said on Tuesday they had started efforts to clone human embryos as a source of valued stem cells, using all private money to bypass federal restrictions on such work.
Commentary: Hopefully this attempt to clone human embryos will successfully yield custom-made stem cells that are genetically matched to patients.
Posted: June 6, 2006 12:02pm ET
Summary:
BOSTON (Reuters) - Researchers at Harvard University said on Tuesday they had started efforts to clone human embryos as a source of valued stem cells, using all private money to bypass federal restrictions on such work.
Commentary: Hopefully this attempt to clone human embryos will successfully yield custom-made stem cells that are genetically matched to patients.
Key to future stem cell production may lie inside the testicles
Source: Guardian Unlimited - UK
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
The Guardian Unlimited reports on a new study investigating the effectiveness of stem cells found in testicles can have applications in regenerative medicine:
"British scientists have been granted permission to investigate whether stem cells found deep inside testicles can be used to repair damaged tissues and organs. If the scientists succeed in harvesting the cells and keeping them alive, they could pave the way for powerful new therapies for conditions as diverse as heart disease, Parkinson's and spinal cord injuries, without the need to destroy human embryos to collect them."
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
The Guardian Unlimited reports on a new study investigating the effectiveness of stem cells found in testicles can have applications in regenerative medicine:
"British scientists have been granted permission to investigate whether stem cells found deep inside testicles can be used to repair damaged tissues and organs. If the scientists succeed in harvesting the cells and keeping them alive, they could pave the way for powerful new therapies for conditions as diverse as heart disease, Parkinson's and spinal cord injuries, without the need to destroy human embryos to collect them."
Monday, June 05, 2006
Stem Cell Treatment Eliminates Lupus
Source: ABC7/KGO-TV, San Francisco
Posted: June 5, 2006
Here is a feature about a successful treatment of lupus using stem cells.
Posted: June 5, 2006
Here is a feature about a successful treatment of lupus using stem cells.
Monster Tumors Show Scientific Potential in War Against Cancer
Source: The New York Times
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
As clusters of human cells that are not independent organisms, teratomas may prove better test subjects for drugs than lab animals, and they are inspiring ways to grow stem cells without harvesting embryos.
Commentary: If teratomas are better test subjects for drugs than animals, maybe drugs, treatments and therapies could be made available on the market more quickly.
Posted: June 6, 2006
Summary:
As clusters of human cells that are not independent organisms, teratomas may prove better test subjects for drugs than lab animals, and they are inspiring ways to grow stem cells without harvesting embryos.
Commentary: If teratomas are better test subjects for drugs than animals, maybe drugs, treatments and therapies could be made available on the market more quickly.
Natural Born Killers
Source: Salk Institute
Posted: June 5, 2006
Summary:
A collaboration between scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and the Pasteur Institute in Paris has uncovered the molecular signals that trigger maturation of natural killer cells, an important group of immune system cells, into fully armed killing machines.
Commentary: Hopefully this will lead to therapeutic and clinical applications to treat immune disorders and infectious deseases.
Posted: June 5, 2006
Summary:
A collaboration between scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and the Pasteur Institute in Paris has uncovered the molecular signals that trigger maturation of natural killer cells, an important group of immune system cells, into fully armed killing machines.
Commentary: Hopefully this will lead to therapeutic and clinical applications to treat immune disorders and infectious deseases.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Definition Of Embryo Death Criteria May Open Doors For Stem Cell Research
Source: Columbia University
Posted: June 4, 2006
Summary:
A research team from Columbia has, for the first time, identified criteria through which embryo death can be confirmed. The implications for stem cell research are huge - by confirmation of embryo death, embryos could be harvested, just as organs are for transplantation, in order to generate stem cells for research and, ultimately, therapeutic purposes.
Commentary: If this assertion is eventually found to be correct, it could put an end to the ethical controversy surrounding the field of embryonic stem cell research.
Posted: June 4, 2006
Summary:
A research team from Columbia has, for the first time, identified criteria through which embryo death can be confirmed. The implications for stem cell research are huge - by confirmation of embryo death, embryos could be harvested, just as organs are for transplantation, in order to generate stem cells for research and, ultimately, therapeutic purposes.
Commentary: If this assertion is eventually found to be correct, it could put an end to the ethical controversy surrounding the field of embryonic stem cell research.
Gene therapy accelerates healing of damaged skeletal muscle
Source: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Posted: June 4, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to accelerate muscle regeneration in animas with muscle damage. This technique may be a novel and effective approach for improving skeletal muscle healing, particularly for serious sports-related injuries.
Commentary: Hopefully this approach to muscle rengerative will have successful clinical applications for human neuro-muscular diseases such as A.L.S. and Muscular Dystrophy.
Posted: June 4, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to accelerate muscle regeneration in animas with muscle damage. This technique may be a novel and effective approach for improving skeletal muscle healing, particularly for serious sports-related injuries.
Commentary: Hopefully this approach to muscle rengerative will have successful clinical applications for human neuro-muscular diseases such as A.L.S. and Muscular Dystrophy.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Free Radical Cell Death Switch Identified: Molecular Pathway May Contribute To Age Related Diseases
Source: Harvard Medical School
Posted: June 2, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have defined a molecular signaling pathway by which oxidative stress caused by the build-up of free radicals triggers cell death. The finding could pave the way for new drug targets and diagnostic strategies for age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's Disease.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will lead to the development of drug, genetic or cell replacement therapies to treat or cure diseases.
Posted: June 2, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have defined a molecular signaling pathway by which oxidative stress caused by the build-up of free radicals triggers cell death. The finding could pave the way for new drug targets and diagnostic strategies for age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's Disease.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will lead to the development of drug, genetic or cell replacement therapies to treat or cure diseases.
Researchers uncover 'starter hormone'
Source: Associated Press
Posted: June 1, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the University of Southern Maine have identified a "starter hormone" responsible for initiating the process by which caterpillars transform themselves into moths.
The researchers also discovered that by manipulating hormone treatments, they could arrest a caterpillar's growth, a finding they suggest will lead to a better understanding of how hormones can control growth in humans.
The results are providing scientists with new insights into how hormones control growth in animals, including humans. In addition, the findings also have implications for stem cell research and regenerative medicine by affecting how to enable cells to change their fates.
Commentary: This study could provide researchers with new insights into regulation of cell differentiation and new ideas about how to transform stem cells into specific human cell types to treat diseases and injuries.
Posted: June 1, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the University of Southern Maine have identified a "starter hormone" responsible for initiating the process by which caterpillars transform themselves into moths.
The researchers also discovered that by manipulating hormone treatments, they could arrest a caterpillar's growth, a finding they suggest will lead to a better understanding of how hormones can control growth in humans.
The results are providing scientists with new insights into how hormones control growth in animals, including humans. In addition, the findings also have implications for stem cell research and regenerative medicine by affecting how to enable cells to change their fates.
Commentary: This study could provide researchers with new insights into regulation of cell differentiation and new ideas about how to transform stem cells into specific human cell types to treat diseases and injuries.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Gene silencing directs muscle-derived stem cells to become bone-forming cells
Source: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Posted: June 1, 2006
Using a relatively new technology called RNA interference to turn off genes that regulate cell differentiation, researchers have demonstrated they can increase the propensity of muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) to become bone-forming cells. Based on these results, the investigators believe that by turning off specific genetic factors they can control the capacity of MDSCs as a means of treating various musculoskeletal diseases and injuries.
Commentary: This finding seems as if it could provide scientist with insights into neuro-muscular diseases could be used as a basis for development of treatments for such diseases.
Posted: June 1, 2006
Using a relatively new technology called RNA interference to turn off genes that regulate cell differentiation, researchers have demonstrated they can increase the propensity of muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) to become bone-forming cells. Based on these results, the investigators believe that by turning off specific genetic factors they can control the capacity of MDSCs as a means of treating various musculoskeletal diseases and injuries.
Commentary: This finding seems as if it could provide scientist with insights into neuro-muscular diseases could be used as a basis for development of treatments for such diseases.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Study in Leading Cell Journal Supports Scientific Basis for BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics' Technology
Source: BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics, Inc
Postd: May 31, 2006 8:30 am ET
Summary:
BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics, Inc. announced that a new study has demonstrated the ability of human bone marrow-derived stem cells to differentiate into a variety of nerve cell types. These findings support the prospect of using cell therapies derived from adult bone marrow-derived stem cells and demonstrate the potential of developing dopaminergic cells to treat devastating neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease.
Commentary: Hopefully this development will enable scientists to transform bone marrow-derived stem cells into effective treatments for neurological diseases and conditions.
Postd: May 31, 2006 8:30 am ET
Summary:
BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics, Inc. announced that a new study has demonstrated the ability of human bone marrow-derived stem cells to differentiate into a variety of nerve cell types. These findings support the prospect of using cell therapies derived from adult bone marrow-derived stem cells and demonstrate the potential of developing dopaminergic cells to treat devastating neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease.
Commentary: Hopefully this development will enable scientists to transform bone marrow-derived stem cells into effective treatments for neurological diseases and conditions.
Novocell, JDRF Announce Partnership to Clinically Test Encapsulated Human Islets
Source: PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance
Posted: May 31, 2006 10:36 am ET
Summary:
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation announced that it has established a partnership with Novocell, Inc. an Irvine, California-based, biotechnology company, to support an on-going proof of principle phase I/II human clinical trial for Novocell's polyethylene glycol encapsulation of insulin-producing islets.
Novocell's encapsulation technology uniformly coats donated pancreatic islets with a thin layer of biocompatible material. This coating is believed to enable implanted cells to survive and control glucose levels in patients with type 1 diabetes, resulting in near normal hemoglobin levels without the need for life-long immunosuppression.
Commentary: Hopefully this new drug therapie will prove effective in a large population of diabetes patients to be considered and effective treatment for diabetes
Posted: May 31, 2006 10:36 am ET
Summary:
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation announced that it has established a partnership with Novocell, Inc. an Irvine, California-based, biotechnology company, to support an on-going proof of principle phase I/II human clinical trial for Novocell's polyethylene glycol encapsulation of insulin-producing islets.
Novocell's encapsulation technology uniformly coats donated pancreatic islets with a thin layer of biocompatible material. This coating is believed to enable implanted cells to survive and control glucose levels in patients with type 1 diabetes, resulting in near normal hemoglobin levels without the need for life-long immunosuppression.
