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Melatonin pre-treatment is a factor that impacts stem cell survival after transplantation

Researchers found that melatonin pre-treatment increased cell survival of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) after transplantation into laboratory animals with stroke damage. The pre-treated MSCs showed enhanced survival under oxidative stimulation, reducing infarct volume and improving neurobehavioral outcomes.

Steering stem cells with magnets

Scientists at Emory Health Sciences have developed a method to steer mesenchymal stem cells using magnets, which could potentially be used to treat cardiovascular diseases. The nanoparticles used in this study are FDA-approved for MRI purposes and protect the cell from damage.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalSmall·DateJul 16, 2013

Biological tooth replacement -- a step closer

Researchers at King's College London have developed a new method for replacing missing teeth with bioengineered material from human gum cells. The technique, which uses adult human epithelial cells and mouse mesenchyme cells, can produce functional teeth with viable roots and dentine.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 8, 2013

Tuberculosis may lurk in bone marrow stem cells of infected patients, Stanford researchers say

Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered that tuberculosis bacteria can infiltrate and settle in mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow. This finding raises the possibility that other infectious agents may employ similar tactics, providing a new potential target for treatment. The research suggests that u...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 30, 2013

Pre-transplant umbilical cord blood expansion speeds establishment of new blood supply in patients

Researchers have developed a method to expand umbilical cord blood cells on mesenchymal precursor cells, speeding up the establishment of a new blood supply in patients. This approach has shown faster engraftment of white blood cells and platelets, resulting in improved patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 12, 2012

New studies show spinal cord injury and ALS respond to cell transplantation

Researchers found that mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in animal models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal cord injury promotes functional recovery. Bone marrow cell transplantation coupled with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor also shows neuroprotective and angiogenic effects in ALS animal models.

Why belly fat isn't all bad

Researchers have found that the omentum's fat cells can suppress the immune system by sequestering activated T cells, a finding that could lead to new drugs with fewer side effects. The omentum also helps regenerate damaged tissues through mesenchymal stem cells.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 6, 2012

Colitis in test mice responds to treatment with human umbilical cord-derived mensenchymal cells

A study published in Cell Transplantation found that human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal cells effectively reduced clinical and pathological severity of induced colitis in test mice. The treatment inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, indicating its potential for treating inflammatory bowel diseases.

Cancer stem cells recruit normal stem cells to fuel ovarian cancer, U-M study finds

Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have found that mesenchymal stem cells, normally used for wound healing, are recruited by cancer stem cells to fuel ovarian cancer growth. By blocking this process with a protein called BMP2, researchers may have discovered a potential therapy for ovarian cancer.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 18, 2011

A drugstore within

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that mesenchymal stem cells can inhibit an overactive immune system and promote tissue repair. These cells have shown potential in treating conditions such as acute heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and juvenile diabetes.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 7, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: July 1, 2011

Researchers identify VIP signaling pathway key for normal brain development, finding that environmental factors can influence final brain size. A new approach to treating Parkinson's disease is also suggested with T-type calcium channel blockade.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 1, 2011

A 'stitch in time' could help damaged hearts

A research team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute demonstrates the feasibility of delivering adult bone-marrow-derived stem cells using biopolymer microthreads, which support cell growth while maintaining differentiation potential. The technology has the potential to improve cardiac function and treat cardiac arrhythmias.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateDec 9, 2010

Controlling bone formation to prevent osteoporosis

A team of researchers has identified a key player in maintaining bone balance, finding that the protein Maf promotes bone formation and prevents osteoporosis. By understanding this age-related switch in cell type generation, new approaches to treat age-related osteoporosis may be developed.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 27, 2010