Scientists at the German Cancer Research Center discovered that brain stem cells in the subventricular zone are characterized by Protein Tlx, which stimulates gene activity. When Tlx is increased, tissue stem cells turn into cancer stem cells, leading to glioblastoma formation.
Researchers have pinpointed a key molecular player to control mesenchymal stem cell development, which could lead to new therapies for bone and cartilage diseases. The study found that activating the Notch pathway can delay the development of these cells, potentially making them more useful for treating conditions like osteoporosis.
Researchers at University of California - Berkeley found an insulin-like signal necessary to keep stem cells alive in the adult brain. Blocking apoptosis genes alone is not enough, as neural stem cells also require an insulin-type signal to persist. The study suggests that manipulating the insulin pathway may be essential for re-growin...
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a new growth factor that stimulates the expansion and regeneration of hematopoietic stem cells. The growth factor, pleiotrophin, has been shown to increase the numbers of human cord blood stem cells in culture capable of engraftment in immune-deficient mice.
Researchers found that human and mouse embryonic stem cells have distinct responses to growth factors, rendering animal models less reliable for preliminary tests. Human ES cells will remain essential for stem cell research due to their superior performance in tissue differentiation.
Researchers discovered endothelial cells can grow copious amounts of adult stem cells and their progeny over weeks, revolutionizing organ regeneration and cancer cell growth inhibition. This vascular-cell model could manufacture unlimited blood-related stem cells for transplantation.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine report that hematopoietic stem cell subtypes exist and act as previously thought, contradicting the idea of a single stem cell giving rise to all types of blood cells. The study reveals distinct populations of stem cells over time, with implications for treatment.
US government's lifting of restrictions on federally-funded stem cell research has helped scientists focus on science, but limitations remain. George Daley will discuss the current climate and potential of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) in treating devastating diseases.
Researchers have developed a new tool to understand how cancers grow and identify novel cancer drugs. By analyzing human prostate tissue and engineering specific genetic changes, scientists can create cancer cells from stem cells, providing precise targets for treatment.
Researchers are developing non-controversial alternatives to human embryonic stem cells by transforming adult skin cells into stem cells using a molecular toolkit. Chemists aim to identify drug-like substances that can reprogram mature cells into stem cells, bypassing the need for gene therapies.
A software program created by Andrew Cohen analyzes time-lapse images to identify changes in cell behaviors, predicting the types of specialized cells a stem cell will produce. The software is 87% accurate in determining specific 'offspring' a stem cell will ultimately produce, and 99% accurate in predicting when self-renewal will end ...
A new study finds that induced pluripotent stem cells differentiate less efficiently and faithfully than embryonic stem cells, which are considered the 'gold standard' for all pluripotent stem cells. Despite their limitations, induced stem cells can still be used for certain applications, such as testing potential new drugs.
Materials scientists at the University of Washington have developed a three-dimensional scaffold made from natural materials that mimic the binding sites for stem cells. Human embryonic stem cells grow and multiply readily on this structure, offering a clean and biodegradable alternative to traditional feeder layers.
The University of California, Riverside's new Stem Cell Core Facility will enable faster breakthroughs in stem cell research, targeting diseases such as osteoporosis and diabetes. The facility is equipped with the first-in-country Nikon BioStation CT technology, expected to provide valuable data for attacking degenerative diseases.
Researchers propose a model of adult stem cell regulation that explains how coexistence of quiescent and active stem cell populations supports tissue renewal and regeneration. The new model suggests separate functional roles for both sub-populations, which may also contribute to cancer drug resistance.
A study published in PNAS found that delivering stem cells on a polymer scaffold to treat large areas of missing bone leads to improved bone formation. However, the therapeutic effect is limited by the migration of stem cells away from the injury site, highlighting the need for improved delivery methods.
Scientists from University of Wisconsin-Madison present a new model of stem cell regulation in Caenorhabditis elegans, balancing stem cell maintenance and differentiation. The regulatory network defines two states - stem cell state and differentiated state - and regulates their balance.
A U-M study reveals that a specific receptor, CXCR1, triggers growth of breast cancer stem cells in response to inflammation and tissue damage. Researchers found that blocking this receptor using an existing anti-inflammatory drug repertaxin kills breast cancer stem cells and prevents metastasis in mice.
Researchers at the Broad Stem Cell Research Center found that tissue-specific genes are indeed marked by transcription factors, potentially crucial for stem cell function. The study suggests that faithful marking of these genes may be essential for pluripotency and efficient differentiation of stem cells.