Commentary: Hopefully this new drug therapie will prove effective in a large population of diabetes patients to be considered and effective treatment for diabetes
Scientists Celebrate Stem Cell Business Success
Source: University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Posted: May 30, 2006
A team of British stem cell researchers, based at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, has formed a partnership with a major American stem cell company which is going to invest £160,000 in their work andl bring them a step closer to developing new patient therapies.
The team will use the funding to advance research using stem cells obtained from babies' umbilical cords.
The team is working towards developing new therapies for patients with a range of liver ailments that could be used in hospitals within five years.
The University researchers are also due to help the American company, called BioE, to test and develop new products to improve the storage of cord blood.
Scientists believe this research could have major implications for treating human disease, and providing human tissues for drug development and testing, eliminating the risk of side effects from new drugs.
Commentary: Hopefully this collaboration will expedite the development of drugs, therapies and treatments for diseaase and conditions
Posted: May 30, 2006
A team of British stem cell researchers, based at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, has formed a partnership with a major American stem cell company which is going to invest £160,000 in their work andl bring them a step closer to developing new patient therapies.
The team will use the funding to advance research using stem cells obtained from babies' umbilical cords.
The team is working towards developing new therapies for patients with a range of liver ailments that could be used in hospitals within five years.
The University researchers are also due to help the American company, called BioE, to test and develop new products to improve the storage of cord blood.
Scientists believe this research could have major implications for treating human disease, and providing human tissues for drug development and testing, eliminating the risk of side effects from new drugs.
Commentary: Hopefully this collaboration will expedite the development of drugs, therapies and treatments for diseaase and conditions
Research Suggests Cause Of Neurodegeneration In Huntington's Disease
Source: Emory University Health Sciences Center
Posted: May 30, 2006
Summary:
Sciientists have discovered that neurodegeneration associated with Huntington's disease may result from molecular mutations that block the transport of nutrients within cells. Research from the Emory University School of Medicine has shown that the mutant huntingtin protein limits the efforts of the huntingtin-associated protein ) to provide nutrients to growing neurons, or neurites. Without those nutrients, neurites fail to develop and mature neurons degenerate. Scienists say the protein is very important, because when an animal does not have it, it dies after birth. They also conclude that it is critical for differentiation and survival of some neurons in the brain. In addition, a better understanding about the functions of the protein could enable an clearer understanding the normal physiological processing for neuronal functioning, which could aid research into other neurodegerative diseases.
Commentary: This discovery seems to provide scientists with a new understanding of the root cause of Huntington's disease. Hopefully it will eventually lead to effective preventative treatments for Huntington's diseases as well as other neurodegenerative Diseases such as Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's or Lou Gehrig's Desease (ALS).
Posted: May 30, 2006
Summary:
Sciientists have discovered that neurodegeneration associated with Huntington's disease may result from molecular mutations that block the transport of nutrients within cells. Research from the Emory University School of Medicine has shown that the mutant huntingtin protein limits the efforts of the huntingtin-associated protein ) to provide nutrients to growing neurons, or neurites. Without those nutrients, neurites fail to develop and mature neurons degenerate. Scienists say the protein is very important, because when an animal does not have it, it dies after birth. They also conclude that it is critical for differentiation and survival of some neurons in the brain. In addition, a better understanding about the functions of the protein could enable an clearer understanding the normal physiological processing for neuronal functioning, which could aid research into other neurodegerative diseases.
Commentary: This discovery seems to provide scientists with a new understanding of the root cause of Huntington's disease. Hopefully it will eventually lead to effective preventative treatments for Huntington's diseases as well as other neurodegenerative Diseases such as Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's or Lou Gehrig's Desease (ALS).
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
VitroGro(R) World-First: Culture of Human Embryonic Stem Cells for Therapeutic Use
Source: Tissue Therapies Limited via Medical News Today
Posted: May 30, 2006 3:32 am ET
Summary:
Brisbane-based biotechnology company Tissue Therapies Limited has potentially overcome a major obstacle in developig human embryonic stem cells for medical treatment by discoverinng its VitroGro® technology can be used to replace animal or human serum in the culture of human embryonic stem cells. Research demonstrated that human embryonic stem cells can be successfully grown using Tissue Therapies' VitroGro®, eliminating the need to use human or animal serum to culture cells. Researchers been extremely concerned that the use of animal- or human-derived serum to grow human embryonic stem cells could result in the transmission of infections to humans treated with these cells. Researchers believe the discovery has significant potential to accelerate the practical application of human stem cell therapies to develop cures for a wide range of devastating diseases.
Commentary: Hopefully this will lead to the development of embryonic stem cells that are safe for human transplantation by enabling the growth of cells without contaminants and eliminate the risk of immune system rejection during cell transplantation into human patients.
Posted: May 30, 2006 3:32 am ET
Summary:
Brisbane-based biotechnology company Tissue Therapies Limited has potentially overcome a major obstacle in developig human embryonic stem cells for medical treatment by discoverinng its VitroGro® technology can be used to replace animal or human serum in the culture of human embryonic stem cells. Research demonstrated that human embryonic stem cells can be successfully grown using Tissue Therapies' VitroGro®, eliminating the need to use human or animal serum to culture cells. Researchers been extremely concerned that the use of animal- or human-derived serum to grow human embryonic stem cells could result in the transmission of infections to humans treated with these cells. Researchers believe the discovery has significant potential to accelerate the practical application of human stem cell therapies to develop cures for a wide range of devastating diseases.
Commentary: Hopefully this will lead to the development of embryonic stem cells that are safe for human transplantation by enabling the growth of cells without contaminants and eliminate the risk of immune system rejection during cell transplantation into human patients.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Heart may be home to its own stem cells
Source: NewScientist.com news service
Posted: 22:00 29 May 2006
Summary:
US scientists have found the “home” of stem cells in the heart, giving credibility to the idea that the heart has the capacity to repair itself. The finding raises the possibility that these cardiac stem cells could one day be able to regnerate tissues damaged by heart disease.
Scientists have tested this idea by removing tiny numbers of cardiac stem cells from people undergoing heart operations, growing them in the lab and then transplanting them into the damaged hearts of rats and mice. The results may lead to better heart repair than cells taken from bone marrow. Scientists say the primary goal of the experiment is to learn how the cells work.
Commentary: Hopefully this study will give scientists a basis to develop effective clinical treatments for humans with heart tissue damage resulting from a heart attack.
Posted: 22:00 29 May 2006
Summary:
US scientists have found the “home” of stem cells in the heart, giving credibility to the idea that the heart has the capacity to repair itself. The finding raises the possibility that these cardiac stem cells could one day be able to regnerate tissues damaged by heart disease.
Scientists have tested this idea by removing tiny numbers of cardiac stem cells from people undergoing heart operations, growing them in the lab and then transplanting them into the damaged hearts of rats and mice. The results may lead to better heart repair than cells taken from bone marrow. Scientists say the primary goal of the experiment is to learn how the cells work.
Commentary: Hopefully this study will give scientists a basis to develop effective clinical treatments for humans with heart tissue damage resulting from a heart attack.
Can patients' stem cells fight heart disease? Study builds on existing fix-it response to damaged tissue
Source: Pioneer Press
Posted: May. 29, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the Minneapolis Heart Institute are conducting a study to test if injections of heart attack patients' own bone marrow cells could prevent congestive heart failure.
The potential new benefit from stem cell therapy is the ability to prevent muscle loss, whereas other options compensate for muscle loss.
The 60 patients in the study will come from two Minneapolis-area medical institutions.
In the study, the cells will be surgically extracted from the patients' bone marrow three to seven days after their heart attacks. Scientists at the University of Minnesota will isolate the stem cells and return them to the hospitals. The cells will be injected through a catheter and descend via an artery into the heart.
If donated cells can be transplanted safely, they could offer a faster and cheaper method than extracting cells from heart attack patients.
Commentary: Hopefully this study will yield successful results using stem cells to treat heart attack patients and provide researchers with new insights and strategies for administering stem cell treatments safely and effectively.
Posted: May. 29, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the Minneapolis Heart Institute are conducting a study to test if injections of heart attack patients' own bone marrow cells could prevent congestive heart failure.
The potential new benefit from stem cell therapy is the ability to prevent muscle loss, whereas other options compensate for muscle loss.
The 60 patients in the study will come from two Minneapolis-area medical institutions.
In the study, the cells will be surgically extracted from the patients' bone marrow three to seven days after their heart attacks. Scientists at the University of Minnesota will isolate the stem cells and return them to the hospitals. The cells will be injected through a catheter and descend via an artery into the heart.
If donated cells can be transplanted safely, they could offer a faster and cheaper method than extracting cells from heart attack patients.
Commentary: Hopefully this study will yield successful results using stem cells to treat heart attack patients and provide researchers with new insights and strategies for administering stem cell treatments safely and effectively.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Stem cells used to repair damage of breast surgery
Source: Daily Telegraph
Posted: May 27, 2006
Summary:
Stem cells derived from fat (adipose) tissue was implanted after breast cancer surgery in an attempt to improve brreast reconstruction and repair damaged tissue. Researchers believe that the stem cells will create new blood vessels to help fat tissue implanted at the same time to survive, and stem and regenerative cells from adipose (fat) tissue could improve tissue repair and healing.
Commentary: Hopefully this trial will lead to improved treatments and outcomes for a diverse population of breast cancer patients.
Posted: May 27, 2006
Summary:
Stem cells derived from fat (adipose) tissue was implanted after breast cancer surgery in an attempt to improve brreast reconstruction and repair damaged tissue. Researchers believe that the stem cells will create new blood vessels to help fat tissue implanted at the same time to survive, and stem and regenerative cells from adipose (fat) tissue could improve tissue repair and healing.
Commentary: Hopefully this trial will lead to improved treatments and outcomes for a diverse population of breast cancer patients.
Neuronal Cell Cultures Kept On The Straight And Narrow
Source: National Institute of Standards and Technology
Posted: May 26, 2006
Summary:
Scientists at National Institute of Standards and Technology have created an improved cell-culture technique that uses surface chemistry to culture difficult-to-grow neuron-like cells on a variety of surfaces, and to culture the cells in patterns to study the effects of geometry on cell development. The technique could enable new, fundamental insights into the behavior of the key cells of the central nervous system.
