Source: Cell Transplantation
Date: December 28, 2007
Summary:
Since the year 2000, much has been learned about the potential for using transplanted cells in therapeutic efforts to treat varieties of cardiac disorders. Cardiac stem cell therapy involves delivering a variety of cells into hearts following myocardial infarction or chronic cardiomyopathy. A brief overview of current research and research goals is presented, followed by a summary of results of studies aimed at improving implanted cell survival and the repair process, as well as several techniques aimed at improving efficacy.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Two Genes Are Important Key to Regulating Immune Response
Source: Weill Cornell Medical College
Date: December 28, 2007
Summary:
A research team at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City has identified two genes that may be crucial to the production of an immune system cytokine called interleukin-10 (IL-10). The discovery fills in an important "missing link" in a biochemical pathway that's long been tied to disorders ranging from lupus and Type 1 diabetes, to cancer and AIDS.
Date: December 28, 2007
Summary:
A research team at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City has identified two genes that may be crucial to the production of an immune system cytokine called interleukin-10 (IL-10). The discovery fills in an important "missing link" in a biochemical pathway that's long been tied to disorders ranging from lupus and Type 1 diabetes, to cancer and AIDS.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Researchers get embryonic stem cells from skin
Source: Reuters
Posted: December 23, 2007 3:17pm ET
Summary:
Reuters reports researchers have turned a skin cell into a cell with properties similar to embryonic stem cells:
"A third team of researchers has found a way to convert an ordinary skin cell into valued embryonic-like stem cells, with the potential to grow batches of cells that can be directed to form any kind of tissue. Their study, published on Sunday in the journal Nature, shows the approach is not a rare fluke but in fact something that might make its way into everyday use. Scientists hope they are starting an age of regenerative medicine, in which people can get tailor-made treatments for injuries, diseases such as Parkinson's and diabetes, and in which scientists can study disease far better than before."
Posted: December 23, 2007 3:17pm ET
Summary:
Reuters reports researchers have turned a skin cell into a cell with properties similar to embryonic stem cells:
"A third team of researchers has found a way to convert an ordinary skin cell into valued embryonic-like stem cells, with the potential to grow batches of cells that can be directed to form any kind of tissue. Their study, published on Sunday in the journal Nature, shows the approach is not a rare fluke but in fact something that might make its way into everyday use. Scientists hope they are starting an age of regenerative medicine, in which people can get tailor-made treatments for injuries, diseases such as Parkinson's and diabetes, and in which scientists can study disease far better than before."
Researchers achieve another stem cell milestone: Revert human skin cells to embryonic stem cell-like state
Source: Harvard University
Date: December 23, 2007
Summary:
Harvard Stem Cell Institute researchers have successfully turned back the clock on human skin cells, causing them to revert to an embryonic stem cell-like state from which they can become any cell in the body. The work, published online Sunday by the journal Nature, is an independent report similar to the stem cell breakthrough announced in November simultaneously by scientists in Japan and at the University of Wisconsin. That work, too, induced skin cells to revert to cells very similar to embryonic stem cells, called “induced pluripotent stem cells” (iPS)
Date: December 23, 2007
Summary:
Harvard Stem Cell Institute researchers have successfully turned back the clock on human skin cells, causing them to revert to an embryonic stem cell-like state from which they can become any cell in the body. The work, published online Sunday by the journal Nature, is an independent report similar to the stem cell breakthrough announced in November simultaneously by scientists in Japan and at the University of Wisconsin. That work, too, induced skin cells to revert to cells very similar to embryonic stem cells, called “induced pluripotent stem cells” (iPS)
US Team Expands On Japanese Stem Cell Breakthrough
Source: Agence France Presse (AFP)
Posted: December 23, 2007 10:29 AM PST
Summary:
Agence France Presse (AFP) reports researchers have derived stem cells with traits of embryonic stem cells from fetal lung and skin cells:
"Reporting on Sunday in Nature, a team led by George Daley of the Children's Hospital, in Boston, Massachusetts, say they have been able to use the same four genes to derive iPS from foetal lung and skin cells, from neo-natal skin cells as well as from skin samples taken from a healthy human volunteer. The research is important as it marks a step forward to "patient-specific" stem cells — in other words, transplanted stem cells that carry the same genetic code as the patient and thus cannot be rejected as alien by the body's immune system, they say."
