Stem Cells
Articles tagged with Stem Cells
Intestinal stem cells can fight back against salmonella scientists discover
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 tiny cell structure with a big role in brain development
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...
Early human embryonic cells may be vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection
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.
A gene that keeps stem cells from losing their way
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.
Anne Bang joins $13M research project on age-related RNA pollution and brain degeneration
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.
$13 million CIRM award to fund research on the role of RNA pollution in neurodegenerative diseases
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.
Progress in stem cell therapy for type 1 diabetes
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.
Beyond cell death: The hidden drivers of stem cell aging
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.
Base-resolution DNA methylation map of MDS stem cells reveals new disease mechanism
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.
Ulrich Steidl, MD, Ph.D., named director of Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center
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.
Gene editing therapy shows success against severe sickle cell disease
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.
How fetal reversion supports intestinal regeneration and preserves stem cells
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.
Scientists discover new genetic disease that causes premature aging and cognitive deficits
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.
Role of TGF-β1 signaling in spinal cord injury recovery
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.
New hydrogel platform mimics human tissue, can be controlled by light
Researchers developed a water-rich, Jell-O-like hydrogel that mimics human tissue's movement, stretching, and relaxation. The hydrogel can be precisely controlled by light, enabling the study of cell behavior and disease modeling.
Giving stem cells room to breathe
Researchers developed hybrid spheroids with biodegradable nanogels to improve stem cell function and survival in injured swallowing muscles. The approach significantly improved muscle regeneration, cell retention, and functional recovery in a rat model.
Single-cell atlas reveals why rotator cuff injuries heal with damaging scars
Researchers discovered that tendon stem cells and progenitor cells fail to differentiate into mature, functional cells, instead promoting scar buildup. Immune cells, including macrophages, also play a central role in sustaining fibrosis, creating a self-sustaining environment that is difficult to reverse.
Understanding how cells take up and use isolated ‘powerhouses’ to restore energy function
A recent study has shed light on the processes that drive mitochondrial uptake and its benefits for cells. Isolated mitochondria were found to be taken up by mesenchymal stromal cells, enhancing proliferation and cytoprotection, and improving energy metabolism.
Hidden genetic mismatch, which triples the risk of a life-threatening immune attack after cord blood transplantation
A large registry study identifies a specific genetic mismatch linked to severe acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) after cord blood transplantation, tripling the risk of life-threatening complications. Researchers found that a particular HLA combination in donors and recipients increased aGVHD risk by threefold.
European research lays the groundwork for future stem cell clinical trials
Researchers have explored how human mesenchymal stem cells can help repair brain injury in children born preterm. The PREMSTEM project has investigated the use of h-MSCs to address brain injury caused by early-life birth, with promising results showing a positive impact on brain damage and inflammation.
Muscle stem cells build resilience but lose regenerative power with age
Aging muscles heal more slowly after injury due to increased levels of protein NDRG1 in aged muscle stem cells. NDRG1 helps stem cells survive longer but reduces their ability to activate and repair tissue.
Researchers grow specialized nerve cells that degenerate in ALS/motor neuron disease and are damaged in spinal cord injury
A research team has developed a way to produce corticospinal-like neurons that centrally degenerate in motor neuron disease and are damaged in spinal cord injury. The study uses a multi-component gene-expression system called NVOF to precisely fine tune regulatory signals, resulting in mature neurons with distinct characteristics.
Could gene therapy treat a deadly heart condition that targets young athletes?
Researchers at University of California San Diego discover gene therapy restoring connexin-43 improves heart function and extends survival in several forms of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. The approach may have broader therapeutic potential across multiple genetic forms of the disease, addressing a critical unmet need.
Bioengineered tissue as a revolutionary treatment for secondary lymphedema
Researchers developed bioengineered lymphatic tissue (CeLyT) that restored functional lymph nodes in mice with secondary lymphedema. CeLyTs improved lymphedema symptoms by restoring lymphatic flow, filtration capacity, and immune cell populations.
CDI scientist joins NIH group to improve post-stem cell transplant patient evaluation
A revised approach to measuring treatment success for patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease has been proposed by the National Institutes of Health Consensus Project Task Force. The new criteria aim to capture clinically meaningful improvements in skin involvement, leading to better patient outcomes and more effective treatments.
New study shows gut microbiota directly regulates intestinal stem cell aging
A new study reveals that gut microbiota directly affects intestinal stem cell function, leading to impaired regeneration after injury. Restoring a more youthful microbiota can reverse the age-related decline in ISC activity.
Korea University study mimics heart mechanics in organoids using three-dimensional magnetic torque
A Korea University study successfully mimics heart mechanics in organoids using three-dimensional magnetic torque, enhancing cardiac differentiation, maturation, and vascularization. This breakthrough could improve drug safety testing by providing more accurate human-relevant models for cardiotoxicity screening.
