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Decellularized mouse heart beats again after regenerating with human heart precursor cells

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have successfully regenerated a mouse heart using human heart precursor cells, paving the way for potential transplantation and drug testing models. The breakthrough could lead to personalized organ replacement and improved treatment options for heart disease patients.

Lampreys provide hints to ancient immune cells

Researchers have identified a type of white blood cell in lampreys that resembles gamma delta T cells found in mammals and birds. The discovery suggests that distinct cells with similar functions may have existed in the last common vertebrate ancestor, providing insights into the evolutionary past.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature·DateAug 12, 2013

Cells in the early embryo battle each other to death for becoming part of the organism

In early mammalian development, embryonic cells undergo a battle for survival between days 3 and 7. Cells with higher levels of Myc protein eliminate those with lower levels through an optimization mechanism. This study reveals that this process does not waste cellular resources but instead benefits the embryo.

Pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons may be a viable Parkinson's disease treatment

Researchers have successfully transplanted human embryonic stem cells into monkeys with Parkinson's disease, demonstrating robust survival and integration of the cells. The study found that the gene expression of dopamine-producing neurons was transient after transplantation, highlighting the need for further research to optimize cell ...

Type 1 diabetes: Can insulin-producing cells be regenerated?

Researchers have found that pancreatic β cells can be regenerated at least three times using a mechanism that involves the forced activation of the Pax 4 gene. This breakthrough suggests that the pancreas has a virtually inexhaustible source of cells capable of replacing lost β cells, offering new hope for treating Type 1 diabetes.

Same musicians: Brand new tune

A new study by Stowers Institute for Medical Research reveals that Notch2, a Notch family protein, shapes an eye structure known as the ciliary body by ensuring BMP signals remain loud and clear. The findings provide crucial insights into how excessive pressure is a risk factor for glaucoma.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2013

No rebirth for insulin secreting pancreatic beta cells

Researchers used fluorescent cell labeling to determine when precursor cells develop into pancreatic beta cells. They found no evidence of neogenesis in adult mice, contradicting previous assumptions about beta cell creation. This discovery has significant implications for understanding diseases like diabetes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 24, 2013

Transmission routes of spreading protein particles

Researchers found that certain protein particles can multiply and spread from one cell to the next, contributing to the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This discovery may lead to new methods for treatment by preventing the spreading of disease-related protein particles.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 2013

Synthetic circuit allows dialing gene expression up or down in human cells

Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a synthetic gene circuit that can dial up or down gene expression in human cells, enabling refined research for drug resistance and cancer treatment. The circuit's precision will allow scientists to test the boundaries of genes known to confer resistance ...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 11, 2013

In the brain, broken down 'motors' cause anxiety

Researchers find that broken molecular motors cause stress and anxiety in mice, potentially leading to new anti-anxiety drug candidates. The discovery highlights the critical role of these motors in transporting serotonin receptors, which regulate mood and behavior.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 7, 2013

Sensing the light, but not to see

Researchers from the Marine Biological Laboratory discovered that lancelets have melanopsin-producing cells, which are involved in non-visual light-dependent functions. Studying these cells provides insight into the evolutionary history of circadian receptors and their role in regulating biological clocks.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2013

Finding the way to memory

A new study from McGill University reveals that the DCC receptor is essential for normal synaptic function and plasticity, leading to progressive degeneration of synapses and defects in memory formation. The absence of DCC leads to memory loss similar to Dr. Brenda Milner's famous subject HM.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 4, 2013

Itchy wool sweaters explained

Researchers found a specific type of sensory nerve cell that responds to itch-inducing stimuli but not pain, suggesting a possible solution for chronic itch. This discovery may help develop treatments for life-saving medications and improve our understanding of the relationship between pain and itch.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 2, 2013

Environmental chemical blocks cell function

Bisphenol A, a widely used industrial chemical, has been shown to block essential calcium channels in human and mouse cells. This can lead to adverse effects on heart muscle contraction, enzyme activity, and nerve cell communication. The study suggests that alternatives to BPA should be developed to replace it in various products.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMolecular Pharmacology·DateDec 6, 2012

Researchers identify genetic basis of cardiac, craniofacial birth defects

A group of researchers has identified four specific transcription factor genes that control processes related to heart and head muscle formation. This basic research will provide a road map to ultimately allow scientists to grow the cell types needed to repair such defects from stem cells generated from a person's own body.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2012

Diverse intestinal viruses may play a role in AIDS progression

Researchers found a large number of previously undescribed viruses in the gastrointestinal tract of monkeys with SIV-induced AIDS, suggesting these viruses may contribute to disease progression. The presence of RNA viruses alongside DNA viruses offers new insights into the complex interplay between microorganisms and disease.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateOct 11, 2012

Mouse pancreatic stem cells successfully differentiate into insulin producing cells

A team of Japanese researchers found that using specific transcription factors and Sendai virus vectors can facilitate the differentiation of mouse pancreatic stem cells (mPSCs) into insulin-producing cells. The combination of Pdx-1, NeuroD, and MafA transcription factors showed the greatest impact on this process.

In adult humans, brown fat is actually beige

Researchers identified a third type of fat cell, beige adipocytes, that can be activated to burn energy and generate heat in both mice and humans. Beige fat cells are genetically intermediate between white and brown fat, and respond to hormone irisin, which is released during exercise.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJul 12, 2012

Scientists discover new type of cell with a key role in treatment-resistant asthma

Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a new type of cell in mice that causes asthma symptoms even in the presence of steroids. Similar cells were found in humans with asthma, suggesting a possible target for new treatment options. Further research is needed to explore the role of these cells in human asthma.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 7, 2012

Distinct brain cells recognize novel sights

Researchers uncover two distinct cell types in the inferior temporal cortex that respond differently to familiar and novel objects. Excitatory neurons fire rapidly at initial encounters, while inhibitory neurons maintain activity over a wider timeframe, driving learning and reorganization.

SourceBrown University·JournalNeuron·DateApr 11, 2012

Penn research points to new way of preserving fertility for boys undergoing cancer treatment

A team led by Ralph Brinster at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine has successfully preserved spermatogonial stem cells in mice for over a decade, demonstrating their viability and ability to produce healthy offspring. The study provides promising evidence for a potential fertility treatment in humans, address...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateMar 28, 2012