Posted: December 23, 2007 10:29 AM PST
Summary:
Agence France Presse (AFP) reports researchers have derived stem cells with traits of embryonic stem cells from fetal lung and skin cells:
"Reporting on Sunday in Nature, a team led by George Daley of the Children's Hospital, in Boston, Massachusetts, say they have been able to use the same four genes to derive iPS from foetal lung and skin cells, from neo-natal skin cells as well as from skin samples taken from a healthy human volunteer. The research is important as it marks a step forward to "patient-specific" stem cells — in other words, transplanted stem cells that carry the same genetic code as the patient and thus cannot be rejected as alien by the body's immune system, they say."
Friday, December 21, 2007
Cancer Stem Cells: Know Thine Enemy - Cancer Stem Cells May Be at the Root of Brain Tumors
Source: Weill Cornell Medical College
Date: December 21, 2007
Summary:
Stem cells -- popularly known as a source of biological rejuvenation -- may play harmful roles in the body, specifically in the growth and spread of cancer. Amongst the wildly dividing cells of a tumor, scientists have located cancer stem cells. Physician-scientists from Weill Cornell Medical College are studying these cells with hopes of combating malignant cancers in the brain.
Date: December 21, 2007
Summary:
Stem cells -- popularly known as a source of biological rejuvenation -- may play harmful roles in the body, specifically in the growth and spread of cancer. Amongst the wildly dividing cells of a tumor, scientists have located cancer stem cells. Physician-scientists from Weill Cornell Medical College are studying these cells with hopes of combating malignant cancers in the brain.
Scientists Weigh Stem Cells’ Role as Cancer Cause
Source: New York Times
Date: December 21, 2007
Summary;
The New York Times reports researchers are testing whether cancer stem cells encourage and maintain the growth of cancer:
"Within the next few months, researchers at three medical centers expect to start the first test in patients of one of the most promising — and contentious — ideas about the cause and treatment of cancer. The idea is to take aim at what some scientists say are cancerous stem cells — aberrant cells that maintain and propagate malignant tumors."
However, other scientists believe using new drugs to treat cancer by killing cancerous stem cells could be a more effective strategy:
"At stake in the debate is the direction of cancer research. If proponents of the stem-cell hypothesis are correct, it will usher in an era of hope for curing once-incurable cancers. If the critics are right, the stem-cell enthusiasts are heading down a blind alley that will serve as just another cautionary tale in the history of medical research. In the meantime, though, proponents are looking for ways to kill the stem cells, and say that certain new drugs may be the solution."
Date: December 21, 2007
Summary;
The New York Times reports researchers are testing whether cancer stem cells encourage and maintain the growth of cancer:
"Within the next few months, researchers at three medical centers expect to start the first test in patients of one of the most promising — and contentious — ideas about the cause and treatment of cancer. The idea is to take aim at what some scientists say are cancerous stem cells — aberrant cells that maintain and propagate malignant tumors."
However, other scientists believe using new drugs to treat cancer by killing cancerous stem cells could be a more effective strategy:
"At stake in the debate is the direction of cancer research. If proponents of the stem-cell hypothesis are correct, it will usher in an era of hope for curing once-incurable cancers. If the critics are right, the stem-cell enthusiasts are heading down a blind alley that will serve as just another cautionary tale in the history of medical research. In the meantime, though, proponents are looking for ways to kill the stem cells, and say that certain new drugs may be the solution."
Thursday, December 20, 2007
New stem cell therapy said to be universal
Source: San Diego Union-Tribune
Date: December 20, 2007
Summary:
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports International Stem Cell Corporation has created embryonic stem cell lines that are a genetic match to patients, potentially eliminating risks of immune system rejection:
"In a step toward one-size-fits-all stem cell therapies, an Oceanside biotechnology company said yesterday that it has developed cell lines that could potentially be used by many different people and races without fear of transplant rejection. Scientists at International Stem Cell Corp. said the four embryonic stem cell lines have a simple genetic profile in critical areas of DNA that code for immune system rejection, making them easy to “immune match” with large numbers of patients."
