US funding for Lund research for project on adult stem cellsJanuary 29, 2003Adult stem cells are to be treated so that they develop characteristics of nerve cells and can produce dopamine, according to Associate Professor Jia-Yi Li at the Wallenberg Neuro Center at Lund University, who has received a grant of some SEK 2 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the American counterpart of the Swedish Research Council. In recent years only two departments in Sweden have been granted funding from NIH in the field of neurological diseases/stroke, and Jia-Yi Li is the first researcher in Sweden to receive a grant for a stem cell project. The aim of the project is to use adult stem cells as an alternative to embryonic stem cells in transplants for Parkinson's disease. The study focuses on two types of adult stem cells--from bone marrow and from the brain cavity. The project will study the ability of stem cells to form dopamine-producing nerve cells. The projects will be carried out with four phases in which stem cells from bone marrow and the brain are first isolated and purified. In the second phase these stem cells are multiplied in cell cultures. After that they are treated with growth factors, among other things, in order to be able to develop the characteristics of nerve cells. One desirable characteristic is the ability to produce and release the signal substance dopamine. In the last stage of the project these cells will be transplanted in the brains of animal models of Parkinson's disease. "The project will provide us with important knowledge and understanding of adult stem cells. Perhaps we will be able to develop a method for future use in clinical trials with Parkinson's disease," says Jia-Yi Li. Jia-Yi Li has worked since 2001 as an associate professor and post-doctoral fellow at the Section for Nerve Cell Survival at the Wallenberg Neuro Center, Lund University. The project also includes Dr. Gesine Paul, Professors Patrik Brundin and Sten Eirik Jacobsen at Lund University, and Professor Jonas Frisén at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. VetenskapsrÃ¥det (The Swedish Research Council) |
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| Related Stem Cells Current Events and Stem Cells News Articles New discovery about the formation of new brain cells The generation of new nerve cells in the brain is regulated by a peptide known as C3a, which directly affects the stem cells' maturation into nerve cells and is also important for the migration of new nerve cells through the brain tissue, reveals new research from the Sahlgrenska Academy published in the journal Stem Cells. Umbilical cord blood stem cell transplant may help lung, heart disorders Two separate studies published in the current issue of Cell Transplantation (18:8), - now freely available on-line have shown that transplanted human-derived umbilical cord blood (UCB) stem cells transplanted in an animal model had positive therapeutic effects on specific lung and heart disorders the animal models. Gene mismatch influences success of bone marrow transplants A commonly inherited gene deletion can increase the likelihood of immune complications following bone marrow transplantation, an international team of researchers reports in the November 22 advance online issue of Nature Genetics. New research shows versatility of amniotic fluid stem cells For the first time, scientists have demonstrated that stem cells found in amniotic fluid meet an important test of potential to become specialized cell types, which suggests they may be useful for treating a wider array of diseases and conditions than scientists originally thought. First reconstitution of an epidermis from human embryonic stem cells Stem cell research is making great strides. This is yet again illustrated by a study carried out by the I-STEM* Institute (I-STEM/ Inserm UEVE U861/AFM), published in the Lancet on 21 November 2009. The I-STEM team, directed by Marc Peschanski has just succeeded in recreating a whole epidermis from human embryonic stem cells. Bone Implant Offers Hope for Skull Deformities A synthetic bone matrix offers hope for babies born with craniosynostosis, a condition that causes the plates in the skull to fuse too soon. Your Own Stem Cells Can Treat Heart Disease The largest national stem cell study for heart disease showed the first evidence that transplanting a potent form of adult stem cells into the heart muscle of subjects with severe angina results in less pain and an improved ability to walk. The transplant subjects also experienced fewer deaths than those who didn't receive stem cells. Is hepatic differentiation of embryonic stem cells induced by valproic acid and cytokines? Embryonic stem (ES) cells, known for their capacity to proliferate indefinitely and differentiate into almost all types of cells including hepatocytes, have raised the hope of cellular replacement therapy for liver failure. Paradoxical protein might prevent cancer One difficulty with fighting cancer cells is that they are similar in many respects to the body's stem cells. By focusing on the differences, researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found a new way of tackling colon cancer. The study is presented in the prestigious journal Cell. U of M researchers find 2 units of umbilical cord blood reduce risk of leukemia recurrence A new study from the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota shows that patients who have acute leukemia and are transplanted with two units of umbilical cord blood (UCB) have significantly reduced risk of the disease returning. More Stem Cells Current Events and Stem Cells News Articles |
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