Articles tagged with Neural Stem Cells
Researchers at the Burnham Institute developed a protocol to differentiate human embryonic stem cells into committed neural precursor cells, which can be used for transplantation. The C-NPCs were transplanted into mice and became active neurons without generating tumor outgrowth.
A recent study demonstrates that the polycomb group protein Bmi-1 plays a crucial role in maintaining forebrain neural stem cell self-renewal. The findings show that overexpression of Bmi-1 increases stem cell self-renewal both in vitro and in vivo, highlighting its potential for neural regeneration and repair.
Scientists successfully generated functionally mature motor neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells, paving the way for new treatments of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and spinal cord injury. This study offers a promising alternative to embryo-derived cells for regenerative medicine.
Scientists at UCLA have successfully differentiated human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells into electrically active motor neurons, similar in function and efficiency to those derived from human embryonic stem cells. This discovery may open the door for new treatments for neurological disorders using patient-specific cells.
Researchers have developed a human cell-derived model of ALS, allowing for the study of the disease's progression and potential therapeutics. The model, derived from motor neurons generated from human embryonic stem cells, exhibits characteristics typical of the disease.
Scientists have successfully derived brain stem cells from human embryonic stem cells, providing a continual in vitro supply of diverse types of neural cells. These cells can serve as an inexhaustible source for studying neurodegenerative diseases and possible active agents directly in human neural cells.
A phase I/II study of autologous non-myeloablative haemopoietic stem cell transplantation in 21 adults with relapsing-remitting MS found that the procedure can stabilize and may reverse neurological disability. After an average follow-up of 3 years, 81% of patients improved by at least 1 point on a disability scale.
Engineers at Purdue and Stanford universities have developed a new 'stretchable cell culture platform' to study the effects of mechanical stresses on cardiac muscle cells, neurons, and other cells. The device allows for electric stimulation or monitoring while applying stress, enabling researchers to test various cell types.
Researchers successfully used an engineered herpes virus to block tumor formation in mice by targeting and killing apparent cancer stem cells. The study suggests that early-stage cancer precursor cells with stem-cell-like properties may explain how some cancers form and are treatment resistant.
Researchers at Hebrew University have made significant breakthroughs in reversing brain birth defects in animal models by using stem cells to replace defective brain cells. In their study, Prof. Joseph Yanai and his team demonstrated that stem cells can induce the host brain to produce large numbers of stem cells, repairing damage and ...
Scientists have successfully recreated the hallmarks of a genetic disorder in a lab dish using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells, which can now be used to study and develop new therapies for genetic diseases. The disease-specific cells retain the same traits as those affected in patients with spinal muscular atrophy, allow...
The partnership aims to translate early research into new treatments for chronic spinal cord injuries, which currently leave patients with lifelong suffering. Dr. Evan Snyder and Dr. Mark Tuszynski will lead the effort to use stem cells to repair damaged neural cells in adults.
Two studies using hES cell-derived motor neurons demonstrate that mutant SOD1-expressing astrocytes contribute to ALS degeneration through an inflammatory response and the production of reactive oxygen species. Pharmacological blockade of ROS production rescues motor neurons, identifying a potential therapeutic target for ALS.
A new study confirms that exercise can reverse the age-related decline in neural stem cells in the hippocampus of mouse brains. Exercise restores a brain chemical promoting new stem cell production and maturation.
Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center discovered dental pulp stem cells can stimulate growth of neural cells, showing therapeutic potential for diseases like Huntington's and Parkinson's. The study suggests dental pulp stem cells may be used in cell therapy and regenerative medicine.
Researchers at USC have identified Ryk protein as a key regulator of neural stem cell differentiation into neurons. The study provides insight into potential therapies for neurodegenerative disorders and cancers, with implications for regenerative medicine and cancer treatments.
The Parkinson's Disease Foundation has awarded $150,000 to study the potential of individualized stem cell therapy for treating Parkinson's disease. Researchers will investigate using transformed adult skin cells to replace damaged dopamine neurons in the brains of people with Parkinson's.
Scientists at the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montreal have discovered a novel mechanism regulating neural stem cell development in the retina. The Ikaros gene plays a crucial role in conferring early temporal competence to retinal progenitor cells, enabling them to generate specific cell types at different stages of development.
A novel case of coexisting small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and villous adenoma in the ampulla of Vater is reported. The patient underwent Whipple's operation, but unfortunately died from pneumonia three months post-surgery.