Researchers at the North East England Stem Cell Institute have developed a successful stem cell therapy to treat Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD), a painful and blinding disease. The treatment, which uses patients' own stem cells without immunosuppression, shows promise for restoring sight in hundreds of people.
Scientists have discovered a new type of stem cell in the skin that acts like embryonic stem cells, generating various cell types and aiding in hair growth and wound healing. The dermal stem cells may hold the key to treating baldness and other neurological disorders.
Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that compounds derived from turmeric and pepper can decrease stem cells while having no effect on normal differentiated cells. This suggests a potential role for curcumin and piperine in preventing breast cancer by targeting stem cells.
Researchers found that stem cells from flies lacking SOCS protein had more integrin, allowing them to stick to the niche better than neighboring germline stem cells. This model can be applied to other stem cell niches such as cancer, where cancer stem cells become a danger when they become sticky.
A new study suggests that adult stem cells can differentiate into heart cells to repair damage, offering a promising new treatment for heart attack patients. The Phase I trial showed significant improvements in heart function and reduced arrhythmias after administration of the stem cells.
Researchers at I-STEM Institute have made significant breakthrough in stem cell research by recreating a whole epidermis from human embryonic stem cells. The goal is to provide an unlimited resource of cells as an alternative treatment for victims of third-degree burns and patients with genetic diseases affecting the skin.
Researchers have detected distinct molecular disparities between induced pluripotent stem cells and their parental cells, including differences in epigenetic signatures. These findings provide new insights into the fundamental nature of stem cells and may inform therapeutic applications.
Adult stem cells from bone marrow have shown promise in preventing and treating acute lung injury by repairing damaged endothelial cells. Researchers found that these progenitor stem cells, named Flk-1 and CD34, can repair lung damage and improve survival when administered to mice with ALI.
Scripps Research scientists have made a breakthrough in creating stem cells from adult human tissue using three small drug-like chemicals. The new technique is 200 times more efficient and twice as fast than conventional methods, solving two major challenges in the development of stem-cell-based medicine.
A study published in Stem Cells reveals human stem cells can immunize against colon cancer by tricking the immune system. The discovery builds upon a century-old theory and opens up new possibilities for cancer vaccine research.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have successfully reprogrammed umbilical cord blood cells to function like embryonic stem cells, creating a potential source for patient-specific stem cells. The new method reduces the need for expensive and time-consuming genetic modifications, making it a safer alternative for clinical applications.
The Canadian Stem Cell Foundation has released a charter that unifies supporters of stem cell research, outlining five principles for advancing the field. The charter aims to promote responsible science, protect citizens, and empower the public to speak out on behalf of stem cell research.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have identified a population of cancer stem cells in the liver prior to tumor formation. These malignant stem cells have been found to be resistant to chemotherapy and are thought to play a key role in driving liver cancer formation. The study suggests that targeting these cells could poten...
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found a new type of adult stem cell, CARNs, in the prostate that can give rise to cancer if tumor suppressor genes are inactivated. The discovery resolves controversy over the origin of prostate cancer cells and may help develop better treatments.
Researchers have successfully modified a human embryonic stem cell line to glow red when it becomes a red blood cell, representing a significant step towards generating mature red blood cells from human stem cells. This breakthrough could aid in tracking the differentiation of embryonic stem cells into specific cell types.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have identified a critical protein called Nanog that plays a pivotal role in creating pluripotent cells. By understanding how Nanog influences other molecules, scientists hope to develop more efficient and safe methods for harnessing stem cells for medical applications.
Researchers discovered a first compound that targets cancer stem cells directly, reducing breast cancer stem cells by over 100-fold. Salinomycin slows tumor growth and seed tumors in mice, highlighting a new avenue for cancer therapy development.
Researchers have successfully created various types of mature white blood cells from embryonic and adult stem cells, opening up new possibilities for studying disease development and treatment. The technique could produce cells tailored to specific infections or tumors, making it a potential tool for safety screening of new drugs.
Researchers found that STAT3 inhibits the growth and self-renewal of glioblastoma stem cells, suggesting a promising target for cancer therapy. The study demonstrates the potential of STAT3 inhibitors to stop tumor formation and offers a new approach to treating this devastating brain cancer.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered a common molecular pathway used by breast cancer stem cells and normal breast stem cells when reproducing. Increasing the levels of miR-200c suppresses their ability to divide and reproduce.
Scientists identify key molecular players responsible for reversion of adult cells into a primordial, stem cell state. By reducing activity of Jak and STAT proteins, researchers found fewer cells to revert back to stem cells, with only 60% regaining their stem cell population.
