Research on stem cells and regenerative medicine. Covers engineered T cells, scalable manufacturing, blood-cancer research, and stem-cell training programs.
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.
Researchers at IMBA Institute of Molecular Biotechnology have identified a new gene, Daam1, that plays an essential role in switching on the development of secretory cells in the intestine. The finding opens new perspectives in cancer research.
Researchers at NTNU are developing a new therapy for rare hereditary diseases like DOOR syndrome using mini-brains grown in the lab. The treatment involves injecting a virus with a healthy OXR1 gene to produce the missing protein, which may help stop or reverse the disease.
Researchers have developed a method to camouflage stem cell-derived transplants, avoiding immune rejection and tumor formation. Genetically engineered liver cells can persist in the body despite lack of immune matching, offering a potential solution to organ donor shortage.
A multidisciplinary team at Mass Eye and Ear has identified a promising new strategy for glaucoma cell replacement therapy by guiding stem cells to the retina. The researchers created RGCs out of stem cells and used chemokines to guide them to their correct positions within the retina.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have found that lung cancer cells retain a 'memory' of their healthy cell counterparts, which could be exploited to improve treatment with KRAS inhibitors. Eliminating these AT1-like cells improves treatment response to the drugs.
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.
Cambridge scientists have grown small blood vessel models in the lab and identified a drug target to prevent vascular dementia and stroke. The study found that disrupting the scaffolding that supports these vessels can cause them to leak, leading to conditions such as SVD.
Researchers discovered a link between gene therapy and the accumulation of stem cells with genetic mutations, which can lead to accelerated growth and increased blood cancer risk. The study suggests that younger patients may be safer candidates for gene therapy due to fewer genetic mutations.
Researchers developed an AI model using epigenetic factors to predict patient outcomes across multiple cancer types. The model successfully divided patients into two groups with different survival chances, and its genes were found to have a significant overlap with cluster-defining signature genes.
A team at Weill Cornell Medicine mapped the location and spatial features of blood-forming cells in human bone marrow, confirming hypotheses and providing a powerful new means to study diseases. The method, which uses artificial intelligence, identified and determined the positions of about 1.5 million cells in archival samples.
A new study shows that autologous stem cell transplant can improve nearly all measures for two years following treatment in patients with refractory juvenile systemic sclerosis. The procedure significantly reduces disease severity and improves skin thickness, intestinal symptoms, and lung function, offering a life-saving intervention f...
Researchers at UC Irvine have identified a critical gene for muscle repair and regeneration, enabling the creation of muscle in the lab that can support human stem cells. The discovery has immense implications for treating various chronic muscle disorders and injuries, including rotator cuff tears and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
A new USC study reveals that variants of the autism-linked gene SYNGAP1 can disrupt early brain development in the cortex, a region involved in higher-order cognitive functions. The research found that disease-causing variants of SYNGAP1 alter the cells' cytoskeletons and lead to disorganized neural circuits.
Researchers in China have reported the groundbreaking achievement of creating a live birth of a chimeric monkey using embryonic stem cell lines. The study demonstrates the ability of these cells to differentiate into various tissues in vivo, opening up new possibilities for genetic engineering and species conservation. Analysis reveale...
Researchers at UCLA have developed a new method to engineer more powerful immune cells that can potentially be used for 'off-the-shelf' cell therapy to treat challenging cancers. Gamma delta T cells with high expressions of CD16 surface marker exhibited increased ability to recognize and kill cancer cells.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have created a new process to produce insulin-producing pancreatic cells from patient stem cells, achieving a 90% success rate. The breakthrough could lead to injection-free glucose control in people with diabetes and eliminate the need for anti-rejection drugs.
A study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Academia Sinica of Taiwan has successfully combined lab-grown cardiomyocytes with stem-cell-derived endothelial cells to regenerate damaged heart muscle after a heart attack. This combination therapy holds promise for tackling arrhythmia and could lead to improved clinical applications.
Researchers used gut organoids to study gut cell differentiation, identifying ZNF800 as a key regulator of enteroendocrine cells. The discovery could have implications for understanding gastrointestinal diseases and endocrine disorders.
A foundational public dialogue project in the UK found broad public support for extending the 14-day rule on human embryo research, which aims to inform future policy development and research governance. The project engaged diverse participants to consider early human embryo research and its applications.