Commentary: Hopefully these new insights into the nervous system wil provide researchers with new strategies to treat, or cure, neurological diseases, disorders and conditions.
Posted: May 26, 2006
Summary:
Scientists at National Institute of Standards and Technology have created an improved cell-culture technique that uses surface chemistry to culture difficult-to-grow neuron-like cells on a variety of surfaces, and to culture the cells in patterns to study the effects of geometry on cell development. The technique could enable new, fundamental insights into the behavior of the key cells of the central nervous system.
Commentary: Hopefully these new insights into the nervous system wil provide researchers with new strategies to treat, or cure, neurological diseases, disorders and conditions.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Stem Cell Study Seeks to Prevent Congestive Heart Failure
Source: Business Wire
Posted: May 25, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation have begun a study to examine whether administration of stem cells to first time heart attack patients can prevent the development of congestive heart failure (CHF).
The study is intended to look exclusively at patients with moderate to large heart attacks, putting them at risk of developing CHF.
Cardiologists at the Foundation believe that if they can prove that using adult stem cells can reduce the development of CHF, many people could potentially benefit from the study.
Patients will be monitored for two years following stem cell treatment to determine whether stem cell therapy reduces scarring and improves cardiac function as determined by cardiac MRI.
Commentary: Hopefully this study will lead to improved treatments and treatment outcomes for congestive heart failure patients.
Posted: May 25, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation have begun a study to examine whether administration of stem cells to first time heart attack patients can prevent the development of congestive heart failure (CHF).
The study is intended to look exclusively at patients with moderate to large heart attacks, putting them at risk of developing CHF.
Cardiologists at the Foundation believe that if they can prove that using adult stem cells can reduce the development of CHF, many people could potentially benefit from the study.
Patients will be monitored for two years following stem cell treatment to determine whether stem cell therapy reduces scarring and improves cardiac function as determined by cardiac MRI.
Commentary: Hopefully this study will lead to improved treatments and treatment outcomes for congestive heart failure patients.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
RNA Interference Stops Colon Cancer Spread In Mice
Source: University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Posted: May 24, 2006
Summary:
University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB) researchers have scored a dramatic success in the battle against colorectal cancer by being first to use what are known as "small interfering RNAs" to block the spread of human colorectal cancer cells implanted in laboratory mice.
Commentary: Hopefully this will provide scientists with new ideas about how to develop clinical applications of "small interfering RNAs" to effectively treat colorectal cancer in humans
Posted: May 24, 2006
Summary:
University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB) researchers have scored a dramatic success in the battle against colorectal cancer by being first to use what are known as "small interfering RNAs" to block the spread of human colorectal cancer cells implanted in laboratory mice.
Commentary: Hopefully this will provide scientists with new ideas about how to develop clinical applications of "small interfering RNAs" to effectively treat colorectal cancer in humans
Cancer Vaccine Shows Promise in Mice: Scientists have overcome major hurdle, but treatments could still be decades away
Source: HealthDay News
Posted: May 23, 2006
Summary:
Swedish researchers have discovered from the results of experiments in mice that a new type of vaccine could be a longer lasting form of cancer treatment and may even lead the way toward preventing cancer.
The DNA-based vaccine was shown to prevent cancer growth in mice. The vaccine works by mimicking the effects of angiostatin, a piece of a protein that suppresses tumor growth by preventing new blood vessels from forming in tumors--a treatment strategy known as antiangiogenesis. Vaccinated mice showed reduced growth of breast cancer tumors.
Commentary: Hopefully this research will provide scientists with a new basis to develop effective cancer treatments in humans.
Posted: May 23, 2006
Summary:
Swedish researchers have discovered from the results of experiments in mice that a new type of vaccine could be a longer lasting form of cancer treatment and may even lead the way toward preventing cancer.
The DNA-based vaccine was shown to prevent cancer growth in mice. The vaccine works by mimicking the effects of angiostatin, a piece of a protein that suppresses tumor growth by preventing new blood vessels from forming in tumors--a treatment strategy known as antiangiogenesis. Vaccinated mice showed reduced growth of breast cancer tumors.
Commentary: Hopefully this research will provide scientists with a new basis to develop effective cancer treatments in humans.
Stem cell injection may stop urine leakage due to stress incontinence: study
Source: The Canadian Press via Yahoo! Canada News
Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 04:38 PM EST
Posted: Tue May 23, 2006 04:38 PM EST
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Researchers Find Immune-activating Cells In Intestines
Source: University of Minnesota
Posted: May 23, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have discovered a group of cells in the intestinal system of mice that are proven to activate T-cells, cells that help fight infection. Scientists say the connection between the group of cells and immune response will help in studying and developing treatments for diseases that affect the gastrointestinal system. The researchers found a tiny population of cells in the intestine that signal the T-cells to fight infections.
Commentary: Hopefully this research can be translated into human treatments for intestinal and infectious diseases.
Posted: May 23, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have discovered a group of cells in the intestinal system of mice that are proven to activate T-cells, cells that help fight infection. Scientists say the connection between the group of cells and immune response will help in studying and developing treatments for diseases that affect the gastrointestinal system. The researchers found a tiny population of cells in the intestine that signal the T-cells to fight infections.
Commentary: Hopefully this research can be translated into human treatments for intestinal and infectious diseases.
Medistem Files U.S. Patent Application for Innovative Stem Cell Technology to Treat Lower Back Disorders: Stem Cell Company's Discovery Could Provide
Source: Medistem Laboratories, Inc. via Yahoo! News
Posted: Tuesday May 23, 2006 4:01 pm ET
Summary:
Medistem Laboratories, Inc. committed to the ethical development medical therapies from non-controversial adult stem cells, announced today its filing of a U.S. patent application for an innovative cellular technology to treat lower back ailments by addressing causal issues and developing methodologies to prevent disc degeneration. The discovery relates to the administration of one or more cell types to stimulate lumbar angiogenesis, decrease inflammation, and stimulate regeneration. The therapy could be used to treat lower back ailments associated with disc degeneration.
Commentary: Hopefully this treatment will improve the quality of life for sufferers of lower back pain and disc damage or injury.
Posted: Tuesday May 23, 2006 4:01 pm ET
Summary:
Medistem Laboratories, Inc. committed to the ethical development medical therapies from non-controversial adult stem cells, announced today its filing of a U.S. patent application for an innovative cellular technology to treat lower back ailments by addressing causal issues and developing methodologies to prevent disc degeneration. The discovery relates to the administration of one or more cell types to stimulate lumbar angiogenesis, decrease inflammation, and stimulate regeneration. The therapy could be used to treat lower back ailments associated with disc degeneration.
Commentary: Hopefully this treatment will improve the quality of life for sufferers of lower back pain and disc damage or injury.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Baylor Researchers Develop 'Bubble' Technique For Potential Treatment Of Type I Diabetes
Source: Baylor Health Care System
Posted: May 22, 2006
Researchers at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas and the Baylor Research Institute have developed a novel technique known as ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) to deliver insulin genes to the pancreas, the organ that produces insulin, via microscopic "bubbles.". This approach is a major step in the potential treatment of Type I diabetes. Once the bubbles reach their target they are burst with ultrasound releasing the insulin genes into the pancreas.
Using UTMD, researchers delivered the bubbles containing human insulin genes into the pancreas of rats and later found that the rat's blood sugar had been subsequently lowered. Another gene that regulates insulin production, known as hexokinase I, was successfully delivered using UTMD as well, and resulted in increased blood insulin and decreased blood sugar in the rats.
Researchers say the UTMD technique could be used to deliver genes to other organs in the future.
Commentary: This approach seems promising to treat genetic diseases and conditions and restore function to damaged or injured organs.
Posted: May 22, 2006
Researchers at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas and the Baylor Research Institute have developed a novel technique known as ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) to deliver insulin genes to the pancreas, the organ that produces insulin, via microscopic "bubbles.". This approach is a major step in the potential treatment of Type I diabetes. Once the bubbles reach their target they are burst with ultrasound releasing the insulin genes into the pancreas.
Using UTMD, researchers delivered the bubbles containing human insulin genes into the pancreas of rats and later found that the rat's blood sugar had been subsequently lowered. Another gene that regulates insulin production, known as hexokinase I, was successfully delivered using UTMD as well, and resulted in increased blood insulin and decreased blood sugar in the rats.
Researchers say the UTMD technique could be used to deliver genes to other organs in the future.
Commentary: This approach seems promising to treat genetic diseases and conditions and restore function to damaged or injured organs.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Stem cells a cure for incontinence? Doctors encouraged by results of study
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Posted: Monday, May 22, 2006
Summary:
New research has shown that an injection of a patient's own muscle stem cells can help restore control of a leaky bladder. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine said stress incontinence symptoms improved in five out of seven women who got the experimental treatment. The patients experienced no serious side effects. This is the first time a study of this kind has been conducted in North America.
Commentary: This research appears promising in effectively and safely treating urinary incontince and avoiding harmful side effects.
Posted: Monday, May 22, 2006
Summary:
New research has shown that an injection of a patient's own muscle stem cells can help restore control of a leaky bladder. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine said stress incontinence symptoms improved in five out of seven women who got the experimental treatment. The patients experienced no serious side effects. This is the first time a study of this kind has been conducted in North America.
Commentary: This research appears promising in effectively and safely treating urinary incontince and avoiding harmful side effects.
Stem cells may help incontinence. Researchers calling treatment a cure
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Posted: May 21, 2006
Summary:
Doctors say they were able to cure urinary incontinence in the vast majority of patients who were treated with injections of their own stem cells. The patients also had a dramatically improved quality of life
The researchers described the treatment as a cure, meaning that the patients did not need to wear pads after they were treated.
Some of the first patients to undergo the technique remained continent four years after the treatment.
A potential advantage to the stem cell treatment that it may need to be done only once, compared with the need for re-treatment with other injectable therapies. Also, a patient's own muscle cells can become a potential permanent rebuilding source of the sphincter muscle.
More testing will need to be performed and it could be years before it is available in the U.S.
Commentary: This research appears very promising. It underscores the need for federal funding of stem cell research, so more money is avialable to perform more tests simultaneously in order to eliminate errors, prevent fraud and share knowledge and research results in order to accelerate the development of a cure.
Posted: May 21, 2006
Summary:
Doctors say they were able to cure urinary incontinence in the vast majority of patients who were treated with injections of their own stem cells. The patients also had a dramatically improved quality of life
The researchers described the treatment as a cure, meaning that the patients did not need to wear pads after they were treated.
