Research on stem cells and regenerative medicine. Covers engineered T cells, scalable manufacturing, blood-cancer research, and stem-cell training programs.
Research by Jeremy Wang at the University of Pennsylvania has discovered that DOT1L, a stem cell self-renewal factor, is essential for mice to produce sperm throughout their adult lives. The team found that mice lacking DOT1L fail to maintain spermatogonial stem cells and lose the ability to continuously produce sperm.
Scientists uncovered a biophysical mechanism steering stem cells in the intestine, shedding light on their behavior and renewal process. The findings suggest that location plays a crucial role in determining which cells act as stem cells, with more frequent movements in the small intestine leading to increased stem cell activity.
Researchers generated simple kidney-like structures called organoids and used them to identify potential drugs for adult-onset polycystic kidney disease. They found nine compounds that inhibited cyst growth without stunting overall growth.
Researchers using 'blastoids' - in vitro models of the blastocyst - discovered that early embryonic signals induce placental development and prepare the uterus. The findings may contribute to a better understanding of human fertility and potentially improve IVF procedures, fertility drugs, and contraceptives.
A new strategy using nanoparticles restores damaged stem cells, enabling them to grow new tissues again. The approach, which uses specially formulated 'backpacks' to deliver medicine, shows promise for treating gestational diabetes and other pregnancy complications.
Researchers have discovered that Schwann Cell Precursors are the origin of tuberous sclerosis complex tumours in the kidney. Lab-grown 'mini-kidneys' were used to create a genetic profile similar to TSC tumours, revealing the diversity in tumour size and cellular makeup within patients.
Researchers have created stem cell models that mimic the genetic disorder, revealing the role of WASP protein in regulating RNA splicing and finding potential therapeutic targets. These findings could lead to new treatments for Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, a devastating immune deficiency disorder.
A KAUST-developed nanotechnology platform uses tiny iron wires that bend in response to magnetic fields to accelerate bone cell formation. Bone-forming stem cells grown on the moving substrate transform into mature bone much faster than usual, potentially paving the way for more efficient regeneration of bone.
Scientists studied embryonic development in fish and cartilaginous fish, revealing that the jaw shares a common developmental origin with the gill. The findings support the theory that the jaw evolved by modification of an ancestral gill, which was previously considered controversial.
Researchers have discovered that human urine-derived stem cells have the ability to regenerate tissue and become various cell types, making them a promising source for stem cell therapy. The study also highlights the importance of telomerase activity in maintaining regenerative potential.
A joint research group developed a robotic AI system that autonomously determines optimal conditions for growing replacement retina layers. The system achieved a 90% rate of differentiation efficiency in 185 days, compared to months of work by humans.
Izpisua Belmonte's work on cellular rejuvenation programming has the promise to improve aging and age-associated diseases, with potential therapies for new treatments. He was recognized for his innovations leading to discoveries that can reset a cell's aging clock, allowing organs to regenerate.
A new molecule called embigin has been discovered to regulate sebaceous gland progenitor cell function. Embigin binds to fibronectin and directs transport proteins for lipid synthesis, playing a crucial role in sebum production.
Researchers have developed a unique 3D printed system to harvest mesenchymal stem cells from bioreactors, which can be used for various treatments. The system combines microfluidics and 3D printing to process adult stem cells, potentially making stem cell therapies more widely available.
Researchers at EMBL discovered how messenger RNA molecules bind to and regulate the enzyme ENO1, which breaks down glucose. This riboregulation process can determine cell growth and differentiation, with potential implications for understanding cancer.
Researchers have developed a new protocol for differentiating human embryonic stem cells into retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, which can be used to treat age-related macular degeneration. The study shows that the protocol produces a pure population of RPE cells that can continue maturing after transplantation, paving the way for...
Researchers have discovered an alternative route that pluripotent and endoderm extra-embryonic stem cells can use to form intestinal organs in the lab. This finding could lead to improved cell development and potentially treat diseases, but further function testing is needed.
A study led by Brigham and Women's Hospital investigators has revealed that alpha-synuclein plays a dual role in Parkinson's disease, interacting with both vesicles and P-body structures. This new understanding may lead to targeted treatments for the disease, with ongoing genetic studies aiming to identify optimal therapeutic targets.
