From stem cells to organs: The bioengineering challenge
Researchers use bioengineering techniques to create functional adult-like cells from embryonic stem cells and adult blood stem cells, paving the way for new medical treatments
Embryonic Stem Cells
Articles tagged with Embryonic Stem Cells
A functional immune system can be derived from embryonic stem cells, preliminary study finds
A team of scientists has successfully derived functional immune system blood cells from embryonic stem cells using HOXB4 protein. The study showed that the transplanted cells were able to respond effectively to viruses and vaccines, demonstrating a promising new approach for patients with severe blood and immune disorders.
UCLA stem cell scientists reprogram human skin cells into embryonic stem cells
UCLA stem cell scientists have successfully reprogrammed human skin cells into embryonic stem cells without using embryos or eggs. This breakthrough uses genetic alteration to turn back the clock on human skin cells and create cells nearly identical to human embryonic stem cells, which can become every cell type in the human body.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2008
Stem-cell transplantation improves muscles in MD animal model, UT Southwestern researchers report
Researchers have developed a technique to sort embryonic stem cells to preserve only the desired muscle-type cells, avoiding tumor formation and improving muscle strength and coordination. The study shows significant improvements in muscle function and quality of life for mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
BERT tells ERNI it's time to grow a brain
Researchers found that BERT and ERNI proteins interact to temporarily stop neural cell development, giving other cells a head-start in forming organs and skin. This discovery advances knowledge of stem cell behavior, with potential implications for medical research.
BERT and ERNI proteins control brain development
Research by University College London scientists reveals that BERT and ERNI proteins control brain development timing in vertebrates. By binding to the Sox2 gene, these proteins create a timing mechanism that gives the green light for neural cells to form the brain and nervous system.
Human embryonic stem cell lines created that avoid immune rejection
Researchers have developed four unique human parthenogenetic stem cell lines that are HLA-homozygous, reducing the risk of provoking an immune reaction. These lines can serve as a renewable source of transplantable cells for treating genetic and degenerative diseases.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCloning and Stem Cells·DateDec 20, 2007
Human genetic variation -- Science's 'Breakthrough of the Year'
Advances in genome sequencing and single-nucleotide polymorphisms have revealed the vast differences in human DNA, enabling researchers to identify disease-related genes and risk factors. The study also highlights the potential of 'copy number variants' and induced pluripotent stem cells to improve our understanding of genetic activity.
Scientists overcome obstacles to stem cell heart repair
Researchers at Imperial College London have successfully matured beating heart cells derived from embryonic stem cells, overcoming two significant obstacles in developing a stem cell heart patch. They also developed a biocompatible scaffold that can hold the new cardiomyocytes in place while they integrate into existing heart tissue.
Implanting embryonic cardiac cells prevents arrhythmias
Researchers at Cornell University and their colleagues discovered that implanting embryonic cardiac cells into mice with heart attacks prevented arrhythmias. The technique improved electrical connections between cells and activated transplanted cells, restoring heart function and reducing arrhythmia risk.
Replacing the cells lost in Parkinson disease
Researchers have discovered a novel method to produce dopamine cells for Parkinson's disease treatment by cultivating ventral midbrain neural stem cells with Wnt5a. This approach yielded substantial recovery in mice with PD-like disease, without tumor development.
Human embryonic stem cell -- derived bone tissue closes massive skull injury
Researchers at John Hopkins University used human embryonic stem cells to develop bone tissue that heals large skull defects in mice. The study demonstrates a potential application of hESC-derived mesenchymal cells in musculoskeletal tissue regeneration.
Oosight microscope enables embryonic stem cell breakthrough
Researchers successfully produced stem cells from cloned monkey embryos using the non-invasive Oosight microscope, a crucial step towards developing medical therapies. The innovative technology allows for clear visualization and removal of genetic material, leading to a 100% success rate in therapeutic cloning.
UC Davis researchers find evidence of mature heart cell potential in embryonic stem cells
Researchers have made a breakthrough in deriving functional heart cells from human embryonic stem cells, exhibiting excitation-contraction coupling and handling calcium ions. The finding offers hope for future use of stem cell treatment in patients with end-stage disease, potentially avoiding the need for heart transplants.
