The Terasaki Institute has been awarded $19.8 million to engineer transplantable, immune-compatible liver tissue, addressing a shortage of donor organs. The project, called Prometheus, aims to ease donor scarcity and the lifelong immunosuppression required by transplant patients.
Researchers transplanted human stem cell-grown pituitary tissue into a monkey with a removed pituitary gland, restoring cortisol production and improving lifespan. The study demonstrates the potential for lab-grown human pituitary cells to survive and function after transplantation into a primate.
Charité successfully treated 19-year-old Mohammad with CRISPR-based Exagamglogene Autotemcel, ending his dependence on blood transfusions. The treatment, which took 12 months, restored his ability to produce fetal hemoglobin, effectively eliminating oxygen deficiency in his blood.
Researchers identified inflammatory pathways that drive kidney damage in diabetic kidney disease, suggesting a potential new approach for protecting the kidneys. Drug treatments targeting dysregulated inflammatory pathways protected kidney organoids from damage, even when exposed to high sugar levels.
Jun Takahashi, MD, PhD, has been awarded the 2026 Ogawa-Yamanaka Stem Cell Prize for pioneering the translation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell biology into regenerative therapies for Parkinson's disease. He has achieved the world's first clinical approval for iPS cell-derived cell transplantation.
Researchers have discovered a stem cell that contributes to lumbar spinal stenosis, a condition characterized by enlarged ligaments and nerve compression. The stem cell's hyperactivity may lead to the development of new treatment options, including drugs used to manage high blood pressure.
Two UCLA studies published in Cell and Science uncover the role of metabolism and physical signals in guiding radial glia to produce specific cell types in the developing human cortex. Metabolic research found that the pentose phosphate pathway influences cell fate, while thalamic projections make direct physical contact with radial gl...
Researchers develop biodegradable nanobone material that activates body's own healing properties to regrow bone, reducing need for invasive procedures. The material generates 80% more new bone than a material control and activates a key bone-repair growth factor with 10 times the level achieved using conventional methods.
Researchers at JAX-NYSCF will create and share human stem cell models to better understand Parkinson's disease development. The team aims to create a shared platform of rigorously validated models, data, and protocols to accelerate therapeutic discovery.
Researchers at Kumamoto University and collaborators developed a method to produce human trophoblast stem cells from late-gestation placentas, opening a new avenue for studying pregnancy complications. The resulting patient-derived models reproduce key features associated with preeclampsia, enabling the uncovering of molecular mechanis...
Researchers used AI to predict genes leading to hematopoietic stem cell aging, finding a regulatory hub in the form of gene-regulating factor Pbx1. Aged stem cells activate two gene programs, one preserving immaturity and the other preparing cells for platelet production.
Researchers at MIT developed a new cell-preservation technique using naturally occurring sugars, reducing the need for a chemical preservative. This approach significantly improves the viability and function of CAR-T cells, making them easier to deploy in hospitals.
Researchers identified dormant progenitor cells in skeletal muscle that migrate to fracture sites and become bone-forming cells. Muscle is the main source of these regenerative cells, which can contribute to both normal fracture healing and heterotopic ossification.
A coral-inspired 3D-printed scaffold reprograms immune cells to promote angiogenesis and bone regeneration, shifting macrophages from inflammatory M1 state to reparative M2 state. The scaffold also enhances angiogenesis, new bone formation, and reconstruction of bone defects.
A UC Riverside-led study suggests that vanillin flavoring in e-cigarettes may disrupt the normal development of embryos in pregnant women who vape. Researchers found that high concentrations of vanillin can cause human embryonic stem cells to lose pluripotency and differentiate into endoderm, potentially leading to serious developmenta...
A study published in Human Reproduction found that vanillin, a common flavoring chemical in e-cigarettes, can disrupt the normal development of embryos in pregnant women who vape. High concentrations of vanillin caused cells to lose pluripotency and differentiate into endoderm, potentially leading to serious developmental issues.
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have developed a regenerative treatment using stem cell-derived spinal interneurons to repair damaged neural networks in rats. The new cells not only survived and formed connections with the animals' own neural circuits but also improved breathing-related motor function after transplantation.
Researchers at Stanford University discovered that aging brings a large influx of immune cells into the brain, upending previous assumptions about the brain's immune system. The study suggests that these immune cells may interact with the brain and contribute to its resilience against Alzheimer's disease.
The study presents a novel 3D brain tissue model that accurately replicates the complex interactions in human brain tissue with Alzheimer's disease. The model uses human stem cells to form neurons, astrocytes, and microglial cells, which exhibit key functions similar to those in a real human brain.
