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UCLA scientists isolate new population of pluripotent stem cells in fat removed during liposuction

Researchers at UCLA have isolated a new population of pluripotent stem cells, called Multi-lineage Stress-Enduring (Muse-AT) cells, from fat tissue that can differentiate into virtually every cell type in the human body. These cells are stress-resistant and may even be activated by severe stress, making them potentially superior source...

Test to improve stem cell safety

Scientists have developed a safety test for human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) that can identify unwanted cells forming tumours and assess cell stability. The breakthrough could improve the quality of iPS cells and lead to safer cell therapies.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalStem Cells·DateJun 3, 2013

Making cancer less cancerous

A Johns Hopkins study found that suppressing a key gene, HMGA1, in tumor cells reduces their aggression and growth. The researchers hope to develop a new therapy based on this principle to treat tumors resistant to current drugs.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 2, 2013

UCSB scientist identifies protein molecule used to maintain adult stem cells in fruit flies

A UCSB researcher has identified a protein molecule that helps maintain adult stem cells in fruit flies, revealing insights into regenerative medicine. The study found that this protein, castor, plays a critical role in specifying brain cell types during embryonic development and maintaining follicle stem cells throughout life.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2013

How to mend a broken heart: Advances in parthenogenic stem cells

Researchers at Georg-August-Universität Göttingen used parthenogenic stem cells to create cardiomyocytes and engineered heart muscle with normal properties. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential of parthenogenic stem cells for tissue engineering and could lead to new cell replacement therapies.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 22, 2013

IBN creates unlimited source of human kidney cells

IBN researchers successfully generated human kidney cells from human embryonic stem cells in vitro, providing a potentially unlimited source of cells for in vitro toxicology testing and regenerative medicine applications. The cells displayed similar gene and protein expression patterns to those isolated from fresh human kidney samples.

Discovering cell surface proteins' behavior

A new study by SFU chemist Bingyun Sun and colleagues reveals that the number of sugars (N-Glycans) on membrane proteins correlates with their function in five animal species. The correlation has been conserved through evolution, suggesting a universal mechanism for stabilizing glycoproteins.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 12, 2013

BUSM study shows potential of differentiated iPS cells in cell therapy without immune rejection

Researchers at BUSM demonstrate that tissues derived from patient-specific induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are not rejected when transplanted back into genetically identical recipients. The study finds that differentiated iPS cells can mature into various cell types, including neuronal, hepatocyte, and endothelial cells, without i...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJan 25, 2013

Sorting stem cells

Researchers from Scotland have demonstrated a way to sort embryonic stem cells based on their electrical properties. The method uses electric fields to differentiate between undifferentiated and differentiated stem cells, which can be useful for biomedical research and potential treatments of diseases like Parkinson's.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateJan 3, 2013

Sync to grow

Researchers discovered that embryo growth is controlled by oscillating gene expression in neighboring cells, resulting in well-proportioned animals. The speed of this wave determines the size of future vertebrae, with faster waves indicating larger vertebrae.

Stem cells develop best in 3-D

Scientists from the Danish Stem Cell Center found that stem cells grow better in three-dimensional environments, leading to improved insulin-producing cell development. This discovery holds promise for improving diabetes treatment with cell therapy.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 21, 2012

Human umbilical cord blood cell co-culture supports embryonic stem cell expansion

Researchers have developed a safe co-culture system using human umbilical cord blood cells to support the expansion of human embryonic stem cells. This method eliminates the risk of tumor formation associated with traditional feeder cultures, making it a more feasible option for cell transplantation.

Developmental bait and switch

A recent study led by Caltech researchers provides new insights into the process of neural crest cell development. The team discovered that DNA-methyltransferase (DNMT) enzyme acts as a switch to determine which cells will remain part of the central nervous system and which will become neural crest cells.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 1, 2012

Male fertility can be restored after cancer treatment, says Pitt team

A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has successfully restored fertility in male primates who became sterile due to cancer drug side effects. The study involved transplanting spermatogonial stem cells into testes, resulting in functional sperm that fertilized eggs and produced early embryos.

Researchers identify genetic basis of cardiac, craniofacial birth defects

A group of researchers has identified four specific transcription factor genes that control processes related to heart and head muscle formation. This basic research will provide a road map to ultimately allow scientists to grow the cell types needed to repair such defects from stem cells generated from a person's own body.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2012

Researchers find multiple similarities between cancer cells and induced pluripotent stem cells

A new study by UC Davis researchers found that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) share significant similarities with malignant cancer cells, highlighting the need for caution in clinical use. The findings suggest that iPSCs could cause cancer and may require additional safety measures before they can be used to treat diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateSep 28, 2012