'Super-grafts' that could treat diabetes
By adding amniotic epithelial cells to pancreatic islet clusters, researchers created more robust
Stem Cells
Articles tagged with Stem Cells
Discovered a new process of antitumor response of NK cells in myeloma
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism of antitumor response of Natural Killer (NK) cells in myeloma, utilizing histones. Histones bind to CD138 receptors on myeloma cells, promoting tumor cell aggregation and enhancing the recruitment of T lymphocytes, thereby increasing antitumor activity.
SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateNov 5, 2019
EMBL spins the Sleeping Beauty transposase
Researchers at EMBL developed a new variant of the Sleeping Beauty transposase with improved biochemical properties, allowing for direct protein delivery and autonomous cell penetration. This breakthrough enables efficient and stable genome modifications in target cells on demand.
Lymphatic system found to play key role in hair regeneration
Scientists discover molecular coordination tool and specialized lymphatic capillaries that transport immune cells and drain excess fluids from tissues, controlling fluid composition and cell synchronization during hair follicle stem cell activity.
Building a better way to figure out how cells work
Researchers developed a nondestructive TFM platform allowing for high-throughput cell measurements. The new platform uses a regular array of fluorescent markers to enable zero-stress state measurements, reducing the need for cell removal or relaxation.
Anti-arthritis drug also stops tuberculosis bacillus from multiplying in blood stem cells
Researchers discovered a way to stop the process that allows TB bacillus to infect and hijack blood stem cells using an anti-arthritis drug, Tocilizumab. The study found that this transformation can be halted by administering the drug.
Bioprinting: Living cells in a 3D printer
Researchers at TU Wien have developed a new bioprinting process that integrates living cells into fine structures created in a 3D printer, achieving high resolution and speed. This technique allows for the control of cell behavior and growth, enabling studies on tissue development and disease spread.
Drug treats inflammation associated with genetic heart disease
Researchers discover a new drug that reduces inflammation and improves heart function in genetically inherited heart disease, ACM. The treatment targets the immune system's role in disease progression.
SwRI cell expansion research receives additional $5.3 million in funding
The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has received additional funding to develop a novel bioreactor for stem cell and CAR T-cell manufacturing, which could revolutionize personalized regenerative medicine.
Stem cell treatments for shoulder and elbow injuries flourish, but so far there's little evidence they work
Researchers warn that stem cell therapies for shoulder and elbow injuries have far outpaced supporting scientific data, with many treatments still unproven. The clinical data for these treatments are currently limited, and a greater understanding of optimal formulations and dosing schedules is needed to determine their effectiveness.
Stopping the spread of cancer
Biomedical engineer Tara Deans receives $1.5 million grant to develop alternative platelets that can help stop tumor cells from spreading in the bloodstream. Her lab will engineer platelets with proteins that kill cancer cells, inspired by her friend's diagnosis with blood cancer.
Discovered: Possible therapeutic target for slow healing of aged muscles
Researchers found that protein GAS1 suppresses muscle stem cells' ability to build new muscles and regenerate after injury. Reversing GAS1's effect by using GDNF restores muscle stem cell function and regeneration.
Tapeworms need to keep their head to regenerate
A recent study published in eLife reveals that tapeworm regeneration is dependent on stem cells located near the head. Researchers found that severing the head did not prevent regrowth, but signals from the neck are necessary to activate stem cells.
No bones about it, this protein slows down fracture-healing
A study published in JCI Insight found that Apolipoprotein E interferes with bone healing in older individuals, leading to weaker bones and increased risk of re-fracture. Researchers discovered that reducing ApoE levels can reverse aging effects on the bones, promoting faster and more effective healing.
Infant with deadly leukemia saved by drug for adult liver cancer
A months-old infant with rare childhood leukemia was treated with sorafenib, a targeted therapy approved for adults with inoperable liver cancer. The patient's unique genetic mutation led to a significant response to the treatment, highlighting the importance of identifying genetic mutations in cancer treatment.
Report cards on women in STEM fields finds much room for improvement
A study of institutional 'report cards' found that although a growing number of women are training in the sciences, they are underrepresented in senior roles and face inadequate policies. The researchers suggest that retaining and promoting women scientists is key to achieving gender parity in STEM.
