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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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 2, 2009

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

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.

SourceTufts University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 3, 2008

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.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateAug 25, 2008

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.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJun 4, 2008

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...

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 ...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 5, 2008

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.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 24, 2008

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...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 24, 2008

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateJan 7, 2008

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.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 25, 2007

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.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalStem Cells·DateSep 10, 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.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMar 1, 2007

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalCell·DateFeb 22, 2007