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HKUST researchers find how stem cell niche guides differentiation into functional cells, significant step towards stem cell therapies

Researchers at HKUST have found that the stem cell niche uses gap junctions to transport cAMP into stem cell progeny, controlling their differentiation. This discovery is significant for developing stem cell therapies to treat diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2023

Coaxing hair growth in aging hair follicle stem cells

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a way to soften stiff hair follicle stem cells, enabling them to grow hair again. By boosting the production of microRNA-205, they promote hair growth in both young and old mice, offering potential for human hair regrowth.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2023

Groundbreaking images of root chemicals offer new insights on plant growth

Researchers at UC San Diego and Stanford University have developed a roadmap of root chemicals that are critical to plant growth, providing new insights into plant development. The study reveals that key small molecules are clustered in patches across the root, suggesting a purposeful distribution for optimal growth.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2023

Growing blood stem cells in the lab to save lives

A team led by Professor Satoshi Yamazaki has established a novel culture system that supports long-term ex vivo expansion of human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), overcoming previous limitations. The new system, which uses chemically-defined cell culture media, significantly improves HSC growth and proliferation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature·DateMay 24, 2023

Filling a niche: Neural stem cells help maintain their microenvironment

A new study from Tokyo Medical and Dental University sheds light on the neural stem cell niche's composition during development. Researchers found that vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) plays a crucial role in maintaining NSPCs under hypoxic conditions, promoting lower rates of cell death and increased cell proliferation.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalInflammation and Regeneration·DateMar 15, 2023

A "muscular" response to regeneration

Researchers at the University of Montreal discovered a key mechanism in muscle regeneration, enabling targeted therapies for diseases like muscular dystrophy. By biasing the conformation of a protein called ELMO2, they improved muscle fusion and regeneration in mouse models.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 19, 2022

Oncotarget | Combined epigenetic and immunotherapy for blastic and classical mantle cell lymphoma

Researchers describe results using cladribine-based combination epigenetic and immunotherapy in MCL, achieving an increased overall survival greater than 40 months with durable remissions without relapse for longer than 5 years. The approach is promising in the treatment of MCL and potentially other previously treatment-refractory canc...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2022

A step in the direction of artificial organs. Scientists find out what stem cell networks look like and where they came from

Researchers have identified a master gene that controls stem cell behavior, found in an ancient fish species, which can be used to improve human stem cell growth. The study sheds light on the evolutionary origins of pluripotent stem cells, a crucial step towards creating artificial organs.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 12, 2022

Mice show METTL in DNA blood repair

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered METTL16's role in DNA repair and erythropoiesis, a process generating 200 billion new red blood cells daily. Tiny methyl groups on specific mRNAs play a pivotal role in this process, involving mechanisms mediated by RNA-binding proteins.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2022

Stem cell-derived organoids mimic human parathyroid tissue

Researchers have successfully isolated parathyroid stem cells and maintained them in lab as organoids for an extended period. These patient-derived parathyroid organoids (PTOs) closely mimic human parathyroid tissue, enabling the study of parathyroid diseases and drug development.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022

Establishment of induced pluripotent stem cells from endangered avian species; Okinawa rail, Japanese ptarmigan, Blakiston’s fish owl, and Japanese golden eagle

Researchers created iPSCs from Okinawa rail, Japanese ptarmigan, Blakiston's fish owl, and Japanese golden eagle for conservation. The cells can differentiate into various cell types, providing a valuable resource for evaluating disease risks and pollution.

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 25, 2022

Traditoinal medicine could give new hope to heart patients

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have identified a new mechanism in ARVC that could lead to a potential treatment strategy. They found that activating sirtuin-3 can slow down disease progression, and honokiol, a natural product extracted from the tulip tree, has been shown to work similarly.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2022

Optimization of human small intestinal organoids

Researchers developed optimized human small intestinal organoids with mature Paneth cells, mimicking the original human intestine. The discovery highlights the importance of Interleukin-22 in activating Paneth cells, which helps prevent infections and maintain barrier function.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022

University of Houston biochemistry researchers repair and regenerate heart muscle cells

Researchers at the University of Houston have made a groundbreaking discovery in repairing and regenerating heart muscle cells in mice. The technology uses synthetic mRNA to deliver mutated transcription factors, which increases the replication of cardiomyocytes. This finding has the potential to become a powerful clinical strategy for...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalThe Journal of Cardiovascular Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Chung-Ang University researchers use biomolecule-loaded metal-organic frameworks nanopatterns to aid artificial stem cell differentiation

A new platform mimics live cellular environment to guide stem cell differentiation outside the body. Researchers from Chung-Ang University developed a novel platform based on metal-organic frameworks, which offers advantages over conventional methods for in vitro stem cell differentiation.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Zinc found to play an important role in lung fibrosis

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have discovered that zinc, a common mineral, plays an important role in reversing lung damage and improving survival for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). By identifying a molecular pathway involving zinc, the team hopes to develop new therapies to reverse IPF-related lung damage.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 8, 2022

Stromal cells, maestros of the intestine

In a mouse model, stromal cells developed before weaning age promote the maturation of the intestinal barrier by forming a specialized niche. Absence of these cells induces defect in postnatal growth and increases susceptibility to intestinal inflammatory diseases.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJun 2, 2022

Cardiac progenitor cells generate healthy tissue after a heart attack

A team of researchers has successfully treated damaged pig hearts with cardiac progenitor cells, demonstrating the formation of new cardiac tissue and improved cardiac function. The treatment could potentially be used to treat patients with serious heart failure, particularly older patients with coexisting conditions.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022