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Advancing cell therapy for diabetes

Researchers at Harvard University have improved the laboratory process of converting stem cells into insulin-producing beta cells, increasing purity to 80 percent. This breakthrough may improve beta cell transplants for patients with type 1 diabetes.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateMay 8, 2019

Pluripotency or differentiation -- That is the question

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich discover key molecules in the cell nucleus that orchestrate paraspeckles formation, a structure linked to ALS progression. The discovery provides new insights into pluripotency and differentiation processes, potentially leading to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine and therapeutic strategies for ALS.

RNA transport in neurons -- Staufen2 detects its target transcripts in a complex manner

A team of scientists has discovered that the neuronal transport factor Staufen2 scans and binds to its target transcripts in a more complex manner than previously thought. This finding opens up new approaches to improve our understanding of RNA transport and synaptic plasticity, which is essential for memory and learning.

Human iPSC-derived MSCs from aged individuals acquire a rejuvenation signature

Researchers have discovered that human iPSC-derived MSCs (iMSCs) from aged individuals acquire a rejuvenation-associated 50-gene signature, which is also expressed in pluripotent stem cells. This finding highlights the potential of iMSCs to act via paracrine signalling and circumvent drawbacks associated with adult MSCs.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·DateApr 10, 2019

A soft spot for stem cells helps cornea healing

Researchers at Newcastle University develop a potential revolutionary way to treat eye injuries and prevent blindness by using an enzyme to soften the tissue hosting stem cells. This approach has important implications for developing new ways to heal corneal damage, which affects almost 500,000 people worldwide.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2019

'Inflamm-aging' causes loss of bone healing ability in the elderly

Chronic inflammation, not aging, is the main reason why bones heal more slowly with age. Researchers found that exposure to older mice's blood serum reduces stem cell multiplication and increases inflammation. Treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs restored skeletal stem cell function and bone healing ability in aged mice.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2019

UMN study provides new insight into use of cell replacement therapies to treat muscular dystrophies

A University of Minnesota Medical School research breakthrough highlights the potential of cell therapies for treating muscular dystrophy. The study identifies the molecular signature of muscle stem cells generated in vitro and their transformation upon transplantation into mice with muscular dystrophy.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 13, 2019

How men continually produce sperm -- and how that discovery could help treat infertility

Scientists at University of California San Diego School of Medicine use single-cell RNA sequencing to define cell types in human testes, opening a path for new strategies to treat male infertility. The study identifies spermatogonial stem cells and biomarkers that could help develop protein cocktails to drive cell proliferation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 5, 2019

Stem cell growth accelerated by tropoelastin protein

A new method of growing stem cells has been discovered using the tropoelastin protein, which could lead to significant cost savings in treatment options. This breakthrough discovery, published in PNAS, uses a cost-effective approach to encourage the growth and recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2019

Kick-starting the genome in early development

Researchers at the Babraham Institute have identified two proteins, Dppa2 and Dppa4, as key factors responsible for activating the zygotic genome. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular regulation of early development in mammals, shedding light on a previously unexplored area of human development.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalGenes & Development·DateJan 28, 2019