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Blocking differentiation is enough to give cells 'stemness'

Researchers at RIKEN have discovered a method to maintain immune cells in a stem cell-like state by inhibiting differentiation, allowing them to proliferate extensively. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for regenerative medicine and immune therapy.

SourceRIKEN·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateOct 22, 2015

What powers the pumping heart?

Scientists have identified 500 novel membrane proteins that play a critical role in normal heart function and may help uncover new information about heart failure and arrhythmias. The research focuses on protein Tmem65, which regulates communication between cardiac contractile cells.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2015

Scientists' silk structure is secret to process of regenerating salivary cells

Scientists have developed a novel process to regenerate salivary cells using silk fibers as a framework, which could help millions in the US with dry mouth due to Sjögren's syndrome. The process has been shown to retain salivary gland cell properties and is a significant step towards developing new cell-based therapeutics.

Genetically distinct cells reveal nature's strategy for avoiding pregnancy complications

Researchers found that genetically distinct cells in pregnant mothers, known as microchimeric cells, promote reproductive health and prevent pregnancy complications like prematurity and stillbirth. These cells help the immune system recognize and accept non-inherited maternal antigens, suppressing an immune system attack on the fetus.

New cell division mechanism discovered

A team of Canadian and British researchers has made a breakthrough discovery about the cell division mechanism, finding that chromosomes emit signals to influence microtubule action. This signaling pathway is crucial for the segregation of chromosomes during cytokinesis, a critical step in cell division.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature·DateJul 13, 2015

A better way to build bones

Researchers at NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering and NYU School of Medicine are exploring a new method to amplify the body's signaling system for recruiting bone-forming stem cells to injured areas. They plan to focus on a single recruitment factor, CXCL12, which they hypothesize plays key roles in promoting osteogenesis.

Scientist at LIMR leads study demonstrating drug-induced tissue regeneration

A study led by Ellen Heber-Katz demonstrates that a primordial form of energy production can trigger healthy regrowth of lost or damaged tissue in mice. The researchers found that stabilizing the HIF-1a pathway opens up new possibilities for mammalian tissue regeneration, potentially leading to new therapies for human tissue repair.

SourceMain Line Health, Lankenau Institute for Medical Research·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 3, 2015

Looking to fossils to predict tooth evolution in rodents

A new study uses fossil data to predict that most rodent species will evolve continuously growing molar teeth over the next 50 million years. The researchers found evidence that many species possess the potential for acquiring dental stem cells, which are required for continuous tooth growth.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 23, 2015

Seven strategies to advance women in science

The Initiative on Women in Science and Engineering Working Group presents seven strategies to address gender imbalances in STEM fields, including financial support and education initiatives. The working group aims to elevate the entire field and ensure women have equal opportunities for career advancement.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 5, 2015

Protein that repels immune cells protects transplanted pancreatic islets from rejection

A Massachusetts General Hospital team has developed a method to protect insulin-producing islets from the immune system, enabling long-term blood sugar control without immunosuppression. The approach involves coating or encapsulating islets with CXCL12, a protein that repels immune cells and attracts regulatory T cells.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateFeb 18, 2015