Some of the first patients to undergo the technique remained continent four years after the treatment.
A potential advantage to the stem cell treatment that it may need to be done only once, compared with the need for re-treatment with other injectable therapies. Also, a patient's own muscle cells can become a potential permanent rebuilding source of the sphincter muscle.
More testing will need to be performed and it could be years before it is available in the U.S.
Commentary: This research appears very promising. It underscores the need for federal funding of stem cell research, so more money is avialable to perform more tests simultaneously in order to eliminate errors, prevent fraud and share knowledge and research results in order to accelerate the development of a cure.
Heal Thyself: Systems Biology Model Reveals How Cells Avoid Becoming Cancerous
Source: University of California - San Diego
Posted: May 21, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have described for the first time a web of inter-related responses that cells use to avoid becoming diseased or cancerous after being exposed to a powerful chemical mutagen.
The information could be used eventually to develop drugs to boost DNA repair and possibly treat xeroderma pigmentosum, a disease in which the body's ability to repair DNA damage caused by ultraviolet light is disabled, Werner syndrome, a premature aging disorder, as well as certain immune deficiencies and other degenerative diseases.
Commentary: Hopefully this advancement in regenerative medicine will shed new light on cell degeneration and enable the development of effective cellular replacement and treatments for cellular diseases and disorders.
Posted: May 21, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have described for the first time a web of inter-related responses that cells use to avoid becoming diseased or cancerous after being exposed to a powerful chemical mutagen.
The information could be used eventually to develop drugs to boost DNA repair and possibly treat xeroderma pigmentosum, a disease in which the body's ability to repair DNA damage caused by ultraviolet light is disabled, Werner syndrome, a premature aging disorder, as well as certain immune deficiencies and other degenerative diseases.
Commentary: Hopefully this advancement in regenerative medicine will shed new light on cell degeneration and enable the development of effective cellular replacement and treatments for cellular diseases and disorders.
Injecting stem cells from a woman's own muscle may effectively treat urinary incontinence
Source: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Posted: May 21, 2006
Summary:
Women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were treated using muscle-derived stem cell injections to strengthen deficient sphincter muscles responsible for the condition. Results of the study suggest that the approach is safe, improves patients' quality of life and may be an effective treatment for SUI. This is the first of this kind of study conducted in North America.
Posted: May 21, 2006
Summary:
Women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were treated using muscle-derived stem cell injections to strengthen deficient sphincter muscles responsible for the condition. Results of the study suggest that the approach is safe, improves patients' quality of life and may be an effective treatment for SUI. This is the first of this kind of study conducted in North America.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Umbilical stem cells may aid lung research
Source: Star Tribune
Posted: May 8, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have derived stem cells from umbilical cord blood that turn into lung cells. The technology used in the process was developed by BioE, a privately held biotechnology firm. BioE and U of M researchers claim that this is the first time human stem cells have been differentiated into a cell called the Type II Alveolar, which helps stabilize the lungs while breathing. Researchers believe the stem cells could be used to develop a human lung model for research purposes and treat respiratory conditions, such as emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis.
Commentary: Hopefully these findings can be turned into effective treatments for lung diseases.
Posted: May 8, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have derived stem cells from umbilical cord blood that turn into lung cells. The technology used in the process was developed by BioE, a privately held biotechnology firm. BioE and U of M researchers claim that this is the first time human stem cells have been differentiated into a cell called the Type II Alveolar, which helps stabilize the lungs while breathing. Researchers believe the stem cells could be used to develop a human lung model for research purposes and treat respiratory conditions, such as emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis.
Commentary: Hopefully these findings can be turned into effective treatments for lung diseases.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Scientists Discover First Angiogenesis Switch Inside Blood Vessel Cells
Source: Schepens Eye Research Institute
Posted: May 18, 2006
Summary:
Scientists at Schepens Eye Research Institute, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, have discovered a switch inside blood vessel cells that controls angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth).
The researchers discovered that one enzyme, known as PI3K, acts on the lipid, it converts it (the lipid) into a modified form of itself, which then signals blood vessel cells to proliferate or grow, and another enzyme, known as PLCg, informs the vessels to undergo regression and disappear .Next steps for the research team include identifying the signaling events by which PXCg informs the vessels to undergo regression and the molecules that execute the regression command.
This finding could lead to new, more targeted drugs for diseases such as cancer, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Commentary: Hopefully this research will eventually produce targeted and effective new drug treatments for diseases.
Posted: May 18, 2006
Summary:
Scientists at Schepens Eye Research Institute, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, have discovered a switch inside blood vessel cells that controls angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth).
The researchers discovered that one enzyme, known as PI3K, acts on the lipid, it converts it (the lipid) into a modified form of itself, which then signals blood vessel cells to proliferate or grow, and another enzyme, known as PLCg, informs the vessels to undergo regression and disappear .Next steps for the research team include identifying the signaling events by which PXCg informs the vessels to undergo regression and the molecules that execute the regression command.
This finding could lead to new, more targeted drugs for diseases such as cancer, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Commentary: Hopefully this research will eventually produce targeted and effective new drug treatments for diseases.
Potential new treatment strategy for Alzheimer's disease and other brain and spinal cord damage
Source: University of California - San Francisco
Posted: May 18, 2006
Summary:
A study led by researchers at the San Francisco VA Medical Center and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill has identified several new compounds that could aid in preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease and other progressive nervous system conditions. The compounds promote the survival of neurons, including hippocampal neurons that effect memory, in a lab culture. The researchers discovered that the compounds can also prevent the death of cells known as oligodentrocytes, cells that form myelin, the coating around nerve cells.
Commentary: This study could provide scientists with new insights into how memory functions and lead to new strategies to prevent, or treat, Alzheimer's Diseases and other degeerative conditions that cause memory loss and cognitive impairments resulting from cell death.
Posted: May 18, 2006
Summary:
A study led by researchers at the San Francisco VA Medical Center and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill has identified several new compounds that could aid in preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease and other progressive nervous system conditions. The compounds promote the survival of neurons, including hippocampal neurons that effect memory, in a lab culture. The researchers discovered that the compounds can also prevent the death of cells known as oligodentrocytes, cells that form myelin, the coating around nerve cells.
Commentary: This study could provide scientists with new insights into how memory functions and lead to new strategies to prevent, or treat, Alzheimer's Diseases and other degeerative conditions that cause memory loss and cognitive impairments resulting from cell death.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Study finds key to repairing optic nerves
Source: United Press International
Posted: May 15, 2006
BOSTON, May 15 (UPI) -- Researchers have discovered that a newly discovered growth factor could hold the key to regenerating damaged optic nerves -- and more.
The research team at Children's Hospital in Boston say they have found a naturally occurring, previously unrecognized growth factor that stimulates regeneration in injured optic nerves.
The findings provide hope for treating blindness caused by optic-nerve damage, but also look promising for spurring similar regeneration in the spinal cord and brain.
Commentary: Hopefully this growth factor will have positive outcomes for patients if it can be turn into an effective therapy.
Posted: May 15, 2006
BOSTON, May 15 (UPI) -- Researchers have discovered that a newly discovered growth factor could hold the key to regenerating damaged optic nerves -- and more.
The research team at Children's Hospital in Boston say they have found a naturally occurring, previously unrecognized growth factor that stimulates regeneration in injured optic nerves.
The findings provide hope for treating blindness caused by optic-nerve damage, but also look promising for spurring similar regeneration in the spinal cord and brain.
Commentary: Hopefully this growth factor will have positive outcomes for patients if it can be turn into an effective therapy.
UCI, fertility clinic to create stem cell lines: Using private money, university will employ donated surplus embryos in the effort.
Source: Orange County Register
Date: May 16, 2006
Summary:
UC Irvine and an Orange County fertility clinic are collaborating to create at least five new lines of human embryonic stem cells, becoming one of the few groups in the country to try to produce fresh lines for the study of everything from spinal cord injuries to Parkinson's disease.
Commentary: Hopefully these new stem cell lines will be genetically diverse enough for scientists to gain new understanding of diseases and be able to develop effective treatments.
Date: May 16, 2006
Summary:
UC Irvine and an Orange County fertility clinic are collaborating to create at least five new lines of human embryonic stem cells, becoming one of the few groups in the country to try to produce fresh lines for the study of everything from spinal cord injuries to Parkinson's disease.
Commentary: Hopefully these new stem cell lines will be genetically diverse enough for scientists to gain new understanding of diseases and be able to develop effective treatments.
New Study Reveals Signaling Pathways Required For Expansion Of Pancreas Stem Cells
Source: Scripps Research Institute
Posted: May 17, 2006
Summary:
A team of scientists at The Scripps Research Institute has published a new study of important signaling pathways that are required for the expansion of pancreas stem cells, work that may lead to strategies to prevent or reverse insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), or Type 1 diabetes.
Commentary: This study hopefully will give scientists a better understanding of how to possibly apply pancreas stem cells to treat patients with Type 1 diabetes
Posted: May 17, 2006
Summary:
A team of scientists at The Scripps Research Institute has published a new study of important signaling pathways that are required for the expansion of pancreas stem cells, work that may lead to strategies to prevent or reverse insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), or Type 1 diabetes.
Commentary: This study hopefully will give scientists a better understanding of how to possibly apply pancreas stem cells to treat patients with Type 1 diabetes
Stem-cell finding gives hope
Source: The Leader-Post / CanWest News Service
Posted: May 17, 2006
Summary:
Scientists announced that they wre able to grow large quantities of breast cancer stem cells, a finding that could help researchers whose work is hampered by the small number of available cells. They said said their work on breast cancer stem cells will assist scientists who are studying the cells and potential therapies for breast cancer.
Commentary: This research seems to have the potential to provide scientists with new strategies to develop effective breast cancer treatments from stem cells.
Posted: May 17, 2006
Summary:
Scientists announced that they wre able to grow large quantities of breast cancer stem cells, a finding that could help researchers whose work is hampered by the small number of available cells. They said said their work on breast cancer stem cells will assist scientists who are studying the cells and potential therapies for breast cancer.
Commentary: This research seems to have the potential to provide scientists with new strategies to develop effective breast cancer treatments from stem cells.
