Articles tagged with Neural Stem Cells
A biomaterial scaffold has been developed to recreate a skull stem cell niche, reducing craniosynostosis-related deformities and promoting normal skull growth. The triphasic scaffold maintained skeletal stem cells while supporting bone formation and tissue regeneration.
The study reveals that rats have a larger deep layer in their brains due to the prolonged expression of Wnt signaling genes, resulting in extended deep layer neuron production. This finding suggests that 'heterochrony' in neurogenesis is responsible for the interspecific diversity in the neuronal composition of the mammalian cortex.
Researchers have discovered that errors in the final step of cell division can cause dramatic changes in developing brain cells, leading to abnormalities such as multiple nuclei and cilia. The study found that a protein called p53 acts as a guardian of brain development by triggering the self-destruction of abnormal cells.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center discovered how transplanted neural stem cells interact with host retinal cells to preserve vision. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that the cells provide protective proteins, restore retinal cells, and reduce cellular stress.
Scientists have successfully replicated human neural circuits using assembloids, a type of miniature organoid derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. The study shows that the thalamus plays a crucial role in shaping cell-type specific neural circuits in the human cerebral cortex, promoting cortical growth and maturation.
Scientists at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) have successfully replicated induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) using a new application of their cell-expansion bioreactor. The bioreactor's unique geometry allows for the growth of large quantities of iPSCs, which can differentiate into any other cell type in the body.
Researchers discover that spinal cord-derived neural stem cells from different segments exhibit distinct biological characteristics and repair efficacies. Specifically, thoracic hscNSCs demonstrate superior survival rates, neural axon regeneration efficiency, and reduced fibrotic scarring in rat models of thoracic SCI.
The team will study neurons within a brain organoid, a millimeter-sized, three-dimensional structure grown in the lab from adult stem cells, to design smarter and more sustainable artificial intelligence. They aim to replicate complex computations that occur in the human brain to improve AI efficiency.
Stem cell transplantation has been shown to reverse stroke damage in mice by regenerating neurons and restoring motor functions. The treatment also improved blood-brain barrier integrity, reduced inflammation, and promoted new blood vessel formation.
A unique toggle switch was identified to assign divergent cell fates and drive assembly into cellular 'neighborhoods' in olfactory stem cells, integrating signaling at multiple scales. This finding reveals how stochastic signaling networks regulate sustained neurogenesis in the intricate organ system of the human nose.
A recent study published in The EMBO Journal reveals that the Setd8 gene plays a critical role in the premature aging of the brain by controlling neural stem cell activity and proliferation. Artificially lowering Setd8 levels mimicked molecular signatures of aging, highlighting its potential as a biomarker for early aging.
Bioengineering researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences developed a soft, thin, stretchable bioelectronic device that can be implanted into a tadpole embryo's neural plate, recording electrical activity from single brain cells with millisecond precision.
A pioneering study combines magnetic guidance with localized ultrasound stimulation to enhance stem cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. The technique successfully navigates magnetically loaded stem cells to specific brain regions, promoting differentiation into neurons and boosting neurite outgrowth.
The ISSCR has elected new Vice President, Treasurer, Clerk, and Directors to lead the organization. Fiona Doetsch, Lee Rubin, and Megan Munsie bring expertise in neural stem cells, iPSCs, and developmental biology to their new roles.
Alice Rossi, Angeliki Spathopoulou, and Gareth D. Chapman received the ISSCR Outstanding Poster Award for their innovative work on quiescent neural stem cells, neural stem/progenitor cell populations, and epigenetic dysregulation in Tatton-Brown-Rahman-Syndrome.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a method to track the development of cells in the nervous system and inner ear. The technique, known as ectoderm barcoding, reveals that cells in the inner ear develop from two main types of stem cells.
Researchers at USC Stem Cell discovered a gene called KCTD20 that suppresses glutamate toxicity, leading to enhanced tau protein clearance. This approach offers a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with tau-related neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers combine radiation with a plant-derived compound to combat glioblastoma, forcing cancer cells into a dormant state. The approach significantly slows tumor growth and improves survival in mice models, offering a potential new avenue for combating this deadly form of brain cancer.
Dr. Paola Arlotta's groundbreaking research on stem cell-derived brain organoids has redefined human brain development and neurological disease understanding. Her work provides access to the complexities of developing human brains, making her a deserving recipient of the ISSCR Momentum Award.