Stem cells train heart following heart attack
Using adult human stem cells, researchers found that the treated hearts contained more blood vessels and exhibited increased DNA repair activity. The study suggests that these stem cells have an instant stimulating effect on surrounding heart tissue following transplantation.
Simple recipe turns human skin cells into embryonic stem cell-like cells
Researchers have discovered a way to transform adult human skin cells into cells resembling embryonic stem cells, which can differentiate into various tissue types. The converted cells display physical and genetic features similar to those found in embryonic stem cells.
Reprogramming the debate: stem-cell finding alters ethical controversy
Researchers at UW-Madison have successfully reprogrammed skin cells into embryonic stem cells, potentially resolving the ethical controversy surrounding human embryonic stem cell research. This breakthrough could lead to a shift in government funding policies and pave the way for non-embryonic stem cell research.
Shinya Yamanaka reprograms human adult cells
Acclaimed stem cell researcher Shinya Yamanaka successfully reprograms human adult cells into pluripotent stem cells capable of developing into any cell type. This breakthrough accelerates the pace of stem cell research and holds promise for generating alternative sources of human pluripotent stem cells.
UW-Madison scientists guide human skin cells to embryonic state
A team of University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers successfully reprogrammed human skin cells into cells indistinguishable from embryonic stem cells. This breakthrough could revolutionize the field of stem cell biology and provide a new source of stem cells for medical research.
Human embryonic stem cells derived from preimplantation genetically diagnosed embryos
Scientists have created a human embryonic stem cell line from an embryo with the fragile X mutation, revealing early events associated with the disease. The study suggests that preventing epigenetic modifications may help rescue abnormal cells, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies.
The new source of islet cells
Researchers at Dr. Liu et al. successfully differentiated primary pancreatic ductal epithelial cells into insulin-producing cells using the transfection of PDX-1, a promising approach to enhance islet cell output and meet clinical needs. This study suggests a future for many diabetic patients who need islets transplantation.
Researchers discover important tool in understanding differentiation in human embryonic stem cells
Scientists used a genetic tool to study human embryonic stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. They found that reducing or increasing the expression of oct4 gene induced differentiation, revealing a key difference in early human development regulation compared to mice.
SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateOct 24, 2007
Regulating embryonic stem cell self-renewal
Two new genes, Jmjd1a and Jmjd2c, play a crucial role in regulating self-renewal of embryonic stem cells. Their depletion promotes differentiation at the expense of self-renewal.
Adult stem cells lack key pluripotency regulator
Researchers have found that adult stem cells do not rely on the protein Oct4 to remain undifferentiated. Studies using sensitive assays failed to detect Oct4 in these cells, revealing a different regulation of pluripotency in adult versus embryonic stem cells.
Human embryonic stem cells remain embryonic because of epigenetic factors
Researchers at A*STAR in Singapore discovered that epigenetic modifications influence gene expression in human embryonic stem cells. The study found that genes modified by H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 contain DNA recipes for protein proliferation and are crucial to sensory processes, immunity, and drug metabolism.
SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateOct 4, 2007
Embryonic stem cells thrive when shaken
Embryonic stem cells exhibit improved development when subjected to moderate fluid motion, similar to the womb's gentle rocking motions. This phenomenon was discovered by accident using a lab shaker, offering a simpler method for producing healthier cells with reduced clumping and increased cell survival rates.
Embryonic stem cell strategy advanced with UCSF finding
UCSF researchers have developed a new method to generate embryonic stem cells, eliminating the need for a foreign 'drug resistance' gene. This breakthrough accelerates research on disease development and patient-specific therapies.
Elsevier launches new journal: Stem Cell Research
The new journal Stem Cell Research will cover all aspects of stem cell research, including embryonic stem cells, cancer stem cells, and developmental studies. It aims to disseminate the results of ongoing research in this rapidly expanding field, with a focus on high-quality peer-reviewed studies.
Embryonic stem cells used to grow cartilage
Researchers have successfully grown cartilage-like cells from human embryonic stem cells using the Rice method. The study's results mimic different types of cartilage found in the human body, such as hyaline articular cartilage and fibrocartilage.
Cannibalistic signals help mammalian embryos develop normally
Autophagy plays a crucial role in removing dying embryonic stem cells during normal development, preventing detrimental inflammation. The study found that mouse embryos lacking autophagy genes had impaired signals for engulfment by healthy cells, leading to abnormal development.