Researchers have discovered axonal dysregulation in the prenatal brain as a mediator of genetic risk for schizophrenia. The study used induced pluripotent stem cells and three-dimensional brain organoids to identify key genes involved, including CYFIP1, which is highly expressed in microglia.
A new study finds that certain gut-dwelling fungi amplify excessive inflammation in severe COVID-19 and cause long-lasting changes in the immune system. Patients with these fungi may benefit from specialized treatments targeting the fungi or immunological changes they instigate.
Researchers found that apoptotic cells induce apoptosis in neighboring hair follicle cells during the regression cycle. The study proposes a mathematical model of the hair follicle regression cycle, which suggests that the dermal papilla plays an essential role in initiating apoptosis.
The NYSCF – Robertson Stem Cell Investigator Awards support promising early career scientists with cutting-edge research, providing $1.5 million over five years for seed funding. The latest cohort includes three talented researchers who will join the thirteenth class of NYSCF – Robertson Stem Cell Investigators.
A new method for studying cancer cells' behavior on soft and stiff tissue environments has been developed, revealing crucial survival cues for cell growth. The study challenges the long-held assumption that cells prefer stiffer surfaces, opening up new possibilities for research in cancer biology and tissue engineering.
A UCLA-led team has identified RBFox1, an RNA splicing regulator, as a key player in promoting human stem cell-derived heart muscle cell maturation. This finding offers a deeper understanding of heart muscle cell development and hints at future therapeutic applications for regenerative therapies.
Researchers develop a new approach to strengthen the immune system to fight viruses, using macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) as a treatment. The study shows that M-CSF boosts production of white blood cells, protecting immunocompromised patients from CMV infection.
Researchers discovered that inhibiting the BRAF/EGFR/MEK pathway significantly reduced cancer stemness and drug resistance in primary colorectal cancer cells. The study also identified a triple combination treatment against BRAF, EGFR, and MEK as a promising approach to block these activities and develop effective treatments.
Researchers at UW-Madison discovered that FMRP regulates mitochondrial function in human brain cells even before birth, leading to a potential treatment for FXS. The study suggests that FMRP plays a critical role in prenatal development and may be linked to autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers discovered an anti-nucleolin DNA aptamer that modulates gene expression and nucleolin localization to determine a cell's lineage during differentiation. The study shows promise as a regenerative therapy for cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers used CRISPR gene editing to study the impact of CHD8 mutations on human cortical neurons. The study found that CHD8 alterations drive molecular and cellular defects in neurons, leading to reduced activity and synaptic communication.
A breakthrough technique has been developed by University of Oxford researchers to repair brain injuries using 3D printing. Neural cells can be printed to mimic the architecture of the cerebral cortex, showing structural and functional integration with host tissue.
Researchers identified abnormal keratin expression patterns in senescent ocular surface cells, which may contribute to severe ocular surface diseases. Gene expression profiles showed substantial differences between senescent and non-senescent cells, highlighting their potential role in pathology.
USC is partnering with seven leading regenerative medicine institutes to form the Los Angeles and surrounding area regenerative medicine consortium. The partnership aims to advance regenerative medicine using stem cells and gene therapies for treating unmet medical needs.
A Danish researcher has developed a method to create high-purity dopamine neurons using stem cells, outperforming existing methods and showing promising results in experiments on rats. This breakthrough could lead to a revolutionary treatment approach for Parkinson's patients, reducing recovery time and medication use.
A study suggests that Brazil's unique genetic diversity could provide the necessary number of stem cell lines to cover 95% of the world's population. Researchers estimate that at least 559 distinct cell lines would be required for this goal, and Brazil could contribute considerably to a global iPS cell bank.
A small molecule drug improved the fitness of hematopoietic stem cells used in cell transplants, potentially enhancing the success of procedures like ex vivo gene therapy. The study found that targeting extracellular vesicles relieved stress on cells outside the body, improving their performance when transplanted back in.
A new biomimetic chip has been developed to simulate the human gastric mucosa, combining organoid and organ-on-a-chip technologies. The biochip replicates mechanical stimulation and cell-to-cell interactions, mimicking key features of the human stomach's defense mechanisms.
Five lung stem cell variants dominate CF lungs, causing inflammation, fibrosis, and mucin secretion. CFTR modulators fail to suppress these inflammatory variants, suggesting they as key targets for new drugs.
A study found that autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) can safely slow the progression of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. In nearly two-thirds of patients, there was no evidence of disease activity after 5 years and almost two-thirds after 10 years.
