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New reporter system to study bone-related regenerative medicine generated by UMN labs

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center have developed a new reporter system to study bone regeneration potential in human embryonic stem cells. The system allows for better monitoring of cell properties and may lead to the creation of new therapies for diseases such as leukemia or genetic blood disorders.

Improving genome editing with drugs

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have discovered a way to enhance CRISPR's precision while boosting its efficiency using small molecules. This breakthrough has important implications for correcting disease-causing genetic mutations and creating personalized therapeutics.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 5, 2015

Malaria-in-a-dish paves the way for better treatments

MIT researchers have engineered a way to use human liver cells to screen potential antimalarial drugs and vaccines for their ability to treat the liver stage of malaria infection. The approach may offer new opportunities for personalized antimalarial drug testing.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateFeb 5, 2015

A pill for obesity?

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a system using human stem cells to screen for compounds that can turn white, or 'bad', fat cells into brown, or 'good' fat cells. They have identified two compounds that can accomplish this in human cells, taking the first step towards a potential pill for obesity treatment.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 8, 2014

The cellular origin of fibrosis

Researchers at Harvard University have identified a rare population of stem cells that give rise to fibrosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of scar tissue in organs. The study suggests that targeting these stem cells could lead to therapeutic breakthroughs for conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, and high blood pressure.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 20, 2014

Identifying the source of stem cells

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that a specific gene, Sox2, plays a crucial role in determining the source of stem cells in mammals. By studying mouse embryos, the team found that Sox2 appears to be acting ahead of other genes traditionally identified as playing critical roles in stem cell formation.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 30, 2014

Pitt/McGowan Institute team discovers stem cells in the esophagus

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine discovered a pool of stem cells in the esophagus, which could lead to new treatments for esophageal cancer and Barrett's esophagus. The study found that these stem cells divide slowly compared to other cells in the esophagus, suggesting they may play a role in tissue rene...

Autophagy helps fast track stem cell activation

Researchers found that autophagy, a cellular recycling mechanism, helps activate muscle stem cells by inducing metabolic shifts and coping with increased biosynthesis demands. Inhibited autophagy delayed stem cell activation, highlighting SIRT1's regulatory role in this process.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateOct 14, 2014

Turmeric compound boosts regeneration of brain stem cells

Researchers discovered a turmeric compound, ar-turmerone, promotes stem cell proliferation and differentiation in the brain, suggesting its potential as a future drug candidate for treating stroke and Alzheimer's disease. The study found that ar-turmerone increased neural stem cell proliferation by up to 80% without affecting cell death.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·DateSep 25, 2014

Stem cells use 'first aid kits' to repair damage

Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that stem cells 'communicate' with damaged cells by transferring molecules via fluid-filled bags called vesicles, helping other cells modify the damaging immune response. This novel mechanism enables stem-cell-based therapies to work more efficiently.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 18, 2014