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Rethinking congenital hydrocephalus

A new study suggests that up to 1 in 4 cases of congenital hydrocephalus may be linked to genetic mutations affecting neural stem cell growth, leading to underdeveloped brains and enlarged ventricles. This paradigm shift could lead to targeted therapies such as gene editing or drugs to optimize neurodevelopment.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 5, 2022

Lab grown, self-sustainable muscle cells repair muscle injury and disease, mouse study shows

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully cultivated human muscle stem cells capable of renewing themselves and repairing muscle tissue damage in mice. The self-renewing stem cells were created by reprogramming laboratory-grown human skin cells, which then differentiated into specific cell types using a nutrient-rich broth.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 20, 2022

Decoding the molecular clock that controls neurogenesis in the visual center of Drosophila

In a study published in Nature Communications, researchers uncovered the molecular players involved and how timing is controlled for creating neural diversity. Single-cell RNA sequencing technology revealed a temporal patterning gene network in Drosophila medulla neuroblasts, including nine new transcription factors.

Key advance in neurological disorder pre-clinical testing

Scientists at Flinders University have developed a new petri-dish that can grow and age live brain cells from patients, enhancing future studies on conditions like dementia, Parkinson's, epilepsy, and autism. The innovation could lead to more effective targeted drug treatments with reduced wait times.

SourceFlinders University·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2022

Old neurons can block neurogenesis in mice

Researchers discovered that old neurons can block neurogenesis in mice, highlighting excessive senescence as a driving factor behind aging. By destroying senescent cells, the study showed enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function in middle-aged mice.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2022

Mouse study suggests manipulation of certain nerve cells can help regenerate lost heart muscle

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that manipulating certain nerve cells may trigger the formation of new heart muscle cells, restoring heart function after heart attacks. The study found that removing specific genes associated with circadian rhythms increased neonatal heart size and cardiomyocyte numbers by up to 10%.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 2, 2021

Cord blood cell transplantation and curcumin administration tested as therapy of Tay-Sachs disease

A new study investigates the effects of cord blood cell transplantation and curcumin administration on Tay-Sachs disease. The results show an increase in enzyme production and a decrease in inflammation after transplantation, as well as improved symptoms and reduced GM2 ganglioside levels when combined with curcumin.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalLife·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021

Nerve repair, with help from stem cells

A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers uses human gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells to guide nerve growth and regeneration, achieving similar results as traditional autograft procedures. The approach has potential for treating larger nerve gaps, including those resulting from oral cancer surgery.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·Journalnpj Regenerative Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

Brain molecule helps ‘wake up’ cells that could help tackle MS and similar diseases, study shows

Researchers have identified a molecule called fractalkine that can boost the production of brain cells producing myelin, a key factor in diseases such as multiple sclerosis. The study's findings suggest that fractalkine could be used to treat certain neurodegenerative disorders by restoring lost myelin.

Scientists develop brain organoids with complex neural activity

Researchers at UCLA developed brain organoids that mimic human brain structure and function, allowing for the study of neurological disorders like Rett syndrome. The organoids showed organized waves of activity similar to those found in living brains and responded to treatment with an experimental drug.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Researchers identify a cellular defect common to familial and sporadic forms of ALS

A study published in Science Translational Medicine identified a common cellular defect in ALS that can be treated with an antisense oligonucleotide drug. Researchers found that the accumulation of CHMP7 protein in the nucleus leads to nuclear pore injury and TDP-43 mislocalization, ultimately causing cell death.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

Teaching a computer program to track cells

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes create an artificial intelligence system that can follow hundreds of cells in a petri dish, revealing key findings on cell behavior and leadership patterns. The AI approach provides a comprehensive view of how cells cooperate and form complex organs, with potential applications for therapeutic purposes.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMay 13, 2021

Nanobiomaterial boosts neuronal growth in mice with spinal cord injuries

Researchers used layered double hydroxide (LDH) to inhibit inflammatory environments surrounding spinal cord injuries, accelerating neuron regeneration and neural circuit reconstruction in mice. LDH promotes the activation of channels for neuron excitation and induction of action potential, improving locomotive behavior.

Reactivating aging stem cells in the brain

A study by University of Zurich researchers reveals that increasing lamin B1 levels in aging mice stem cell division improves, leading to increased new neurons. The findings offer hope for future therapies targeting neurogenesis in older individuals or those with degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 24, 2021

Wake-up call for neural stem cells

Researchers have identified a brain enzyme that activates dormant neural stem cells, enabling them to proliferate and generate new neurons. The study found that the enzyme Pr-set7 plays a crucial role in maintaining genome stability and regulating cell cycle, leading to reactivation of neural stem cells.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalEMBO Reports·DateFeb 11, 2021

Brain stem cells divide over months

Researchers have discovered that brain stem cells in the hippocampus of mice can divide repeatedly over several months, leading to new insights into the formation of nerve cells. This finding has significant implications for future therapeutic approaches to conditions such as depression and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 21, 2020