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Stem cells to the rescue - or not?

Researchers transplanted BM-SP stem cells into mice with cardiomyopathy, but found that only 2 muscle fibers expressed restored sarcoglycan levels. The study suggests alternative approaches should be investigated for regenerative medicine.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 1, 2004

Researchers grow sperm stem cells in laboratory cultures

Scientists have successfully grown sperm progenitor cells in a laboratory culture, paving the way for potential new treatments for male infertility. The breakthrough, led by Hiroshi Kubota, could also enable the creation of genetically modified animals and extend the reproductive life of endangered species.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2004

Retinal stem cells can regenerate after transplant

Researchers successfully transplanted human retinal stem cells into light-sensing photoreceptor cells and retinal pigment epithelial cells in animal models. The study's findings have implications for future treatment of degenerative eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2004

Muscling in on a deadly cancer

Researchers have successfully engineered mice with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a particularly deadly childhood muscle cancer. The studies provide insights into the genetic events that cause the disease, paving the way for potential new therapies.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 14, 2004

JCI table of contents September 15, 2004

Researchers develop methodology to efficiently pinpoint mutations in mitochondrial respiratory chain, identifying new cause of lethal neonatal disease. The technique uses cell-fusion experiments and bioinformatics analyses to categorize mutation types, revealing complex genetic backgrounds.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 15, 2004

U of T study identifies possible stem cells in pancreas

A University of Toronto study discovered precursor cells within the adult pancreas that can make new pancreatic cells, potentially providing a plentiful supply of beta cells for transplant treatments. The research also found that these cells can generate both beta cells and neurons, challenging existing dogma on development.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 22, 2004

Stem cells toward sperm cells and back again

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that lost sperm-making stem cells in fruit flies can be replaced by reversing their specialized state. The team found that temperature changes can trigger a process called dedifferentiation, where more specialized cells retrace the path taken by stem cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateMay 18, 2004

Reason as our guide

Bioethicists Elizabeth Blackburn and Janet Rowley critique two PLoS Biology reports for presenting a biased agenda. They argue that the reports overlook diverse scientific opinions on stem cell research and aging studies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 5, 2004

Chicken embryo research tunes into inner ear

Researchers control the development of stem cells in the inner ears of embryonic chickens by introducing new genes, leading to the growth of balance-related hairs instead of sound-detecting ones. This breakthrough could potentially improve our understanding of inner ear disorders and lead to therapies for deafness and vertigo.

SourcePurdue University·JournalDevelopmental Biology·DateSep 2, 2003

Stem cells shown to regenerate damaged lung tissue for first time

Adult stem cells have been shown to regenerate damaged lung tissue, offering a promising new treatment for devastating lung diseases. The study's findings suggest that circulating stem cells can repair damage in organ tissue, which could have a huge impact on the treatment of conditions like emphysema and cystic fibrosis.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 29, 2003

JCI table of contents, July 1 2003

A study published in JCI finds that PlGF-1 prevents oxygen-induced retinal vascular degeneration in retinopathy of prematurity, suggesting a potential therapeutic agent for the condition. Additionally, researchers identify Fgl2/fibroleukin as a critical prothrombinase involved in the pathophysiology of viral hepatitis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 1, 2003

Molecular defect may lead to osteoporosis

A study found that mice genetically engineered to lack a molecule called Stem Cell Antigen-1 (Sca-1) experienced normal bone development but exhibited decreased bone mass and brittle bones as they aged. The researchers believe that defective maintenance of stem cells may contribute to age-related osteoporosis in humans.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2003