Researchers have successfully used stem cell transplantation to improve the symptoms of a mouse model with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic disorder that causes muscle weakness and degeneration. The treatment increased the survival and function of motor neurons, leading to improved muscular function and lifespan in treated mice.
Researchers investigate how much alcohol exposure during fetal development can lead to facial malformations, brain damage, and other lifelong issues. Exposure to just a few glasses of wine in early pregnancy increases cell death, resulting in irreversible damage to the fetus's face and possibly its brain and spinal cord.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and UCSF have uncovered new origins for childhood brain tumors, suggesting that targeting the mutated cell-signaling pathway may lead to more effective treatment approaches. The findings hint that not all patients' tumors may be born from the same cells.
Scientists investigate how cells make different sugar types and test theories on how sugars influence cell behavior. They aim to develop new ways to instruct cells to behave in particular ways, potentially leading to therapies for heart disease and nerve damage.
Researchers at MIT have pinpointed stem cells in the spinal cord that can be persuaded to differentiate into healing cells and reduce scarring. This could lead to a new non-surgical treatment for debilitating spinal-cord injuries affecting 30,000 people worldwide.
Researchers discover that Japanese encephalitis virus damages the brain in two ways: killing neurons and preventing new cell growth from neural stem/progenitor cells. This leads to devastating effects on mental functions, particularly in children.
Researchers at the Burnham Institute for Medical Research have found a direct link between neural stem cell development and Autism. Mice lacking the myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) protein showed smaller brains, fewer nerve cells, and behaviors similar to those seen in humans with Rett Syndrome.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have made a groundbreaking discovery by reprogramming adult brain stem cells into support cells in their natural environment. This achievement opens up new avenues for treating neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, and epilepsy.
Researchers have genetically programmed embryonic stem cells to become nerve cells when transplanted into the brain, resulting in tangible therapeutic improvement in mice with stroke. The new nerve cells integrate into the existing network and provide cognitive benefits.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have created a small molecule, Isx-9, that can stimulate nerve stem cells to mature into nerve cells. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for diseases such as Huntington's disease and brain cancer.
Researchers found that a delicate balance of promotion and inhibition is required to generate diverse types of neurons. By studying motor neuron development in mice, they identified key regulatory factors and discovered a repressor function that blocks alternative pathways.
Scientists at Schepens Eye Research Institute have identified specific molecules that awaken dormant brain stem cells, which can transform into neurons and repair damaged brain tissue. The findings suggest that tapping the brain's regenerative potential may be a promising approach for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers used human stem cells to repair defective wiring in the brain and spinal cord of mice with a neurological condition similar to fatal childhood diseases. The treatment showed promising results, with four mice appearing completely cured and six living far beyond their usual lifespan.
Chronic inflammation in mice triggers cell fusions between blood cells and Purkinje neurons up to 100 times more frequently than previously believed. These fused cells, called heterokaryons, may play a role in protecting neurons against damage and offer new avenues for gene therapy.
Scientists have identified 'mother cells' that produce dopamine-producing neurons affected by Parkinson's disease. These radial glia-like cells could be used to grow replacement neurons in the lab, potentially leading to new treatments for the disease.
Researchers successfully transplanted dopamine-producing neurons from reprogrammed skin cells into adult rat brains, reducing behavioral symptoms related to low dopamine levels. The study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of reprogrammed cells in treating Parkinson's disease.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine found that fetal cells implanted in patients with Parkinson's disease can develop Lewy body pathology, a defining characteristic of the disease. The study suggests that cell replacement strategies for Parkinson's disease may not be effective in the long-term.
Researchers at Yale University have successfully created new neurons using uterine stem cells, which increased dopamine levels and partially corrected Parkinson's disease symptoms in mice. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of a potential human treatment.
Scientists identified Lis1 gene as essential for neuroepithelial stem cell division in mice, providing insight into brain development and potential link to lissencephaly. The study suggests neural migration defects may be caused by defects in other processes like proliferation and division.
Researchers have discovered that reactive glial cells in injured brains can differentiate into new nerve cells through the activation of neural stem cells. This finding has significant implications for the development of therapies for brain injuries.
