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This page shows you the most recent publications within this specialty of the MedWorm directory. This is page number 23.

Steering Stem Cells To Become Two Different Building Blocks For New Blood Vessels
Growing new blood vessels in the lab is a tough challenge, but a Johns Hopkins engineering team has solved a major stumbling block: how to prod stem cells to become two different types of tissue that are needed to build tiny networks of veins and arteries. The team's solution is detailed in an article appearing in the January 2013 print edition of the journal Cardiovascular Research. The article also was published recently in the journal's online edition...
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - January 2, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Vascular Source Type: news

Protein Kinase Akt Identified As Arbiter Of Cancer Stem Cell Fate, According To Penn Study
The protein kinase Akt is a key regulator of cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, survival, and death. New work on Akt's role in cancer stem cell biology from the lab of senior author Honglin Zhou, MD, PhD and Weihua Li, co-first author, both from the Center for Resuscitation Sciences, Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and Xiaowei Xu, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, appears in Molecular Cell. The findings were also highlighted in Nature and Science reviews...
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - January 2, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Cancer / Oncology Source Type: news

Cell Transplantation Study Investigates Fate And Function Of Cells Transplanted To The CNS
When different types of cells are transplanted with the intent of having them aid in repairing central nervous system (CNS) trauma, what is the fate and function of those cells? A Belgian research team carried out research aimed at answering this question by determining how five varieties of cells - neural stem cells, mouse embryonic fibroblasts, dendritic cells, bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) and splenocytes - functioned and survived after transplantation in the CNS. Their study is published in Cell Transplantation (21:9), freely available on-line at http://www.ingentaconnect...
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - January 2, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Transplants / Organ Donations Source Type: news

Scientists Develop Scientific Technique To Help Prevent Inheritance Of Mitochondrial Diseases In Humans
A joint team of scientists from The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Laboratory and Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) has developed a technique that may prevent the inheritance of mitochondrial diseases in children. The study was published online in Nature. Dieter Egli, PhD, and Daniel Paull, PhD, of the NYSCF Laboratory with Mark Sauer, MD, and Michio Hirano, MD, of CUMC demonstrated how the nucleus of a cell can be successfully transferred between human egg cells...
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - January 2, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Genetics Source Type: news

In search of the pivot point of mechanotransduction: Mechanosensing of stem cells.
This article mainly focuses on the mechanosensing, which is the upstream event of stem cell mechanotransduction and the downstream one of physical stimuli. Putative mechanosensors such as ion channels, integrins, cell membrane, as well as primary cilia are discussed. Since mechanical environment is an important stem cell niche, identification of mechanosensors can not only elucidate the mechanisms of mechanotransduction and fate commitments, but also bring new prospects of the mechanical control as well as drug development for clinical application. PMID: 23294564 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Cell Transplantation - January 2, 2013 Category: Cytology Authors: Liu YS, Lee OK Tags: Cell Transplant Source Type: research

Improvement in Poor Graft Function after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation upon Administration of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Third-Party Donors: A Pilot Prospective Study.
Abstract Poor graft function (PGF) is a refractory complication that occurs after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). In the present study, we prospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) expanded from the bone marrow of a third-party donor to patients with PGF after allo-HSCT. Twenty patients with PGF (7 with primary and 13 with secondary PGF) received MSCs (1×10⁶/kg) one to three times at 28 day (d) intervals. Seventeen patients were responsive to MSCs whereas three were not. Within the first 100 d after MSC treatment, 13 patients developed 20 epi...
Source: Cell Transplantation - January 2, 2013 Category: Cytology Authors: Liu X, Wu M, Peng Y, Chen X, Sun J, Huang F, Fan Z, Zhou H, Wu X, Yu G, Zhang X, Li Y, Xiao Y, Song C, Xiang AP, Liu Q Tags: Cell Transplant Source Type: research

Isolation and characterization of antler derivedmultipotent stem cells.
In conclusion, our results show that deer antler tissue may contain MSCs and therefore may be a potential source for veterinary regenerative therapeutics. PMID: 23294672 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Cell Transplantation - January 2, 2013 Category: Cytology Authors: Seo MS, Park SB, Choi SW, Kim JJ, Kim HS, Kang KS Tags: Cell Transplant Source Type: research

Transplantation of human umbilical cord blood or amniotic epithelial stem cells alleviates mechanical allodynia after spinal cord injury in rats.
In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of transplanting human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) or amniotic epithelial stem cells (hAESCs) on SCI-induced mechanical allodynia (MA) and thermal hyperalgesia (TH) in T13 spinal cord hemisected rats. Two weeks after SCI, hUCB-MSCs or hAESCs were transplanted around the spinal cord lesion site and behavioral tests were performed to evaluate changes in SCI-induced MA and TH. Immunohistochemical and western blot analyses were also performed to evaluate possible therapeutic effects on SCI-induced inflammation and the nociceptive related ...
Source: Cell Transplantation - January 2, 2013 Category: Cytology Authors: Roh DH, Seo MS, Choi HS, Park SB, Han HJ, Beitz AJ, Kang KS, Lee JH Tags: Cell Transplant Source Type: research

