A genetic basis for schizophrenia
Researchers linked the Disc1 gene to schizophrenia, showing that its disruption affects brain cell migration and development. The study suggests that impaired brain connectivity may contribute to the disease.
Stem Cell Differentiation
Articles tagged with Stem Cell Differentiation
Xie Lab uncovers molecular machinery related to stem cell fate
The Xie Lab has uncovered the molecular machinery behind stem cell fate, revealing how BAM protein regulates stem cell differentiation and competition by interfering with eIF4A. This imbalance can lead to tissue degeneration and tumor development.
SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2009
Jefferson receives $1.7 million grant to study stem cells in intervertebral discs of the spine
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University are exploring the role of notch signaling pathway proteins in regulating stem cell activities. They plan to develop a genetically engineered mouse model to gain insights into this process and potentially harness the body's own regenerative potential to treat degenerative disc disease.
New method developed by UC San Diego bioengineers gives regenerative medicine a boost
Bioengineers at UC San Diego have developed a novel method for sequencing-based methylation profiling, enabling more efficient and cost-effective methods for studying certain diseases. The breakthrough could fuel personalized regenerative medicine and help address concerns about stem cell tumors.
A new method for bone-marrow-derived liver stem cells isolation and proliferation
Researchers have developed a new culture system to isolate and proliferate liver stem cells from bone marrow cells, achieving six passages of the stem cells. The method uses a selecting culture system containing cholestatic serum to purify the stem cells, providing an easy and efficient way to separate them.
Cancer stem cells generated by cancer outgrowth
Researchers discovered that growing mouse skin cells in spheres can lead to generation of cells with properties of cancer stem cells. The study found that mutation of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene family led to reprogramming of differentiated cells into cancer stem cells.
Epigenetic mark guides stem cells toward their destiny
Scientists at Rockefeller University have uncovered a gene control mechanism that guides epidermal skin stem cells in mouse embryos, tempering the development of the skin barrier. The findings provide insights into therapeutic advances for prematurely born infants with underdeveloped skin.
Protein is key to embryonic stem cell differentiation
Researchers have discovered that the Shp2 protein plays a critical role in controlling the pathways that decide whether human and mouse embryonic stem cells differentiate or self-renew. The study found that Shp2 acts as a coordinator to fine-tune signal strength, providing insight into fundamental signaling mechanisms.
UCR scientists identify stem-cell genes that help form plant organs
Researchers at UCR identified all the genes expressed in plant stem cells, providing a global view of which genes are expressed and where within the shoot apical meristem. This discovery can help scientists develop better varieties of crops and understand why stem cells give rise to specialized cells.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2009
Molecules self-assemble to provide new therapeutic treatments
Scientists develop novel materials for stem cell therapy by combining peptide amphiphiles with hyaluronic acid, resulting in self-assembling sacs that can encapsulate human stem cells and deliver growth factors. The structures also exhibit unique physical properties and can be tailored to release cells at specific injury sites.
'Sister' factors promote survival of blood-system stem cells
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified two critical genes, Scl and Lyl1, that work together to maintain a pool of hematopoietic stem cells. These 'sister' genes are essential for the survival and function of blood-system stem cells, and their dysfunction can lead to severe consequences.
Cold Spring Harbor Protocols features stem cell differentiation, plant RNAi methods
This issue of Cold Spring Harbor Protocols features two protocols: one for stem cell differentiation using the OP9-DL1 system, and another for RNA interference in plants using viral vectors. These methods provide new tools for understanding T-lymphocyte lineage commitment and gene silencing in plants.
UC San Diego engineers develop novel method for accelerated bone growth
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a novel method to accelerate bone growth using nanotubes and stem cells, which could lead to quicker recovery times for patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. The new method uses mesenchymal stem cells placed on top of titanium oxide nanotubes to control cell differentiation into osteoblasts.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2009
'Scrawny' gene keeps stem cells healthy
A key gene has been identified as a factor in maintaining the potency of various stem cells, preventing them from differentiating into specialized cell types. The scrawny gene modifies chromosomal proteins to silence genes that would cause differentiation, ensuring stem cells remain undifferentiated.