Stem Cell Reports seeks early career editors to join the editorial board
The journal is seeking early-career scientists to serve on its editorial team, providing hands-on experience and mentorship. Selected members will play an active role in shaping the journal's scientific vision and community engagement.
Glow with the flow: Implanted 'living skin' lights up to signal health changes
A Japanese research team has developed a biohybrid approach that works inside the body, transforming engineered skin into a visible indicator of internal biological states. The system leverages the body's natural skin regeneration to support long-term biomarker monitoring, providing a visual readout without blood sampling.
California grants $7.4 million to advance gene-edited stem cell therapy for Friedreich’s ataxia
A University of California San Diego team is developing a first-of-its-kind stem cell-based gene therapy for Friedreich’s ataxia. The $7.4 million grant will support safety studies, manufacturing and clinical planning needed before applying to test the treatment in patients.
How cells balance their protein levels
Scientists have discovered how cells maintain safe protein levels despite fluctuations in resources, using a mechanism called Passive Adaptation that adjusts protein removal rates. This process helps cells cope with changes in nutrient availability, development, or stress.
Singapore scientists show targeting cancer stem cells can prevent gastric cancer recurrence
Researchers from A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology discovered that Aquaporin-5 (AQP5) reliably marks gastric cancer stem cells, which drive tumour growth, spread, and recurrence. Eliminating these cells prevents tumours from growing, even in advanced disease with organ metastasis.
Chromatin accessibility maps reveal how stem cells drive myelodysplastic progression
Chromatin accessibility maps reveal that MDS stem cells gradually lose their normal identity and acquire characteristics typical of myeloid progenitors. A 'progenitor score' developed by the team tracks cell movement toward a progenitor-like state, correlating with disease severity and prognosis.
Cartilaginous cells regulate growth and blood vessel formation in bones
Researchers discovered subtypes of chondrocytes that transform into bone-building cells, regulating bone growth and vascularization. The study found that these cells secrete Thbs4 to induce blood vessel formation, shedding insights for treating defective angiogenesis.
A delicate balance between growth hormone and stem cells
Growth hormone directly controls behavior of stem cells in growth plate, stimulating growth but also depleting cartilage stem cells. This delicate balance is crucial for long-term bone development and may contribute to refining growth hormone treatments.
Protein puppeteer pulls muscle stem cells’ strings
Researchers found that the tenascin-C protein promotes a thriving community of functional muscle stem cells needed for efficient muscle regeneration. Aging reduces skeletal muscle regeneration due to lower levels of TnC and impaired muscle stem cell function.
Research Alert: UC San Diego researchers uncover the earliest stages of human placenta formation
Researchers used human pluripotent stem cells to model early placental formation, discovering VGLL1 plays a crucial role in turning stem cells into placental stem cells. The study's findings could lead to improved embryo quality and viability, especially for in vitro fertilization.
Researchers identify bacterial enzyme that can cause fatal heart conditions with pneumonia infections
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have identified a bacterial enzyme called zmpB that can cause fatal heart complications in people infected with pneumonia. The enzyme potentiates the invasion of Streptococcus pneumoniae into the heart, leading to damage and potentially life-threatening outcomes.
The future of type 1 diabetes: Can stem cells provide a cure?
Researchers explore innovative avenues for regenerating functional β-cells using stem cells and pancreatic progenitor cells. The dual approach of activating endogenous progenitors and transplanting externally differentiated cells represents a powerful, scalable strategy for T1D management.
Why the 'gut brain' plays a central role for allergies
A research team identified a key function of the intestinal nervous system in controlling the intestinal barrier's composition and stability. The study suggests that the 'gut brain' acts as a central hub for health, immunity, and potentially conditions like allergies, and may be influenced by diet.
A new cellular model reveals which mutations drive progression to myelodysplastic syndrome and leukemia in patients with GATA2 deficiency
A new humanised model based on induced pluripotent stem cells identifies SETBP1 as a key driver of disease progression. The model shows that secondary mutations impair haematopoietic differentiation and reduce the regenerative capacity of myeloid progenitor cells.
Rejuvenating the blood: A new pharmacological strategy targeting RhoA in haematopoietic stem cells
Researchers develop ex vivo treatment of blood stem cells with Rhosin, a RhoA inhibitor, to rejuvenate them and improve the production of healthy blood cells. This strategy targets the core of the ageing process, making blood stem cells more capable of regenerating and producing new healthy blood cells.
