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Growing human brain cells in the lab

Researchers have developed a new, simplified technique to produce homogeneous human brain cells in the lab, accelerating drug screening and disease study. This breakthrough allows for cost-effective production of large quantities of brain cells within weeks, enabling wider adoption in basic science and industry.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateOct 10, 2017

Better mini brains could help scientists identify treatments for Zika-related brain damage

Researchers developed improved mini brain organoids from stem cells, closely mimicking human brain structure. They found critical similarities between the organoids and real brain tissue and identified effective drugs to block Zika's entry into the brain, offering new avenues for studying neurological disorders

Scientists give star treatment to lesser-known cells crucial for brain development

A new study published in Neuron confirms that lab-grown astrocytes mature at the same rate as human brains, providing a valuable technique to investigate their role in brain development and disease. The findings have significant implications for understanding the roots of neurological disorders such as schizophrenia and autism.

Epigenetic signaling axis regulates proliferation and self-renewal of neural stem/progenitor cells

Researchers discovered a novel epigenetic signaling axis involving PRC1, microRNA, and PRC2 that regulates the self-renewal and proliferation of neural stem/progenitor cells. The study found that Ezh2 represses miR-203 expression, which negatively regulates self-renewal and proliferation but promotes neuronal differentiation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJun 12, 2017

Sniffing out stem cell fates in the nose

UC Berkeley scientists have developed a new technique to track individual stem cells in the nose, uncovering clues that could help restore smell to those who have lost it. The team used single-cell RNA sequencing and statistical analysis to identify the molecules that trigger stem cell differentiation into specific cell types.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 11, 2017

It's all in the math: New tool provides roadmap for cell development

Researchers created a new tool that analyzes RNA sequencing data using topology, providing insights into cellular differentiation and development. The approach identifies connections between cellular states and genes active during development, offering potential discoveries in understanding cell identity and guiding cellular development.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 1, 2017

Mini brains from the petri dish

Researchers developed organoids that resemble human brain structure, investigating rare congenital brain defect Miller-Dieker syndrome. The study reveals disrupted stem cell division leading to poor organization and early differentiation of nerve cells.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 4, 2017

Some neurons choose mom's gene and others choose dad's

Research reveals that individual neurons or specific types of neurons can silence genes from one parent or the other, particularly during brain development. As the brain matures, these differences tend to decrease, but some genes continue to exhibit differential expression in adult brains.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 23, 2017

How to make a motor neuron

Researchers found a dynamic, multi-step process in which multiple independent changes converge to transform stem cells into motor neurons. The study outlines challenges facing current cell-replacement technology but also highlights potential pathways for enhanced gene-therapy methods.

SourceNew York University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 8, 2016

TET proteins drive early neurogenesis

Researchers have discovered that TET proteins, which modify methyl groups attached to cytosine, influence gene expression and facilitate the removal of these marks. This dynamic modulation is critical for driving developmental gene expression programs in early embryos, particularly in neural tissue formation.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2016

What makes a neuron a neuron?

Researchers have identified the functions of two sibling RNA-binding proteins in neural stem cells and neurons. PTBP1 and PTBP2 serve both redundant and unique roles in brain development, contributing to neuronal differentiation. This discovery has implications for fine-tuning stem cell therapeutic strategies for neurologic disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 6, 2016