Testes stem cell can change into other body tissues, Stanford/UCSF study shows
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine and UC-San Francisco have successfully isolated stem cells from human testes, which can differentiate into various types of tissues. The findings suggest that these cells are not as pluripotent as embryonic stem cells but have unique therapeutic applications.
New 'control knobs' for stem cells identified
Researchers at Tufts University have discovered that changes in membrane voltage control the timing of differentiation in adult human stem cells. The study found that hyperpolarization is a characteristic of differentiated cells and acts as an instructive signal to induce or inhibit differentiation.
Landmark study unlocks stem cell, DNA secrets to speed therapies
Researchers at Florida State University discovered dramatic changes in DNA replication order during embryonic stem cell differentiation. The findings bridge a critical knowledge gap, enabling scientists to better understand the complex process of DNA reorganization during cell specialization.
A link between mitochondria and tumor formation in stem cells
Research reveals a connection between mitochondrial activity and stem cell differentiation, with high-metabolism cells more prone to forming tumors. Administering a mitochondrial inhibitor reduced teratoma capacity in these cells, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy.
SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 10, 2008
Reversible 3-D cell culture gel invented
Researchers at Singapore's Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology have invented a thixotropic nanocomposite gel that can liquefy on demand, facilitating safe and convenient 3D cell culture. The novel material supports the extracellular matrix secretions of cells and enables controlled differentiation of stem cells.
SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 28, 2008
UNC scientists turn human skin cells into insulin-producing cells
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have transformed human skin cells into insulin-producing cells using pluripotent stem cell technology. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments or even a cure for the millions of people affected by diabetes.
SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 17, 2008
DNA 'tattoos' link adult, daughter stem cells in planarians
Researchers at the University of Utah have identified two early steps in adult stem cell differentiation using DNA 'tattoos' on planarian cells. The study found 259 genes associated with stem cells and their daughters, shedding light on how multipotent stem cells take differentiation decisions.
Stem cells stand up for themselves
Research reveals that certain adult stem cells are more active than previously thought, actively controlling their behavior through the interaction between laminin A and integrins. This interaction enables follicle stem cells to remain in place, primed for division, by laying down laminin A to build their own niche.
MIT identifies cells for spinal-cord repair
Researchers at MIT have pinpointed stem cells in the spinal cord that can be persuaded to differentiate into healing cells and reduce scarring. This could lead to a new non-surgical treatment for debilitating spinal-cord injuries affecting 30,000 people worldwide.
Genes that control embryonic stem cell fate identified
Scientists have identified 22 genes that control embryonic stem cell fate, which could accelerate the use of stem cells in therapy and disease treatment. The genes help maintain a memory of stem cell identity, allowing them to correctly read signals that determine cell type.
Enzyme plays key role in cell fate
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that caspases, known as 'killer enzymes,' play a crucial role in cell differentiation. By manipulating programmed cell death pathways and caspase targets, scientists may be able to revert somatic cells into embryonic stem cell-like states.
New insights into cellular reprogramming revealed by genomic analysis
A cross-disciplinary research team from Harvard University, Whitehead Institute, and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard has uncovered significant new information about the molecular changes that underlie direct reprogramming. The researchers found that most cells fail to reprogram due to activation of normal 'fail safe' mechanisms.
Many paths, few destinations: How stem cells decide what they'll be
Researchers found that stem cells differentiate through the collective behavior of multiple genes in a network, leading to just a few endpoints. The findings also suggest that cell populations maintain built-in variability that nature can harness for change under the right conditions.
USC stem cell study sheds new light on cell mechanism
Researchers at USC have discovered a method to keep embryonic stem cells undifferentiated by shielding them from differentiation signals. This breakthrough could lead to the large-scale production of specialized cells for future therapeutic use.
UCSB receives $3.2 million stem cell grant from state
The University of California, Santa Barbara will receive a $3.2 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to develop a state-of-the-art stem cell research facility. The center aims to foster interdisciplinary research and translation of stem cell-based therapeutics for human diseases.
UCLA stem cell researchers create heart and blood cells from reprogrammed skin cells
Scientists at UCLA have successfully differentiated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) into three types of cardiovascular cells, including cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells. This discovery could potentially lead to new therapies for heart attacks, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular disea...
Menstrual blood -- a valuable source of multipotential stem cells?
