Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Mutation may cause early loss of sperm supply

A study by Brown University biologists reveals that the loss of a gene in male mice leads to premature exhaustion of their fertility, with mice being fertile at first but quickly depleting their limited sperm supply. The research provides fundamental insights into sperm generation and has implications for understanding human fertility.

SourceBrown University·JournalStem Cells·DateMar 2, 2015

How adult fly testes keep from changing into ovaries

Researchers discovered a mutation in adult fruit flies that prevents testicular cells from transforming into ovaries, maintaining sex identity. The study's findings have implications for understanding cell fate conversions and may lead to new therapeutic approaches.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateNov 13, 2014

Scientists develop barcoding tool for stem cells

Researchers at Harvard University developed a barcoding tool to track the origin of blood cells, revealing that progenitor cells, not blood stem cells, give rise to specific blood cell types. This discovery challenges scientific dogma and has potential applications for blood regeneration therapies.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateOct 5, 2014

New method for reducing tumorigenicity in induced pluripotent stem-cell based therapies

Mayo Clinic researchers discover a strategy to significantly reduce the risk of tumor development using pretreatment with genotoxic etoposide. This approach establishes an adjunctive therapy to harness the clinical value of iPSC-derived cardiac regeneration, providing a promising breakthrough for heart disease treatment.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateJul 23, 2014

Stem cells hold keys to body's plan

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified a new class of genetic switches, called seed enhancers, that guide the development of pluripotent stem cells. These enhancers play roles from before birth to adulthood and hold promise for regenerative medicine and disease prevention.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJun 5, 2014

New discovery on early immune system development

Researchers have discovered that the immune system forms in the embryo's yolk sac before blood stem cells, potentially leading to a better understanding of childhood diseases such as leukaemia. The study provides new insights into the development of immune-competent cells and their relationship with blood stem cells.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 12, 2013

Illinois researchers advance understanding of schistosome reproduction

Researchers at the University of Illinois have characterized stem cells in larval schistosomes, which may help control the parasite's life cycle and potentially lead to its eradication. The study discovered molecular signatures similar to those found in free-living flatworms, allowing schistosome larvae to rapidly reproduce.

World Stem Cell Summit to be presented by Genetics Policy Institute, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., and Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News

The 2013 World Stem Cell Report will be published as a special supplement to the peer-reviewed journal Stem Cells and Development. The report delivers an orbital and unique viewpoint on regenerative medicine, featuring content from leading policy-makers, regulators, and experts.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateJun 10, 2013

Reinventing drug discovery

A new stem-cell based drug screening technology has identified a compound that prolongs the life of motor neurons in both normal and ALS-affected cells. The study found kenpaullone, which inhibits HGK, an enzyme associated with motor neuron death, to be more effective than two failed drugs in human clinical trials.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 18, 2013

Protein balance key in preventing cancer

Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that two antagonistic proteins help keep leukemia at bay by maintaining balance in stem cell production. The study suggests that new compounds could fight cancer by targeting the pathways responsible for regulating these proteins.

SourceFox Chase Cancer Center·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateFeb 27, 2013

How to mend a broken heart: Advances in parthenogenic stem cells

Researchers at Georg-August-Universität Göttingen used parthenogenic stem cells to create cardiomyocytes and engineered heart muscle with normal properties. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential of parthenogenic stem cells for tissue engineering and could lead to new cell replacement therapies.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 22, 2013

New path of origin for macrophages

Researchers at TUM discovered that macrophages can originate from two distinct cell lines: one from hematopoietic stem cells and the other from yolk sac cells. The study reveals that yolk sac-derived macrophages migrate to organs during embryonic development and remain there, while blood-circulating macrophages are replaced by stem cells.

Seeking superior stem cells

Researchers developed a new method for reprogramming human cells into stem cells, increasing efficiency by 100-fold and producing high-quality cells faster. This breakthrough has potential applications in medicine, such as organ replacement, bone replacement, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2011