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Discovery of reprogramming signature may help further stem cell-based regenerative medicine research

Researchers at Salk Institute discover a unique molecular signature in induced pluripotent stem cells, consisting of nine genes that govern epigenetic changes. This finding could help overcome hurdles to using induced stem cells in regenerative medicine and provide a new understanding of their safety profile.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2012

Probing matters of the heart

A new study has outlined how interactions between genes, proteins and molecules direct the development of stem cells into mature heart cells. The research could help scientists better understand how genetic mutations lead to congenital heart defects and assist efforts to engineer artificial heart tissue.

Researchers identify mechanisms that allow embryonic stem cells to become any cell in the human body

Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem identified mechanisms allowing embryonic stem cells to become any cell type by examining epigenetic pathways and chromatin structure. This discovery could lead to the creation of cells in labs for treating Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other degenerative diseases.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 18, 2012

Finished heart switches stem cells off

Researchers discovered a crucial switch controlling cardiac stem cell activity, enabling the growth of healthy hearts and potentially treating congenital defects. By silencing this switch, scientists hope to regenerate damaged adult hearts using lab-cultured replacement cells.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 12, 2012

JCI early table of contents for July 2, 2012

A novel gene variant associated with reduced cholesterol levels has been identified in human populations. Additionally, a new approach for treating Parkinson's disease using embryonic stem cell therapy is proposed. Furthermore, research suggests that brain indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) plays a crucial role in the concurrence of ...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 2, 2012

Stem cell transplantation into mouse cochlea may impact future hearing loss therapies

Researchers in Japan have concluded that adult-derived induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells demonstrate similar survival and neural differentiation capabilities when transplanted into mouse cochleae. However, iPS cell transplantation is associated with a risk of tumor growth, highlighting the importa...

Stanford researcher identifies unusual 'altruistic' stem cell behavior with possible link to cancer

A Stanford researcher discovered that certain human embryonic stem cells produce molecules that benefit themselves and nearby cells during stress, exhibiting 'altruistic' behavior. This unique trait is linked to an increase in p53 protein fluctuations, enabling some stem cells to maintain their stemness and secrete antioxidant glutathi...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalStem Cells·DateJun 11, 2012

New technique reveals unseen information in DNA code

A new technique called TAB-Seq has enabled scientists to map the entire genome of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine sites at single-base resolution. This breakthrough has revealed new information about its patterns of distribution in human and mouse embryonic stem cells, indicating a major role in regulating gene expression and development.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalCell·DateMay 17, 2012

New path of origin for macrophages

Researchers at TUM discovered that macrophages can originate from two distinct cell lines: one from hematopoietic stem cells and the other from yolk sac cells. The study reveals that yolk sac-derived macrophages migrate to organs during embryonic development and remain there, while blood-circulating macrophages are replaced by stem cells.

On the move

Researchers at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research found that the Arp2/3 complex is essential for forming lamellipodia, which are crucial for cell migration. The study used genetic disruption to investigate the function of Arp2/3 in fibroblast cell motility.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateApr 9, 2012

A new shortcut for stem cell programming

The University of Bonn team has successfully derived brain stem cells directly from connective tissue in mice, which can reproduce and be converted into various types of brain cells. This method is faster, safer, and associated with a lower risk of tumors compared to existing approaches.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 22, 2012

Epigenetic signatures direct the repair potential of reprogrammed cells

A study at Tufts University has identified specific epigenetic signatures that can predict the expression of a wound-healing protein in reprogrammed skin cells. This breakthrough brings researchers closer to developing personalized tissue regeneration strategies using stem cells from patients, eliminating the need for human embryonic s...

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateMar 14, 2012

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

World's first chimeric monkeys are born

Researchers have successfully produced chimeric monkeys with six distinct genomes, expanding the scope of biomedical research. The breakthrough suggests limitations in using cultured embryonic stem cells and highlights the importance of studying primate and human embryos.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJan 5, 2012