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Helping select the cells with the most potential

Osaka University researchers discovered a key regulatory mechanism in the development of normal pluripotent embryonic cells using the Hippo pathway. They found that TEAD and YAP proteins support pluripotency in blastocysts by activating cell competition, leading to elimination of low-potential cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 27, 2019

Human iPSC-derived MSCs from aged individuals acquire a rejuvenation signature

Researchers have discovered that human iPSC-derived MSCs (iMSCs) from aged individuals acquire a rejuvenation-associated 50-gene signature, which is also expressed in pluripotent stem cells. This finding highlights the potential of iMSCs to act via paracrine signalling and circumvent drawbacks associated with adult MSCs.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·DateApr 10, 2019

The source of stem cells points to two proteins

Researchers at Michigan State University have identified YAP1 and WWTR1 as crucial proteins in regulating the balance between pluripotent cells and placenta formation. This discovery sheds light on the natural process of creating embryonic stem cells, which could lead to advances in regenerative medicine and organoid technologies.

Culturing cheaper stem cells

Kyoto University scientists have created a more cost-effective culture system for human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), which can support their long-term renewal without expensive growth factors. The new 'AKIT' culture, using three chemical compounds, is five to ten times cheaper than existing methods.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 5, 2018

Engineers grow functioning human muscle from skin cells

Duke researchers successfully grew functioning human skeletal muscle from induced pluripotent stem cells, offering a promising path for cellular therapies, drug discovery, and studying rare diseases. The technique allows for the growth of far more muscle cells and provides an easier route to genome editing and individualized models.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 9, 2018

Genetic cross-talk key to cell balance

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research discovered direct cross-regulatory feedback between Nanog and Hox genes, which regulate pluripotency and differentiation. This study provides important insight into tissue formation processes and holds relevance for regenerative medicine and cancer therapy.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2017

Two-part system turns stem cells into whatever you want

A new two-part system turns embryonic or adult stem cells into the desired target cell type, reproducing flawlessly. The system uses a DNA plasmid that makes cells glow green when exposed to blue light, allowing researchers to track its removal and control gene expression.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 5, 2017

New platform for culturing stem cells

A new platform for culturing human pluripotent stem cells has been developed at Kyoto University, combining micro and nanotechnologies to precisely control the culture environment. The Multiplexed Artificial Cellular Microenvironment (MACME) array mimics extracellular environments with nanofibres in fluid-filled micro-chambers of preci...

SourceKyoto University·JournalSmall·DateMar 14, 2017

Some genetic variations difficult to evaluate using current stem cell modeling techniques

A recent study conducted at The Mount Sinai Hospital found that certain genetic mutations are challenging to recreate in laboratory-produced stem cells. This limitation may hinder neuropsychiatric research, highlighting the need for researchers to carefully check for retained genetic elements in newly created stem cells.

Stem cells also rust

A Lund University research team identified high levels of reactive oxygen species in newly generated blood stem cells from pluripotent stem cells, damaging their function. The researchers developed a cocktail to reduce oxidative damage, resulting in over twenty times more blood stem cells that could grow.

SourceLund University·JournalStem Cells·DateOct 25, 2016

Growing stem cells on a chip

A team of researchers has created a microfluidic device that allows for the growth of human pluripotent stem cells in optimal, three-dimensional conditions. This technology enables fine-tuning of the culture environment and creates an ideal artificial microenvironment for hPSC analysis.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateOct 24, 2016