Scientists identify embryonic stem cells by appearance alone
Researchers have successfully identified reprogrammed cells in mice without using genetic markers, simplifying the process and potentially yielding a bountiful supply of custom human embryonic stem cells. This breakthrough brings human stem cell therapies closer to reality and eliminates one major hurdle to reprogramming human cells.
Human derived stem cells can repair rat hearts damaged by heart attack
Researchers developed a method to create cardiac muscle cells from embryonic stem cells, which then survived and thrived in damaged rat hearts. The treatment showed promise in improving heart function and thickness of walls after a heart attack.
Isolation of a new gene family essential for early development
Researchers at BRIC, University of Copenhagen, identified a new gene family (UTX-JMJD3) controlling embryonic development and stem cell maintenance. The discovery may contribute to understanding cancer development and therapeutic use of stem cells.
UCLA scientists produce functioning neurons from human embryonic stem cells
Researchers have developed a method to produce highly pure and functional neurons from human embryonic stem cells, enabling the creation of models for studying neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The new approach allows for the isolation of specific neuronal populations with defined biological properties.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2007
Not all embryonic stem cell lines are created equal
Two NIH-approved embryonic stem cell lines were found to generate distinct types of neurons, differing in synapse formation and neurotransmitter usage. The discovery highlights the influence of culture conditions on human ES cells' developmental properties.
SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2007
Scientists prove that disputed Korean stem cell line comes from an unfertilized egg and not cloning
Researchers used genetic analysis to determine the origin of a widely disputed stem cell line. The study found that the cell line was derived from a parthenogenetic embryo, not somatic nuclear transfer as previously claimed.
Discredited Korean embryonic stem cells' true origins revealed
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital and the Harvard Stem Cell Institute used genetic techniques to compare embryonic stem cells from different sources. They discovered that parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells have a distinct genetic signature reflecting their biological origins, setting the historical record straight for a now-d...
Forsyth scientists gain new understanding of adult stem cell regulation
Researchers at Forsyth Institute have identified a novel mechanism controlling adult stem cells, highlighting the importance of direct cell-to-cell communication. The study's findings suggest that gap junctions play a critical role in regulating stem cell behavior and tissue regeneration.
Cells take risks with their identities
A study has discovered that many human genes hover between 'on' and 'off' in any given cell, failing to finish transcription but remaining primed. This vulnerability could explain why cells acquire new properties in diseases like cancer and diabetes.
Researchers discover human embryonic stem cells are the ultimate perpetual fuel cell
Scientists at McMaster University have made a groundbreaking discovery about human embryonic stem cells, finding they can generate fuel to sustain themselves. This breakthrough has significant implications for future clinical therapy, as it could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases such as Parkinson's and diabetes.
More than half of infertile couples may be willing to donate unused embryos to stem cell research
A study by researchers at Duke University Medical Center and Johns Hopkins University found that 60% of infertile couples would be likely to donate unused embryos for stem cell research. The number of available embryos could be 10 times higher than previous estimates, resulting in a potential 100-fold increase in stem cell lines.
A faster way to recover from chemotherapy and marrow transplant
Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston have found a new way to increase stem cells in blood, suggesting a possible treatment to help patients recover their immune function more quickly. The discovery uses a small-molecule drug that enhances the blood-forming system.
UCLA researchers reprogram normal tissue cells into embryonic stem cells
Researchers at UCLA successfully reprogrammed normal tissue cells into cells with unlimited properties as embryonic stem cells, offering a promising alternative to current cloning methods. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of immune-compatible cells for disease treatment and regenerative therapies.
A twist of fate -- Reprogrammed fibroblasts resemble embryonic stem cells
Researchers successfully induced pluripotent cells from fibroblasts using four transcription factors, exhibiting properties similar to embryonic stem cells. These findings have significant implications for regenerative medicine and may pave the way for generating patient-specific stem cell lines directly from a person's own cells.
Reprogrammed fibroblasts identical to embryonic stem cells
Researchers at Whitehead Institute successfully reprogrammed mature skin cells into pluripotent cells, identical to embryonic stem cells, without using eggs or destroying embryos. These cells can give rise to live mice and transmit their genetic material to subsequent generations.
