 |
|
USC stem cell study sheds new light on cell mechanism
May 22, 2008Research discovers method to duplicate primitive stem cells and prevent cell differentiation
Research from the University of Southern California (USC) has discovered a new mechanism to allow embryonic stem cells to divide indefinitely and remain undifferentiated. The study, which will be published in the May 22 issue of the journal Nature, also reveals how embryonic stem cell multiplication is regulated, which may be important in understanding how to control tumor cell growth.
"Our study suggests that what we believe about how embryonic stem cell self-renewal is controlled is wrong," says Qi-Long Ying, Ph.D., assistant professor of Cell and Neurobiology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, researcher at the Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, and lead author of the paper. "Our findings will likely change the research direction of many stem cell laboratories."
Contrary to the current understanding of stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, the findings suggest that embryonic stem cells will remain undifferentiated if they are shielded from differentiation signals. By applying small molecules that block the chemicals from activating the differentiation process, the natural default of the cell is to self-renew, or multiply, as generic stem cells.
"This study presents a completely new paradigm for understanding how to grow embryonic stem cells in the laboratory," says Martin Pera, Ph.D., director of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC. "The discovery has major implications for large scale production of specialized cells, such as brain, heart muscle and insulin producing cells, for future therapeutic use."
Embryonic stem cells have only been derived from a very small number of species.
"We believe the process we discovered in mice may facilitate the derivation of embryonic stem cells from species like pigs, cows or other large animals, which have not been done before," continues Ying. "If deriving embryonic stem cells from cows, for instance, is possible, then perhaps in the future cows might be able to produce milk containing medicines."
With better understanding of the multiplication process of embryonic stem cells, researchers have additional insight on tumor cell growth as these cells share similar qualities. "Our study reveals part of the little known process of how embryonic stem cells multiplication is regulated. This is important for us in understanding how to control tumor cell growth moving forward in cancer research," says Ying.
University of Southern California
Contrary to the current understanding of stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, the findings suggest that embryonic stem cells will remain undifferentiated if they are shielded from differentiation signals. By applying small molecules that block the chemicals from activating the differentiation process, the natural default of the cell is to self-renew, or multiply, as generic stem cells.
"This study presents a completely new paradigm for understanding how to grow embryonic stem cells in the laboratory," says Martin Pera, Ph.D., director of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC. "The discovery has major implications for large scale production of specialized cells, such as brain, heart muscle and insulin producing cells, for future therapeutic use."
Embryonic stem cells have only been derived from a very small number of species.
"We believe the process we discovered in mice may facilitate the derivation of embryonic stem cells from species like pigs, cows or other large animals, which have not been done before," continues Ying. "If deriving embryonic stem cells from cows, for instance, is possible, then perhaps in the future cows might be able to produce milk containing medicines."
With better understanding of the multiplication process of embryonic stem cells, researchers have additional insight on tumor cell growth as these cells share similar qualities. "Our study reveals part of the little known process of how embryonic stem cells multiplication is regulated. This is important for us in understanding how to control tumor cell growth moving forward in cancer research," says Ying.
University of Southern California
Stem Cells Current Events and Stem Cells News RSSYamanaka eliminates viral vector in stem cell reprogramming
Shinya Yamanaka MD, PhD, of Kyoto University and the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (GICD) has taken another step forward in improving the possibilities for the practical application of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell technology.
A link between mitochondria and tumor formation in stem cells
Researchers report on a previously unknown relationship between stem cell potency and the metabolic rate of their mitochondria -a cell's energy makers. Stem cells with more active mitochondria also have a greater capacity to differentiate and are more likely to form tumors.
Landmark study unlocks stem cell, DNA secrets to speed therapies
In a groundbreaking study led by an eminent molecular biologist at Florida State University, researchers have discovered that as embryonic stem cells turn into different cell types, there are dramatic corresponding changes to the order in which DNA is replicated and reorganized.
Fat injections can improve breast reconstruction -- jury's out on augmentation
Injecting fat after breast reconstruction to correct implant wrinkling or dimpling may be safe and effective to improve breast shape.
Mayo researchers explore issues related to multiple myeloma treatment
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of plasma cells that affects approximately 3 in 100,000 people each year. Although there is no cure for this disease, researchers have developed treatments that help relieve pain, control complications, and slow the progress of MM in many patients.
Reversible 3-D cell culture gel invented
Singapore's Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN), which celebrates its fifth anniversary this year, has invented a unique user-friendly gel that can liquefy on demand, with the potential to revolutionize three-dimensional (3D) cell culture for medical research.
The small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the ampulla of vater
Ampullary small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma is extremely rare and has only been documented in few case reports and retrospective study. The patients with ampullary small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma usually presented after the age of 60 years, and a male predilection was observed.
