A multiple myeloma patient experienced complete remission after receiving a personalized cellular therapy called CTL019, which targets cancerous white blood cells. The treatment was combined with chemotherapy and an autologous stem cell transplant, and the patient remains in remission over 12 months after infusion.
A research group in Japan and Korea found that certain dipeptide species support CML stem cell activity. Pharmacological inhibition of nutrient uptake decreased CML stem cell activity in vivo, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for CML therapy. This discovery may provide concrete benefits to patients with CML.
Researchers successfully transplanted mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) derived from human amniotic membranes into laboratory mice with oxygen-induced retinopathy, demonstrating the potential of MSCs to suppress causes of diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. The study found that AMSCs secrete growth factors that inhibit angiog...
A Phase 1 clinical trial is assessing the safety and activity of a special cell therapy for individuals with complete cervical spinal cord injuries. The therapy uses oligodendrocyte progenitor cells derived from human embryonic stem cells to potentially improve motor or sensory function.
Researchers have identified a protein, NFIX, that promotes the differentiation of neural stem cells into oligodendrocytes, a type of glial cell crucial for protecting neurons. This finding has implications for the development of stem cell-based therapies for brain injury and demyelinating diseases.
Researchers used iPSC-derived renal progenitors to treat acute kidney injury in mice, showing improved recovery with reduced fibrosis and necrosis. The study's findings suggest that paracrine actions of the cells, rather than integration, led to therapeutic effects.
A small clinical trial suggests that a genetically-enhanced stem cell therapy can improve blood flow in the lungs and enhance exercise ability in patients with PAH. The therapy was generally well-tolerated, but one patient died after treatment due to severe disease progression.
A new method has been discovered to culture stem cells, allowing them to grow twice as fast and be more efficient in regulating the immune response. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for transplant patients by reducing side effects of current immunosuppressant drugs.
Researchers used new methods to compare two stem cell types and found one superior at producing retinal cells. The study demonstrates a standardized method for quantifying effectiveness, which could advance treatments for age-related macular degeneration and other vision loss disorders.
Researchers found that autologous bone marrow stem cells significantly reduced cranial pressure and therapeutic intensity in TBI patients, decreasing neurointensive care time by nearly 60%.
Emerging model systems of reprogrammed human neurons will drive discovery of new patient-specific therapies, accelerating research on understanding neuronal activity, brain development, and neurological diseases. The article discusses recent technological advances, current challenges, and future clinical applications.
Scientists at University of Toronto have made breakthroughs in cell transplantation using hydrogel biomaterials, showing potential for partially restoring vision and aiding brain recovery from stroke. The new gel-like material boosts cell survival and integration in the eye and brain, paving the way for stem-cell-based therapies.
The journal Regenerative Medicine has published a special focus issue on methods to avoid immune rejection in regenerative medicine. The field is immature, but research continues to address the importance of immunity in progress and development.
Researchers have identified a mechanism by which stem cells choose to become specific cell types, such as liver and pancreas cells. This discovery could lead to better understanding of how to generate insulin-producing cells in the lab for Type I diabetes therapy.
Two Yale researchers received the Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for Brain Repair, Dr. John Elsworth for his work on cell-based therapies and Dr. Cesar Borlongan for his groundbreaking stem cell therapy research. Their awards recognize significant contributions to neural therapy and brain repair.
Clinics across the US are advertising stem cell treatments with claims of regulatory compliance, despite lacking proper oversight from the FDA. Proponents charge thousands for cosmetic and disease treatments, despite little evidence of safety and efficacy.
The study, which followed four individuals for a year after they were treated with embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells, observed no serious side effects related to the therapy. The researchers reported positive results in visual acuity improvements among patients.
Researchers found that Wnt and Activin pathways work together to activate essential genes for stem cells to differentiate. This discovery could improve regenerative therapies and understanding of cancer development.
Researchers at UC Davis Health System have combined fetal surgery with a placental stem cell treatment to reduce the effects of spina bifida, with six lambs regaining ability to walk without noticeable disability after birth. The study aims to confirm safety and determine optimal dosing for potential human clinical trials.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have developed an imageable mouse model of brain-metastatic breast cancer and shown the potential of a stem-cell-based therapy to eliminate metastatic cells from the brain and prolong survival. The study also describes a strategy to prevent negative consequences of stem cell therapy.
