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New biomarker to assess stem cells developed

A team of scientists at UCL has discovered a way to fast-track the screening of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using DNA methylation as a biomarker. This new approach can help identify 'good' and 'bad' cell lines, which is crucial for laboratory research and potential cell replacement therapies.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 2016

The CNIO uses the Internet network theory to decipher the first epigenetic communication network

The study reveals that 5hmC mark acts as a key signal connecting complexes that regulate gene expression, influencing cellular differentiation and energy metabolism in embryonic stem cells. The findings suggest that 5hmC may play a central role in the coordinated evolution of chromatin-related proteins.

New mouse-human modeling system enables study of disease development in vivo

Scientists have created a new mouse-human modeling platform that can study neural crest development and model diseases like melanoma and neurofibromatosis. The system uses human committed stem cells injected into mouse embryos, resulting in successfully integrated chimeras with disease-relevant human cells.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2016

New study of gene mutations causing Leigh syndrome shows effects on embryonic development

A new study using mouse embryonic stem cells found that gene mutations leading to Complex I deficiency cause significant differences in early patterns of cellular gene expression. The mutations also disrupted energy-producing processes, affecting neuronal development and the initiation of a heartbeat.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateJan 20, 2016

Aryeh Warmflash wins NSF CAREER Award

Aryeh Warmflash, a Rice University professor, has received a prestigious NSF CAREER Award to investigate the mechanisms of embryonic cell differentiation. He aims to develop theoretical models to predict patterns of cell development and engineer embryonic-like systems.

3-D printed 'building blocks' of life

Researchers have created a 3D printing technique that produces highly uniform 'blocks' of embryonic stem cells, which can be used as building blocks to construct tissue constructs, larger structures of tissues, and potentially even micro-organs. The method outperforms existing methods in terms of cell uniformity and homogenous prolifer...

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiofabrication·DateNov 3, 2015

Cardiac muscle cells as good as progenitors for heart repair

Human embryonic stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes surpass bone marrow-derived cells in repairing damaged heart tissue, suggesting a better option for future therapies. The study's findings also indicate that more mature and stable heart muscle cells may be more effective than progenitor cells in clinical studies.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateOct 22, 2015

The CNIO opens up a new avenue for combating the deterioration in blood stem cells

A study by Juan Méndez at CNIO sheds light on molecular mechanisms of ageing in blood stem cells, opening a new avenue for reducing their decline with age and potentially treating aplastic anaemia. Researchers managed to prevent embryonic lethality by increasing the levels of gene CHK1, showing less pronounced anaemia in mice.

A dominant evolutionary theme emerges to better predict clinical outcomes for cancer

A dominant evolutionary theme emerges to predict cancer clinical outcomes, with tumors trending toward a more primitive ESC state having a worse prognosis. This study analyzed global gene expression profiles from 107 cells types and over 3,000 tumors, demonstrating the robustness of this pattern across various solid tumor cancers.

RNA's part in determining the health of stem cells

Researchers discovered 16 RNA-binding proteins whose depletion affects stem cell pluripotency and identified six RBPs making up the critical protein complex called small subunit processome (SSUP). Enhanced translational activity is crucial for ESC maintenance, while precise regulation of translation rates may influence stem cell determ...

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 12, 2015

The final word on STAP

A group of scientists from seven international laboratories failed to replicate the STAP study, which claimed to turn ordinary cells into pluripotent stem cells. Computational analysis revealed significant genomic inconsistencies, including different genders and mixtures of embryonic and placental stem cells in some experiments.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateSep 23, 2015

A switch for health heart muscle

Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation have discovered a unique genetic switch that guides stem cells into developing specialized heart muscle. The discovery of the Mel18 protein is expected to reveal underlying causes of heart defects and potentially lead to new methods for controlling stem cells in the laboratory.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateSep 3, 2015

Come here and be quiet!

A novel technique identified an unusually strong 3D network of developmental genes in ESCs, physically clustered and silenced by Polycomb repressive complex (PRC1) to maintain the undifferentiated state. This mechanism allows for selective release of genes, controlling early development decisions.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 31, 2015

Production of iPS cells: Discovery of the fifth element

A team of researchers has identified netrin-1 as a molecule that can favour the production of induced pluripotent stem cells, which have huge potential applications in regenerative medicine. The discovery may ultimately enable the creation of new organs from patient cells, eliminating rejection risks and ethical concerns.

Shh! Don't wake the sleeping virus!

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University develop novel experimental model that successfully mimics the re-activation of the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles. The model allows scientists to test drugs and develop therapies to prevent shingles and potentially impact other viruses targeting the human nervous system.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 4, 2015

Simple recipe to make sensory hair cells in the ear

Researchers at the Molecular Medicine Institute and University College London Ear Institute have created a protocol to produce inner ear hair cells, crucial for hearing and balance. The study's success suggests that similar strategies might work in humans, paving the way for cell transplantation therapies or high-throughput drug screens.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·DateMay 26, 2015

Resolving a lymphatic riddle

Weizmann Institute researchers resolved the debate on lymphatic system origins, discovering that lymphatic cells grow from a niche within embryonic veins. They also identified a key gene, WNT5B, which prompts stem cells to differentiate into lymphatic cells.

New transitional stem cells discovered

Researchers at the University of Missouri have identified a new form of human embryonic stem cell that can help advance research on pre-eclampsia and other reproductive problems. These 'BMP-primed' stem cells are more robust and easily manipulated than traditional stem cells, making them ideal for future studies.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2015