Researchers Find an Essential Gene for Forming Ears of Corn
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) professor David Jackson, Ph.D., and a team of plant geneticists have identified a gene essential in controlling development of the maize plant, commonly known in the United States as corn.
Pittsburgh researchers identify source of multipotent stem cells with broad regenerative potential
In a promising finding for the field of regenerative medicine, stem cell researchers at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC have identified a source of adult stem cells found on the walls of blood vessels with the unlimited potential to differentiate into human tissues such as bone, cartilage and muscle.
Healthy blood vessels may prevent fat growth
The cells lining blood vessels are known to be important for maintaining health, but researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine believe these cells may perform an unsuspected task - controlling the development of fat cells.
More Stem Cells Current Events and Stem Cells News Articles
 | Sex, Science, and Stem Cells by Diana DeGette In August 2001, President George W. Bush announced with fanfare that federal funds would be made available to scientists conducting research on human embryonic stem cell lines—with restrictions. Reading his words, not his lips, was Congresswoman Diana DeGette of Colorado’s First Congressional District, and what she read was this: a ban. “As a practical matter,” scientists could no longer... |
 | The Human Embryonic Stem Cell Debate: Science, Ethics, and Public Policy (Basic Bioethics) CHOICE Outstanding Academic Book for 2002 Human embryonic stem cells can divide indefinitely and have the potential to develop into many types of tissue. Research on these cells is essential to one of the most intriguing medical frontiers, regenerative medicine. It also raises a host of difficult ethical issues and has sparked great public interest and controversy. This book offers a... |
 | Stem Cell Now by Christopher Thomas Scott The essential account of the most important scientific advance—and most volatile ethical debate—of our time While many believe stem cell research holds the key to curing a wide range of ailments, others see this research as opening a Pandora’s box that will devalue human life. In Stem Cell Now, Christopher Scott—executive director of Stanford University’s Stem Cells and Society... |
 | The Stem Cell Controversy: Debating the Issues (Contemporary Issue Series) Stem cell research is headline news. Researchers are eager to move forward, state governments and private foundations are rushing to support it, and the sick and afflicted are desperate for its benefits. Yet powerful forces in our society—led by President George W. Bush—find it morally troubling and they are doing all in their powers to restrict its development beyond a very limited scale. ... |
 | Essentials of Stem Cell Biology by Robert Lanza, E. Donnall Thomas, James Thomson, Roger Pedersen, John Gearhart, Brigid Hogan, Douglas Melton, Michael West This abridged version of the bestselling reference Handbook of Stem Cells, Two-Volume Set attempts to incorporate all the essential subject matter of the original two-volume edition in a single volume. The material has been reworked in an accessible format suitable for students and general readers interested in following the latest advances in stem cells, including full color presentation... |
 | Basic Questions on Genetics, Stem Cell Research and Cloning: Are These Technologies Okay to Use? (Biobasics Series) (BioBasics Series) by Linda K. Bevington, Ray G. Bohlin, Gary P. Stewart, John F. Kilner Cutting-edge medical ethics issues are addressed by nationally recognized experts. The BioBasics Series confronts the maze of challenging questions with biblical responses and uncompromising respect for all human... |
 | The Stem Cell Divide: The Facts, the Fiction, and the Fear Driving the Greatest Scientific, Political, and Religious Debate of Our Time by Michael Bellomo There has been much recent debate about the merits, dangers, and nature of stem cell research. Some see in it the answer to every debilitating disease known to man, while others see it as a step away from human cloning. While the battle has raged, research is moving ahead, and California has already passed a measure that will give $3 billion in support to stem cell research. But as politics,... |
 | Stem Cell Century: Law and Policy for a Breakthrough Technology by Russell Korobkin The explosion of interest in stem cell research raises a raft of controversial policy questions. When should human embryos be used to create stem cells? Should cloning be outlawed? Should egg and tissue donors be paid? Should we allow scientists to patent stem cells? Is the government entitled to a portion of the revenue from stem cell technology created with public funds? How should the... |
 | Fundamentals of the Stem Cell Debate: The Scientific, Religious, Ethical, and Political Issues Few recent advances in science have generated as much excitement and controversy as human embryonic stem cells. The potential of these cells to replace diseased or damaged cells in virtually every tissue of the body heralds the advent of an extraordinary new field of medicine. Controversy arises, however, because current techniques required to harvest stem cells involve the destruction of the... |
 | Encyclopedia of Stem Cell Research What is a stem cell? We have a basic working definition, but the way we observe a stem cell function in a dish may not represent how it functions in a living organism. Only this is clear: Stem cells are the engine room of multicelluar organisms-both plants and animals. However, controversies, breakthroughs, and frustration continue to swirl in eternal storms through this rapidly moving area of... |
| © 2008 BrightSurf.com |