A University of Ottawa neuroscientist has led a Canadian research team to discover how neural stem cells integrate signals from different cell types and decode them. The study found that low daughter cell numbers trigger activation, while high numbers keep them in quiescence, offering new insights into cellular relationships and potent...
The ISSCR has appointed Lizhong Liu, Kate MacDuffie, and Mubeen Goolam as the third cohort of Lawrence Goldstein Science Policy Fellows. The fellows will serve for three years and focus on science policy and advocacy work in regenerative medicine.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have shown that modified stem cells can improve brain activity after a stroke, even when administered one month later. The treatment reversed brain hyperexcitability and restored balance in neural networks, leading to long-lasting effects on brain function and repair.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered a new type of stem cell in the young brain that can form cells found in tumors, shedding light on how adult brain cells grow and develop into deadly brain cancers. The study provides a comprehensive roadmap for understanding healthy brain development, which could lead to better treatments for conditi...
A new method has been developed to create motor neurons from stem cells taken directly from ALS patients, allowing for fast and individualized drug testing. The cultured ALS motor neurons had increased susceptibility to cell death, underscoring the utility of this system to identify potential drugs.
Researchers found that neural stem cells have a rejuvenating effect on nearby brain cells, while T cells promote stress and damage. The study opens new avenues for research into slowing or reversing brain aging.
A Phase I clinical trial demonstrated long-term safety and feasibility of neural stem cell transplantation for treating chronic spinal cord injuries. Two patients showed durable evidence of neurological improvement with increased motor and sensory scores.
Researchers identified critical proteins involved in animal stem cell regulation, including SOX and POU transcription factors, which existed in single-celled organisms over 700 million years ago. These ancient proteins retained functional properties that enabled them to induce stem cell reprogramming in mouse cells.
A team of researchers at the University of Toronto has discovered a unique stem cell type, the neural crest stem cell, which can be reprogrammed into different cell types. This discovery challenges longstanding theories in cellular reprogramming and highlights the potential of these cells for stem cell transplantation to treat disease.
A new framework called Engine Repair Theory uses self-assembling organelles derived from neural stem cells to restore mitochondrial energy homeostasis and mitigate oxidative stress. The study demonstrates an increase in ATP production and reduced cell damage, offering a promising approach for treating neurodegenerative conditions.
A stroke damages the body's natural repair system, which generates newborn neurons to replace damaged cells. This disruption is caused by activated microglial cells in the subventricular zone, leading to reduced survival of newborn neurons compared to healthy brains.
The ISSCR 2025 Annual Meeting will bring together stem cell scientists from diverse backgrounds to share knowledge and collaborate on innovative research. Scientists can submit abstracts by January 21, 2025, for oral presentations and qualify for awards.
A Stanford Medicine study suggests that targeting the glucose transporter GLUT4 protein may help reactivate neural stem cells in older brains, leading to increased neuron production. The research also identified other genetic pathways associated with neural stem cell activation, offering potential avenues for developing new therapies.
Researchers identified key control sites regulating gene expression in cells, including those controlling ancient viral sequences. Mutating these sites caused defects in cell differentiation and survival, as well as spurious activation of genes across the genome.
Researchers are decoding genetic mutations in high-risk genes for neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and depression. A new collaborative project aims to characterize the genetic origins of these disorders using human stem cells.
Researchers will combine stem cell therapy with brain-computer interfaces to restore function to patients with brain damage. The goal is to create bidirectional connections between cultured brain cells and the living human brain.
Scientists have discovered that epigenetic changes can reprogram astrocytes into brain stem cells, which can potentially be used to replace damaged nerve cells in regenerative medicine. This breakthrough is made possible by the methylation of genetic material, allowing these special astrocytes to acquire stem cell properties.
Researchers have discovered a novel pathway to wake up dormant neural stem cells, which can produce new neurons aiding brain repair and growth. The study, published in Science Advances, reveals that astrocytes play a key role in reactivating neural stem cells, offering potential new therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers at Colorado State University used human stem cells to study synaptic connections in the brain, focusing on GABAergic synapses. They found that Gephyrin promotes autonomous assembly of these synapses, which can develop independently of neuronal communication. This understanding could lead to new treatments for neurological d...
Research finds that Huntington’s disease damages microscopic blood vessels in the brain, affecting coordination between neuronal activity and oxygenation. The study uses non-invasive measurement techniques to monitor disease progression and evaluate potential treatments.
