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Epigenetic switch helps keep early embryo cells on the right track

A study reveals an epigenetic switch that restricts early embryo cells from differentiating into certain tissue lineages. The research identifies PRC2 as a key regulator of gene expression in embryonic development, allowing for better control of stem cell specialization and blastoid formation.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2022

Chung-Ang University researchers use biomolecule-loaded metal-organic frameworks nanopatterns to aid artificial stem cell differentiation

A new platform mimics live cellular environment to guide stem cell differentiation outside the body. Researchers from Chung-Ang University developed a novel platform based on metal-organic frameworks, which offers advantages over conventional methods for in vitro stem cell differentiation.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Cardiac progenitor cells generate healthy tissue after a heart attack

A team of researchers has successfully treated damaged pig hearts with cardiac progenitor cells, demonstrating the formation of new cardiac tissue and improved cardiac function. The treatment could potentially be used to treat patients with serious heart failure, particularly older patients with coexisting conditions.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Designer neurons offer new hope for treatment of Parkinson’s disease

Researchers have developed a process to convert non-neuronal cells into functioning neurons that can take up residence in the brain and restore capacities undermined by Parkinson's destruction of dopaminergic cells. In a proof-of-concept study, one group of experimentally engineered cells performs optimally in terms of survival, growth...

SourceArizona State University·Journalnpj Regenerative Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2022

Rethinking congenital hydrocephalus

A new study suggests that up to 1 in 4 cases of congenital hydrocephalus may be linked to genetic mutations affecting neural stem cell growth, leading to underdeveloped brains and enlarged ventricles. This paradigm shift could lead to targeted therapies such as gene editing or drugs to optimize neurodevelopment.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 5, 2022

Double agents: How stomach stem cells change allegiance upon injury

A molecular switch, p57, enables stomach stem cells to change allegiance from normal digestion to injury response, potentially leading to new treatments for gastric pathologies. The study's findings suggest that p57 is a key regulator of reserve stem cell state in gastric chief cells.

Nothing to cry about: The development of tear duct organoids

Scientists at Osaka University created 3D human stem cell-derived lacrimal gland organoids that mimic the human tear duct. The organoids exhibited organization and branching patterns characteristic of the human lacrimal gland, demonstrating potential as a platform for regenerative therapies for dry eye syndrome.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022

Learning from endangered zebra stem cells

Researchers at Kyoto University have produced induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from the endangered Grévy's zebra, showcasing similarities with human and mouse stem cells. The study's findings provide insight into evolutionary conservation between mammals and may help advance research on endangered species.

SourceKyoto University·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateApr 25, 2022

Lab grown, self-sustainable muscle cells repair muscle injury and disease, mouse study shows

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully cultivated human muscle stem cells capable of renewing themselves and repairing muscle tissue damage in mice. The self-renewing stem cells were created by reprogramming laboratory-grown human skin cells, which then differentiated into specific cell types using a nutrient-rich broth.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 20, 2022

Stem cell secrets allow researchers to revamp reprogramming

A genome-wide functional screen identified critical regulators of naïve stem cell reprogramming, enabling the creation of high-quality, stable stem cell populations. The study also uncovered epigenetic factors that hinder or help reprogramming, including the essential PRC1.3 complex and inhibitory HDAC2 protein.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2022

One step closer to artificial rhino eggs

Researchers have successfully created artificial egg cells from northern white rhino stem cells using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. This breakthrough brings the team closer to achieving their goal of creating artificially generated rhino oocytes, a crucial step towards saving the subspecies from extinction.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2022

Specific cancer driving protein plays important role in lung cancer development, Moffitt researchers say

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have identified ΔNp63 as a protein that contributes to lung cancer development by regulating stem cells and crucial elements known as enhancers. The study found that mice deficient for ΔNp63 in the lung developed fewer lung tumors and had fewer stem cells compared to control mice.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022

Mutant stem cells defy rules of development

A recent study by Gladstone Institutes researchers found that mouse stem cells can spontaneously transition from heart cell precursors to brain cell precursors when a specific gene is removed. This discovery upends current understanding of how stem cells differentiate into adult cells and maintain their identity. The study's findings h...

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature·DateJan 26, 2022

‘Lefty’ tightens control of embryonic development

Researchers at Rice University have discovered that the Lefty protein plays a crucial role in regulating Nodal signaling during embryonic development. By visualizing the interaction between Nodal and Lefty, they found that cells relay the signal to produce new Nodals, triggering a wave of differentiation. This study provides new insigh...

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022

UCSF-led study uncovers unique stem cell trajectory in lungs damaged by COVID-19 and pulmonary fibrosis

Researchers discovered that human lung stem cells can undergo abnormal differentiation in response to injury from diseases like COVID-19 and pulmonary fibrosis. This aberrant process prevents the restoration of normal lung function, but the study also identified a potential therapeutic target for reversing damage.

SourceUniversity of California San Francisco Medical Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 30, 2021

Adult stem cells transform faster with two lasers

Scientists from the University of Johannesburg found that shining two lasers on adult stem cells accelerates their transformation into different types of cells. The consecutive irradiation increases proliferation and differentiation under laboratory conditions, paving the way for potential therapies to repair damaged tissues.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalBiochimie·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

Researchers explore promising treatment for MRSA ‘superbug’

A new study from Cornell University has found that the antimicrobial properties of certain stem cell proteins can effectively reduce the viability of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in skin wounds. The treatment also stimulates the surrounding skin cells to build up a defense against the bacterial invader.

SourceCornell University·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateSep 16, 2021

Building the ovarian environment from stem cells

Researchers at Kyushu University successfully reconstitute the ovarian follicle from mouse stem cells, generating functional egg cells and growing viable mice. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for infertility and help conserve endangered animals through egg cell production.

SourceKyushu University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Imaging method predicts how well stem cells can differentiate into cardiac muscle cells

A new imaging technique developed by the Skala Lab can predict the efficiency of cardiomyocyte differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells, providing a non-invasive quality control method. The technique uses autofluorescence to measure metabolic activity and has been shown to be accurate in predicting outcome with high consistency.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2021

A new mechanism behind continuous stem cell activity in plants

Researchers identified a novel vascular cell maintenance system where BEH3 competes with other transcription factors to stabilize vascular stem cell multiplication and differentiation. They also found that BEH3 hinders the activity of other BES/BZR transcription factors, indicating its opposing function in regulating vascular stem cells.

SourceKobe University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJun 10, 2021

An artful study of cellular development in leaves

Researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to track genetic activity in nearly 20,000 cells as they formed an Arabidopsis leaf. They found a surprising abundance of ambiguity in how cells traversed various identities, particularly early on within the stem cell population. The study reveals that cells may double-back on their developme...

SourceStanford University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateApr 5, 2021