Design of biomimetic vascular grafts with magnetic endothelial patterning.
Abstract The development of small diameter vascular grafts with a controlled pluricellular organization is still needed for vascular tissue engineering. Here, we describe a technological approach combining a tubular scaffold and magnetically labeled cells to create a pluricellular and organized vascular graft, the endothelialization of which could be monitored by MRI prior to transplantation. A novel type of scaffold was developed with a tubular geometry and a porous bulk structure enabling the seeding of cells in the scaffold pores. A homogeneous distribution of human mesenchymal stem cells in the macroporous stru...
Source: Cell Transplantation - January 2, 2013 Category: Cytology Authors: Fayol D, Visage CL, Ino J, Gazeau F, Letourneur D, Wilhelm C Tags: Cell Transplant Source Type: research

The Time Course of Development and Impact From Viral Resistance Against Ganciclovir in Cytomegalovirus Infection
(Val)ganciclovir is used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection following solid organ (SOT) or hematopoietic stem cell (HSCT) transplantation. Treatment failures occur, but the contribution from 39 known ganciclovir‐related mutations (GRMs) in the CMV‐UL97 gene remains controversial. We propose a categorization of these GRMs potentially useful when interpreting sequence analyses in clinical settings. The UL97 gene was sequenced from first/recurrent CMV infections among consecutive SOT or HSCT recipients during 2004–2009. GRMs were categorized as: Signature GRM (sGRM) if in vitro ganciclovir IC50 ratio for mutated v...
Source: American Journal of Transplantation - January 2, 2013 Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: C. da Cunha‐Bang, N. Kirkby, M. Sønderholm, S. S. Sørensen, H. Sengeløv, M. Iversen, A. Rasmussen, F. Gustafsson, C. M. Frederiksen, J. Kjær, A. Cozzi Lepri, J. D. Lundgren Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Mechanism of leaf blade outgrowth [Plant Biology]
The WUSCHEL related homeobox (WOX) genes play key roles in stem cell maintenance, embryonic patterning, and lateral organ development. WOX genes have been categorized into three clades—ancient, intermediate, and modern/WUS—based on phylogenetic analysis, but a functional basis for this classification has not been established. Using the classical bladeless lam1 mutant...
Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - January 2, 2013 Category: Science Authors: Lin, H., Niu, L., McHale, N. A., Ohme-Takagi, M., Mysore, K. S., Tadege, M. Tags: Biological Sciences Source Type: research

Healing of large dentofacial defects
Dentofacial defects can be small or very large, consisting of defects in the craniomaxillofacial region with missing soft tissue, bony and other hard tissue components. Such combined mucosal, osseous and even cartilaginous defects can be reconstructed using flaps and bone grafts, or hopefully, in the future with bone graft substitutes or even tissue engineered constructs. The healing of such wounds always relies on the vascularity of the surrounding tissues. This chapter seeks to provide a physiological basis for the mechanisms involved in the healing of such large complex defects. The reconstruction of specific defects mu...
Source: Endodontic Topics - January 2, 2013 Category: Dentistry Authors: George K.B. Sándor, Robert P. Carmichael, Leena P. Ylikontiola, Ahmed Jan, Marc G. Duval, Cameron M.L. Clokie Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

TGF-{beta}1 and Gastrointestinal Tumors
TGF-β and its signaling pathways are important mediators in the suppression of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. TGF-β is released from cells in a latent complex consisting of TGF-β, the TGF-β propeptide [latency associated protein (LAP)], and a latent TGF-β binding protein (LTBP). We previously generated mice in which the LTBP-binding cysteine residues in LAP TGF-β1 were mutated to serine precluding covalent interactions with LTBP. These Tgfb1C33S/C33S mice develop multiorgan inflammation and tumors consistent with reduced TGF-β1 activity. To test whether further reduction in active TGF-β levels would yield a...
Source: Cancer Research - January 2, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Shibahara, K., Ota, M., Horiguchi, M., Yoshinaga, K., Melamed, J., Rifkin, D. B. Tags: Tumor and Stem Cell Biology Source Type: research