Pancreas on a chip
Researchers have developed an 'Islet-on-a-Chip' device that integrates organ-on-a-chip and stem-cell technologies to screen insulin-producing cells, test insulin-stimulating compounds, and study the fundamental biology of diabetes. The device makes it easier to monitor islet function and study cell therapies for diabetes.
Cancer cells 'corrupt' their healthy neighbors
Researchers found that non-cancerous cells in tumor microenvironment regress into stem cell-like state, supporting cancer growth. This 'corruption' of neighboring cells enables cancer to thrive and spread.
New hydrogels show promise in treating bone defects
Researchers from UCLA School of Dentistry developed a new hydrogel that promotes tissue repair and regeneration, inducing stem cell migration to enhance bone healing. The clay-enhanced hydrogel has a more porous structure, improving its ability to deliver cells to defective areas.
Relaxing of regulations for regenerative medicines has cascading effect internationally
The relaxation of international regenerative medicine regulations can lead to a downward spiral in standards, warns Professor Margaret Sleeboom-Faulkner from the University of Sussex. As countries compete for innovative treatments, efficacy is compromised, and risks increase, making it harder to ensure patient safety.
A novel method to characterize genes with high-precision in single cells
Researchers have developed a novel method to precisely detect and characterize genes in individual cells, enabling selective enrichment of selected molecules. This approach, called BART-Seq, addresses the challenge of detecting low-abundance gene transcripts and has potential applications in disease diagnosis and precision gene-editing.
SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalGenome Biology·DateAug 12, 2019
Cyborg organoids offer rare view into early stages of development
Researchers at Harvard have grown simplified organs with fully integrated sensors, offering a rare view into early stages of organ development. The cyborg organoids can monitor the electrophysiological activity of cells for up to 90 days, providing insights into how individual cells interact and synchronize during development.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 9, 2019
UCLA study links progenitor cells to age-related prostate growth
As people age, the prostate grows, leading to an increased risk for prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. A new UCLA study found that older mice have more luminal progenitor cells, which can generate new prostate tissue, helping explain why the prostate tends to grow with age.
A new paradigm for efficient upward culture of 3D multicellular spheroids
Researchers have developed a novel culture method for 3D multicellular spheroids, utilizing a durable superamphiphobic surface. This method enables efficient, safe, and in-situ observation of cell growth, with potential applications in drug screening, stem cell differentiation, and regenerative medicine.
New stem cell combination could help to repair damaged hearts
Researchers have found that a combination of heart muscle cells and supportive epicardial cells can improve heart function, allowing transplanted cells to survive longer and restore lost heart tissue. The study offers new hope for treating heart failure with an alternative therapy.
Study examines direct-to-consumer stem cell clinics in 6 Southwestern states
The study found that orthopedic, inflammatory, and pain conditions are the main types of medical conditions treated with stem cells at direct-to-consumer stem cell clinics in the Southwest. The researchers also identified differences in the degree to which listed expertise matches the medical conditions treated with stem cells.
A human liver cell atlas
A comprehensive cell atlas of the human liver reveals previously unknown subtypes of liver cells, including hepatocytes, endothelial cells, and macrophages. The study provides unprecedented resolution into liver cell diversity and how it changes during development or upon disease progression.
Repair of aged tissue can be enhanced by inhibiting signals from neighboring cells
Researchers discovered that aging factors from neighboring cells, known as Paneth cells, decrease the regenerative potential of intestinal stem cells. Inhibiting these signals, such as Notum, can promote tissue repair and recovery in aged animals.
New shingles vaccine reduced occurrence in patients who had stem cell transplantation
A new nonlive shingles vaccine reduced shingles episodes by 75% among patients who underwent stem cell transplantation compared to placebo. Long-term protection was not assessed due to study limitations.
World first: Homing instinct applied to stem cells show cells 'home' to cardiac tissue
Researchers at the University of Bristol have made a world-first discovery by hijacking bacteria's homing ability to guide stem cells to cardiac tissue. The breakthrough could improve treatment for cardiovascular disease, which causes over a quarter of all deaths in the UK.