Date: December 20, 2007
Summary:
The San Diego Union-Tribune reports International Stem Cell Corporation has created embryonic stem cell lines that are a genetic match to patients, potentially eliminating risks of immune system rejection:
"In a step toward one-size-fits-all stem cell therapies, an Oceanside biotechnology company said yesterday that it has developed cell lines that could potentially be used by many different people and races without fear of transplant rejection. Scientists at International Stem Cell Corp. said the four embryonic stem cell lines have a simple genetic profile in critical areas of DNA that code for immune system rejection, making them easy to “immune match” with large numbers of patients."
UC Irvine scientists find new way to sort stem cells
Source: University of California - Irvine
Date: December 20, 2007
Summary:
UC Irvine scientists have found a new way to sort stem cells that should be quicker, easier and more cost-effective than current methods. The technique could in the future expedite therapies for people with conditions ranging from brain and spinal cord damage to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The method uses electrodes on a tiny, inch-long glass slide to sort cells by their electric charges and has been used in cancer research. The stem cell field suffers from a lack of tools for identifying and sorting cells. This important discovery could add a new tool to current sorting methods, which generally require expensive, bulky equipment.
Date: December 20, 2007
Summary:
UC Irvine scientists have found a new way to sort stem cells that should be quicker, easier and more cost-effective than current methods. The technique could in the future expedite therapies for people with conditions ranging from brain and spinal cord damage to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The method uses electrodes on a tiny, inch-long glass slide to sort cells by their electric charges and has been used in cancer research. The stem cell field suffers from a lack of tools for identifying and sorting cells. This important discovery could add a new tool to current sorting methods, which generally require expensive, bulky equipment.
Human embryonic stem cell lines created that avoid immune rejection
Source: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
Date: December 20, 2007
Summary:
In a groundbreaking experiment published in Cloning & Stem Cells, scientists from International Stem Cell Corporation derived four unique embryonic stem cell lines that open the door for the creation of therapeutic cells that will not provoke an immune reaction in large segments of the population. The stem cell lines are “HLA-homozygous,” meaning that they have a simple genetic profile in the critical areas of the DNA that code for immune rejection. The lines could serve to create a stem cell bank as a renewable source of transplantable cells for use in cell therapy to replace damaged tissues or to treat genetic and degenerative diseases.
Date: December 20, 2007
Summary:
In a groundbreaking experiment published in Cloning & Stem Cells, scientists from International Stem Cell Corporation derived four unique embryonic stem cell lines that open the door for the creation of therapeutic cells that will not provoke an immune reaction in large segments of the population. The stem cell lines are “HLA-homozygous,” meaning that they have a simple genetic profile in the critical areas of the DNA that code for immune rejection. The lines could serve to create a stem cell bank as a renewable source of transplantable cells for use in cell therapy to replace damaged tissues or to treat genetic and degenerative diseases.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
International Stem Cell Corporation Creates Human Stem Cell Lines That Can Eliminate Immune Rejection by Patients
Source: International Stem Cell Corporation
Posted: December 19, 2007 12:01 PM EST
Summary:
In an official company news release, International Stem Cell Corporation, a biotechnology company in the field of stem cell research, announced it has successfully created human stem cell lines that match human beings, eliminating the risk of immune rejection in patients:
"Scientists at International Stem Cell Corporation have created unique human stem cell lines that make them easily “immune matched” to human beings and could enable the creation of a bank of stem cells that could be used, without rejection, by a majority of the different people and races of the world."
The release also explains the significance of this finding:
"Akin to the concept of finding multiple 'universal Type O blood donors', the discovery is significant because it would eliminate the need for harsh immune suppression drugs currently used for cell transplant therapy. This may open the door to cell transplant therapy for diseases such as juvenile diabetes where the use of immune suppressant drugs is harmful to the patient."