UC Irvine awarded $3.9 million to upgrade stem cell research facilities, training
UCI will receive $3.9 million to enhance its core embryonic stem cell research laboratory and expand a training program for young scientists on research techniques involving human embryonic stem cells. The grant is part of $50 million in funding awarded to 17 institutions by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine.
Adult stem cells from human cord umbilical cord blood successfully engineered to make insulin
Researchers have successfully engineered adult stem cells from human cord blood to produce insulin, a potential breakthrough in treating type 1 diabetes. The discovery uses complex signals produced by embryonic mouse pancreas to direct adult stem cells into islet-like cells, producing C-peptide and insulin.
Stem cells provide clues to cancer spread
Researchers used embryonic stem cells to investigate how some tumours migrate to other parts of the body, making treatment more difficult. They found that a crucial change in cell behavior, known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, allows cancer cells to move and spread.
A matter of force
Scientists at EMBL discovered that microtubule interactions with the cell cortex drive asymmetric cell division in nematode worms. The study reveals a pulling force generated by cortical filaments, which could apply to other organisms and contexts such as stem cell renewal.
Reversing cancer cells to normal cells
A study by Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix found that inhibiting Nodal signaling in aggressive melanoma cells can reverse their invasiveness and tumor formation, reverting them to a more benign skin cell type. This discovery provides a promising new target for regulating tumor progression and metastasis.
Many couples choose to donate surplus embryos for stem cell research
A recent study published in Cell Stem Cell found that nearly half of couples who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) chose to donate their surplus embryos for stem cell research. The key factor was a clear explanation of the options, which helped couples navigate the legal situation and address concerns about donation.
Stem cells provide new tool for studying disease and identifying ALS drugs
Researchers have developed an in vitro model of ALS using embryonic stem cells, providing insights into the disease's mechanisms. The studies suggest that astrocytes may be toxic to motor neurons in ALS, offering a potential target for new therapies.
San Diego stem cell consortium tops in state funding
The San Diego Consortium for Regenerative Medicine has received six grants totaling $16.479588 to conduct life-saving human embryonic stem cell research, including work on brain repair and spinal injuries. The consortium aims to develop cures and therapies for devastating diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Scientists unlock mystery of embryonic stem cell signaling pathway
Scientists at USC have identified a small molecule, IQ-1, that prevents embryonic stem cells from differentiating into specific cell types. This discovery allows for the potential growth of human stem cells without risk of contamination from mouse feeder cells.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2007
$7.9M awarded to UCI stem cell scientists
Three UCI projects focus on mitochondria, spinal cord injuries and genetic manipulation of human embryonic stem cells. Researchers aim to develop therapies and treatments for degenerative diseases and cancers.
Chemical cues turn embryonic stem cells into cerebellar neurons
Researchers at Rockefeller University successfully differentiated embryonic stem cells into fully functional granule neurons, the most plentiful neuron in the cerebellum. This breakthrough study marks a significant step toward understanding how to regulate embryonic stem cells and potentially use them for cell replacement therapy.
SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2007
Stem cells act through multiple mechanisms to benefit mice with neurodegenerative disease
Researchers used human embryonic stem cells to treat a degenerative disease in mice, demonstrating the first successful use of hESCs in a diseased brain. The treatment not only replaced damaged nerve cells but also boosted the brain's supply of an enzyme and reduced inflammation.
UT-Houston scientists develop new procedure to differentiate human embryonic stem cells
Researchers at UT-Houston's Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine have developed a new procedure to differentiate human embryonic stem cells into alveolar epithelial type II cells, also known as the 'stem cells of the lungs'. These cells can potentially be used to treat pulmonary genetic diseases and lung trauma.
SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2007
MIT bioengineer advances survival, promise of adult stem cells
Researchers have developed a technique to encourage survival and growth of adult stem cells, found in many tissues, which hold great promise for treating injuries and some diseases. The study's findings suggest that by manipulating the environment surrounding the cells, certain growth factors can protect them from pro-death signals.
Researchers safely regenerate failing mouse hearts with programmed embryonic stem cells
Mayo Clinic researchers successfully transplanted cardiac preprogrammed embryonic stem cells into diseased hearts, regenerating infarcted heart muscle without tumor formation. The study establishes a tumor-resistant approach to growing new heart tissue from an embryonic stem cell source.