Mount Sinai scientists reverse aging in blood stem cells by targeting lysosomal dysfunction
Researchers at Mount Sinai discovered a technique to renew aged blood-forming stem cells by correcting defects in lysosomes. The breakthrough revealed that restoring lysosomal slow degradation can revitalize aged stem cells and enhance their regenerative capacity. This study may help prevent age-related blood disorders and improve stem...
Research reveals new functions of two proteins for cell function and renewal
Recent studies by Brazilian scientists clarify key roles of STIP1 and Maspin in vital cellular processes, including embryonic development, cell communication, and tissue renewal. These findings contribute to cancer research, regenerative medicine, and understanding cellular homeostasis.
Terasaki Institute and Caltech awarded $2.8 million CIRM grant to advance research on human embryo formation
Researchers at Terasaki Institute and Caltech will use stem cell-based models to identify factors influencing early human development. The goal is to gain insights into infertility, pregnancy loss, and developmental disorders.
Hippo signaling pathway as a therapeutic target for nephronophthisis
Researchers used human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived kidney organoids to model nephronophthisis, revealing the Hippo signaling pathway's role in fibrosis. Inhibiting this pathway with drugs like verteporfin shows promise as a treatment option.
Potential treatment could prevent brain damage in premature babies
Researchers developed a first-of-its-kind prenatal brain model to study cerebral hemorrhages on stem cells in preterm birth. An antidote reduced brain damage, and the study identified how neural stem cells are damaged by elevated interleukin-1 levels.
Unraveling cancer’s neural connections: NIH-funded study investigates how stem cell regulation influences tissue renewal and cancer development
A UC Merced biologist found that activating neural signals can selectively remove cancer symptoms in planarian flatworms, which could change how doctors treat cancer and age-related diseases. The study may also shed light on degenerative conditions linked to aging.
First transplant in pigs of modified porcine kidneys with human renal organoids
Researchers developed a scalable method to produce human kidney organoids, combining them with pig kidneys outside the body for transplantation. The transplanted organs functioned normally and showed no signs of damage or toxicity.
Making more supply to meet the demands of muscle cell therapy
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have developed a new method to generate more and potent skeletal muscle progenitor cells. The study found that blocking the activity of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) yields a twofold increase in cell yield, while also delivering more mature and effective cells for regenerative medicine treatment.
Stem cell therapy linked to lower risk of heart failure after a heart attack
Patients with weak heart function who receive stem cell therapy shortly after a heart attack have lower rates of heart failure and hospital stays. The technique may be a valuable add-on procedure for patients with weakened heart function after a heart attack to prevent subsequent heart failure.
Fight or flight—and grow a new limb
Researchers at Harvard University have discovered that salamanders rely on the sympathetic nervous system to activate stem cells throughout the body, enabling them to regrow entire limbs. This finding may provide insights into developing regenerative treatments for humans, particularly in limb regeneration and organ repair.
Hip or shoulder? Location matters in bone marrow for joint repair
Lehigh University researchers used machine learning to compare bone marrow extracted from the hip and shoulder, finding six proteins that distinguish between the two extraction sites. This study may lead to standardized BMAC extraction protocols and personalized treatments based on protein concentrations.
Combination therapy could expand treatment options for AML patients, extend survival
A new study reveals that combining proteasome inhibitors with Lys05 can effectively kill AML cells by disabling backup survival pathways. This approach has shown promise in preclinical models and could lead to improved treatment options for a wider range of AML patients.
MIT invents human brain model with six major cell types to enable personalized disease research, drug discovery
Researchers developed a new human brain tissue platform called miBrains, integrating all major brain cell types and modeling brain structures, cellular interactions, activity, and pathological features. The models can be customized through gene editing and are derived from individual patients' genomes.
Did lead limit brain and language development in Neanderthals and other extinct hominids?
A new study reveals that ancient hominids were exposed to lead earlier than thought, up to two million years before modern humans began mining the metal. This exposure may have shaped the evolution of hominid brains, limiting language and social development in all but modern humans due to a protective genetic variant.
Bacteria to the rescue again
The study introduces a synthetic, animal-free gel that enables the long-term growth of 3D organoids, overcoming limitations of traditional animal-derived gels. The PIC–invasin gel offers robustness, consistency, and potential for widespread use in research and clinical settings.
New lab-grown human embryo model produces blood cells
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new lab-grown human embryo model that replicates early human development, including the production of blood stem cells. The 'hematoids' model mimics the natural developmental process, offering potential medical advances in screening drugs and studying blood disorders.
Kidney organoid unlocks genetic cause of chronic kidney disease
Researchers have discovered that APOL1 mutations impair mitochondrial function in podocytes, leading to impaired kidney filtering. This finding could explain why inflammation triggers the onset of AMKD in patients, paving the way for targeted treatments.