Widespread disease diabetes: Why do beta cells refuse to release insulin?
A team of researchers has identified highly-connected cluster of 'leader' cells in the pancreas that coordinate insulin response and help understand how diabetes develops. By selectively deleting these leader cells, they disrupted the level of coordination in subsequent responses to glucose.
HKBU discovers mechanisms underlying early life stress and irritable bowel syndrome
Researchers at HKBU found that Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) promotes intestinal stem cell growth, leading to high serotonin levels and IBS-like symptoms. The study links early life stress to lifelong health consequences, providing new insights into gastrointestinal disease treatment.
Speeding up single-cell genomics research
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new platform for rapid single-cell sequencing, combining microfluidics and novel software to scale up single-cell ATAC-seq. This approach enables the analysis of gene control in individual cells, revealing new insights into cell development and disease processes.
Scientists make single-cell map to reprogram scar tissue into healthy heart cells
Researchers at UNC McAllister Heart Institute develop stable platform to reprogram human fibroblast cells into cardiomyocytes, creating high-resolution molecular roadmap. The approach identifies key genetic facilitators and signaling molecules driving cell fate development, offering new insights into human cardiac reprogramming.
3D printed tissues and organs without the scaffolding
Researchers have developed a process for 3D printing biological tissues without scaffolds using stem cells in a hydrogel bead bath. The printed cells form stable connections and mature into functional tissues, offering potential applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Tissue engineering: The big picture on growing small intestines
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles are making progress in growing small intestines using stem cells, offering hope for premature babies with severe intestinal issues. The field of tissue engineering holds promise for this population, potentially improving treatment options and quality of life.
Researchers discover cells that change their identity during normal development
Zebrafish have been found to have a type of pigment cell that can transform into another cell type during normal development, challenging the long-held dogma that once a cell has completed its development, it stays that way. This discovery sheds light on how cells differentiate and may hold implications for regenerative medicine.
3D printed artificial corneas similar to human ones
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed an artificial cornea using 3D printing technology, replicating the human corneal structure. The cornea is made from decellularized corneal stroma and stem cells, offering transparency similar to the human cornea.
First-of-its-kind study in endothelial stem cells finds exposure to flavored e-cigarette liquids, e-cigarette use exacerbates cell dysfunction
A new study found that exposure to flavored e-cigarette liquids and e-cigarette use exacerbate endothelial cell dysfunction, a key risk factor for heart disease. The researchers observed pro-inflammatory markers and toxic effects on cells from various e-liquids.
SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 27, 2019
Could gold be the key to making gene therapy for HIV, blood disorders more accessible?
A proof-of-principle study shows that gold nanoparticles loaded with CRISPR safely and effectively edited blood stem cells in lab models of HIV and inherited blood disorders. The researchers found that the Cas12a protein partner delivered precise genetic edits, which were maintained for eight weeks after injection.
Plant stem cells require low oxygen levels
Researchers discovered that low oxygen concentrations provide essential conditions for plant growth, promoting the stability of protein ZPR2 responsible for cell proliferation and differentiation. This finding has significant implications for breeding crop varieties and understanding stem cell maintenance in plants and animals.
Producing tissue and organs through lithography
Researchers are developing a top-down lithography method to create complex tissues and their anatomical microstructures. This approach uses light sheet illumination and special hydrogels to form branched chain structures that serve as a matrix for cell colonization.
Experimental noninvasive tool monitors effectiveness of stem cell transplantation
Researchers developed a blood test to track transplanted stem cells' effectiveness by analyzing exosomes, tiny cellular components secreted into the recipient's blood. The test showed promising results in repairing damaged heart muscle cells, paving the way for new treatments for various diseases.
What do they mean by 'stem cells'? Recommended guidelines for reporting on cell therapies
The DOSES tool provides standards for describing the characteristics and use of cell therapies, addressing five essential areas. The resulting tool aims to improve standardization and transparency when describing cell therapies.
Turning off growth to make flowers grow
A new study reveals that the transcription factor KNUCKLES plays a crucial role in terminating floral stem cell activity by initiating epigenetic events. This process involves the suppression of WUSCHEL gene expression, leading to the recruitment of Polycomb Group complexes and the formation of repressive H3K27me3 marks on chromatin.