Posted: December 19, 2007 12:01 PM EST
Summary:
In an official company news release, International Stem Cell Corporation, a biotechnology company in the field of stem cell research, announced it has successfully created human stem cell lines that match human beings, eliminating the risk of immune rejection in patients:
"Scientists at International Stem Cell Corporation have created unique human stem cell lines that make them easily “immune matched” to human beings and could enable the creation of a bank of stem cells that could be used, without rejection, by a majority of the different people and races of the world."
The release also explains the significance of this finding:
"Akin to the concept of finding multiple 'universal Type O blood donors', the discovery is significant because it would eliminate the need for harsh immune suppression drugs currently used for cell transplant therapy. This may open the door to cell transplant therapy for diseases such as juvenile diabetes where the use of immune suppressant drugs is harmful to the patient."
Scientists Discover How Cells Build a 'Machine' for Cell Division
Source: Columbia University
December 19, 2007
Summary:
Using time-lapse photography and computer modeling, a team of researchers from Columbia, Yale and Lehigh Universities has explained a mystery surrounding the assembly of a cellular structure responsible for cell division, the vital process which enables living creatures to develop from embryo to adult.
December 19, 2007
Summary:
Using time-lapse photography and computer modeling, a team of researchers from Columbia, Yale and Lehigh Universities has explained a mystery surrounding the assembly of a cellular structure responsible for cell division, the vital process which enables living creatures to develop from embryo to adult.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Neuralstem Enters Into Clinical Trial Research Agreement with University of Pennsylvania
Source: Neuralstem, Inc.
Posted: December 17, 2007 8:00 am ET
Summary:
Neuralstem, Inc., a biotechnology company in the field of stem cell research developing therapies to treat central nervous system diseases, disorders and injuries. announced that it has entered into a Clinical Trial Research Agreement aimed at treating patients suffering from Ischemic Spastic Paraplegia, a form of spinal cord paralysis, with the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania through its Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care.
Posted: December 17, 2007 8:00 am ET
Summary:
Neuralstem, Inc., a biotechnology company in the field of stem cell research developing therapies to treat central nervous system diseases, disorders and injuries. announced that it has entered into a Clinical Trial Research Agreement aimed at treating patients suffering from Ischemic Spastic Paraplegia, a form of spinal cord paralysis, with the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania through its Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care.
Molecular Signal That Helps Muscle Regenerate Discovered
Source: European Molecular Biology Laboratory
Date: December 17, 2007
Summary:
It does not take much to injure a muscle. Sometimes one sudden, inconsiderate movement does the job. Unfortunately, damaged muscles are not as efficient at repair as other tissues such as bone. Researchers of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory's Mouse Biology Unit [EMBL], European Molecular Biology Laboratory's Mouse Biology Unit [EMBL] have now discovered a molecular signal that helps muscle regenerate and protects it from atrophy. They report that the naturally occurring protein is a promising candidate for new strategies in treating muscle damage and wasting.
Date: December 17, 2007
Summary:
It does not take much to injure a muscle. Sometimes one sudden, inconsiderate movement does the job. Unfortunately, damaged muscles are not as efficient at repair as other tissues such as bone. Researchers of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory's Mouse Biology Unit [EMBL], European Molecular Biology Laboratory's Mouse Biology Unit [EMBL] have now discovered a molecular signal that helps muscle regenerate and protects it from atrophy. They report that the naturally occurring protein is a promising candidate for new strategies in treating muscle damage and wasting.
Scientists Identify And Repress Breast Cancer Stem Cells In Mouse Tissue
Source: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: December 17, 2007
Summary:
By manipulating highly specific gene-regulating molecules called microRNAs, scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) report that they have succeeded in singling out and repressing stem-like cells in mouse breast tissue -- cells that are widely thought to give rise to cancer.
Date: December 17, 2007
Summary:
By manipulating highly specific gene-regulating molecules called microRNAs, scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) report that they have succeeded in singling out and repressing stem-like cells in mouse breast tissue -- cells that are widely thought to give rise to cancer.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Fat used to repair breasts
Source: Associated Press
Date: December 16, 2007
Summary:
The Associated Press reports on a new procedure using fat stem cells to repair breast defects:
"For the first time, doctors have used stem cells from liposuctioned fat to fix breast defects in women who have had cancerous lumps removed. The approach, still experimental, holds promise for millions of women left with cratered areas and breasts that look very different from each other after cancer surgery. It might also be a way to augment healthy breasts without using artificial implants."