Calgarians lead stem cell breakthrough
Source: Calgary Sun
Posted: May 17, 2006
Summary:
A researcher at the University of Calgary has developed a successful process to grow a potentially unlimited supply of breast cancer stem cells from laboratory mice by adapting bioreactor technology used previously for protein production to reproduce the stem cells. The breakthrough could provide new insights into the development of drugs, treatments and cures for breast cancer.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will provide researchers with new ideas and strategies about how to translate this breakthrough into treatments for human breast cancer patients.
Posted: May 17, 2006
Summary:
A researcher at the University of Calgary has developed a successful process to grow a potentially unlimited supply of breast cancer stem cells from laboratory mice by adapting bioreactor technology used previously for protein production to reproduce the stem cells. The breakthrough could provide new insights into the development of drugs, treatments and cures for breast cancer.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will provide researchers with new ideas and strategies about how to translate this breakthrough into treatments for human breast cancer patients.
Animal Studies Show Ortec's Fibrin Microbeads Recover Up To Four Times The Number Of Stem Cells As Conventional Methods
Source: Ortec International, Inc.
Posted: May 17, 2006
Summary:
Ortec International, Inc., a company focused on development and commercialization of products applicable to regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy, announced results of experiments in a rat model demonstrating that Ortec's Fibrin Microbeads (FMB) technology increases by nearly fourfold the yield of Mesenchymal Stem Cells recovered from bone marrow. The results also showed that the cells isolated by FMB could be expanded in culture for more than four months and could be differentiated into bone, fat and cartilage cells.
Commentary: It seems that if this technique could be used to grow human stem cells, it may be possible to accelerate the development of stem cell therapies to treat diseases, injuries and conditions.
Posted: May 17, 2006
Summary:
Ortec International, Inc., a company focused on development and commercialization of products applicable to regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy, announced results of experiments in a rat model demonstrating that Ortec's Fibrin Microbeads (FMB) technology increases by nearly fourfold the yield of Mesenchymal Stem Cells recovered from bone marrow. The results also showed that the cells isolated by FMB could be expanded in culture for more than four months and could be differentiated into bone, fat and cartilage cells.
Commentary: It seems that if this technique could be used to grow human stem cells, it may be possible to accelerate the development of stem cell therapies to treat diseases, injuries and conditions.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Research Reveals How Prozac Triggers New Brain Cell Growth: It points to one way SSRI drugs may fight depression, experts say
Source: HealthDay News
Posted: May 16, 2006
Summary:
Researchers say they've discovered how antidepressants such as Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft dispel depression is by stimulating the growth of new brain cells. The researchers decided toexamine how the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants -- the widely used class of drugs that includes Celexa, Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft -- might spur brain cell growth. To do so, they tracked the way in which stem cells -- undifferentiated cells that can grow into specialized cells -- became neurons in a special mouse model given the antidepressant Prozac (fluoxetine). They believe that Prozac targets cells which are born from the stem cells, called amplifying progenitors, and increases their numbers. Within three to four weeks, they observed an increase in the number of mature neurons.
Commentary: Hopefully this discovery will enable the proliferation neural stem cells in order to treat central nervous system disorders, injuries and conditions.
Posted: May 16, 2006
Summary:
Researchers say they've discovered how antidepressants such as Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft dispel depression is by stimulating the growth of new brain cells. The researchers decided toexamine how the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants -- the widely used class of drugs that includes Celexa, Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft -- might spur brain cell growth. To do so, they tracked the way in which stem cells -- undifferentiated cells that can grow into specialized cells -- became neurons in a special mouse model given the antidepressant Prozac (fluoxetine). They believe that Prozac targets cells which are born from the stem cells, called amplifying progenitors, and increases their numbers. Within three to four weeks, they observed an increase in the number of mature neurons.
Commentary: Hopefully this discovery will enable the proliferation neural stem cells in order to treat central nervous system disorders, injuries and conditions.
Stem Cells Being Used to Treat Lupus in Certain Patients
Source: ABC / KTBS 3-TV, Shreveport, Louisiana
Posted: May 16, 2006
Here is a video feature about using an adult stem cell transplant to build a new immune system in order to treat lupus.
Posted: May 16, 2006
Here is a video feature about using an adult stem cell transplant to build a new immune system in order to treat lupus.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Study Shows Frogs Can Play Key Role In Stem Cell Research
Source: University of Edinburgh
Posted: May 16, 2006
Summary:
The African clawed frog could prove a useful subject for scientists who are working in stem cell research to sudy. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered that the distinctive species -- which has become popular in recent years as a domestic pet -- shares with humans the same genetic mechanism that enables embryonic stem cells to divide without limit. This process, which gives embryonic stem cells the capacity to become any of the 200 cell types in the body, is fundamental to all research in the discipline.
Commentary: Maybe the African clawed frog will enabe scientists to better understand stem cells as fruit flies enabled a better understanding of human genetics.
Posted: May 16, 2006
Summary:
The African clawed frog could prove a useful subject for scientists who are working in stem cell research to sudy. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered that the distinctive species -- which has become popular in recent years as a domestic pet -- shares with humans the same genetic mechanism that enables embryonic stem cells to divide without limit. This process, which gives embryonic stem cells the capacity to become any of the 200 cell types in the body, is fundamental to all research in the discipline.
Commentary: Maybe the African clawed frog will enabe scientists to better understand stem cells as fruit flies enabled a better understanding of human genetics.
New compound reduces stroke damage
Source: American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Posted: May 16, 2006
Summary:
Bethesda, MD – A group of German scientists has synthesized a new compound that dramatically decreases the damage to neurons in rats demonstrating stroke symptoms.
Scientists found that their compound protected the rats' neurons and also caused neural stem cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Diseased animals with motor behavior deficits also showed improvement when they were given the synthetic drug.
These results suggest a potential therapeutic application specific immunosuppressive drug inhibitors in the treatment of neurodegeneration following stroke and a number of other diseases.
Commentary: Hopefully this research will provide a basis for the deveolopmment of similar compouds to decrease, or even reverse, stroke damage in humans.
Posted: May 16, 2006
Summary:
Bethesda, MD – A group of German scientists has synthesized a new compound that dramatically decreases the damage to neurons in rats demonstrating stroke symptoms.
Scientists found that their compound protected the rats' neurons and also caused neural stem cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Diseased animals with motor behavior deficits also showed improvement when they were given the synthetic drug.
These results suggest a potential therapeutic application specific immunosuppressive drug inhibitors in the treatment of neurodegeneration following stroke and a number of other diseases.
Commentary: Hopefully this research will provide a basis for the deveolopmment of similar compouds to decrease, or even reverse, stroke damage in humans.
Neural Stem Cell Gene Plays Crucial Role In Eye Development
Source: University of North Carolina School of Medicine
Posted: May 15, 2006
Summary:
CHAPEL HILL – Scientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have demonstrated that normal development of the eye requires the right amount of a neural stem cell gene be expressed at the right time and place.
In the developing eye, retinal neural stem cells differentiate to form the neurons of the adult eye and form the optic nerve.
Researchers discovered that expression levels of a particular neural stem cell gene are a critical factor that regulates the differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells in the eye.
The investigators discovered that, in mice, disruption of the gene in neural retinal stem cells leads to a kind of abnormal development of the eye called microphtalmia, or small eye. Approximately 10 percent of all human cases of microphtalmia result from mutations in the SOX2 gene.
Commentary: Hopefully this research will provide new insights and strategies into stem cell applications to treat eye diseases.
Posted: May 15, 2006
Summary:
CHAPEL HILL – Scientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have demonstrated that normal development of the eye requires the right amount of a neural stem cell gene be expressed at the right time and place.
In the developing eye, retinal neural stem cells differentiate to form the neurons of the adult eye and form the optic nerve.
Researchers discovered that expression levels of a particular neural stem cell gene are a critical factor that regulates the differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells in the eye.
The investigators discovered that, in mice, disruption of the gene in neural retinal stem cells leads to a kind of abnormal development of the eye called microphtalmia, or small eye. Approximately 10 percent of all human cases of microphtalmia result from mutations in the SOX2 gene.
Commentary: Hopefully this research will provide new insights and strategies into stem cell applications to treat eye diseases.
Researchers Find that Tumor Stem Cells are Good Models for Brain Tumor Research
Source: National Cancer Institute
Posted: May 15, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), both part of the National Institutes of Health, have found that tumor stem cell lines derived directly from human glioblastoma brain tumors are a better model to study the biology and physiology of glioblastomas than are cancer cell lines that have been commonly used in cancer research laboratories. They also discovered the conditions under which to preserve the biological integrity and genetic characteristics of these glioblastoma tumor stem cell lines. The study results appear in the May 15, 2006, issue of Cancer Cell
Commentary: Studying stem cell lines derived directly from gioblastoma brain tumors as opposed to cancer cell lines may enable scientists to better understand the process of tumor formation and enablem them to treat, or eliminate, tumors early, potentially preventing them from becoming cancerous and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children.
Posted: May 15, 2006
Summary:
Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), both part of the National Institutes of Health, have found that tumor stem cell lines derived directly from human glioblastoma brain tumors are a better model to study the biology and physiology of glioblastomas than are cancer cell lines that have been commonly used in cancer research laboratories. They also discovered the conditions under which to preserve the biological integrity and genetic characteristics of these glioblastoma tumor stem cell lines. The study results appear in the May 15, 2006, issue of Cancer Cell
Commentary: Studying stem cell lines derived directly from gioblastoma brain tumors as opposed to cancer cell lines may enable scientists to better understand the process of tumor formation and enablem them to treat, or eliminate, tumors early, potentially preventing them from becoming cancerous and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children.
Factor isolated that regenerates nerve fibers: Previously unknown molecule spurs regeneration in the optic nerve
Source: Children's Hospital Boston
Posted: May 14, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have discovered a naturally occurring growth factor that stimulates regeneration of injured nerve fibers (axons) in the central nervous system.
When a growth factor, called oncomodulin, was added to retinal nerve cells in a Petri dish, with known growth-promoting factors already present, axon growth nearly doubled.
The researchers believe oncomodulin could someday prove useful in reversing optic-nerve damage caused by glaucoma, tumors or traumatic injury. They have also shown that oncomodulin works on at least one other type of nerve cell, and now plans to test whether it also works on the types of brain cells that would be relevant to treating conditions like stroke and spinal cord injury.
Commentary: Hopefully this research will prove applicable in promoting regeneration in humans with conditions where nerve tissue has been damaged or destroyed.
