The Arc Institute has launched its inaugural Virtual Cell Challenge, a public competition using AI to solve one of biology's biggest challenges. Competitors will train models on gene expression data from over half a billion cells and predict changes in gene activity when individual genes are silenced.
Researchers have found that the cell nucleus acts as the pacemaker controlling yeast cell division. The 'pacemaker' controlling yeast cell division lies inside the nucleus rather than outside it, keeping the genome stable. This discovery could provide new insights into cell division and DNA replication.
Researchers mapped human cell cycle gene activity and found recently evolved transcription factors play a crucial role in regulating the process. Disabling these genes caused cells to struggle with DNA copying and division timing.
Researchers at University of Cologne have discovered a previously unknown mechanism that explains why many patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma don't respond to CAR-T cell therapy. Combining this innovative treatment with CSF1R inhibitors improves its effectiveness, according to the study published in Cancer Cell.
A research article proposes a systematic framework for engineering cell state-responsive synthetic promoters to study T cell exhaustion. The SPECIFIC framework identifies conserved transcription factor binding motifs associated with exhaustion and enables the construction of gene circuits sensing and responding to T cell dysfunction.
Researchers identified three subgroups of patients with large B-cell lymphoma who have different levels of benefit from CD19 CAR T cell therapy. The study provides new insights to guide physicians toward the best clinical pathways for patients based on tumor biology.
The ISSCR Embryo Models Working Group has released updated recommendations for the oversight and regulation of SCBEMs. The proposed guidelines aim to balance scientific progress with ethical, legal, and social considerations.
The ISSCR has launched a comprehensive online course on stem cell medicine, covering topics from basic biology to clinical applications and patient communication. The course aims to equip clinicians with the information necessary for informed, responsible patient care amid growing demand for evidence-based expert-led education.
A new computational tool, CellWalker2, integrates different forms of biological data to reveal relationships between cell types. The tool identifies precise cell types and assigns broader labels based on hierarchical relationships, enabling scientists to compare cell types across experiments and species.
A new AI model can predict protein location in human cells with high accuracy, enabling faster diagnosis of diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer. By combining protein sequence analysis with computer vision, the model can pinpoint proteins' locations at the single-cell level.
Researchers developed a human alpha cell model from immature stem cells, closely resembling pancreas-derived cells. The stem cell-derived alpha cells responded to diabetic conditions with elevated glucagon secretion and dysregulation.
Researchers have discovered a new druggable cancer target, NPM1, which is expressed on the surface of malignant AML cells. Monoclonal antibodies targeting NPM1 showed robust anti-tumor activity in multiple in vivo models of AML, with no apparent toxicity to non-cancerous blood cells and stem cells.
Researchers found basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) have an immune-excluded phenotype with minimal HLA-I expression, even in early development. A stem-like quiescent program suppressed APM genes, which could be reversed to enable BCC immunotherapy.
Researchers uncover glycolysis' instructive potential in early embryonic development, controlling cell fate decisions and end-state appearance of stem cell-based embryo models. By manipulating glucose concentration, they demonstrate glycolysis' role as an upstream regulator of signalling pathways.
Berger has made significant contributions to cancer epigenetics and tumor biology. Her work has elucidated key mechanisms of p53 regulation and immune cell epigenetics, advancing our understanding of cancer biology.
The ISSCR has elected new Vice President, Treasurer, Clerk, and Directors to lead the organization. Fiona Doetsch, Lee Rubin, and Megan Munsie bring expertise in neural stem cells, iPSCs, and developmental biology to their new roles.
Researchers at MIT have devised a simplified process to convert skin cells directly into neurons, bypassing the stem cell stage and achieving yields of over 10 neurons from a single skin cell. This approach could potentially be used to treat patients with spinal cord injuries or diseases that impair mobility.
A recent study in Nature Communications reveals that white blood cells employ a novel mechanism to dislodge bacteria from human tissues using brute force and integrin-based adhesion rings. The research, led by Xuefeng Wang, has significant implications for understanding the role of macrophages in cleaning up environmental pollutants.
BaCell 3D conference to feature original research in organoids and regenerative medicine, published in Stem Cell Reports. The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) partners with Stem Cell Reports to promote discoveries with potential to transform regenerative medicine.
A new method for quantifying 3D cell shape during early embryogenesis, called 3DCSQ, has been developed to analyze cellular morphologies. This method combines spherical grids, spherical harmonics, and principal component analysis to identify biologically reproducible cellular patterns in organisms like C. elegans.