Researchers found stem-like cancer cells that share characteristics with healthy stem cells, including unlimited lifespan and migration properties. These cells were localized in the same tissue location as bladder stem cells and showed increased activity in genes related to cell proliferation and metastasis.
Researchers at Stanford's School of Medicine identified human bladder cancer stem cells and revealed how they work to escape the body's natural defenses. The discovery may be a valuable therapeutic target for many types of cancers.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have isolated stem-like cells from benign pituitary tumors and shown they can generate new tumors in laboratory mice. The study supports the cancer stem cell hypothesis, suggesting similar mechanisms may be involved in malignant and benign tumor formation.
Researchers at UC Irvine have found that neural stem cells can rescue memory in mice with advanced Alzheimer's disease by secreting a protein called BDNF, which creates new neural connections. This study provides hope for a potential treatment for the leading cause of elderly dementia.
A gene called Chd1 has been found to be critical in maintaining the pluripotent state of embryonic stem cells. This discovery could lead to a greater understanding of how cells acquire specialized states and provide a strategy for efficiently reprogramming mature cells back into the pluripotent state.
Researchers found distinct gene expression signatures in embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, indicating they are not perfectly similar despite sharing potential to become all body tissues. The study aims to understand the biological significance of these differences and their impact on iPS cell function.
Scientists found that adult muscle stem cells can regenerate muscles after injury without the two key embryonic muscle cell genes Pax3 and Pax7. This discovery challenges current research on muscular dystrophy and regenerative medicine, suggesting that age-matched stem cells may be more effective for therapy.
A groundbreaking study reveals a new avenue for harvesting stem cells from healthy newborn placentas, which contain more stem cells than umbilical cord blood and can be safely extracted for transplantation. The discovery holds promise for curing chronic blood-related disorders such as sickle cell disease and leukemia.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a unique model to isolate and study lung cancer stem cells. The model uses patient specimens and autologous tumor microenvironments to identify markers associated with cancer stem cells, providing proof-of-concept for the existence of these cells in lung cancer.
Researchers have successfully created a line of induced pluripotent stem cells from adult pigs, providing a valuable model for studying therapeutic potential and addressing ethical concerns. The pig iPS cells closely resemble human stem cells, making them an exciting emerging field with rapid progression and multiple applications.
Researchers at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute have discovered a protein called Wnt7a that increases satellite stem cells in muscle tissue, leading to accelerated growth and repair. This breakthrough may lead to new therapeutic treatments for muscular diseases such as muscular dystrophy and sarcopenia.
Researchers have successfully created pig stem cells using somatic cells from pigs with hooves, opening doors to creating models for human genetic diseases and developing resistant pigs. The discovery has far-reaching implications for animal and human health.
Researchers at U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center found that PTEN pathway affects growth of breast cancer stem cells and discovered a 90% reduction in stem cell population with perifosine treatment. This study suggests that targeting this pathway may improve current therapies for breast cancer
Researchers discuss a combined approach to maximize the benefits of stem cell therapy while minimizing risks. Gene therapy has the potential to solve the problem of wayward stem cells wreaking havoc after transplantation by genetically modifying them prior to use.
Researchers successfully engineer MSCs to deliver cancer-killing protein TRAIL, destroying tumor cells while sparing normal cells. In mouse models, the genetically modified stem cells reduced breast and lung cancer growth by up to 80%.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem neutralized tumor growth in human embryonic stem cells by identifying and inhibiting the survivin gene. This breakthrough paves the way for further progress in stem cell therapy for diseases like diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and heart failure.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute successfully generate embryonic-like stem cells from adult cells using chemical programming, overcoming safety concerns associated with genetic manipulation. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize personalized stem cell-based medicine for various diseases.
Researchers at UBC's Biomedical Research Centre have identified S1P as a molecule that can open the thymic gate for migrating stem cells. This discovery holds promise for increasing the success of blood stem cell transplants, which are currently used to treat diseases such as leukemia and aplastic anemia.
Scientists have successfully reprogrammed blood cells into cells that mimic embryonic stem cells, opening up new avenues for research and potential treatment of diseases. The discovery provides an accessible source of stem cells, which can be used to study various diseases and develop new therapies.
A team from IRIC has successfully produced a large quantity of laboratory stem cells from a small number of blood stem cells. This breakthrough could lead to major implications in fields with no current treatment, such as transplantation and organ rejection prevention.