Posted: May 14, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have discovered a naturally occurring growth factor that stimulates regeneration of injured nerve fibers (axons) in the central nervous system.
When a growth factor, called oncomodulin, was added to retinal nerve cells in a Petri dish, with known growth-promoting factors already present, axon growth nearly doubled.
The researchers believe oncomodulin could someday prove useful in reversing optic-nerve damage caused by glaucoma, tumors or traumatic injury. They have also shown that oncomodulin works on at least one other type of nerve cell, and now plans to test whether it also works on the types of brain cells that would be relevant to treating conditions like stroke and spinal cord injury.
Commentary: Hopefully this research will prove applicable in promoting regeneration in humans with conditions where nerve tissue has been damaged or destroyed.
Stem Cells Reborn: In the wake of scientific fraud in South Korea, researchers are renewing their race to clone stem cells.
Source: Technology Review
Date: May/June 2006
Here is an article about renewed attempts to produce patient-specific stem cells from embryonic stem cells after the failed and fradulent attempts in South Korea. Hopefully this attempt will be closely monitored and shared with other scientists in order to ensure scientific validity.
Date: May/June 2006
Here is an article about renewed attempts to produce patient-specific stem cells from embryonic stem cells after the failed and fradulent attempts in South Korea. Hopefully this attempt will be closely monitored and shared with other scientists in order to ensure scientific validity.
Stem Cell Hope: Cellular reprogramming could make moot the ethical debate surrounding stem cells.
Source: Technology Review
Date: May/June 2006
Scientists hope to reprogram patients' cells in the laboratory into a stem cell–like state where they have the potential to turn into the body's different cell types.
Commentary: Hopefully this research will diffuse the ethical controversy surrounding embryonic stem cells.
Date: May/June 2006
Scientists hope to reprogram patients' cells in the laboratory into a stem cell–like state where they have the potential to turn into the body's different cell types.
Commentary: Hopefully this research will diffuse the ethical controversy surrounding embryonic stem cells.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Stem cells may replace animal testing
Source: United Press International
Posted: May 8, 2006
COLOGNE, Germany, May 8 (UPI) -- German researchers say stem-cell testing can be used to replace hundreds of thousands of experiments on animals.
Cologne-based physician Heribert Bohlen said a test he developed using stem cells from mice can offer "at least the same amount of information about the possible toxic effects on unborn human life as experiments on mice, rabbits, rats and guinea pigs," Deutsche Welle reported.
In addition to saving animal lives, Bohlen said tests using the new stem-cell technology are more economical than conventional animal experiments.
The newspaper said SUV Rheinland Group and the company Axiogenesis developed the R.E.Tox method. The developers claim that the method can show whether or not a substance damages fetal human cells or hinders their development.
Animal welfare activists say they are happy when animals' lives can be saved, regardless of the number, but they emphasize that widespread testing on animals still continues, the newspaper said.
Commentary: Hopefully this will also lead to safer human stem cell trials and treatments.
Posted: May 8, 2006
COLOGNE, Germany, May 8 (UPI) -- German researchers say stem-cell testing can be used to replace hundreds of thousands of experiments on animals.
Cologne-based physician Heribert Bohlen said a test he developed using stem cells from mice can offer "at least the same amount of information about the possible toxic effects on unborn human life as experiments on mice, rabbits, rats and guinea pigs," Deutsche Welle reported.
In addition to saving animal lives, Bohlen said tests using the new stem-cell technology are more economical than conventional animal experiments.
The newspaper said SUV Rheinland Group and the company Axiogenesis developed the R.E.Tox method. The developers claim that the method can show whether or not a substance damages fetal human cells or hinders their development.
Animal welfare activists say they are happy when animals' lives can be saved, regardless of the number, but they emphasize that widespread testing on animals still continues, the newspaper said.
Commentary: Hopefully this will also lead to safer human stem cell trials and treatments.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Isolating Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells From Blood
Source: Ortec International, Inc
Posted: May 12, 2006
Summary:
Ortec International, Inc., a company focused on development and commercialization of products applicable to regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy, announced the results of experiments showing the ability of Fibrin Microbeads (FMB), an advanced fibrin based biomaterial, to isolate Mesenchymal adult stem cells (MSC) from human peripheral blood. The stem cells isolated by attachment to FMB were shown to be able to expand and differentiate into cartilage (chondrocytes), fat (adipocytes) and bone (osteoblasts) forming cells. This finding is unique, since it was previously thought that adult MSC were not found in blood in any significant quantity. The results using FMB demonstrate that blood may indeed prove to be a useful source of these stem cells for therapeutic applications.
Commentary: This finding is a significant advance in using bone marrow stem cells to treat human dieases.
Posted: May 12, 2006
Summary:
Ortec International, Inc., a company focused on development and commercialization of products applicable to regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy, announced the results of experiments showing the ability of Fibrin Microbeads (FMB), an advanced fibrin based biomaterial, to isolate Mesenchymal adult stem cells (MSC) from human peripheral blood. The stem cells isolated by attachment to FMB were shown to be able to expand and differentiate into cartilage (chondrocytes), fat (adipocytes) and bone (osteoblasts) forming cells. This finding is unique, since it was previously thought that adult MSC were not found in blood in any significant quantity. The results using FMB demonstrate that blood may indeed prove to be a useful source of these stem cells for therapeutic applications.
Commentary: This finding is a significant advance in using bone marrow stem cells to treat human dieases.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Selectively Blocking Inflammatory Signals May Protect Mice From Multiple Sclerosis
Source: University of Chicago Medical Center
Posted: May 11, 2006
Summary:
A research team has discovered a new way to preserve the cells that surround and protect nerves, whch could lead to new treatments for demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
The researchers showed that interferon-gamma -- a chemical signal used to activate the immune system -- plays a critical role in damaging the cells that produce myelin, the protective coating that lines healthy nerves. Interferon not only leaves these cells, called oligodendrocytes, incapable of repairing the damage but can also kill them directly.
If stem cells could be engineered to resist harmful signals such as interferon-gamma, they might be protected from the "harsh environment" present in demyelinated lesions. This protective approach of turning off a gene that protected myelin-producing cells from interferon gamma could be combined with stem cell therapy to repair nerve damage.
High interferon levels were also associated with loss of myelin sheaths around nerve connections and unprotected axons in the brain. Again, the gene was able to reduce the damage.
Commentary:
The combination approach of gene and chemical siginal manipuation with stem cells seems to not only protect healthy cells from de-myelination, but could also regenerate destoyed myelin to treat, or possibly cure, Multiple Sclerosis. Hopefully these results will also be able to be applied to human Multiple Sclerosis patients
Posted: May 11, 2006
Summary:
A research team has discovered a new way to preserve the cells that surround and protect nerves, whch could lead to new treatments for demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
The researchers showed that interferon-gamma -- a chemical signal used to activate the immune system -- plays a critical role in damaging the cells that produce myelin, the protective coating that lines healthy nerves. Interferon not only leaves these cells, called oligodendrocytes, incapable of repairing the damage but can also kill them directly.
If stem cells could be engineered to resist harmful signals such as interferon-gamma, they might be protected from the "harsh environment" present in demyelinated lesions. This protective approach of turning off a gene that protected myelin-producing cells from interferon gamma could be combined with stem cell therapy to repair nerve damage.
High interferon levels were also associated with loss of myelin sheaths around nerve connections and unprotected axons in the brain. Again, the gene was able to reduce the damage.
Commentary:
The combination approach of gene and chemical siginal manipuation with stem cells seems to not only protect healthy cells from de-myelination, but could also regenerate destoyed myelin to treat, or possibly cure, Multiple Sclerosis. Hopefully these results will also be able to be applied to human Multiple Sclerosis patients
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Rewind, Please: Nature Paper Shows That Cell Division Is Reversible
Source: Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
Posted: April 13, 2006
Summary:
A scientist with the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation has found a way to reverse the process of cell division.
The discovery could have important implications for the treatment of cancer, birth defects and numerous other diseases and disorders.
The findings may prove important to controlling the development and metastasis of certain cancers. It also holds promise for the prevention and treatment of birth defects and a wide variety of other conditions.
Commentary: Hopefully this will provide new insight into controlling the spread of cancers and other cellular diseases, which could enable effective medical treatments for them.
Posted: April 13, 2006
Summary:
A scientist with the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation has found a way to reverse the process of cell division.
The discovery could have important implications for the treatment of cancer, birth defects and numerous other diseases and disorders.
The findings may prove important to controlling the development and metastasis of certain cancers. It also holds promise for the prevention and treatment of birth defects and a wide variety of other conditions.
Commentary: Hopefully this will provide new insight into controlling the spread of cancers and other cellular diseases, which could enable effective medical treatments for them.
Study Says Stem Cell 'Fusion' Occurs In Tumors
Source: Oregon Health & Science University
Posted: May 9, 2006
Summary:
Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University discovered that transplanted cells derived from adult bone marrow can fuse with intestinal stem cells of both normal and diseased tissue comprising the cellular lining of intestinal walls, known as the epithelium. The findings emphasize the important role of bone marrow-derived cells in not only regeneration of damaged tissue, but also disease progression. The scientists think that cell fusion with bone marrow cells is the body's way of initiating the regeneration of epithelial tissue. They believe the findings have implications on how tissues regenerate and how, during the process of regeneration, cells may become vulnerable to future problems.
Commentary: Hopefully this will provide new insight into and enable the development of new therapeutic techniques that will improve tissue regeration and transplantation.
Posted: May 9, 2006
Summary:
Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University discovered that transplanted cells derived from adult bone marrow can fuse with intestinal stem cells of both normal and diseased tissue comprising the cellular lining of intestinal walls, known as the epithelium. The findings emphasize the important role of bone marrow-derived cells in not only regeneration of damaged tissue, but also disease progression. The scientists think that cell fusion with bone marrow cells is the body's way of initiating the regeneration of epithelial tissue. They believe the findings have implications on how tissues regenerate and how, during the process of regeneration, cells may become vulnerable to future problems.
Commentary: Hopefully this will provide new insight into and enable the development of new therapeutic techniques that will improve tissue regeration and transplantation.
Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. Announces Issuance of Second US Patent
Source: Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp.
