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Blocking differentiation is enough to give cells 'stemness'

Researchers at RIKEN have discovered a method to maintain immune cells in a stem cell-like state by inhibiting differentiation, allowing them to proliferate extensively. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for regenerative medicine and immune therapy.

SourceRIKEN·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateOct 22, 2015

Restoring vision with stem cells

A new technique using human embryonic stem cells has been developed by Professor Gilbert Bernier, allowing for the production of light-sensitive retina cells. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for currently non-curable eye diseases like Stargardt disease and age-related macular degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalDevelopment·DateOct 6, 2015

Resolving a lymphatic riddle

Weizmann Institute researchers resolved the debate on lymphatic system origins, discovering that lymphatic cells grow from a niche within embryonic veins. They also identified a key gene, WNT5B, which prompts stem cells to differentiate into lymphatic cells.

Illuminating the dark zone

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara discover that WDR5 plays a crucial role in the final step of cell division, promoting the disassembly of midbody microtubules and contributing to abscission. The study reveals that WDR5 localizes to the dark zone of the midbody, a previously considered 'junk' structure.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 29, 2015

Turmeric compound boosts regeneration of brain stem cells

Researchers discovered a turmeric compound, ar-turmerone, promotes stem cell proliferation and differentiation in the brain, suggesting its potential as a future drug candidate for treating stroke and Alzheimer's disease. The study found that ar-turmerone increased neural stem cell proliferation by up to 80% without affecting cell death.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·DateSep 25, 2014

Opening-up the stem cell niche

A team of scientists led by Prof. Claudia Waskow has successfully generated a mouse model that supports human blood stem cell transplantation without irradiation, enabling the study of human blood development in a physiological setting. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment options and disease research for patients with he...

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 11, 2014

Many bodies prompt stem cells to change

Researchers use mathematical tool to analyze gene networks and determine transition pathways between steady states, providing insight into how stem cells differentiate. The study builds on previous theories, incorporating the role of protein binding to DNA in gene expression.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2014

Lost in translation?

Researchers investigate gene expression during Drosophila development, finding thousands of mRNAs translated differently and a protein kinase complex regulating translational changes. The study provides insights into the oocyte-to-embryo transition and its role in embryogenesis.

Functional nerve cells from skin cells

The new method uses transcription factors to promote cell differentiation and maturation, producing nerve cells with functional characteristics similar to mature cells found in the body. This breakthrough could accelerate the development of new drugs and stem cell-based regenerative medicine for age-related diseases such as Parkinson's...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalDevelopment·DateMay 21, 2014

GDNF transfection promotes neuronal differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Researchers from Sichuan University found that glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) transfection promotes the neuronal differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. This enhancement is associated with increased expression of GDNF, nerve growth factor, and growth-associated protein-43. The study suggests a therape...

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateMar 21, 2014

Insulin-producing beta cells from stem cells

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have made a breakthrough in creating insulin-producing beta cells from stem cells. By understanding the molecular regulation of stem cell differentiation, they can generate functional specialized cells for regenerative therapy approaches to chronic diseases like diabetes. This discovery has significant i...

3-D imaging provides window into living cells, no dye required

A new imaging technique called white-light diffraction tomography (WDT) provides high-resolution, three-dimensional images of living cells without the need for dyes or chemicals. This allows researchers to study cellular processes and dynamics in a non-invasive manner, enabling unprecedented insights into cell function and behavior.

Rewiring stem cells

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have created a technique that can pinpoint the factors driving cell differentiation, including previously unidentified genes. The method uses haploid embryonic stem cells to uncover how cell differentiation works.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJan 9, 2014