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Quality control for adult stem cell treatment

Researchers have devised a clonal strategy to ensure adult epidermal stem cells meet the highest safety criteria before use in treatments. The approach involves cultivating, genetically modifying and testing individual cells to guarantee their viability and safety.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2015

Reprogramming cells, long term

Researchers at Harvard University have successfully reprogrammed adult cells into insulin-producing beta cells in mice, showing promise for treating both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The study's long-term findings suggest that the newly created cells remain functional over a period of approximately half the animal's normal lifespan.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 17, 2014

Stem cell reprogramming made easier

Researchers find removing MBD3 protein increases efficiency of stem cell reprogramming from 1% to 100%, allowing for faster production of cells for medical use. This breakthrough provides a deeper understanding of embryonic development and could advance treatment of various diseases.

Why are some cells more cancer prone?

Researchers discovered 10 specialized subregions within the midgut of fruit flies, each with unique stem cell functions. These regional differences may explain why some organs generate cancer frequently while others rarely. The study sheds light on the intricate relationships between tissue organization and stem cell function.

Fetal tissue-derived stem cells may be ideal source for repairing tissues and organs

Researchers developed a protocol for isolating and expanding large numbers of multipotent fetal dermal cells (MFDCs) that display several advantages over adult dermal cells, including greater cellular yield after isolation and the retention of differentiation potential. The MFDCs were proven safe and efficacious in treating pediatric b...

Advance in regenerative medicine could make reprogrammed cells safer while improving their function

A new finding by Weill Cornell Medical College researchers could improve the safety and performance of reprogrammed cells. The study found that an enzyme called activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) helps in the process of changing adult human cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells). These iPS cells can be developed...

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature·DateAug 1, 2013

University of Maryland study: Neonatal heart stem cells may help mend kids' broken hearts

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have found that cardiac stem cells from newborns have a three-fold ability to restore heart function compared to adult-derived cells. This discovery may lead to new treatment options for congenital heart syndrome and improve heart function in children by up to 15 percent.

Saving the snow leopard with stem cells

Researchers generated induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from ear tissue of adult snow leopards, paving the way for cryopreservation and cloning techniques to save endangered species. This breakthrough raises hopes for the conservation of the snow leopard and other cat family members.

SourceMonash University·JournalTheriogenology·DateJan 22, 2012

Stem cells, potential source of cancer-fighting T cells

Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine found a way to generate antigen-specific T cells using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, which could lead to a simpler and more efficient method for using the body's immune system to fight cancer. The study, published in Cancer Research, used iPS cells from mice converted into immune ce...

SourcePenn State·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 20, 2011

New stem cell research could aid in battle against bulging waistlines

Scientists at the University of Texas Health Science Center have identified a marker on the surface of adipose stem cells that produce white adipose tissue, a key contributor to obesity. The researchers developed a peptide probe targeting this marker, which may help deliver drugs to slow fat expansion and aid in weight loss efforts.