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Giving transplanted cells a nanotech checkup

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have created a way to monitor the survival of transplanted cells using nanoscale pH sensors and MRI machines. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize cell replacement therapies for conditions like liver failure and type 1 diabetes by providing reliable means of detecting dead cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 5, 2013

Transplanted genetically-modified adipose cells offer potential therapy for liver diseases

Researchers have successfully transplanted genetically modified adipose cells into mice with liver disease, demonstrating their potential as a therapy. The study used bioluminescent imaging to track the cells' migration and engraftment in the liver, revealing their ability to persist for up to two months.

JCI early table of contents for October 1, 2012

Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina found that saturated fatty acids and specific metabolic pathways contribute to diabetic cardiomyopathy in mice. Additionally, a study published by Helen Hobbs' group identified the mutation PNPLA3 as a contributing factor to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 1, 2012

Japanese scientists show 'new' liver generation using hepatocyte cell transplantation

Researchers in Japan have successfully generated a new liver system using hepatocyte cell transplantation. The study demonstrated the feasibility of propagating mouse hepatocytes by creating a vascularized platform and uniform hepatocyte sheets, leading to the functionality of the engineered liver system.

Mature liver cells may be better than stem cells for liver cell transplantation therapy

Researchers found that mature hepatocytes offered better repopulation efficiency than stem/progenitor cells after transplantation into liver-injured rats. The mature hepatocytes continued to survive and proliferate for up to one year, while the stem/progenitor cells died within two months.

JCI online early table of contents: Nov. 21, 2011

Researchers identify a new way to boost the aged immune response to flu viruses by inhibiting PGD2. They also discover that targeting BRAF in thyroid cancers could restore the efficacy of RAI therapy. Additionally, exploring EGFR as a therapeutic target for Cushing disease may provide new treatment options.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 21, 2011

How our liver kills 'killer cells'

Scientists at Centenary Institute discovered that liver cells can engulf and destroy T-cells, reducing organ rejection in transplants and potentially fighting hepatitis and other chronic liver diseases. The discovery opens up new approaches to transplant rejection and treatment of liver diseases, which affect millions worldwide.

SourceCentenary Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2011

Why carbon nanotubes spell trouble for cells

Researchers at Brown University found that carbon nanotubes enter cells tip-first and at a 90-degree angle, often causing repeated inflammation. The team's study suggests that understanding how nanomaterials interact with cells is crucial for designing products that help cells rather than harm them.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 18, 2011

Adult stem cells take root in livers and repair damage

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully coaxed adult human cells into an embryonic state and used them to regenerate liver tissue in mice with chronic liver damage. The induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) showed promise as a potential alternative to liver transplants for patients with serious liver diseases, offering...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 11, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: April 18, 2011

Researchers have identified a low-molecular weight TrkB antagonist with potent behavioral effects that suggest it will have antidepressant and anti-anxiety activity in humans. The compound, ANA-12, was discovered through a screen of stable small molecules that could specifically inhibit TrkB action. Additionally, a study on type 1 diab...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 18, 2011

Progress toward the clinical application of autologous induced pluripotent stem cells and gene repair therapy for treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia

Researchers successfully reprogrammed diseased human hepatocytes into induced pluripotent stem cells, offering a potentially unlimited source for liver disease treatment. This breakthrough could enable the generation of genetically corrected liver cells via auto-transplantation, avoiding liver transplants and immunosuppression.

UCLA study finds cholesterol regulator plays key role in development of liver scarring, cirrhosis

A new study by UCLA researchers has found that a key regulator of cholesterol and fat metabolism in the liver also plays a crucial role in the development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. LXRs, master regulators of cholesterol and inflammatory gene expression, control the fibrosis-making cells of the liver.

Different sources, same result

Scientists found that hepatocyte-like cells derived from iPS cells exhibit 80% similar gene expression to those from embryonic stem cells, but less than that of real human liver cells. The study suggests that further adaptation is needed for iPSC-derived hepatocytes to be used in treating liver diseases.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateJan 5, 2011

Japanese researchers report on liver transplantation studies using animal and iPS cells

Two Japanese research teams have reported breakthrough studies in liver cell transplantation, with one team finding that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) can differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells and another team successfully transplanting porcine hepatocytes into mice with acute liver failure, highlighting progress in overcomin...

JCI table of contents: Aug. 25, 2010

Two independent research groups demonstrate that induced pluripotent stem cells can be used to model diseases of the liver and generate functional hepatocytes with proliferative capabilities. These findings expand our understanding of iPS cell technology's potential for cell replacement therapy and modeling human disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 25, 2010

Supply and demand

Scientists at EMBL have identified IRPs as key proteins ensuring iron balance in cells. In a study, they found that IRPs are required for mitochondrial function and that their dysfunction leads to iron deficiency and cellular damage.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 4, 2010

Targeted delivery of losartan reduces liver inflammation and scarring

A study found that losartan-M6PHSA, a targeted delivery system of losartan, reduced liver inflammation and fibrosis in rats. In contrast, oral losartan alone had no significant effect on disease activity. The researchers believe early detection of fibrosis offers potential for therapies to prevent further scarring.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateMar 1, 2010

Liver cells grown from patients' skin cells

Researchers at Medical College of Wisconsin successfully produced patient-specific liver cells from skin cells, enabling potential treatment of metabolic liver diseases. The study builds on previous work by James Thomson and colleagues, showing that skin cells can be reprogrammed into embryonic stem cells.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalHepatology·DateOct 8, 2009

A breath of fresh air could improve drug toxicity screening

A team of researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital has developed a new way to culture liver cells for drug toxicity screening, using a high-oxygen environment and serum-free medium. This method significantly improves the function of cultured liver cells, enabling them to predict the clearance rates of drugs with high accuracy.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2009