Posted: May 11, 2006 8:30 am ET
Summary:
Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. announced the issuance of its second U.S. patent entitled "Production of Radial Glial Cells", which protects novel methods of producing radial glial cells in the brain. The production of radial glial cells in the brain of a patient suffering from a central nervous system (CNS) disease has the potential to be a fundamental technology in the field, key to the successful development of neural stem cell based approaches for the treatment of many CNS diseases. CNS diseases possibly affected by successful implementation of this technology include stroke, acute brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease.
Commentary: Hopefully this patent will provide new guidelines, strategies and ideas to scientists and biotechnology firms about how to transform stem cells into effective treatments for human diseases.
Posted: May 11, 2006 8:30 am ET
Summary:
Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. announced the issuance of its second U.S. patent entitled "Production of Radial Glial Cells", which protects novel methods of producing radial glial cells in the brain. The production of radial glial cells in the brain of a patient suffering from a central nervous system (CNS) disease has the potential to be a fundamental technology in the field, key to the successful development of neural stem cell based approaches for the treatment of many CNS diseases. CNS diseases possibly affected by successful implementation of this technology include stroke, acute brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease.
Commentary: Hopefully this patent will provide new guidelines, strategies and ideas to scientists and biotechnology firms about how to transform stem cells into effective treatments for human diseases.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Weill Cornell Team Identifies Key Mechanism And Cell Type In Growth Of New Blood Vessels
Source: Weill Medical College
Posted: May 10, 2006
Summary:
New research shows that a novel secreted protein called stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) helps build new blood vessels by encouraging the migration of cells from the marrow to tissues in need of new vasculature. The discovery may allow scientists to move closer to treatments for vascular diseases afflicting patients with diabetes or atherosclerosis, and other patients threatened by dangerously poor circulation. The finding may also impact cancer research.
Commentary: Hopefully this protein can be transformed into effective clincal therapies for humans with heart disease, cancer and other circulatory disorders.
Posted: May 10, 2006
Summary:
New research shows that a novel secreted protein called stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) helps build new blood vessels by encouraging the migration of cells from the marrow to tissues in need of new vasculature. The discovery may allow scientists to move closer to treatments for vascular diseases afflicting patients with diabetes or atherosclerosis, and other patients threatened by dangerously poor circulation. The finding may also impact cancer research.
Commentary: Hopefully this protein can be transformed into effective clincal therapies for humans with heart disease, cancer and other circulatory disorders.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
White Blood Cells From Cancer-resistant Mice Cure Cancers In Ordinary Mice
Source: Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center
Posted: May 9, 2006
Summary:
Wake Forest University School of Medicine researchers announced that white blood cells from a strain of cancer-resistant mice cured advanced cancers in ordinary laboratory.
The transplanted white blood cells not only killed existing cancers, but also protected normal mice from what should have been lethal doses of highly aggressive new cancers.
This marks the first time that an unusually aggressive cancer was treat successfully with white blood cells.
Preliminary studies show that the white blood cells also kill "endogenous" cancers -- cancers that spring up naturally in the body's own cells.
Commentary: This research provides a basis for studying and hopefully using cell tranplantation to cure cancer in humans in the future.
Posted: May 9, 2006
Summary:
Wake Forest University School of Medicine researchers announced that white blood cells from a strain of cancer-resistant mice cured advanced cancers in ordinary laboratory.
The transplanted white blood cells not only killed existing cancers, but also protected normal mice from what should have been lethal doses of highly aggressive new cancers.
This marks the first time that an unusually aggressive cancer was treat successfully with white blood cells.
Preliminary studies show that the white blood cells also kill "endogenous" cancers -- cancers that spring up naturally in the body's own cells.
Commentary: This research provides a basis for studying and hopefully using cell tranplantation to cure cancer in humans in the future.
Newly Discovered Dendritic Cells Generate Crucial Cells Of The Immune System
Source: Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
Posted: May 9, 2006
Summary:
A new type of cell that generates crucial cells of the immune system has been discovered at The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute. With this new finding will enable medical researchers to begin to consider the development of customized immune therapies using this new cell to target specific infections such as HIV, malaria and influenza; certain cancers; and even autoimmune diseases.
Commentary: Hopefully this discovery will eventually lead to the development of treatments for cellular diseases using dendritic cell applications.
Posted: May 9, 2006
Summary:
A new type of cell that generates crucial cells of the immune system has been discovered at The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute. With this new finding will enable medical researchers to begin to consider the development of customized immune therapies using this new cell to target specific infections such as HIV, malaria and influenza; certain cancers; and even autoimmune diseases.
Commentary: Hopefully this discovery will eventually lead to the development of treatments for cellular diseases using dendritic cell applications.
Monday, May 08, 2006
New Insulin-production Method Holds Promise For Diabetics, Impacts Other Fields
Source: University of Houston
Posted: May 8, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism for the formation of insulin crystals in the pancreas, the form in which insulin is stored in the pancreas before it is released in the bloodstream.
Commentary: This finding provides a new understanding of how insulin could be transplanted into or created in humans in order to treat diabetes and have an impact on scientific fields that deal with crystals, including the physiological and pathological crystallization of proteins and small molecules, which could lead to better understanding and treatment of human diseases.
Posted: May 8, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism for the formation of insulin crystals in the pancreas, the form in which insulin is stored in the pancreas before it is released in the bloodstream.
Commentary: This finding provides a new understanding of how insulin could be transplanted into or created in humans in order to treat diabetes and have an impact on scientific fields that deal with crystals, including the physiological and pathological crystallization of proteins and small molecules, which could lead to better understanding and treatment of human diseases.
BioE Stem Cell First Human Cord Blood Stem Cell to Turn into Lung Cell; University of Minnesota Researchers Differentiate MLPC into Type II Alveolar C
Source: Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance
Posted: May 8, 2006
Studies Continue to Evaluate Clinical and Therapeutic Potential of Rare Cord Blood Stem Cell to Treat Respiratory Conditions
Summary:
ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BioE(R), Inc., a biotechnology company that develps and supplies cellular tools for drug discovery and therapeutic research, announced it has derived its trademark Multi-Lineage Progenitor Cell(TM) (MLPC(TM)) from cord blood and differentiated it into lung cells responsible for making surfactant, a substance enabling respiration.
Researchers believe this is the first time human stem cells -- from any source -- have differentiated into type II alveolar cells, the type of epithelial cells that help stabilize the lung's air sacs during breathing.
The discovery is being hailed as a signficant breakthrough that could lead to treatments for a number of respiratory conditions -- such as emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis, as well as pulmonary injury.
Commentary: Hopefully this discovery will lead to positive treatment outcomes in human patients with respiratory conditions in the near future.
Posted: May 8, 2006
Studies Continue to Evaluate Clinical and Therapeutic Potential of Rare Cord Blood Stem Cell to Treat Respiratory Conditions
Summary:
ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BioE(R), Inc., a biotechnology company that develps and supplies cellular tools for drug discovery and therapeutic research, announced it has derived its trademark Multi-Lineage Progenitor Cell(TM) (MLPC(TM)) from cord blood and differentiated it into lung cells responsible for making surfactant, a substance enabling respiration.
Researchers believe this is the first time human stem cells -- from any source -- have differentiated into type II alveolar cells, the type of epithelial cells that help stabilize the lung's air sacs during breathing.
The discovery is being hailed as a signficant breakthrough that could lead to treatments for a number of respiratory conditions -- such as emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis, as well as pulmonary injury.
Commentary: Hopefully this discovery will lead to positive treatment outcomes in human patients with respiratory conditions in the near future.
BioE Stem Cell First Human Cord Blood Stem Cell to Turn into Lung Cell; University of Minnesota Researchers Differentiate MLPC into Type II Alveolar C
Source: Business Wire
Posted: May 8, 2006
Summary:
BioE(R), Inc., a biotechnology company that develps and supplies cellular tools for drug discovery and therapeutic research, announced it has derived its trademark Multi-Lineage Progenitor Cell(TM) (MLPC(TM)) from cord blood and differentiated it into lung cells responsible for making surfactant, a substance enabling respiration.
Researchers believe this is the first time human stem cells -- from any source -- have differentiated into type II alveolar cells, the type of epithelial cells that help stabilize the lung's air sacs during breathing.
The discovery is being hailed as a signficant breakthrough that could lead to treatments for a number of respiratory conditions -- such as emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis, as well as pulmonary injury.
Commentary: Hopefully this discovery will lead to positive treatment outcomes in human patients with respiratory conditions in the near future.
Posted: May 8, 2006
Summary:
BioE(R), Inc., a biotechnology company that develps and supplies cellular tools for drug discovery and therapeutic research, announced it has derived its trademark Multi-Lineage Progenitor Cell(TM) (MLPC(TM)) from cord blood and differentiated it into lung cells responsible for making surfactant, a substance enabling respiration.
Researchers believe this is the first time human stem cells -- from any source -- have differentiated into type II alveolar cells, the type of epithelial cells that help stabilize the lung's air sacs during breathing.
The discovery is being hailed as a signficant breakthrough that could lead to treatments for a number of respiratory conditions -- such as emphysema and pulmonary fibrosis, as well as pulmonary injury.
Commentary: Hopefully this discovery will lead to positive treatment outcomes in human patients with respiratory conditions in the near future.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Michigan Team Singles Out Cancer Stem Cells For Attack
Source: University Of Michigan Life Sciences Institute
Posted: May 6, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have discovered a way to distinguish cancer stem cells from normal stem cells that they closely resemble, and to kill the cancer stem cells without harming the normal stem cells in the same tissue.
The finding shows that it is possible to identify differences in the mechanisms that maintain normal stem cells and cancer stem cells, and to use the differences to develop therapies that kill cancer stem cells without harming normal stem cells in the same tissue.
Commentary: This finding could provide physicians with new strategies to treat cancer in patients while reducing or eliminating the debilitating side effects of radiation treatment.
Posted: May 6, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have discovered a way to distinguish cancer stem cells from normal stem cells that they closely resemble, and to kill the cancer stem cells without harming the normal stem cells in the same tissue.
The finding shows that it is possible to identify differences in the mechanisms that maintain normal stem cells and cancer stem cells, and to use the differences to develop therapies that kill cancer stem cells without harming normal stem cells in the same tissue.
Commentary: This finding could provide physicians with new strategies to treat cancer in patients while reducing or eliminating the debilitating side effects of radiation treatment.