Researchers have identified menstrual blood as a valuable source of multipotential stem cells, which can differentiate into various cell lineages. The study found that these cells exhibit self-renewal and multipotency properties, making them suitable for regenerative transplantation therapies.
SourceCell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair·JournalCell Transplantation·DateApr 23, 2008
Regulating hematopoietic stem cell homeostasis and leukemogenesis
The study reveals that c-Cbl suppresses HSC self-renewal, leading to an increase in the number of HSCs in transgenic mice. This finding may facilitate expansion and manipulation of hematopoietic stem cells for tissue engineering and stem cell-based therapies.
Discovery of differences in heart's precursor cells may advance treatment options
Scientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that not all heart cells respond equally to the same cue before differentiating. This discovery may lead to advances in understanding and treating congenital heart disease and heart attacks by identifying multiple types of heart cell progenitors.
Method to deliver molecules within embryonic stem cells improves differentiation
Researchers develop biodegradable microspheres to deliver molecules directly into embryonic stem cells, enhancing efficient and pure differentiation. The method, funded by the National Science Foundation, showed improved results in controlling signaling events and promoting specific cell types.
An unexpected way to cause leukemia
A new mouse model has granted insight into the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying acute myeloid leukemia. The study reveals that a specific mutation triggers innate genetic programmes allowing white blood cells to proliferate uncontrollably.
Policing cells demand ID to tell friend from foe, say University of Pennsylvania cell engineers
Researchers identified a key mechanism by which macrophages recognize friendly cells, preventing them from being eaten. This discovery could lead to new treatments for inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and atherosclerosis.
UCLA researchers find blood stem cells originate and are nurtured in the placenta
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery about the origin of blood stem cells, finding that they are generated in the placenta. The study's findings may allow for the growth of blood stem cells in cell culture, potentially leading to new treatments for diseases like leukemia and aplastic anemia. By understanding how blood stem ...
From stem cells to organs: The bioengineering challenge
Researchers use bioengineering techniques to create functional adult-like cells from embryonic stem cells and adult blood stem cells, paving the way for new medical treatments
JCI table of contents: Jan. 24, 2008
A new study by Naofumi Mukaida and colleagues found that TNF-alpha antagonist reduces inflammation-induced colon cancer in mice, suggesting a potential treatment for ulcerative colitis patients. Additionally, research on mesenchymal stem cells showed that the antitumor drug bortezomib can target these cells and promote bone cell-specif...
Adult stem cell application effective in treatment of peripheric vascular disease
Researchers have found that adult multipotent stem cells (MAPCs) are more effective than mononucleate cells in treating peripheral vascular disease, improving blood vessel regeneration and muscle function. The study used mouse models and human cells, with identical results, suggesting a potential new treatment option.
Building stronger bones, 1 stem cell at a time
Researchers discovered that the antitumor drug bortezomib can specifically target mesenchymal stem cells, leading to enhanced bone regeneration in mice. Bortezomib treatment increased bone formation in normal mice and recovered bone loss in mice with induced osteoporosis.
Cell division studies hint at future cancer therapy
Researchers, led by Dr. Quansheng Du, are studying the complex process of cell division to understand how it can be targeted for cancer therapy. They focus on the mitotic spindle and its role in asymmetric cell division, which may lead to the development of cancer stem cells.
Identification of a novel neural stem cell type
Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identify a new neural stem cell type, the rosette neuron stem cell (R-NSC), capable of differentiating into region-specific neuronal cell types. The R-NSC has expanded differentiation potential compared to previously identified neural stem cells.
Xie Lab characterizes niche control of stem cell function
The Xie Lab found that Drosophila ovarian germline stem cells can out-compete normal stem cells for a position in the niche by invading neighboring cells and increasing cellular response to E-cadherin. This mechanism ensures only undifferentiated stem cells remain in the niche.
Forever young: Differentiation blocked in tumor stem cells
Researchers found that cancer stem cells are stuck at an early developmental stage due to epigenetic repression of BMPR1B, leading to aberrant cell division and tumor growth. Forced expression of silenced BMPR1B restored normal differentiation capacity, offering new therapeutic approaches for glioma patients.
'Fingerprints' help find genes involved in differentiation
Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine created a database of molecular profiles for blood cells, identifying unique 'lineage fingerprints' that mark different cell types. They found two genes that, when overexpressed, drove the differentiation of specific blood cells.