The new technique allows for the creation of tiny replicas of the human brain so realistic that they rival fetal brain's neural network. Researchers can now study neurological disorders such as autism and schizophrenia in highly realistic brain cortical organoids.
A University of Saskatchewan researcher is building tiny pseudo-organs from stem cells to help diagnose and treat Alzheimer's disease. These 'mini-brains' more accurately reflect a fully-fledged adult human brain, allowing for closer examination of neurological conditions.
Researchers have uncovered a novel regulator governing how cells respond to mechanical cues, finding that ETV4 bridges cell density dynamics to stem cell differentiation. This discovery has significant implications for controlling cancer cells through mechanical cues.
Brain stem cells express genes for both maintaining their identity and differentiating into neurons without conflicts. Researchers found that messenger RNAs of stem cell genes are retained in the nucleus, preventing translation and allowing cells to maintain their status as stem cells.
Researchers successfully regenerated mouse brain circuits in mice using rat stem cells, offering new opportunities for restoring lost brain function due to disease and aging. The studies found that blastocyst complementation can synchronize the development of stem cells from different species with the host's brain.
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a microfluidic device that converts skin cells into neural stem cells, speeding up the process and reducing costs. This advance brings personalized cell-based therapies for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's closer to reality.
A recent study published in Nature Cell Biology found that increased hydrostatic pressure can hinder the healthy development of neural crest cells, leading to an increased risk of facial malformations. The researchers suggest that physical cues in the womb, such as pressure, may play a role in shaping facial features.
A team of scientists has created a single-cell atlas for the highly regenerative worm Pristina leidyi, revealing new insights into its regenerative abilities. The study characterizes all major annelid cell types and provides molecular signatures that could inform stem cell technologies and regenerative medicine.
Researchers discover at least three parallel lineages of stem cells generating neurons in the cerebral cortex, influencing its folding and development. The findings have implications for understanding human brain growth and malformations.
A traumatic brain injury quadruples the risk of developing dementia and neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. USC scientists used lab-grown human brain structures called organoids to study TBI's effects. They identified a gene, KCNJ2, that helps protect nerve cells against injury.
A new study led by Dr. Mareike Albert identified epiregulin as a growth factor involved in brain expansion in humans, but not in mice or other primates. The findings were made using 3D cell culture technology and brain organoids.
Researchers developed a new tool to study adult neural stem cells, identifying their dormant state and behavior. By analyzing autofluorescence signatures, they can study the aging process and neurological diseases.
Neural stem cells developed into nerve cells when adhering to hydrogels with high positive charge, while those on lower positively charged gels became glial cells. The ability to influence differentiation could aid in nerve and glial cell regeneration and treatment of diseases like multiple sclerosis.
Researchers have identified a link between CCHS and the ubiquitin transfer system, revealing that aberrant interaction with this system disrupts normal neural protein degradation, leading to cell death. This discovery could pave the way for significant advances in disease therapeutics.
A Scripps Research team identified the energetic reactions in brain cells that malfunction and lead to neurodegeneration. They successfully restored many neuron-to-neuron connections in nerve cell models derived from human Alzheimer's patient stem cells by addressing a bottleneck in mitochondrial energy production.
Scientists at the University of Bath have found that the gene Angiogenin plays an important role in the development of nerve cells. In its mutated form, it causes stem cells to persist in their original state longer than they should, resulting in neurodevelopmental defects.
Researchers have mapped the lineage of neural stem cells in the superior colliculus, revealing an exceptional capacity to generate different types of neurons. The study also found that neural stem cells retain their ability to produce any type of neuron until the end of development.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have identified a new source of stem cells in the brains of patients with brain injuries, which could lead to improved treatments for neurological disorders. The discovery involves specific astrocyte cells that exhibit properties of neural stem cells and can be regulated by a protein called Galectin 3.
A clinical trial of stem cell therapy in patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis has shown a long-lasting effect that appears to protect the brain from further damage. The study found no signs of disease progression and a substantial stability of the disease without worsening of symptoms.
During pregnancy, distinct pools of stem cells in the adult brain are activated, giving rise to specific types of olfactory bulb neurons that enable mothers to recognize their own pups. These new neurons are temporarily formed and disappear after birth, highlighting the brain's ability to adapt to specific needs.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have successfully generated human norepinephrine neurons from stem cells using a key protein called ACTIVIN-A. These LC-NE neurons may serve as models for disease in humans, enabling scientists to screen drugs and answer questions about neurodegeneration.