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Researchers find stem cells in normal and Fuchs corneal endothelium

For the first time, researchers have identified rapidly proliferating cells in the corneal endothelium of specimens from normal corneas and those with Fuchs' Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD). This discovery holds promise for new therapies to be developed using these cells to return normal clearing abilities to patients with FECD.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateOct 3, 2016

Loophole for cancer cells

Cancer cells use DR6 to kill endothelial cells, allowing them to slip through the vascular wall and form metastases. This process is known as necroptosis, which enables cancer cells to overcome an endothelial cell layer in the laboratory and in living organisms.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateAug 10, 2016

'Fixing' blood vessel cells to diagnose blood clotting disorders

A new device replicates the crucial interface between endothelial cells and circulating blood, enabling the diagnosis of blood clotting disorders and monitoring of anti-platelet therapy. The device uses chemically fixed human endothelial cells to mimic cellular and vascular flow conditions, increasing robustness and diagnostic accuracy.

Protease-activated receptors differentially regulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase

The study reveals that PAR-1 and PAR-2 activation by thrombin and specific peptides differentially regulates eNOS phosphorylation, leading to increased or decreased NO production. PAR-3 induces eNOS-Thr-495 phosphorylation only, whereas PAR-4 is not expressed in human coronary artery endothelial cells.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateMar 31, 2016

Rapidly building arteries that produce biochemical signals

Researchers have created artificial arteries containing both endothelial and media layers, demonstrating normal communication and function. The new technique allows for miniaturized arteries to test drugs for efficacy and side effects, potentially enabling quicker experimentation and more accurate testing.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 18, 2016

Clarifying the mechanism for making blood cells

A research group led by Makoto Kobayashi has shed light on the mechanism of hemangioblast differentiation into blood cells and vascular endothelia. LSD1 histone demethylase plays a crucial role in silencing Etv2, a transcription factor gene required for hemangioblast formation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2016

Using nanoparticles to combat arteriosclerosis

A team of researchers developed a method for guiding replacement cells to diseased vascular segments using nanoparticles, which demonstrated promising results in mice. The fresh cells exert their curative effect in these segments by producing nitric oxide and regulating blood vessel expansion.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 6, 2016

Preventing heart cells from turning to bone

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have discovered a chain of events that cause healthy valves to become bone-like. They identified three key genes that are altered in calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) and found a potential therapeutic target by manipulating their activity, pointing to novel treatments for the condition.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell·DateMar 12, 2015

Hydrogels deliver on blood-vessel growth

Researchers have created a new hydrogel that can be injected into wounds, forming scaffolds that help them heal quickly. The material promotes angiogenesis, the growth of blood vessels, which is essential for tissue repair and reduces the risk of complications.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 20, 2015

Reprogrammed cells grow into new blood vessels

Researchers at Houston Methodist develop a new approach to regrow damaged blood vessels using trans-differentiated fibroblasts, improving blood flow and oxygenation. The technique shows promise for treating cardiovascular damage and injuries with minimal risk of chromosome damage.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalCirculation·DateNov 7, 2014

New glaucoma culprit is found

Researchers found that endothelial cells in eyes with glaucoma are stiffer than healthy cells, leading to increased flow resistance and elevated pressure. This mechanical dysfunction may lead to a cure for the debilitating disease.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 12, 2014

Baby hearts need rhythm to develop correctly

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered that mechanical forces generated by the rhythmic expansion and contraction of cardiac muscle cells play an active role in the initial stage of heart valve formation. This study provides a new perspective on the process, shedding light on how to create artificial heart valves.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 18, 2014

A new postal code for cancer

Scientists at the University of Freiburg have discovered a new paradigm for targeting specific cell types using nanoparticles. They developed particles that can recognize endothelial cells through biophysical principles, allowing for precise delivery to cancer cells without changing biological addresses. This breakthrough has significa...

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2014

Putting a brake on tumor spread

A team of scientists found that a protein called focal adhesion kinase (FAK) enables tumor cells to spread into the bloodstream by weakening the blood vessel barrier. Selective inhibition of FAK within endothelial cells prevents spontaneous tumor metastasis without altering tumor size.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 23, 2014