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Mount Sinai researchers report insights into blood stem cells from engineered stem cells

Researchers at Mount Sinai identified precursor cells in mice embryos that can be matured into hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) using reprogramming technology. This breakthrough could lead to the development of patient-specific HSPCs for cell-replacement therapy and alleviate the need for transplantable stem cells.

Clarifying the mechanism for making blood cells

A research group led by Makoto Kobayashi has shed light on the mechanism of hemangioblast differentiation into blood cells and vascular endothelia. LSD1 histone demethylase plays a crucial role in silencing Etv2, a transcription factor gene required for hemangioblast formation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2016

Umbilical cells help eye's neurons connect

Researchers at Duke University have discovered that umbilical cord tissue-derived cells produce molecules that promote the growth, connection, and survival of retinal neurons. The study identifies thrombospondins as key players in this process, with potential therapeutic applications for degenerative eye diseases.

Control of blood vessel formation

Researchers from Kumamoto University and The University of Tokyo have elucidated the control of cellular movement during blood vessel formation, showing that tip cells and trailing cells move at different speeds and directions. This study provides new insights into the complex cellular motion involved in blood vessel proliferation.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 19, 2015

What controls blood flow in the brain?

New research reveals that smooth muscle cells surrounding brain blood vessels regulate blood flow in response to neuronal activity. The study contradicts previous theories on pericytes' role in blood vessel formation and function.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJun 25, 2015

Single cells seen in unprecedented detail

Researchers have developed a large-scale sequencing technique called Genome and Transcriptome Sequencing (G&T-seq) that reveals the unique genome sequence of a single cell and the activity of genes within that cell. The study found that when a cell loses or gains a copy of a chromosome, the genes in that region show decreased or in...

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 27, 2015

Preventing heart cells from turning to bone

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have discovered a chain of events that cause healthy valves to become bone-like. They identified three key genes that are altered in calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) and found a potential therapeutic target by manipulating their activity, pointing to novel treatments for the condition.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell·DateMar 12, 2015

Previously unknown effect of vitamin A identified

Researchers discovered that increased levels of retinoic acid reduce blood cell production, while lower levels increase it by 300%. This finding supports the need for pregnant women to limit their vitamin A intake. The study also contributes to the development of artificial blood stem cells for patients with blood disorders.

SourceLund University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateFeb 24, 2015

Scientists develop barcoding tool for stem cells

Researchers at Harvard University developed a barcoding tool to track the origin of blood cells, revealing that progenitor cells, not blood stem cells, give rise to specific blood cell types. This discovery challenges scientific dogma and has potential applications for blood regeneration therapies.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateOct 5, 2014

Brazilian researchers find human menstrual blood-derived cells 'feed' embryonic stem cells

Researchers have found that human menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal cells can replace animal-derived feeder systems in human embryonic stem cell culture, supporting their growth in an undifferentiated stage. This breakthrough could provide a new means of culturing ESCs for clinical purposes without potential xenocontamination.

Stem cell findings may offer answers for some bladder defects and disease

Researchers at UC Davis successfully coax laboratory cultures of human stem cells into the specialized, unique cells needed to repair a patient's defective or diseased bladder. The breakthrough provides a pathway to regenerate replacement bladder tissue for patients whose bladders are too small or do not function properly.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateMar 21, 2014

Liquid biopsy could improve cancer diagnosis and treatment

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a microfluidic chip that can capture elusive circulating tumor cells from blood, supporting their growth for further analysis. This technology has the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and treatment by providing accurate prognoses and testing treatment options on cultur...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 30, 2013