A new study found that children preparing for stem cell transplantation already have subtle respiratory abnormalities, including increased small-airway resistance and greater lung stiffness. These abnormalities are likely related to their underlying disease or previous therapies rather than the transplant itself.
Researchers discovered a novel signaling role for smooth septate junction proteins in regulating stem cell growth and preventing tissue disruption. By maintaining spatially localized aPKC enzyme, sSJ proteins prevent excessive intestinal stem cell proliferation.
Researchers at Kyushu University identified a molecule that strengthens hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a key muscle-repair signal. The compound, lipoic acid trisulfide (LASSS), enhances HGF's binding affinity for satellite cells, restoring its ability to repair muscle fibers and counteracting age-related muscle loss.
Researchers have discovered a hidden network of specialized mesenchymal support cells in the intestine that work together to maintain its inner lining. The study found four distinct populations of cells with unique genetic programs, each occupying specific locations and influencing stem cell activity and immune responses.
Researchers at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology discovered that mature, aged cells can revert into active stem cells that regenerate damaged tissue. This finding challenges the prevailing view on tissue regeneration and implies the possibility of therapies promoting natural healing mechanisms.
A novel therapy targeting the bone marrow microenvironment is shown to accelerate recovery and promote hematopoietic regeneration after injury. Pharmacological activation of YAP/TAZ improves BM niche recovery, enhancing engraftment and white blood cell recovery following HSCT.
The Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) will participate in the ALIVE program, a six-year European grant focusing on the physics of living matter. The project aims to understand how tissues behave by measuring and modeling information flows.
New research presents a tailored stem cell approach to overcome long-standing barriers of chronic paralysis, building on the success of a world-first clinical study. The upcoming clinical trial aims to develop a safe, standardized therapy capable of restoring voluntary movement and autonomic function for chronic patients.
A Phase 1/2a clinical study demonstrates long-term survival of transplanted human neural progenitor cells in patients with retinitis pigmentosa, maintaining a favorable safety profile. Visual acuity remained stable, and imaging showed cells remaining present in the subretinal space for at least one year.
A landmark study has shown that transplanting stem-cell derived dopamine progenitor cells into the brain is feasible and safe. Eight patients received the transplanted cell product, with no serious side effects observed during the first year of follow-up.
Researchers have developed a new tool to screen genes involved in human development at unprecedented scale and speed. The method, using organoids from human pluripotent stem cells, revealed new insights into human brain development, including the role of ZIC2, SOX11, and ZNF521 genes.
A new study by researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, reveals that multipotent progenitors, 'parent' blood cells, protect blood cell production and function from aging effects. The findings confirm the safety of bone marrow transplants from older donors.
A biomaterial scaffold has been developed to recreate a skull stem cell niche, reducing craniosynostosis-related deformities and promoting normal skull growth. The triphasic scaffold maintained skeletal stem cells while supporting bone formation and tissue regeneration.
Recent studies suggest that p16INK4a+ cells, previously thought to be non-beneficial due to their association with aging, actually contribute to tendon regeneration. These mesenchymal cells produce collagen and factors promoting new blood vessel and nerve growth, crucial for normal tendon function.
The revised guidelines in Japan bring human embryo model research under a single oversight system, requiring ethics review and public availability of findings. Key differences with international guidelines, such as ISSCR, concern the definition of human embryo models and covered research types, including organoid studies.
Researchers found that psychological stress speeds up aging-like changes in hematopoietic stem cells by altering the intestinal microbiota and reducing spermidine levels. Chronic stress impacts the balance of gut microbes, leading to immune dysfunction and bone marrow defects.
A team of scientists found that a small subset of T cells called stem T cells are responsible for making new T cells and replenishing them in chronic disease. These rare stem T cells express the protein LEF1, which is key to their persistence. Boosting LEF1-positive cells overcame T cell exhaustion in chronic infection, while removing ...
A new study from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that long-term Salmonella infections severely damage blood stem cells. However, researchers discovered that giving an effective course of antibiotics fully restores the stem cells' health and rebuilds their power.
Researchers found that CAR3 coordinates bone formation and regeneration by forming a molecular complex with collagen type I alpha 1 and recruiting bone sialoprotein. The study identified CAR3 as a previously unrecognized regulator of osteoblast differentiation, highlighting its potential for treating bone disorders.
Researchers develop cellular model to reproduce NF1-associated tumour progression, identifying new therapeutic opportunities. The combination of olaparib and selumetinib shows promise in reducing tumour growth.
