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For stem cells, a way to keep score

A new method allows for quick and comprehensive characterization of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) and embryonic stem cell lines, enabling high-throughput assessment of quality and differentiation efficiency. The approach yields genome-wide reference maps detailing epigenetic and gene expression landscapes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateFeb 3, 2011

Scientists create human embryonic stem cells with enhanced pluripotency

Researchers have developed a method to convert human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) and embryonic stem (ES) cells to a more flexible state, similar to mouse ES cells. This breakthrough could improve the efficiency of gene targeting and potentially lead to new therapeutic applications for human ES and iPS cells.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 2010

Chinese scientists discover marker indicating the developmental potential of stem cells

Researchers have identified a cluster of small RNA that correlates with pluripotency in induced-pluripotent stem cells, enabling the distinction of more viable cell lines. This discovery is expected to improve the production of full pluripotent iPS cells and their application in disease therapy.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 16, 2010

UCLA scientists find molecular differences between embryonic stem cells and reprogrammed skin cells

Researchers found distinct gene expression signatures in embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, indicating they are not perfectly similar despite sharing potential to become all body tissues. The study aims to understand the biological significance of these differences and their impact on iPS cell function.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 2, 2009

Standards in stem cell research

New research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council explores standards in stem cell research, balancing scientist autonomy with data comparability. The study suggests that standardizing practices could lead to automation technologies, but also raises concerns about exclusivity and robustness.

Forgotten by evolution?

Scientists discovered that some adult stem cells express characteristics of muscle and heart cells, suggesting they could be the 'footprints' of evolution. The researchers believe these cells may be incomplete or 'rudiments' of earlier embryonal differentiation processes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateNov 2, 2005

Embryonic stem cells accrue genetic changes

Researchers found that most human embryonic stem cell lines exhibit gross genetic changes after a year to three years of growth in the lab. These changes can affect chromosome numbers, gene expression, and mitochondrial DNA sequences. The study highlights the need for close monitoring and further investigation into the effects of these...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 4, 2005

Adult human breast stem cell candidate found

Researchers have successfully established a cell line that functions like adult human mammary stem cells, opening up new avenues for studying breast cancer and tissue regeneration. The discovery was made by Dr. Ole William Petersen and colleagues from the University of Copenhagen and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateMar 14, 2002