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A new model for organ repair

Researchers at Harvard University have identified a novel mechanism of kidney repair, where mature cells reprogram themselves after injury. This finding challenges the long-held theory that kidney stem cell populations respond to damage.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 1, 2013

Predicting the fate of stem cells

University of Toronto researchers have developed a method to rapidly screen human stem cells, allowing for better control over their fate. The technology uses robotics and automation to test compounds or drugs at once, with controllable environments to study cell characteristics as they differentiate.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Methods·DateOct 22, 2013

Fetal tissue-derived stem cells may be ideal source for repairing tissues and organs

Researchers developed a protocol for isolating and expanding large numbers of multipotent fetal dermal cells (MFDCs) that display several advantages over adult dermal cells, including greater cellular yield after isolation and the retention of differentiation potential. The MFDCs were proven safe and efficacious in treating pediatric b...

Decellularized mouse heart beats again after regenerating with human heart precursor cells

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have successfully regenerated a mouse heart using human heart precursor cells, paving the way for potential transplantation and drug testing models. The breakthrough could lead to personalized organ replacement and improved treatment options for heart disease patients.

HSCI researchers extend human epigenomic map

HSCI researchers mapped nearly all cytosine-guanine pairs in human DNA and found that only a small fraction are dynamic, playing a key role in regulating gene expression. The study improves current approaches to mapping epigenetic marks and sheds light on how genes are controlled in different cell types.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateAug 8, 2013

Heart cells change stem cell behavior

Researchers found that amniotic fluid stem cells can communicate with mature heart cells through channels in the membrane, forming functional gap junction connections. However, these cells do not differentiate into cardiac tissue under these conditions.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine·DateMay 2, 2013

UCSB scientist identifies protein molecule used to maintain adult stem cells in fruit flies

A UCSB researcher has identified a protein molecule that helps maintain adult stem cells in fruit flies, revealing insights into regenerative medicine. The study found that this protein, castor, plays a critical role in specifying brain cell types during embryonic development and maintaining follicle stem cells throughout life.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2013

BUSM study shows potential of differentiated iPS cells in cell therapy without immune rejection

Researchers at BUSM demonstrate that tissues derived from patient-specific induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are not rejected when transplanted back into genetically identical recipients. The study finds that differentiated iPS cells can mature into various cell types, including neuronal, hepatocyte, and endothelial cells, without i...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJan 25, 2013

Plant organ development breakthrough

A team of scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery about the role of brassinosteroid hormone in plant organ development, shedding light on how plants form their organs and boundaries. The research found that activation of the brassinosteroid pathway represses genes responsible for organ boundary formation, leading to fused organs.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 2012

A new technique to study how myeloids become white blood cells

Researchers have developed a new technique to study how myeloids become white blood cells, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms at work during this process. This approach offers potential improvements in treating myeloid diseases like leukemia by identifying key regulatory pathways and developing therapeutic strategies.

Stem cell bodyguards

A recent study has revealed the existence of a rare sub-group of activated immune cells that act as bodyguards to protect stem cells from premature differentiation. These macrophage cells secrete prostaglandins, which delay differentiation and preserve the youthful state of the stem cells.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 22, 2012

Mouse pancreatic stem cells successfully differentiate into insulin producing cells

A team of Japanese researchers found that using specific transcription factors and Sendai virus vectors can facilitate the differentiation of mouse pancreatic stem cells (mPSCs) into insulin-producing cells. The combination of Pdx-1, NeuroD, and MafA transcription factors showed the greatest impact on this process.

Judging DNA by its cover

A new Weizmann Institute-led study identifies a potential molecular mechanism behind the link between cancer and faulty stem cell differentiation. The researchers discovered that the tagging of DNA pieces with ubiquitin is crucial for proper stem cell differentiation, and disruptions in this process can lead to cancer.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 23, 2012

Researchers identify mechanisms that allow embryonic stem cells to become any cell in the human body

Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem identified mechanisms allowing embryonic stem cells to become any cell type by examining epigenetic pathways and chromatin structure. This discovery could lead to the creation of cells in labs for treating Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other degenerative diseases.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 18, 2012

JCI early table of contents for July 2, 2012

A novel gene variant associated with reduced cholesterol levels has been identified in human populations. Additionally, a new approach for treating Parkinson's disease using embryonic stem cell therapy is proposed. Furthermore, research suggests that brain indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) plays a crucial role in the concurrence of ...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 2, 2012

Stanford researcher identifies unusual 'altruistic' stem cell behavior with possible link to cancer

A Stanford researcher discovered that certain human embryonic stem cells produce molecules that benefit themselves and nearby cells during stress, exhibiting 'altruistic' behavior. This unique trait is linked to an increase in p53 protein fluctuations, enabling some stem cells to maintain their stemness and secrete antioxidant glutathi...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalStem Cells·DateJun 11, 2012

Influencing stem cell fate

Scientists at Northwestern University developed a powerful analytical method called nanocombinatorics to rapidly identify the chemical and physical structures that cue stem cells to become osteocytes. The researchers successfully directed stem cell differentiation without additional chemical cues, demonstrating better control than curr...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2012

UCLA scientists identify crucial cell and signaling pathway in placental blood stem cell niche

Researchers identified PDGF-B signaling in trophoblasts as a vital component of the placental niche, supporting blood stem cell generation and expansion without promoting differentiation. This discovery provides new insights into regulating EPO expression and governing the fates of blood stem cells during development.