Date: December 16, 2007
Summary:
The Associated Press reports on a new procedure using fat stem cells to repair breast defects:
"For the first time, doctors have used stem cells from liposuctioned fat to fix breast defects in women who have had cancerous lumps removed. The approach, still experimental, holds promise for millions of women left with cratered areas and breasts that look very different from each other after cancer surgery. It might also be a way to augment healthy breasts without using artificial implants."
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Researchers Find Great Granddaddy of All Blood Cells
Source: HealthDay News
Date: December 13, 2007
Summary:
HealthDay News reports researchers at Stanford University have identified a cell in human bone marrow that is the source of all forms of human blood cells:
"The "great-grandparent" of all human blood cells has been identified by Stanford University researchers, who said the finding could lead to new treatments for blood cancers and other blood diseases. The researchers said this cell, the multipotent progenitor, is the initial offspring of a blood-forming stem cell in the bone marrow that's the source of all cells of the blood. It's also believed that a mutation in the cell causes acute myelogenous leukemia."
Date: December 13, 2007
Summary:
HealthDay News reports researchers at Stanford University have identified a cell in human bone marrow that is the source of all forms of human blood cells:
"The "great-grandparent" of all human blood cells has been identified by Stanford University researchers, who said the finding could lead to new treatments for blood cancers and other blood diseases. The researchers said this cell, the multipotent progenitor, is the initial offspring of a blood-forming stem cell in the bone marrow that's the source of all cells of the blood. It's also believed that a mutation in the cell causes acute myelogenous leukemia."
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Stem Cells May Treat Muscular Dystrophy
Source: WebMD
Date: December 12, 2007
Summary:
WebMD reports on findings that adult muscle cells may lead to new treatments for muscular dystrophy:
"European scientists announced today that it may be possible to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy by tweaking stem cells from patients' muscles. European scientists report that their stem cell technique improved muscle function in mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy."
Date: December 12, 2007
Summary:
WebMD reports on findings that adult muscle cells may lead to new treatments for muscular dystrophy:
"European scientists announced today that it may be possible to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy by tweaking stem cells from patients' muscles. European scientists report that their stem cell technique improved muscle function in mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy."
Scientists Overcome Major Obstacles To Stem Cell Heart Repair
Source: Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Date: December 13, 2007
Summary:
Scientists at Imperial College London have overcome two significant obstacles on the road to harnessing stem cells to build patches for damaged hearts. Presenting the research at a UK Stem Cell Initiative conference December 13 in Coventry, research leader Professor Sian Harding has explained how her group have made significant progress in maturing beating heart cells (cardiomyocytes) derived from embryonic stem cells and in developing the physical scaffolding that would be needed to hold the patch in place in the heart in any future clinical application.
Date: December 13, 2007
Summary:
Scientists at Imperial College London have overcome two significant obstacles on the road to harnessing stem cells to build patches for damaged hearts. Presenting the research at a UK Stem Cell Initiative conference December 13 in Coventry, research leader Professor Sian Harding has explained how her group have made significant progress in maturing beating heart cells (cardiomyocytes) derived from embryonic stem cells and in developing the physical scaffolding that would be needed to hold the patch in place in the heart in any future clinical application.
Stem-cell patch may fix damaged hearts
Source: Reuters
Posted: December 12, 2007 7:21pm EST
Summary:
Reuters reports researchers at Imperial College of London matured beating heart cells in a laboratory dish for up to seven months and developed a biocompatible scaffold to form the basis of a patch. The idea is to stitch or glue a patch of new tissue derived from embryonic stem cells over the damaged area of the heart to make the muscle viable again.
Posted: December 12, 2007 7:21pm EST
Summary:
Reuters reports researchers at Imperial College of London matured beating heart cells in a laboratory dish for up to seven months and developed a biocompatible scaffold to form the basis of a patch. The idea is to stitch or glue a patch of new tissue derived from embryonic stem cells over the damaged area of the heart to make the muscle viable again.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)