Researchers developed an imageable mouse model of brain-metastatic breast cancer and tested a stem-cell-based therapy that eliminates metastatic cells from the brain, prolonging survival. The treatment also prevents negative consequences by targeting tumor-specific molecules.
A new model, XactMice, allows researchers to test anti-cancer therapies in an environment similar to real patients. Human blood stem cells are used to grow a human-like immune system before tumor transplantation.
A new study by University of Alberta researchers found that media coverage of stem cell therapies often presents unrealistic timelines and overhypes the field. The study examined 307 news reports between 2010 and 2013, revealing that 69% predicted therapies would be available within 5-10 years or sooner.
Researchers developed a novel laboratory model to test factors improving MSC binding to defective cartilage. Integrins were found essential for effective MSC attachment and therapy efficacy in osteoarthritis repair.
A recent review article suggests that stem cell therapy may be less effective in older patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study proposes strategies to enhance the regenerative properties of autologous stem cells and improve their therapeutic potential.
Research suggests that P53 gene mutations accumulate in blood stem cells as people age, increasing the risk of therapy-related AML. The study found nearly 50% of healthy individuals over 68 had P53 mutations, and these mutations can contribute to chemotherapy resistance.
A new study from Rice University's Baker Institute finds that NFL players are seeking out unproven stem cell therapies to accelerate recoveries, despite potential risks. The authors suggest the NFL should establish guidelines and regulate these treatments to protect player health.
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine and colleagues have discovered a previously unknown immune response to the mitochondria of pluripotent stem cells created through nuclear transfer, which can prompt rejection in mice. This finding may pose a hurdle for using such therapies in humans, but it is considered surmountable.
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a platform called NanoScript, which can interact with endogenous DNA and regulate gene expression. This technology has great potential for advancing stem cell therapeutics and treating debilitating injuries and diseases such as Parkinson's disease and spinal cord trauma.
UC San Diego has been designated as one of three 'alpha clinics' by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to accelerate clinical development of emerging stem cell therapies. The designation will support the establishment of a comprehensive regenerative medicine clinical hub and attract patients, funding agencies, and study...
Researchers discovered a turmeric compound, ar-turmerone, promotes stem cell proliferation and differentiation in the brain, suggesting its potential as a future drug candidate for treating stroke and Alzheimer's disease. The study found that ar-turmerone increased neural stem cell proliferation by up to 80% without affecting cell death.
A new study supports the use of newborn screening tests for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), a life-threatening condition affecting approximately 1 in 58,000 infants. The test identified 52 cases of SCID, with all patients receiving lifesaving treatments and 92% surviving.
A pilot study using stem cells extracted from patients' bone marrow shows promising results in treating acute stroke. The therapy was found to be safe and improved clinical measures of disability in all five patients.
A team of researchers has identified 5-lipoxygenase as a target for therapeutic management of stem cell-like cells in acute myeloid leukemia. Inhibiting this enzyme selectively attacks and eliminates leukemic stem cells in both cell culture models and mouse models, suggesting a promising approach for treating the disease.
Spinal cord injury pain is a debilitating consequence of neurological disorders, interfering with rehabilitation and quality of life. Microenvironment modulation enhances stem cell therapy for SCI pain by preventing aberrant central sprouting of nociceptive fibers.
Researchers investigated the impact of cellular senescence on adipose-derived stem cell morphology and function. The study found that senescence compromises the clinical application of these cells for peripheral nerve regenerative cell therapy. Senescence modulating factors influence adipose-derived stem cell behavior.
Mayo Clinic researchers discover a strategy to significantly reduce the risk of tumor development using pretreatment with genotoxic etoposide. This approach establishes an adjunctive therapy to harness the clinical value of iPSC-derived cardiac regeneration, providing a promising breakthrough for heart disease treatment.
A team of scientists led by Prof. Claudia Waskow has successfully generated a mouse model that supports human blood stem cell transplantation without irradiation, enabling the study of human blood development in a physiological setting. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment options and disease research for patients with he...
Researchers have found that using gene-editing techniques on stem cells does not increase the overall occurrence of mutations, easing previous safety concerns. The study's results were published in the journal Cell Stem Cell and provide new hope for the development of therapies for genetic diseases.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute found that the drug rapamycin can improve the delivery of genes to blood stem cells, increasing efficiency from 30-40% to up to 80%. This breakthrough could lead to more effective and affordable treatments for leukemia and sickle cell anemia.
