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First immune-evading cells created to treat type 1 diabetes

Salk Institute scientists develop transplantable human insulin-producing pancreatic cell clusters that evade the immune system, providing sustained blood glucose control without immunosuppressants. The cells were created using stem cell technology and a protein called WNT4 to induce a genetic switch that makes them functional.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 2020

Mouse study shows spinal cord injury causes bone marrow failure syndrome

Researchers at Ohio State University found that spinal cord injuries in mice cause an acquired bone marrow failure syndrome contributing to chronic immune dysfunction. The study also discovered a potential treatment using the FDA-approved drug Plerixafor to mobilize cells from the bone marrow niche and restore immune function.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 24, 2020

Buzzing to rebuild broken bone

A team of UConn engineers has developed a scaffold that generates a controllable electrical field to encourage bone growth, providing a new approach for treating serious injuries. The device uses non-toxic poly(L-lactic acid) polymer and remotely-controlled ultrasound to stimulate bone regeneration.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNano Energy·DateJun 30, 2020

Key gene in leukemia discovered

Researchers at Lund University have identified CXCR4 as essential for the survival of leukemia stem cells, which can be controlled by cutting off the gene using CRISPR technology. This discovery reveals a fundamental difference in how leukemia stem cells and normal blood stem cells are regulated.

SourceLund University·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 3, 2020

Cell therapy treatment for cardiac patients with microvascular dysfunction provides enhanced quality

Researchers conducted a two-center trial of autologous CD34+ cell therapy in 20 NOCAD patients with persistent angina, showing significant improvement in coronary flow reserve, angina frequency, and quality of life. The results demonstrate the potential of CD34+ cell therapy as a promising therapy for CMD patients with angina and NOCAD.

Stem cells shown to delay their own death to aid healing

Researchers have found that stem cells in planarians can postpone their own death to respond to an injury, allowing them to gather around the site of the wound and mount a response. This unique ability has implications for cancer research and therapies, particularly when examining chemotherapy and surgery options.

SourceCornell University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 7, 2020

COPD as a lung stem cell disease

Abnormal stem cells in COPD patients drive key features of the disease, including mucins that block airways and fibrosis and inflammation. Researchers have identified specific cells responsible for COPD pathology and are screening them against drug libraries to discover new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalCell·DateApr 15, 2020

Muscle stem cells compiled in 'atlas'

A team of Cornell researchers compiled a 'cell atlas' of muscle regeneration, cataloging the activity of almost every type of cell involved in muscle repair. The dataset provides a comprehensive picture of cellular interactions and may lead to improved rehabilitation strategies for patients recovering from muscle injuries.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 10, 2020

Curing genetic disease in human cells

Scientists have successfully used CRISPR/Cas9 base-editing to cure cystic fibrosis in human stem cells, providing a promising new approach for treating genetic diseases. The technique, which repairs mutations without cutting DNA, shows great promise for the future treatment of various genetic disorders.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 20, 2020

Mapping the future direction for bioprinting research

The bioprinting research roadmap identifies key areas of progress and development, including advancements in bioinks, 3D printing processes, and crosslinking techniques. The report also highlights the potential for bioprinting to create complex biological models and therapeutic products.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiofabrication·DateFeb 7, 2020

Revving up the engine

A study published in Circulation reveals that an imbalance in the ratio of active and inactive myosin protein disrupts heart muscle contraction and relaxation, leading to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Treatment with a small-molecule drug restores proper contraction and energy consumption in human and rodent heart cells.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCirculation·DateJan 27, 2020

Artificial muscle sheets transform stem cells into bone

Researchers have developed a new method to transform stem cells into bone cells using an artificial muscle sheet with shape-memory function. This technology has potential applications in treating complex bone fractures by culturing stem cells on the sheet and adapting them to directly strengthen bones.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2020