A new platform mimics live cellular environment to guide stem cell differentiation outside the body. Researchers from Chung-Ang University developed a novel platform based on metal-organic frameworks, which offers advantages over conventional methods for in vitro stem cell differentiation.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have discovered that zinc, a common mineral, plays an important role in reversing lung damage and improving survival for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). By identifying a molecular pathway involving zinc, the team hopes to develop new therapies to reverse IPF-related lung damage.
A Rutgers study analyzing brain stem cells of autism patients found irregularities in early brain development, supporting the concept that ASD arises from poor control of brain cell proliferation. The study discovered that some patients had NPCs producing too many brain cells while others had underproduced cells.
A new study has identified over 300 novel genetic features in retinal ganglion cells affected by primary open-angle glaucoma. The research provides a detailed genetic roadmap that will help researchers develop new therapies to prevent vision loss and potentially reverse damage caused by the disease.
Researchers used stem-cell models to uncover hidden genetic markers of glaucoma, a leading cause of permanent blindness. The study identified 312 genetic variants associated with retinal cells and 97 genetic clusters linked to damage caused by glaucoma.
A new study found that patients with multiple myeloma who received a three-drug combination therapy had improved progression-free survival if they underwent an autologous stem cell transplant soon after treatment. The use of maintenance lenalidomide also conferred substantial clinical benefit.
Researchers discovered that leukemia-initiating cells in MLL-rearranged B-ALL can switch between two metabolic states, which makes them difficult to target. Targeting the quiet, stem cell-like state curbs the leukemia by forcing the cells back to an active proliferation state.
Researchers developed an in vitro stem cell model to map disease risk variants in human neurons, which could provide insights into the biological mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders. The study focuses on mapping cis-regulatory elements linked to psychiatric disease heritability.
Researchers discovered that ancient retroviruses embedded in human genome can undergo retrotransposition into iPS cells, potentially posing a risk for regenerative medicine. The study found that HERV-K is expressed in SOX2-expressing cells and may cause cancer and neurological diseases by altering gene expression profiles.
Researchers studied meiotic cohesin complexes' effect on chromosome structure and genomic integrity in embryonic stem cells. Maintaining adequate levels of REC8 and STAG3 factors ensures chromosomal stabilization and sister chromatid cohesion.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that the type of macrophage present in a person's body may determine how likely they are to develop severe inflammation in response to COVID-19. The research found that an aggressive subset of macrophages, known as M1 macrophages, can cause a cascade of events leading to multi-organ fa...
Scientists found that lithium chloride can cause X-inactivation loss in female hESCs, leading to cell death. The study suggests a possible new model for regulating X-inactivation and warns against using GSK-3 inhibitors like lithium.
Researchers have developed a novel therapeutic strategy for treating glioblastoma using allogenic stem cells that can target and kill tumor cells. The therapy demonstrated profound efficacy in preclinical models, with 100% of mice living over 90 days after treatment.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that a protein called STING responds to clean-up signals in brain cells damaged by Parkinson’s disease by creating a cycle of inflammation that accelerates the disease’s progression. In mice with deactivated STING proteins, there was less microglial activity and brain cell death.
A recent study published in NPJ Regenerative Medicine found that large bone injuries trigger a repair strategy recapitulating elements of skeletal formation in utero. The gene Sonic hedgehog (Shh) plays a necessary role in healing central regions, while small-scale fractures heal through a distinct program.
Researchers studied naked mole-rats' skin using single-cell RNA-seq to understand its remarkable stability against aging. They found no changes in epidermal gene expression with age and a unique keratinocyte differentiation trajectory that remained intact.
A team of researchers has successfully treated damaged pig hearts with cardiac progenitor cells, demonstrating the formation of new cardiac tissue and improved cardiac function. The treatment could potentially be used to treat patients with serious heart failure, particularly older patients with coexisting conditions.
A receptor protein called insulin receptor is pivotal for brain stem cell longevity, according to a Rutgers study. The researchers also found that the same protein plays a crucial role in sustaining brain cancer cells.
Researchers have developed a process to convert non-neuronal cells into functioning neurons that can take up residence in the brain and restore capacities undermined by Parkinson's destruction of dopaminergic cells. In a proof-of-concept study, one group of experimentally engineered cells performs optimally in terms of survival, growth...
A new study maps the distinct differences among cells in the retina's retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which nourishes and supports photoreceptors. The research identifies five subpopulations with varying levels of disease sensitivity, opening doors to more precise cell and gene therapies for specific degenerative eye diseases.