Injecting human umbilical cord blood cells (UCBC) into aged laboratory animals rejuvenates the hippocampus region of their brains by reducing inflammation and increasing neurogenesis. This study presents a potential cell therapy approach to improve brain function in aging individuals.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine used human embryonic stem cells to generate neural cells that helped repair damage in the brains of rats and improved their physical abilities. The study showed promising results, with the transplanted cells forming only three families of neural cells and not forming tumors.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that newborn brain cells play a crucial role in spatial memory and learning. Genetically engineered mice with shut-down neurogenesis showed learning and memory deficits, but not complete loss of function.
A study by UCI researchers has identified the Lhx2 gene as the long-sought cortical creator gene, instructing stem cells in the developing brain to form the cerebral cortex. This finding could potentially be used in stem cell research efforts to grow new cortical neurons to replace damaged ones.
Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identify a new neural stem cell type, the rosette neuron stem cell (R-NSC), capable of differentiating into region-specific neuronal cell types. The R-NSC has expanded differentiation potential compared to previously identified neural stem cells.
UCI researchers have found a novel method to sort stem cells based on their electric charges, which could expedite therapies for conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The technique uses electrodes on a tiny glass slide and has the potential to be more cost-effective and quicker than current methods.
Researchers discovered that a special type of stem cell in the brain is selectively killed by space radiation, raising concerns about cognitive and emotional risks for astronauts. The study's findings suggest that identifying medications or physical shielding to protect these cells will be crucial for future human space missions.
Researchers found that a special type of stem cell in the brain is selectively killed by space radiation, raising concerns about cognitive and emotional risks. The study's findings suggest that shielding or medications may be necessary to protect astronauts from health risks caused by space radiation.
Researchers discover that FOXA2 specifies the floor plate and induces dopamine neuron birth, leading to motor deficits and degeneration in mice. This study provides insights into dopamine neuron development and offers potential avenues for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.
Researchers at Kyoto University School of Medicine successfully regenerated damaged nerves using bone marrow cells containing adult stem cells. The transplanted cells differentiated into Schwann cells, promoting axon regeneration and healthier vascularity.
Researchers have discovered a novel method to produce dopamine cells for Parkinson's disease treatment by cultivating ventral midbrain neural stem cells with Wnt5a. This approach yielded substantial recovery in mice with PD-like disease, without tumor development.
A recent study by MIT scientists suggests that adult stem cells produced in the brain can only make limited connections, making it challenging to use them for replacement therapy. The research calls into question the potential of using adult stem cells to repair damaged brain tissue and replace lost neurons.
Researchers found that the NF1 gene regulates the development of astrocytes and neurons by controlling two signaling pathways. This discovery may lead to separate treatments for the condition's two major symptoms: brain cancers and learning disabilities.
A new study identifies netrin-1 as the key molecule responsible for repelling adult stem cells away from spinal cord injuries. This discovery could lead to novel therapies for repairing previously irreversible nerve damage.
Scientists have developed a non-invasive method to track neural stem and progenitor cells in the live human brain using MRI technology. This breakthrough could lead to better diagnosis and monitoring of brain tumors and serious neurological disorders.
A new study from the University of California, Irvine, has found that neural stem cells can enhance memory in mice with brain injuries. The treatment promotes neuronal connections and protects existing cells, suggesting hope for a potential drug to restore memory in patients with neuronal loss.
A study by UC San Diego and HHMI researchers reveals that SMRT protein prevents premature neural differentiation in embryos, highlighting its role in maintaining neural stem cells. The absence of this protein leads to abnormalities similar to vitamin A exposure, suggesting a link between SMRT and retinoic acid-induced differentiation.
Scientists have discovered a new approach to treat Huntington's disease using stem-cell therapy, which created thousands of new medium spiny neurons in mice. The treatment resulted in improved health and lifespan for the treated mice.
Researchers created methods to study millions of stem cells on devices the size of a microscope slide, enabling thousands of individual stem cell experiments to be carried out quickly. A platform was also developed to understand how different genes impact stem cell function or development, allowing for rapid screening of genetic sequen...
McMaster researchers have made an important finding about Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), a sex-linked genetic disorder that affects cognitive function and learning. The study discovered that glial cells in the brain also produce the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), contributing to abnormal neuronal structures seen in FXS patients.
Scientists discovered that gap junctions play a crucial role in neuronal migration, and their adhesion function may also contribute to cancer spread. The discovery highlights the potential for gap junctions as a therapeutic target in brain tumors.