Researchers have identified a conserved mechanism to protect plant vacuoles from rupturing due to cell wall damage. The study found that the molecule ATG8 is relocated to the vacuole membrane upon disruption of the cell wall, helping to maintain pressure balance.
A new computational tool, scEGOT, has been developed to analyze single-cell dynamics across different cell types. The study focused on the induction process of human primordial germ cell-like cells from human pluripotent stem cells, revealing key transition points and genes regulating these processes.
Dr. Mikael Simons is being recognized for his pioneering research on myelin biology, glial cell biology, and neuroinflammation that continues to inform MS research. His work has helped identify a promising therapeutic target with potential to benefit people with MS.
A team of researchers at Åbo Akademi University found that Talin-1 can be located in the cell nucleus, regulating genes that control cell-to-cell connections. This discovery challenges established views on Talin-1's function and has important medical implications for diseases such as cancer and cardiomyopathies.
Stem Cell Reports, an open access journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research, is seeking highly motivated early career scientists to join its Early Career Scientist Editorial Board. The selected members will have the opportunity to shape the journal's editorial direction and promote stem cell research.
Janet Rossant takes over as Editor-in-Chief of Stem Cell Reports, aiming to publish high-quality primary research articles and commentaries that shape the field of stem cell science. She brings extensive experience and scientific expertise to the position, previously serving as ISSCR President.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital developed a machine-learning algorithm capable of scaling with single-cell data repositories to deliver more accurate results. The new method, called CSI-GEP, uses unsupervised machine learning to remove bias from analyses, producing better results than existing methods.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have developed an AI method that can accurately predict the activity of genes within any human cell, revealing the cell's inner mechanisms. The system can also uncover hidden biology of diseased cells and explore the role of genome's 'dark matter' in cancer and other diseases.
Researchers develop a novel method, VMPLN, to analyze scRNA-seq data and infer gene regulatory networks (GRNs) of mixed populations. The approach outperforms state-of-the-art methods in scenarios with high cell type mixing, providing accurate network estimation.
The open-access journal Seed Biology has been successfully indexed in the Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI) in the Web of Science. This milestone strengthens the journal's academic discourse and impact, making its articles searchable and citable worldwide.
The new RTG EpiSignal focuses on the interaction between chromatin modifications and cell signaling networks in regulating cellular processes. The researchers aim to uncover molecular mechanisms that determine their interplay, shedding light on fundamental mechanisms underlying cellular decision-making.
Georgios Skiniotis joins St. Jude as a faculty member in structural biology, establishing a Center of Excellence for Structural Cell Biology. The center will advance understanding of cell biology from atomic to micron scales using cryo-ET and vEM imaging.
The ISSCR has developed a comprehensive Continuing Education (CE) course on stem cell-based therapies, covering fundamental biology, clinical trials, and patient communication. The open-access course aims to equip healthcare providers with accurate information, empowering them to navigate the complexities of this evolving field.
A team of researchers at the University of Toronto has discovered a unique stem cell type, the neural crest stem cell, which can be reprogrammed into different cell types. This discovery challenges longstanding theories in cellular reprogramming and highlights the potential of these cells for stem cell transplantation to treat disease.
A team of researchers has successfully created the first artificial cell nuclei in living mouse eggs by injecting purified DNA, revealing key mechanisms behind nucleus formation. The study provides crucial insights into nuclear function and structure, with potential applications in reviving extinct animals and creating artificial life.
Researchers developed SINGULAR, a cell rejuvenation atlas that offers a comprehensive systems biology analysis of diverse rejuvenation strategies across multiple organs at single-cell resolution. The study identified master regulators and uncovered common targets across immune cells.
A study found that individuals with sickle cell trait have a 1.45-fold higher risk of venous thromboembolism, similar across all genetic ancestry groups. Carriers for Factor V Leiden had an even higher risk of blood clots compared to those with sickle cell trait.
The Harvard team successfully recreated the satellite cell niche using 3D organoid culture techniques, generating stem cells that closely resemble native adult stem cells. These cells can engraft, repopulate the stem cell niche, persist long-term, and regenerate muscle after repeated injury.
Researchers found that low-intensity blood stem cell transplants did not damage lungs and may help improve lung function in adults with sickle cell disease. Overall lung function remained stable or improved in patients after the procedure, according to a three-year study.
A team led by Harvard's Ryan Flynn has discovered the mechanism of how RNA is chemically linked to N-glycans, proving the existence of glycoRNAs. This finding broadens the scope of known glycoconjugates and opens new avenues for research into glycoRNA biology.