Scientists have identified thousands of non-coding genetic variants linked to Alzheimer's disease, focusing on their impact on microglial gene expression and function. The study found that turning off specific regions can affect multiple genes, highlighting the complex mechanisms underlying AD.
Scientists have identified a specific process that helps control transposable elements, which destabilize the genetic code and contribute to aging. Strengthening this pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans extended its lifespan.
Researchers compared transcriptomic profiles of human 8-cell-like cells and blastomeres to understand early human embryonic development. The study found that reprogrammed iBM cells showed the highest similarity to the 8-cell-stage embryo, while other 8CLCs were heterogeneous.
The NIH award will explore how damage to mitochondria affects bioenergetic function and organ function, leading to disease severity and failure. The study aims to better understand mitochondria mutations and develop new therapies for patients with mitochondrial disorders.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have made a groundbreaking discovery that could lead to more effective treatments for neuroblastoma, a devastating form of childhood cancer. The new approach uses a combination of two drugs to encourage cancer cells to become normal non-dividing cells, potentially reducing side effects.
A recent study by Boston Medical Center and Boston University's Center for Regenerative Medicine discovered that hemogenic endothelial cells in the fetal lung contribute to blood cell formation. This breakthrough expands our understanding of blood development and its relationship with overall health.
A new type of bone-forming stem cell, DDR2+, has been found to cause premature skull fusion in infants. The researchers discovered that the abnormal proliferation of this stem cell leads to an excess of bone-making cells, resulting in craniosynostosis.
Dr. Hung Nguyen is studying how medium chain fatty acid foods like coconut oil and avocados affect GVHD severity and mortality in transplant patients. His goal is to develop a dietary approach that reduces inflammation and corticosteroid use, improving patient outcomes for blood cancers.
Researchers have discovered that embryonic stem cells are guided by a complex interplay of signaling molecules to determine their cell type. The study found that fibroblast growth factor (FGF) acts as an antagonist of the signal molecule BMP, influencing cell differentiation and fate.
The NY Genome Center will use patient-derived stem cells models combined with functional genomics and genome engineering to shed light on the biological processes underlying bipolar disorder. The study aims to address gaps in knowledge of genetic risk for bipolar disorder and advance treatment strategies.
Researchers have designed an implantable device that carries hundreds of thousands of insulin-producing islet cells and has its own on-board oxygen factory, generating oxygen by splitting water vapor. The device was tested in diabetic mice and maintained normal blood glucose levels for at least a month.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 195 clinical trials found that cell therapy can reduce the risk of death from COVID-19 by 60%. The studies, conducted in 30 countries between January 2020 and December 2021, used various types of cells, including mesenchymal stem cells and natural killer cells.
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has introduced a 'checklist' to promote global best practices for human stem cell research. The checklist aims to increase transparency and clarity in the reporting of key quality control measures, enabling authors to disclose critical experimental details.
A preclinical study suggests that nanowired cardiac organoids could repair hearts instead of just preventing further damage. The treatment, led by Dr. Mei and Ryan Barrs, showed a 69% increase in heart function, promising a new therapy for heart disease.
Researchers developed a technique called CHOOSE that allows them to test the effect of multiple mutations in parallel and at a single-cell level within human brain organoids. The study identified critical transcriptional changes regulated through common networks, or GRNs, and found that some cell types are more susceptible to autism mu...
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered a distinct type of stem cell that secretes protein MFGE8, favoring tumor metastases to the spine. This finding helps explain why solid tumors often spread to the spine and could lead to new orthopedic and cancer treatments.
A phase I clinical trial shows that transplanting P63+ lung progenitor cells can repair damaged lung tissue in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), improving breathing and quality of life. The treatment increased lung function, reduced symptoms, and even repaired mild emphysema in some patients.
Researchers found that enteroendocrine cells in Drosophila intestinal epithelium undergo dedifferentiation into intestinal stem cells in response to nutritional changes, such as recovery from starvation. This process is vital for ISC expansion and subsequent intestinal growth following food intake.
Researchers have developed a new method to study the inner workings of cell nuclei during embryonic stem cell differentiation. By using fluorescent proteins, they found that biomaterials become more uniformly distributed as cells mature, resembling oil droplets in water, but with intriguing complexities.
Scientists have created chimeric embryos containing a combination of human and pig cells, which developed into structurally normal kidneys with 50-60% human cells. The researchers successfully grew humanized organs inside pigs, offering new possibilities for studying human development and developmental diseases.