Location is everything for plant cell differentiation
In Arabidopsis thaliana, the location of proteins within a cell and the position of the cell itself play crucial roles in determining cell type. The study found that ATML1 protein accumulation is inhibited in internal cell layers, leading to epidermal cell differentiation. This post-transcriptional regulation enables plants to form a s...
Innovative mechanobiology research expands understanding of cells
Researchers developed deformation microscopy to non-invasively probe cell mechanics and understand how physical changes contribute to cell development and disease. The technology reveals intricate structural architectures and dynamic cell deformation, opening new avenues for studying mechanobiology.
Genome editing helps decipher a congenital liver disease
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University use genome editing to create a human stem cell model of congenital hepatic fibrosis, uncovering molecular players that contribute to the illness. They identify IL-8 and CTGF as key genes involved in the disease's progression.
Specialized plant cells regain stem-cell features to heal wounds
Scientists have found that plant cells adjacent to injured areas re-activate their stem cell programs to produce new cells of the correct type. This process, called 'restorative patterning', allows plants to heal wounds more efficiently.
Removal of gene prevents development of pancreatic cancer in mice
Researchers found that removing the ATDC gene from pancreatic cells prevented the development of pancreatic cancer in mice. The study identified ATDC as a key player in the reprogramming of adult cells into primitive, high-growth cell types, which can lead to cancer.
SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 1, 2019
UBC Okanagan engineers make injectable tissues a reality
Researchers at UBC Okanagan have created an automated encapsulation device that encases cells in microgels, protecting them from physical damage and the immune system. The device enables over 85% of cells to survive and can be scaled up for rapid production of cell-encapsulated microgels.
A light-activated remote control for cells
Scientists develop DNA nanodevice that uses near-infrared light to guide stem cells to wounds, promoting muscle tissue regrowth in mice. The system successfully activated receptors, causing cells to move and grow, with treated mice showing increased signs of regeneration.
To protect stem cells, plants have diverse genetic backup plans
A new study reveals that flowering plants employ different genetic strategies to maintain a 'core genetic circuitry' that ensures stem cell function, even in the presence of defects
Stem Cell trial for osteoarthritis patients reduces pain, improves quality of life
A clinical trial using mesenchymal stromal cells from patient bone marrow shows significant improvements in pain levels and quality of life for osteoarthritis patients. The study, led by Sowmya Viswanathan and Jaskarndip Chahal, found that higher doses of MSCs resulted in more effective outcomes.
JUUL electronic cigarette products linked to cellular damage
A recent study has found that JUUL electronic cigarette products contain dangerously high levels of nicotine, which can be toxic to living cells. The researchers also discovered that flavor chemicals in JUUL pods may make them attractive to youth and could lead to adverse health effects with chronic use.
Plants grow less in hotter temperatures
Researchers discovered that transcription factors ANAC044 and ANAC085 control plant cell cycle arrest in response to DNA damage and abiotic stress. These proteins act as a bridge between SOG1 and Rep-MYB, preventing cell proliferation under hostile conditions.
Natural gene therapy for intractable skin disease discovered
Researchers found that some patients' skin areas return to normal as they age, eliminating mutant loricrin genes through somatic recombination. This natural process could lead to a new treatment method for genetic diseases like loricin keratoderma.
People can survive organ failure, a review explores how
A review explores how two cell populations respond to organ failure, with one type relying on endoreplication and the other on cell regeneration. This cooperative response allows organs to recover from failure, but also presents tradeoffs that can impact long-term health.
Pediatric cell atlas will map single-cell changes for a deeper view of child health and disease
The Pediatric Cell Atlas will create a high-resolution data reference for child development, benchmarking healthy and abnormal tissues at the level of single cells. This will provide a standard tool for researchers to better understand childhood illnesses and develop precision treatments.
Stabilizing ends of chromosomes could treat age-related disease
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered a new approach to treating age-related diseases by stabilizing telomeres and restoring sirtuin activity. This method shows promise in improving liver disease outcomes in a mouse model.