A team of researchers led by Associate Professor Ken Natsuga found that cell-cell adhesion governs pattern formation in keratinocytes. Starvation also plays a crucial role in the formation of these patterns, which are influenced by cell proliferation and differentiation.
Researchers at University of California San Diego have found that genetically modified NK-cell therapy can effectively target and treat hepatocellular carcinoma, a highly treatment-resistant form of solid tumor. The therapy works by disabling the inhibitory protein TGF-β, allowing immune cells to kill cancer more efficiently.
Experts at the University of Bristol have identified potential hazards in AI research for engineering biology, including inconsistencies in measurements and privacy concerns. The study proposes additional data hazard labels to describe these risks, aiming to ensure the safe development of novel biological compounds.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that the ZAK protein is a critical player in the cell's response to UV radiation damage, determining whether cells live or die. The research, published in Cell, suggests that companies developing drugs targeting ribosomes may find ZAK to be a driver of cell death across cancer types.
Researchers propose a new way to teach synthetic biology, breaking it down into five components: molecular, circuit/network, cellular, biological communities and societal. The approach incorporates ethics at each scale, with successful piloting in Northwestern University courses.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered that before committing to cell division, cells may stay in a reversible intermediate state for many hours, potentially up to a day. This pre-commitment state allows cells to sense and integrate fluctuating input signals, reducing the chance of inappropriate division.
Research reveals cell-in-cell phenomena are common in non-cancer cells, playing roles in development, homeostasis and stress response. The study argues against targeting cell-in-cell events for cancer therapy, opening new avenues for research in evolutionary biology, oncology and regenerative medicine.
Researchers have uncovered a novel regulator governing how cells respond to mechanical cues, finding that ETV4 bridges cell density dynamics to stem cell differentiation. This discovery has significant implications for controlling cancer cells through mechanical cues.
A massive study identifies new biomarkers for renal cell carcinoma subtypes, improving diagnosis and treatment. The researchers' integrative analysis of proteogenomic datasets reveals molecular features shared by clear cell and non-clear cell RCC tumors, as well as unique features to various subtypes.
The Hevolution/AFAR New Investigator Awards support 18 researchers studying age-related diseases and healthspan. The program aims to advance basic biology of aging and geroscience research.
Researchers at U of T have mapped the movement of proteins encoded by the yeast genome throughout its cell cycle, identifying patterns of emergence and disappearance or movement to specific areas. The study provides a unique dataset that offers a genome-scale view of molecular changes during cell division.
Researchers developed novel therapeutic bispecific antibodies targeting IgM and B-cell surface antigens, which directly inhibited cell proliferation via cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in vitro. These findings suggest that anti-IgM/B-cell surface antigen-binding specific antibodies are promising therapeutic agents for B-cell malignancies.
A team of scientists has created a single-cell atlas for the highly regenerative worm Pristina leidyi, revealing new insights into its regenerative abilities. The study characterizes all major annelid cell types and provides molecular signatures that could inform stem cell technologies and regenerative medicine.
Researchers developed a novel method for accurate cell type annotation in single-cell chromatin accessibility data using contrastive learning and reference guidance. The approach excels beyond existing methods, including those that identify novel cell types.
A study published in Nature Methods found that GPT-4 can accurately interpret cell types from single-cell RNA sequencing data, matching human expert annotations in over 75% of cases. The model's robustness and speed were also demonstrated, making it a promising tool for cost-efficient and seamless cell type annotation.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered that myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1) plays a critical role in regulating long-chain fatty acid oxidation in mitochondria, revealing new insights into its anti-apoptotic functions and potential therapeutic applications.
A study by UNC researchers found that a metabolic enzyme called Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC) causes T cells to store fat rather than burning it for energy in solid tumors. Inhibiting ACC expression allowed T cells to persist better in tumors, leading to potential breakthroughs in immunotherapies like CAR T-cell therapies.
The roadmap outlines six themes focusing on technical capacity, products and production methods that capitalize on engineering biology to reduce carbon intensity. It aims to limit harmful anthropogenic impacts, enable adaptation to climate change and create sustainable alternatives.
A study published in Cell Stem Cell found that restricting iron levels in blood stem cells can reverse their decline and improve regenerative capacity. The researchers discovered that excess intracellular iron activates inflammation within HSCs, while restricted iron levels enable them to multiply and respond effectively.
A new platform called uLIPSTIC enables the tracking of physical cell-to-cell interactions, allowing researchers to directly observe the elusive cellular interactome. This innovation uses a universal approach to label and quantify cell membrane interactions, opening up new avenues for understanding tissue formation and immune response.