UCSF resumes human embryo stem cell work: Scientists hope to generate lines by cloning donated eggs
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Posted: May 6, 2006
Summary:
Scientists at UCSF are trying to produce cloned human embryonic stem cells using controversial methods. The ultimate goal of the experiment is to study how deseases develop and make stem cell lines that are genetic matches to patients in order to prevent immune system rejection and effectively treat the disease.
Commentary: Hopefully this experiment will yield successful results in creating patient-matched stem cells. It will be important for this experiment to be replicated by many other scientists at the same time and strictly peer-reviewed so scientists can share compare results in order determine the validity of the experiment and prevent the research fraud that occured in South Korea. For more information about this topic, see earler posts "Lax Oversight Blamed for Stem Cell Hoax - Newspaper: Lax Oversight at University of Pittsburgh Enabled Involvement in Stem-Cell Hoax" (ABC News via Associated Press) and "Editorial: Stem-cell policy has long reach" (Mongomery Advertiser 1/7/06).
Posted: May 6, 2006
Summary:
Scientists at UCSF are trying to produce cloned human embryonic stem cells using controversial methods. The ultimate goal of the experiment is to study how deseases develop and make stem cell lines that are genetic matches to patients in order to prevent immune system rejection and effectively treat the disease.
Commentary: Hopefully this experiment will yield successful results in creating patient-matched stem cells. It will be important for this experiment to be replicated by many other scientists at the same time and strictly peer-reviewed so scientists can share compare results in order determine the validity of the experiment and prevent the research fraud that occured in South Korea. For more information about this topic, see earler posts "Lax Oversight Blamed for Stem Cell Hoax - Newspaper: Lax Oversight at University of Pittsburgh Enabled Involvement in Stem-Cell Hoax" (ABC News via Associated Press) and "Editorial: Stem-cell policy has long reach" (Mongomery Advertiser 1/7/06).
Friday, May 05, 2006
Buck researchers find Alzheimer's 'switch'
Source: Marin Independent Journal
Posted: April 25, 2006
Summary:
Researchers believe they have discovered a biochemical switch that might some day be used to prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease. They have discovered that preventing a cut at specific amino acids in a protein at the points of connection between neurons seems to prevent Alzheimer's symptoms from developing.
Commentary: Hopefully this discovery will provide scientists with new insight into the pevention of other age-related degenerative disorders also.
Posted: April 25, 2006
Summary:
Researchers believe they have discovered a biochemical switch that might some day be used to prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease. They have discovered that preventing a cut at specific amino acids in a protein at the points of connection between neurons seems to prevent Alzheimer's symptoms from developing.
Commentary: Hopefully this discovery will provide scientists with new insight into the pevention of other age-related degenerative disorders also.
Study provides first look at the 'birth' of a retina cell
Source: University of Michigan Health System
Posted: May 6, 2006
Summary:
ANN ARBOR, MI – Scientists at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center have gained new insight into how an embryonic retina cell develops and then commits itself to a specific role. They have observed a small window of opportunity during which a cell has been designated to play a particular role, but has not yet begun to function as such.
The discovery provides a new understanding of how a healthy visual system develops. It also raises the possibility of re-directing the production of cell types as needed to stave off eye disease. It has enabled researchers to see the development of retinal cells for the first time.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will lead to new applications of stem cells to treat human eye diseases.
Posted: May 6, 2006
Summary:
ANN ARBOR, MI – Scientists at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center have gained new insight into how an embryonic retina cell develops and then commits itself to a specific role. They have observed a small window of opportunity during which a cell has been designated to play a particular role, but has not yet begun to function as such.
The discovery provides a new understanding of how a healthy visual system develops. It also raises the possibility of re-directing the production of cell types as needed to stave off eye disease. It has enabled researchers to see the development of retinal cells for the first time.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will lead to new applications of stem cells to treat human eye diseases.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
More Stem Cells Are Better - Expanding Hematopoietic Stem Cells With HOXB4
Source: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and PloS Medicine
Posted: May 4, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have developed a way to expand hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs )the cells that can give rise to all blood and most immune cell types in the laboratory prior to transplantation. The expression of a gene can instruct stem cells to divide and make more stem cells. When the researchers tested those expanded cell populations in monkeys that had received a lethal dose of radiation, they found that they were better at reconstituting the monkeys' immune and blood systems.
Scientists believe that such "clean expansion" of HSCs holds great potential for application in human transplant recipients.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will lead to improved treatments and outcomes for Leukemia and cancer patients
Posted: May 4, 2006
Summary:
Scientists have developed a way to expand hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs )the cells that can give rise to all blood and most immune cell types in the laboratory prior to transplantation. The expression of a gene can instruct stem cells to divide and make more stem cells. When the researchers tested those expanded cell populations in monkeys that had received a lethal dose of radiation, they found that they were better at reconstituting the monkeys' immune and blood systems.
Scientists believe that such "clean expansion" of HSCs holds great potential for application in human transplant recipients.
Commentary: Hopefully this finding will lead to improved treatments and outcomes for Leukemia and cancer patients
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
A Brief Timeline of the Stem-Cell Debate
Here is an interesting timeline by NPR about this history of the debate over embryonic stem cell research in the United States. I started following this debate in Mid-1998.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Scientists to study limb regrowth
Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Posted: May 3, 2006
Summary:
The U.S. military has given $3.7 million to help University of Pittsburgh scientists in their efforts to regrow human limbs.
The research already under way at Pitt's McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine one day could benefit soldiers who underwent single or multiple amputations.
Commentary: Hopefully this will lead to new breakthroughs in regenerative medicine that help improve the lives of people with debilitating amputations and other injuries.
Posted: May 3, 2006
Summary:
The U.S. military has given $3.7 million to help University of Pittsburgh scientists in their efforts to regrow human limbs.
The research already under way at Pitt's McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine one day could benefit soldiers who underwent single or multiple amputations.
Commentary: Hopefully this will lead to new breakthroughs in regenerative medicine that help improve the lives of people with debilitating amputations and other injuries.
Tohoku University Verifies That Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Can Generate Neural Cell Species (cerebral palsy)
Source: Japan Corporate News
Posted: May 2, 2006
Summary:
Tohoku University's Biomedical Engineering Research Organization (TUBERO), in collaboration with the University of Cambridge and Cardiff University, has verified that neural cell species can be derived from mouse embryonic stem cells.
Posted: May 2, 2006
Summary:
Tohoku University's Biomedical Engineering Research Organization (TUBERO), in collaboration with the University of Cambridge and Cardiff University, has verified that neural cell species can be derived from mouse embryonic stem cells.
Protein's Potential As A Regulator Of Brain Activity Discovered
Source: University of California - Irvine
Posted: May 2, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have found that a protein best known for building connections between nerve cells and muscle also plays a role in controlling brain cell activity. The discovery could lead therapeutic applications in the development of new drugs for treatment of epilepsy and neurodegenerative disorders.
Commentary: Hopefully this discovery will provide scientists with new insight into how to improve brain function and treat neurological disorders, diseases and conditions.
Posted: May 2, 2006
Summary:
Researchers have found that a protein best known for building connections between nerve cells and muscle also plays a role in controlling brain cell activity. The discovery could lead therapeutic applications in the development of new drugs for treatment of epilepsy and neurodegenerative disorders.
Commentary: Hopefully this discovery will provide scientists with new insight into how to improve brain function and treat neurological disorders, diseases and conditions.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Cutting-Edge Research on Repair of Spinal Cord Injuries Presented in Journal of Neurotrauma
Source: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
Posted: May 1, 2006
Advances in research to develop and refine novel techniques for repairing injured spinal cords have yielded promising strategies for regenerating damaged neural tissue, inhibiting scar tissue formation, repairing underlying molecular defects, and restoring function.
Commentary: Hopefully these advances will accelerate the development of stem cell treatments for spinal cord injuries.
Posted: May 1, 2006
Advances in research to develop and refine novel techniques for repairing injured spinal cords have yielded promising strategies for regenerating damaged neural tissue, inhibiting scar tissue formation, repairing underlying molecular defects, and restoring function.
Commentary: Hopefully these advances will accelerate the development of stem cell treatments for spinal cord injuries.
New Findings Support Promise of Using Stem Cells to Treat Neurodegenerative Diseases
Source: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
Posted: Monday May 1, 2006 10:47 am ET
A new study suggests that human stem cells derived from bone marrow are predisposed to develop into a variety of nerve cell types, supporting the promise of developing stem cell-based therapies to treat neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers conclude that these bone marrow-dervide stem cells are predisposed to differentiate into neuronal cells under the proper conditions. When transplanted into the central nervous system, they will develop into a variety of functional neural cell types, making them a potent resource for cell-based therapy.
Commentary: This finding seems to provide new insights into cell differentiation and creation of nerve cells to treat neurological diseases and conditions.
Posted: Monday May 1, 2006 10:47 am ET
A new study suggests that human stem cells derived from bone marrow are predisposed to develop into a variety of nerve cell types, supporting the promise of developing stem cell-based therapies to treat neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers conclude that these bone marrow-dervide stem cells are predisposed to differentiate into neuronal cells under the proper conditions. When transplanted into the central nervous system, they will develop into a variety of functional neural cell types, making them a potent resource for cell-based therapy.
Commentary: This finding seems to provide new insights into cell differentiation and creation of nerve cells to treat neurological diseases and conditions.
Stem Cells Might Treat Genetic Kidney Disease: Therapy reverses Alport syndrome in mice, researchers report
Source: HealthDay News
Posted: April 28, 2006
Scientists announced they have bone marrow stem cells to reverse genetic kidney disease in mice.
The team said the stem cells were able to regenerate damaged renal cells in a mouse model of Alport syndrome, the second most common genetic cause of kidney failure in humans.
The study offers the first example of how stem cells may prove useful in repairing defects and restoring organ function and also provides a potential new strategy for treating Alport syndrome.
Commentary: Hopefully this study can be translated into effective stem cell-based treatments for human kidney diseases and ailments.
Posted: April 28, 2006
Scientists announced they have bone marrow stem cells to reverse genetic kidney disease in mice.
The team said the stem cells were able to regenerate damaged renal cells in a mouse model of Alport syndrome, the second most common genetic cause of kidney failure in humans.
The study offers the first example of how stem cells may prove useful in repairing defects and restoring organ function and also provides a potential new strategy for treating Alport syndrome.
Commentary: Hopefully this study can be translated into effective stem cell-based treatments for human kidney diseases and ailments.
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