HER2-Driven Senescence and Metastasis
Senescence, a terminal cell proliferation arrest, can be triggered by oncogenes. Oncogene-induced senescence is classically considered a tumor defense barrier. However, several findings show that, under certain circumstances, senescent cells may favor tumor progression because of their secretory phenotype. Here, we show that the expression in different breast epithelial cell lines of p95HER2, a constitutively active fragment of the tyrosine kinase receptor HER2, results in either increased proliferation or senescence. In senescent cells, p95HER2 elicits a secretome enriched in proteases, cytokines, and growth factors. This...
Source: Cancer Research - January 2, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Angelini, P. D., Fluck, M. F. Z., Pedersen, K., Parra–Palau, J. L., Guiu, M., Bernado Morales, C., Vicario, R., Luque–Garcia, A., Navalpotro, N. P., Giralt, J., Canals, F., Gomis, R. R., Tabernero, J., Baselga, J., Villanueva, J., Arribas, J. Tags: Tumor and Stem Cell Biology Source Type: research

COX-2/PGE2-Driven Cancer Metastasis Requires MIG-7
In this study, we identified migration inducting gene-7 (MIG-7) protein as critical for COX-2/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)- and Akt/GSK-3β-dependent tumor invasion/metastasis. COX-2/PGE2 activated EP4 to enhance Akt and GSK-3β phosphorylation and β-catenin/T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor signaling leading to MIG-7 upregulation. RNAi-mediated attenuation of MIG-7 blocked COX-2/PGE2- and Akt/GSK-3β-mediated migration/invasion effects. Furthermore, MIG-7 protein inhibited protein phosphatase 2A to sustain Akt/GSK-3β phosphorylation and cancer-cell migration/invasion. Cancer cells overexpressing MIG-7 exhibited increase...
Source: Cancer Research - January 2, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Ho, M.-Y., Liang, S.-M., Hung, S.-W., Liang, C.-M. Tags: Tumor and Stem Cell Biology Source Type: research

{alpha}-Catulin/ILK Interaction Promotes Metastasis
α-Catulin is an oncoprotein that helps sustain proliferation by preventing cellular senescence. Here, we report that α-catulin also drives malignant invasion and metastasis. α-Catulin was upregulated in highly invasive non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, where its ectopic expression or short-hairpin RNA–mediated attenuation enhanced or limited invasion or metastasis, respectively. α-Catulin interacted with integrin-linked kinase (ILK), a serine/threonine protein kinase implicated in cancer cell proliferation, antiapoptosis, invasion, and angiogenesis. Attenuation of ILK or α-catulin reciprocally blocked...
Source: Cancer Research - January 2, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Liang, C.-H., Chiu, S.-Y., Hsu, I.-L., Wu, Y.-Y., Tsai, Y.-T., Ke, J.-Y., Pan, S.-H., Hsu, Y.-C., Li, K.-C., Yang, P.-C., Chen, Y.-L., Hong, T.-M. Tags: Tumor and Stem Cell Biology Source Type: research

An MLL-Homeobox Network in Glioblastoma
Glioblastoma growth is driven by cancer cells that have stem cell properties, but molecular determinants of their tumorigenic behavior are poorly defined. In cancer, altered activity of the epigenetic modifiers Polycomb and Trithorax complexes may contribute to the neoplastic phenotype. Here, we provide the first mechanistic insights into the role of the Trithorax protein mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) in maintaining cancer stem cell characteristics in human glioblastoma. We found that MLL directly activates the Homeobox gene HOXA10. In turn, HOXA10 activates a downstream Homeobox network and other genes previously character...
Source: Cancer Research - January 2, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Gallo, M., Ho, J., Coutinho, F. J., Vanner, R., Lee, L., Head, R., Ling, E. K. M., Clarke, I. D., Dirks, P. B. Tags: Tumor and Stem Cell Biology Source Type: research

Cisplatin Enriches CD133+ Cells via Notch Signaling
In this study, we revealed that CD133+ lung cancer cells labeled by a human CD133 promoter–driven GFP reporter exhibited drug resistance and stem cell characteristics. Treatment of H460 and H661 cell lines with low-dose cisplatin (IC20) was sufficient to enrich CD133+ cells, to induce DNA damage responses, and to upregulate ABCG2 and ABCB1 expression, which therefore increased the cross-resistance to doxorubicin and paclitaxel. This cisplatin-induced enrichment of CD133+ cells was mediated through Notch signaling as judged by increased levels of cleaved Notch1 (NICD1). Pretreatment with the γ-secretase inhibitor, N-[N-(...
Source: Cancer Research - January 2, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Liu, Y.-P., Yang, C.-J., Huang, M.-S., Yeh, C.-T., Wu, A. T. H., Lee, Y.-C., Lai, T.-C., Lee, C.-H., Hsiao, Y.-W., Lu, J., Shen, C.-N., Lu, P.-J., Hsiao, M. Tags: Tumor and Stem Cell Biology Source Type: research

