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How do you mend a broken heart?

Researchers identified a family of molecules that can stimulate stem cells to develop into beating heart muscle cells, paving the way for new therapies for cardiac regeneration and repair. The discoveries were made using a zebrafish model system and showed promise in enhancing the inherent regenerative capacities of the heart.

SourceCell Press·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateDec 22, 2011

Parental controls on embryonic development?

A recent study published in Developmental Cell suggests that the reach of parental control in embryonic development may be longer than thought. The research found evidence that genetic marks from sperm can be passed on to embryos, influencing gene expression later in development.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Biology·DateDec 1, 2011

Bush embryonic stem cell lines different from newly derived cell lines

Researchers found that newly derived human embryonic stem cell lines have a better molecular signature than established lines, indicating higher quality and potentially better performance in disease modeling. The study suggests that maintaining the original state of X chromosome inactivation could be crucial for achieving optimal results.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateNov 30, 2011

Self-organized pituitary-like tissue from mouse ES cells

Researchers have successfully differentiated mouse ES cells into a tissue resembling the adenohypophysis, the hormone-secreting component of the pituitary gland. The self-organized tissue exhibits functional hormone secretion and can compensate for pituitary function in mice.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateNov 14, 2011

Diseased hearts to heal themselves in future

Researchers identify oncostatin M as a key player in the self-healing powers of the heart, allowing damaged heart muscle cells to reversion and produce new cells. This discovery holds promise for treating heart disease, but further research is needed to pinpoint the precise window of application.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 11, 2011

Inadequate supply of protein building blocks may explain pregnancy failures in bovine cloning experiments

A study found that amino acid concentrations were reduced in cloned embryos compared to in vitro fertilized pregnancies. This may explain developmental abnormalities and complications leading to embryo death. The findings highlight the importance of researching maternal-embryo interactions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCellular Reprogramming·DateOct 26, 2011

Key protein reveals secret of stem cell pluripotency

Researchers identified a protein that helps maintain mouse stem cell pluripotency by activating signal pathways via CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). This finding offers insights into cultivating human iPS/ES cells without feeder cells, reducing the risk of contamination and health risks.

SourceRIKEN·JournalStem Cells·DateSep 5, 2011

Cells derived from pluripotent stem cells are developmentally immature

Researchers found that human embryonic stem cell-derived cells bear striking differences from human tissue cells in gene expression, functionality, and appearance. The cells' developmental maturity is also a concern, particularly for transplantation and disease modeling, as they may not mature to the same levels as adult cells.

Making sperm from stem cells in a dish

Scientists have successfully turned mouse embryonic stem cells into healthy sperm by coaxing them into primordial germ cells. This breakthrough allows for the potential creation of fertile offspring using induced pluripotent stem cells from adult skin cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateAug 4, 2011

Ready, go!

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research discovered the role of Super Elongation Complex (SEC) in controlling gene expression during early development. They found that SEC facilitates coordinated and rapid induction of genes, including Hox genes, which are essential for embryonic development.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 14, 2011

New model for studying germ cell tumors in testes enlists embryonic stem cells

Researchers have created a new model to study germ cell tumors in testes by transplanting embryonic stem cells into mouse models. The resulting tumors mimic the early stages of tumor development and offer valuable insights into the genetic regulation of these cancers. This approach has potential applications for developing novel therap...

A knockout resource for mouse genetics

A international consortium has developed a novel method to target specific genes in mouse embryonic stem cells, allowing for the disruption of almost 9,000 genes. This resource will enable researchers to study gene activity in models of human disease, advancing our understanding of gene function and its role in mammalian biology.

Sniffing out a new source of stem cells

Researchers have found that adult stem cells from the human olfactory system can provide a new source of cells to treat brain disorders. These cells, known as OE-MSCs, have been shown to migrate to damaged areas and stimulate nerve cell growth, improving learning and memory in mice.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 13, 2011