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Rethinking reprogramming: A new way to make stem cells

Researchers have discovered a new way to reprogram adult cells into an embryonic stem cell-like state using specific microRNAs and Hdac2 suppression, offering a more efficient alternative to traditional methods. This breakthrough could lead to improved strategies for developing stem cells for therapeutic use.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 7, 2011

For stem cells, a way to keep score

A new method allows for quick and comprehensive characterization of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) and embryonic stem cell lines, enabling high-throughput assessment of quality and differentiation efficiency. The approach yields genome-wide reference maps detailing epigenetic and gene expression landscapes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateFeb 3, 2011

Lung stem cells vital to lung repair associated with poor cancer prognosis when found in tumor

Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have found that adult stem cells vital for lung repair are associated with a poor prognosis in patients who develop cancer. These cells may mutate into cancer-causing stem cells, making them a potential target for prevention strategies and new targeted therapies.

Human embryonic stem cells and reprogrammed cells virtually identical

Researchers found that human embryonic stem cells and reprogrammed cells exhibit very few differences in gene expression signatures and are nearly indistinguishable in their chromatin state, according to Whitehead Institute researchers. This study suggests that reprogrammed cells may indeed hold clinical promise ascribed to them earlier.

Turning back the cellular clock

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have successfully tracked the progression of adult stem cells through live imaging, gaining insight into how they are reprogrammed and evolve over time. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and effective cell reprogramming techniques for treating diseases such as Parkinson's.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 29, 2010

Stem cells: In search of a master controller

Researchers at Rice University and the University of Cambridge have created a computer model that accurately describes the behavior of three regulatory proteins in hematopoietic stem cells. The Scl-Gata2-Fli1 triad is thought to be the master-level regulator for these self-renewing cells, which produce new blood cells.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 6, 2010

Scientists make multiple types of white blood cells directly from embryonic and adult stem cells

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.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 10, 2009

Playing it safe

Researchers at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft have developed a method to convert adult testis cells in mice into pluripotent stem cells, which can form all types of body tissue, without the use of introduced genes, viruses, or reprogramming proteins. The culture conditions were found to be crucial for the success of the process.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 7, 2009

Eye cells believed to be retinal stem cells are misidentified

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have found that cells isolated from the eye are not retinal stem cells, contradicting previous findings. Instead, they suggest that re-engineering stem cells to develop photoreceptor cells could be a promising approach to restore vision in people with retinal degeneration.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2009

Single virus used to convert adult cells to embryonic stem cell-like cells

Scientists have developed a new method for converting adult cells into embryonic stem cell-like cells using a single virus, cutting the number of viruses used from four to one. This approach eliminates the risks associated with multiple viruses and could potentially be used to treat diseases such as Parkinson's and diabetes.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2008

New 'control knobs' for stem cells identified

Researchers at Tufts University have discovered that changes in membrane voltage control the timing of differentiation in adult human stem cells. The study found that hyperpolarization is a characteristic of differentiated cells and acts as an instructive signal to induce or inhibit differentiation.

SourceTufts University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 3, 2008

Untangling DNA regulation

A recent study by MIT biologists has found that DNA packaging plays a crucial role in directing stem cells towards becoming specific types of adult cells. The researchers discovered that chromatin structure, specifically the variant histone H2AZ, influences gene expression and cell fate.