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Scalable amounts of liver and pancreas precursor cells created using new stem cell production method

Researchers in Canada have developed a technique to produce large quantities of endoderm cells from human pluripotent stem cells, overcoming a key hurdle in regenerative medicine. The method allows for significant increases in effective cell production, enabling the potential for regenerative treatments for diabetes and liver disease.

SourceWiley·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateDec 2, 2011

UCLA stem cell researchers uncover mechanism that regulates human pluripotent stem cell metabolism

Researchers found that pluripotent stem cells respire at the same level as differentiated body cells but produce very little energy. UCP2 protein blocks respiration substrates from entering mitochondria, allowing glycolysis to dominate. The study suggests that changes in metabolism drive cell differentiation.

Self-organized pituitary-like tissue from mouse ES cells

Researchers have successfully differentiated mouse ES cells into a tissue resembling the adenohypophysis, the hormone-secreting component of the pituitary gland. The self-organized tissue exhibits functional hormone secretion and can compensate for pituitary function in mice.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateNov 14, 2011

Modelling melanocyte differentiation in zebrafish

The study combines genetic data with mathematical modelling to provide insights into cell differentiation. The findings demonstrate the utility of a systems biology approach, which could have implications for understanding and treating diseases such as cancers caused by abnormal cell function.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateSep 1, 2011

Boston University researchers validate important roles of iPSCs in regenerative medicine

Researchers from Boston University's Center for Regenerative Medicine have demonstrated that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can differentiate into definitive endoderm cells in vitro, with similar functional potential to embryonic stem cells. This finding is significant given the controversy surrounding iPSCs and their potential...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 2, 2011

Neural stem cells maintain high levels of reactive oxygen species, UCLA study finds

Researchers at the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research found that neural stem cells maintain high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to help regulate normal self-renewal and differentiation. The findings may have significant implications for brain repair and abnormal brain development.

A 'stitch in time' could help damaged hearts

A research team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute demonstrates the feasibility of delivering adult bone-marrow-derived stem cells using biopolymer microthreads, which support cell growth while maintaining differentiation potential. The technology has the potential to improve cardiac function and treat cardiac arrhythmias.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateDec 9, 2010

Bioengineers provide adult stem cells with simultaneous chemical, electrical and mechanical cues

UC San Diego undergraduate bioengineers develop a new microenvironment that provides all three types of cues necessary for stem cell growth and differentiation. The system uses a gelatin-like hydrogel bathed in an electrolyte solution, mimicking the natural environment to steer stem cells towards specific cell types.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 16, 2010

Colorado researcher discovers mechanism for changing adult cells into stem-like cells

University of Colorado Cancer Center researcher Chuan-Yuan Li and his team have discovered that caspase genes, known as 'grim-reaper' genes, are the gatekeepers that allow differentiated adult cells to regress to undifferentiated stem-like cells. This breakthrough discovery could lead to more efficient use of induced pluripotent stem c...

Functional motor neuron subtypes generated from embryonic stem cells

Scientists have devised a method to coax mouse embryonic stem cells into forming highly specific motor neuron subtypes. This achievement may prove useful for future therapies for motor neuron diseases. The study provides new insight into motor neuron differentiation and demonstrates the ability to generate defined motor neuron subtypes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateSep 2, 2010

Gene that improves quality of reprogrammed stem cells identified by Singapore scientists

Researchers at the Genome Institute of Singapore have identified the genetic molecule Tbx3, which significantly improves the quality of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells). The study successfully produced iPS cells that can recapitulate entire developmental processes and exhibit superior ability for germ-line transmission.

Scientists map epigenome of human stem cells during development

Researchers created a detailed map of the human epigenome during embryonic development, identifying patterns of DNA methylation and its role in regulating gene expression. This breakthrough has significant implications for targeted differentiation of stem cells into specific organs, a crucial consideration for stem cell therapy.