A molecular switch, p57, enables stomach stem cells to change allegiance from normal digestion to injury response, potentially leading to new treatments for gastric pathologies. The study's findings suggest that p57 is a key regulator of reserve stem cell state in gastric chief cells.
Researchers at NC State University have created a stem cell-derived model that sheds light on the effect of dopamine on gene activity in neurons, revealing gene desensitization in human cells. The study provides a blueprint for future research into the relationship between dopamine and addiction.
The May issues of American Psychiatric Association journals explore the cognitive impacts of long-term cannabis use, the intersection of climate change and mental health, and tools to address children's mental health. The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services feature research reports on these topics.
Scientists have created cilia-free human pluripotent stem cells that exhibit symptoms of ciliopathy, such as polycystic kidney disease. These cells can be used to study the cause of these diseases and guide therapy development.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have developed an AI tool that accurately predicts pancreatic cancer patients based on CT scan images. Lowering blood cholesterol has also been shown to slow the growth of prostate cancer by enhancing immune cell action. Additionally, a new study found that an ultrasound probe plugged into a smartphone can b...
Scientists have identified a retinoic acid-dependent hemogenic endothelial progenitor from human pluripotent stem cells, enabling the development of transcriptionally similar cells in tissue culture. This breakthrough method brings researchers closer to developing blood-forming stem cells for transfusions and cancer treatments.
A recent study published in Stem Cell Reports found that sleep deprivation negatively affects corneal stem cells, leading to increased rates of cell multiplication and reduced tear film antioxidants. This can result in serious effects on corneal health, such as thinning and ruffling of the cornea.
Researchers from Columbia University have developed a plug-and-play multi-organ chip, customized to the patient, consisting of engineered human heart, bone, liver, and skin linked by vascular flow. The model allows for long-term studies and can be optimized for personalized therapy optimization in cancer and systemic diseases.
Researchers at Kyoto University have produced induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from the endangered Grévy's zebra, showcasing similarities with human and mouse stem cells. The study's findings provide insight into evolutionary conservation between mammals and may help advance research on endangered species.
Researchers have engineered a tiny living heart chamber replica to study disease progression and test new treatments. The miniPUMP device mimics the real organ's mechanics, allowing for accurate tracking of how the heart grows in embryos and studying the impact of disease.
Researchers at KU Leuven and UHasselt have created a 3D model with human dental stem cells that can produce enamel components, paving the way for biological dental enamel repair. This natural alternative has the potential to reduce risk of tooth necrosis and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at Duke University discovered that SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, can directly infect and damage specific types of kidney cells. The virus hijacks the cell's machinery to replicate, leading to structural damage and increased production of viral particles.
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.
A UCLA-led team has created a roadmap tracing each step in human blood stem cell development, providing a blueprint for producing fully functional blood stem cells. The map could help expand treatment options for blood cancers and inherited disorders.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital identified genes that play a crucial role in maintaining healthy kidney repair, including FANCD2 and Rad51. Activating a DNA repair mechanism may help preserve kidney function in people with chronic kidney disease.
Researchers at Mount Sinai have developed a reproducible method to advance the maturation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, which support heart muscle contraction. The new protocol enables efficient energy generation from both carbohydrates and fatty acids, improving disease modeling and regenerative therapies.
Researchers discovered that Viagra and a common over-the-counter drug TUDCA restored mitochondrial processes, which drive heart failure in HLHS patients. This could lead to new therapies for treating heart failure without relying on heart transplants.
The article highlights the need for a more diverse approach to stem cell policy, including consideration of Muslim contexts and perspectives. Researchers argue that this could lead to a more nuanced understanding of bioethics and potentially expand the use of embryonic stem cells in research.
Researchers discovered newborn neurons and immature astroglia in patients with epilepsy, which could lead to new anti-seizure medications. The study suggests that targeting immature astroglia may be an effective approach to controlling seizures without aggressive brain surgery.
Researchers discovered that a genetic mutation causing odd-shaped nuclei may lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of certain leukemias. The study found that the loss of nuclear Lamin B1 induces defects in nuclear morphology and genome instability, setting the stage for cancer.
Researchers have successfully generated large numbers of virus-resistant immune cells from monkeys using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a new treatment for HIV/AIDS by providing an alternative to current therapies that require lifelong medication and can cause side effects.
Researchers have discovered a novel nano-therapy that prevents bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature babies. The therapy uses tiny particles released by mesenchymal stromal cells, which travel to the brain and lungs, reducing damage and improving lung and brain health.