Researchers have identified 18 distinct cell type clusters in the inflorescence meristem that generate a plant's above-ground organs. The study provides new insights into how stem cells make the transition from an undifferentiated state to specialized cell types.
Terasaki Institute researchers and key pioneers publish comprehensive review on glioma organoid models, proposing a foundational classification framework to guide translational brain tumor research. The review provides an overview of human glioma organoid systems and aims to address methodological heterogeneity in the field.
An international team published a white paper on embryonic models based on stem cells, proposing guidelines for research and regulation. These models can mimic early human development stages, potentially aiding in understanding infertility conditions.
Researchers found a unique protein called YAF9B that helps plants protect their stem cells from DNA damage. This discovery sheds light on how plants coordinate DNA repair processes, which could improve future crops by guiding more precise genome editing.
Researchers discover that breast cancer cells exploit protective systems in bone marrow to remain dormant, using Notch2 signaling and genes like CXCR4 and TIE2. This dormancy allows cells to reactivate years later, leading to secondary tumors.
Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have created a novel method for cultivating meat using plant-derived cellulose scaffolds. This approach significantly reduces production costs by infusing growth factors directly into the scaffold, allowing for comparable tissue development with lower factor usage.
Researchers identified a defense mechanism in intestinal stem cells that actively responds to Salmonella infection, differentiating into antimicrobial Paneth cells to limit bacterial persistence. The study suggests that stem cell differentiation is part of an intrinsic protective program preserving intestinal function during infection.
A study found that transposable elements, once considered non-functional DNA, contribute to the evolution and expansion of gene regulation during neural development. The findings suggest a two-phase model of TE acquisition during evolution, involving both ancient and more recent expansions that shaped modern gene regulatory networks.
Researchers at University of California - Riverside discovered that the primary cilium, a microscopic structure inside nearly every cell, plays a critical role in brain development. The study found that proteins associated with the cilium are directly linked to human developmental disorders and that protein production occurs directly w...
Researchers discovered that early-stage ectoderm cells are especially susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, with heightened vulnerability driven by elevated TMPRSS2 activity and thinner glycocalyx. This raises concerns about potential developmental risks, particularly for infants born to mothers infected during early pregnancy.
Researchers studying RNA pollution's impact on aging brains seek to develop therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Sanford Burnham Prebys scientist Anne Bang will use advanced robotics to test thousands of compounds.
Researchers have identified a gene, eIF4G2, crucial for keeping adult intestinal stem cells stable and functional. The study reveals that the gene plays a vital role in regulating protein production and maintaining stem cell identity.
The researchers will investigate novel therapies to protect the aging brain from neurodegenerative diseases by eliminating RNA pollution. They will map out signatures of RNA pollution across over 200 cell lines and patient biofluids to understand its effects.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have created a new method to produce insulin-producing cells from human stem cells, effectively regulating blood sugar levels in laboratory tests and reversing diabetes in mice. The optimized production process yields more mature and purer cells, demonstrating their potential for future treatments.
A recent study reveals that MLKL activation causes direct damage to mitochondria, impairing energy production and leading to functional decline in hematopoietic stem cells. In contrast, deletion or inhibition of MLKL significantly alleviates these defects, suggesting a post-transcriptional mechanism driving HSC aging.
Researchers generated a comprehensive view of DNA methylation abnormalities in human MDS HSCs, uncovering a novel TET2-GFI1 axis that suppresses malignant transformation. The study identifies key hematopoietic regulators and provides a panoramic view of DNA methylation disruption in MDS.
Dr. Ulrich Steidl, MD, Ph.D., has been appointed as the director of the prestigious Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center and vice president of cancer medicine at Montefiore Einstein. With extensive experience in blood cancer and stem cell research, Dr. Steidl aims to advance innovative science that improves lives worldwide.
A gene-edited treatment has shown remarkable success against severe sickle cell disease, with 27 out of 28 patients achieving a functional cure and no painful crises. The therapy uses CRISPR/Cas12a technology to modify stem cells and increase levels of fetal hemoglobin.
Researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo discovered a unique mechanism in which conventional stem cells can temporarily switch into a specialized regenerative state called revival stem cells, driving tissue repair. This process, known as fetal reversion, enables efficient regeneration without exhausting the stem cell pool.
Researchers define a new genetic disease marked by premature aging and brain function deficits, tracing the cause to a mutated IVNS1ABP gene. The study uses genome sequencing and cellular reprogramming to identify potential treatment targets.
Research reveals that TGF-β1 plays a critical role in fibrotic scar tissue formation, limiting neural regeneration and recovery after spinal cord injury. Inhibiting TGF-β1 signaling reduces fibrotic scarring and improves functional recovery.