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Re-programming innate immune cells to fight tuberculosis

A team of Canadian researchers has discovered a way to re-program innate immune cells to kill tuberculosis. The innovative work aims to make vaccines more effective against TB and other infectious diseases like the flu. By targeting stem cells in the bone marrow, scientists were able to boost the killing efficiency of macrophages.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell·DateJan 11, 2018

Cell-based therapy for type 1 diabetes?

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have successfully reversed type 1 diabetes in a mouse model by infusing pre-treated blood stem cells. The treated cells curbed the autoimmune reaction and reversed hyperglycemia in diabetic mice, with almost all mice cured of diabetes in the short term and one third maintaining normal blood sug...

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 15, 2017

New method to measure cell stiffness could lead to improved cancer treatments

Researchers at UCLA have developed a new method called quantitative deformability cytometry (q-DC) to rapidly determine a single cell's stiffness and size. This technique allows for standardized measurements of single cells and could lead to improved cancer treatments by tracking patient progress and predicting drug effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateOct 3, 2017

Rainbow colors reveal cell history

Researchers developed a method to trace the history of beta-cells in zebrafish, revealing dynamic sub-populations with different developmental histories. These findings have implications for understanding diabetes progression and developing effective strategies for beta-cell regeneration and protection.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 22, 2017

Where do heart cells come from?

Id genes have been linked to heart development for the first time, revealing a new tool to create large numbers of cardiac cells to regenerate damaged heart tissue. The study uses CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and high-throughput microRNA screening to identify the role Id genes play in heart development.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 22, 2017

Transforming skin cells to insulin

Researchers at the University of Bergen have successfully transformed skin puncture cells from diabetes patients into insulin-producing cells. The goal is to transplant these cells under the skin, potentially replacing insulin shots and blood sugar measurements.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 9, 2017

Genetic DJ: Growing cells remix their genes

A study by Babraham Institute and Weizmann Institute reveals genes are constantly rearranged in cells, changing their positions to fine-tune gene expression. Researchers collected data from over 4,000 individual cells using single-cell Hi-C technology, providing unique insights into genome organisation.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 5, 2017

inflammatory molecule essential to muscle regeneration in mice, Stanford researchers find

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered a lipid metabolite called prostaglandin E2 that activates muscle stem cells responsible for repairing damage after injury or exercise. Treating mice with PGE2 accelerates muscle repair and strength regain, while nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit this process.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 12, 2017

World first: Stem cell treatment for lethal STAT1 gene mutation -- shows 'disappointing' but promising results

Researchers conducted a study assessing stem cell transplantation for patients with a rare 'gain of function' STAT1 gene mutation. The treatment showed encouraging results, with five patients being completely cured and disease-free, but the overall success rate was disappointing at 40%. Experts propose adjusting treatment parameters, s...

SourceHiroshima University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJun 8, 2017

Making vessels leaky on demand could aid drug delivery

Rice University scientists have discovered a way to selectively open gaps in blood vessel barriers, allowing large molecule drugs to reach targeted tissues. The technique uses magnets to manipulate nanoparticles and alter the endothelial cell's structure, creating temporary 'leakiness' that can be controlled.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2017

Gene therapy could 'turn off' severe allergies

Researchers have successfully 'turned off' the immune response that causes allergic reactions in animals using gene therapy. The treatment, which targets specific immune cells, has shown promise in de-sensitizing the immune system to proteins, potentially treating severe allergies like asthma and peanut allergies.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJCI Insight·DateJun 2, 2017

Study implicates 2 genetic variants in bicuspid aortic valve development

Researchers have discovered two genetic variants associated with bicuspid aortic valve development, which affects the heart's ability to pump oxygen-rich blood. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that these variants affect a key cardiac transcription factor called GATA4, leading to disruptions in valve formation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 25, 2017