The new source of islet cells
Researchers at Dr. Liu et al. successfully differentiated primary pancreatic ductal epithelial cells into insulin-producing cells using the transfection of PDX-1, a promising approach to enhance islet cell output and meet clinical needs. This study suggests a future for many diabetic patients who need islets transplantation.
Stem cell nuclei are soft 'hard drives,' Penn study finds
Researchers have discovered that human embryonic stem cell nuclei are the most deformable, followed by hematopoietic stem cells, which generate blood and tissue cells. The study reveals that lamin proteins play a key role in stabilizing the nucleus and controlling gene expression.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2007
Researchers reveal repressor protein blocks neural stem cell development
A study by UC San Diego and HHMI researchers reveals that SMRT protein prevents premature neural differentiation in embryos, highlighting its role in maintaining neural stem cells. The absence of this protein leads to abnormalities similar to vitamin A exposure, suggesting a link between SMRT and retinoic acid-induced differentiation.
Embryonic stem cells thrive when shaken
Embryonic stem cells exhibit improved development when subjected to moderate fluid motion, similar to the womb's gentle rocking motions. This phenomenon was discovered by accident using a lab shaker, offering a simpler method for producing healthier cells with reduced clumping and increased cell survival rates.
Isolation of a new gene family essential for early development
Researchers at BRIC, University of Copenhagen, identified a new gene family (UTX-JMJD3) controlling embryonic development and stem cell maintenance. The discovery may contribute to understanding cancer development and therapeutic use of stem cells.
A twist of fate -- Reprogrammed fibroblasts resemble embryonic stem cells
Researchers successfully induced pluripotent cells from fibroblasts using four transcription factors, exhibiting properties similar to embryonic stem cells. These findings have significant implications for regenerative medicine and may pave the way for generating patient-specific stem cell lines directly from a person's own cells.
Developments in tissue engineering offer new sources for stem cell treatments
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in stem cell treatment options, including isolation of human spermatoogonial stem cells and use of autologous adipose-derived stem cells. Studies also show promise for engineered bladder tissue and muscle-derived cell injection in treating stress urinary incontinence.
Adult stem/progenitor cells repair of damaged brain, pancreas, kidney cells newly understood
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which adult stem/progenitor cells enhance tissue repair in damaged organs. These cells not only differentiate into replacement cells but also stimulate the proliferation of existing stem cells and transfer mitochondrial DNA to dysfunctional cells.
Stem cell identity in culture may strongly depend on the cellular microenvironment
A recent study found that stem cell identity in culture is highly dependent on the surrounding environment, challenging traditional views of differentiation. Researchers suggest that this context-dependent approach could lead to more efficient stem cell culture methods and potentially even develop stem cells from differentiated cells.
Scientists unlock mystery of embryonic stem cell signaling pathway
Scientists at USC have identified a small molecule, IQ-1, that prevents embryonic stem cells from differentiating into specific cell types. This discovery allows for the potential growth of human stem cells without risk of contamination from mouse feeder cells.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2007
Chemical cues turn embryonic stem cells into cerebellar neurons
Researchers at Rockefeller University successfully differentiated embryonic stem cells into fully functional granule neurons, the most plentiful neuron in the cerebellum. This breakthrough study marks a significant step toward understanding how to regulate embryonic stem cells and potentially use them for cell replacement therapy.
SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 14, 2007
Treating male infertility with stem cells
Researchers transplanted bone marrow stem cells into testes of infertile mice, showing potential for treating male infertility. The stem cells differentiated into germ cells and supporting cells, suggesting a new approach to replacing nonfunctioning cells involved in sperm production.
How stem cells are regulated
Researchers identified Jumonji proteins essential for cellular differentiation, inactivating genes critical to embryogenesis. The study uses C. elegans and mouse embryonic stem cells, with potential applications in cancer treatment using inhibitors.
Neuronal differentiation of human neural stem cell grafts in adult rat spinal cord
Researchers successfully differentiated human neural stem cell grafts into functional neurons in the spinal cord of adult rats, growing axons and forming synapses with motor neurons. However, further studies are needed to determine whether these cells can function correctly and provide benefits for patients.