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Using bone marrow stem cells to treat critically ill patients on verge of respiratory failure

A team led by Drs. Michael A. Matthay and Jae W. Lee found that bone marrow stem cells secreted a protein that restored the lung barrier, preventing fluid and other elements from entering the lungs. The study suggests that this therapy may be a viable option for preventing respiratory failure in critically ill patients.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 11, 2010

Work-life balance: Brain stem cells need their rest, too

Researchers have identified a key molecular guard that prevents brain stem cells from proliferating, protecting the brain against excessive cell division. This study highlights the importance of bone morphogenetic factor protein (BMP) signaling for maintaining neural stem cells throughout adulthood.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 1, 2010

Immune system helps transplanted stem cells navigate in central nervous system

A UCI study identifies the body's immune system as a key player in navigating transplanted stem cells to injured areas in the central nervous system. Adult neural stem cells were shown to be guided by CXCR-4 receptors and chemokine proteins to specific sites, where they differentiated into oligodendrocytes to repair damaged tissue.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2010

Breakthrough in stem cell culturing

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have successfully cultured human embryonic stem cells under chemically controlled conditions without the use of animal substances. This breakthrough enables large quantities of human embryonic stem cells to be produced in a completely defined environment, paving the way for future clinical uses.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 31, 2010

UCI researchers create retina from human embryonic stem cells

Scientists at UCI created an eight-layer, early-stage retina from human embryonic stem cells, a complex tissue structure that could lead to transplant-ready retinas for treating eye disorders. The breakthrough uses differentiation technique to create multiple cell types necessary for the retina, mimicking early-stage retinal development.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Methods·DateMay 26, 2010

Stem cells restore tissue affected by ALI

Researchers used clinical-grade human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) to treat ALI, restoring normal function of alveolar epithelial cells and reducing inflammatory cytokines. The study found that intravenous delivery of hMSCs was as effective as intrabronchial administration in repairing damaged lung tissue.

Combination therapy targets stubborn leukemia stem cells

Researchers discover a combination of drugs that effectively target stubborn leukemia stem cells, which often escape standard treatment and lead to disease relapse. The study supports clinical trials of HDACi in combination with tyrosine kinase inhibitors to eliminate leukemia stem cells in patients with CML.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateMay 17, 2010

Same disease, different stem cell models

A new study compares induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and embryonic stem cells in modeling fragile X syndrome, a genetic disorder. The research reveals that the two cell types behave differently in the disease model, with iPS cells not fully replicating the gene silencing process.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 6, 2010

Endometrial stem cells restore brain dopamine levels

Researchers successfully transplanted endometrial stem cells into the brains of mice with a Parkinson-like condition, restoring partially dopamine levels. This finding raises the possibility of women serving as their own stem cell donors and banks being established for men and women with Parkinson's disease.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJournal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine·DateMay 6, 2010

UTHealth stem cell scientists explore treatments for blood disorders and lung diseases

Researchers at UTHealth are developing new strategies to derive hematopoietic stem cells from pluripotent stem cells, which could potentially treat blood diseases. Additionally, they are exploring gene-corrected induced pluripotent stem cells for treating two pediatric lung diseases, Surfactant Protein B Deficiency and Cystic Fibrosis.

Scripps Research scientists solve mystery of fragile stem cells

Researchers solve the decade-old mystery of fragile human embryonic stem cells by discovering two novel synthetic small molecule drugs that promote cell survival. The team also unravels the mechanisms behind e-cadherin's role in cell signaling, providing a new understanding of stem cell biology and paving the way for potential therapies.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 2010

Supplement your stem cells

Researchers discover a commercially available supplement stimulates production of hematopoietic stem cells, repairing the body. The supplement increases levels of these cells in the blood over a two-week period, showing potential for treating conditions associated with low cell counts.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateApr 7, 2010