Researchers found that peripheral blood stem cells stimulated by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) can inhibit osteoarthritis progression in rats. The therapy has potential as a treatment for OA, but further studies are needed to determine its effectiveness in humans.
A new study shows that administering G-CSF, a stem cell-stimulating therapy, early in the treatment of heart attack patients can improve their chances of survival and cardiac function. The therapy was found to increase blood flow, access to energy, and overall cardiac health.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have successfully transplanted and grown human stem cells in genetically modified pigs. The breakthrough paves the way for future research on stem cell therapies and could lead to new treatments for debilitating human diseases.
Exosomes secreted by cardiac stem cells carry messages that reduce cell death, promote growth of new heart muscle cells and encourage development of healthy blood vessels. The researchers pinpointed one microRNA as responsible for some of the benefits, suggesting it may be an attractive alternative to living-cell transplantation.
Researchers have identified a novel marker, glycan O-GLcNAc, on the surface of human umbilical cord blood stem cells. This discovery may play a crucial role in cell signaling pathways regulating embryonic development and has potential implications for stem cell therapies.
A new method has been developed to derive large quantities of highly potent mesenchymal stem cells from human embryonic stem cells. These cells display potent immunomodulatory and therapeutic properties, offering promise in regenerative medicine.
Researchers at USF Health have found that a combination of human umbilical cord blood cells and granulocyte colony stimulating factor significantly reduced TBI-induced loss of neuronal cells in the hippocampus. The therapy also showed beneficial results in animals with experimental TBI, with G-CSF alone producing short-lived benefits.
Researchers found that human umbilical cord blood cells transplanted into rats with simulated myocardial infarction improved left ventricular heart function and preserved myocardial fiber structure. The study showed long-term benefits for the treated rats, suggesting a potential therapy for MIs.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute have created working nerve cells from horse stem cells, paving the way for cell therapies targeting neurological conditions. The breakthrough could also benefit horses affected by grass sickness, a previously untreatable condition.
A team of researchers at the University of Montreal has discovered a promising new approach to treating leukemia by targeting the Brg1 gene. The study found that removing or inhibiting this gene can permanently shut down cancerous cell growth and division.
Researchers found that intratracheal transplantation of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells can prevent or treat bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in very preterm infants. The treatment also showed a lower incidence of retinopathy of prematurity requiring surgery.
A bioengineer is researching the necessary nutrients for stem cells to grow and function as heart cells, with a focus on understanding cell metabolism. The goal is to prevent diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and obesity by optimizing heart cell nutrition.
Adolescents and young adults undergoing cancer treatment benefit from a therapeutic music process that includes writing song lyrics and producing videos. This music therapy intervention improves resilience-related outcomes, including courageous coping and social integration.
Researchers have identified a protein that enables the transfer of mitochondria from stem cells to damaged epithelial cells, rejuvenating their health. This discovery could lead to more effective therapies for lung disease in humans by engineering mesenchymal stem cells to produce healthy mitochondria.
Researchers found that a small number of transplanted stem cells was sufficient to restore normal skin function without adverse side effects. The treatment resulted in long-term restoration of normal skin, even after 80 cycles of renewal.
A systematic review of animal studies found that stem cell therapy can improve sensory and motor outcomes for spinal cord injury patients, with average improvements of 25% in both areas. The study's meta-analysis also revealed important lessons on how to design future animal studies.
Researchers identify key molecular mechanisms, cell populations and developmental stages of human articular cartilage cells. This breakthrough study provides a new cell source and biological roadmap for therapies to repair cartilage defects and damage from osteoarthritis.
A novel drug regimen featuring bortezomib has been shown to improve outcomes for patients receiving stem-cell transplants from mismatched and unrelated donors. The regimen reduced severe acute GVHD rates and treatment-related mortality, leading to better overall survival and relapse-free survival.
The World Stem Cell Report 2013 presents innovative solutions for accelerating stem cell treatments and eventual cures, addressing regulatory, legal, and ethical roadblocks. The report is a benchmark guide for moving the field forward, supporting the 2013 World Stem Cell Summit.
A recent study by the Cardiovascular Cell Therapy Research Network found that bone marrow mononuclear stem cells did not improve heart function significantly at one year compared to six months. The treatment also showed a measurable decrease in scar tissue, but its effectiveness was no different from a placebo.