Antitumor Activity of GM-CSF in Colorectal Tumors
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF/CSF2) is a cytokine produced in the hematologic compartment that may enhance antitumor immune responses, mainly by activation of dendritic cells. Here, we show that more than one-third of human colorectal tumors exhibit aberrant DNA demethylation of the GM-CSF promoter and overexpress the cytokine. Mouse engraftment experiments with autologous and homologous colon tumors engineered to repress the ectopic secretion of GM-CSF revealed the tumor-secreted GM-CSF to have an immune-associated antitumor effect. Unexpectedly, an immune-independent antitumor effect was observ...
Source: Cancer Research - January 2, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Urdinguio, R. G., Fernandez, A. F., Moncada-Pazos, A., Huidobro, C., Rodriguez, R. M., Ferrero, C., Martinez-Camblor, P., Obaya, A. J., Bernal, T., Parra-Blanco, A., Rodrigo, L., Santacana, M., Matias-Guiu, X., Soldevilla, B., Dominguez, G., Bonilla, F., Tags: Tumor and Stem Cell Biology Source Type: research

RNF126 Promotes Cancer Cell Proliferation
To identify novel oncogenic E3 ubiquitin ligases as anticancer targets, we screened an E3 ubiquitin ligase siRNA library containing siRNA pools against 555 individual E3s using the sulphorhodamine B assay in the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line and the PC3 prostate cancer cell line. RNF126 was identified and validated as a candidate from this screening. Knockdown of RNF126 dramatically decreased cell viability in these cancer cell lines. Consistently, RNF126 knockdown delayed cell-cycle G1–S progression and decreased cell proliferation. Using protein array analysis we found that RNF126 silencing increased cell-cycle de...
Source: Cancer Research - January 2, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Zhi, X., Zhao, D., Wang, Z., Zhou, Z., Wang, C., Chen, W., Liu, R., Chen, C. Tags: Tumor and Stem Cell Biology Source Type: research

STAT5 Is Crucial for the Maintenance of LSC
MOZ-TIF2 is a leukemogenic fusion oncoprotein that confers self-renewal capability to hematopoietic progenitor cells and induces acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) with long latency in bone marrow transplantation assays. Here, we report that FLT3-ITD transforms hematopoietic cells in cooperation with MOZ-TIF2 in vitro and in vivo. Coexpression of FLT3-ITD confers growth factor independent survival/proliferation, shortens disease latency, and results in an increase in the number of leukemic stem cells (LSC). We show that STAT5, a major effector of aberrant FLT3-ITD signal transduction, is both necessary and sufficient for thi...
Source: Cancer Research - January 2, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tam, W. F., Hahnel, P. S., Schuler, A., Lee, B. H., Okabe, R., Zhu, N., Pante, S. V., Raffel, G., Mercher, T., Wernig, G., Bockamp, E., Sasca, D., Kreft, A., Robinson, G. W., Hennighausen, L., Gilliland, D. G., Kindler, T. Tags: Tumor and Stem Cell Biology Source Type: research

Mechanisms of MSC Accumulation at Tumor Sites
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) accumulate at tumor sites when injected into tumor-bearing mice, perhaps offering cellular vectors for cancer-targeted gene therapy. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in MSC targeting the tumors are presently little understood. We focused on MSC–endothelial cell (EC) adhesion following TNF-α stimulation in an attempt to elucidate these mechanisms. Interestingly, stimulation of MSCs with TNF-α enhanced the adhesion of MSCs to endothelial cells in vitro. This adhesion was partially inhibited by blocking antibodies against vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and very late antig...
Source: Cancer Research - January 2, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Uchibori, R., Tsukahara, T., Mizuguchi, H., Saga, Y., Urabe, M., Mizukami, H., Kume, A., Ozawa, K. Tags: Tumor and Stem Cell Biology Source Type: research

A Preclinical Mouse Model of Breast Cancer Metastasis
Metastatic disease accounts for more than 90% of cancer-related deaths, but the development of effective antimetastatic agents has been hampered by the paucity of clinically relevant preclinical models of human metastatic disease. Here, we report the development of a mouse model of spontaneous breast cancer metastasis, which recapitulates key events in its formation and clinical course. Specifically, using the conditional K14cre;Cdh1F/F;Trp53F/F model of de novo mammary tumor formation, we orthotopically transplanted invasive lobular carcinoma (mILC) fragments into mammary glands of wild-type syngeneic hosts. Once primary ...
Source: Cancer Research - January 2, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Doornebal, C. W., Klarenbeek, S., Braumuller, T. M., Klijn, C. N., Ciampricotti, M., Hau, C.-S., Hollmann, M. W., Jonkers, J., de Visser, K. E. Tags: Tumor and Stem Cell Biology Source Type: research

miRNA Regulation of Bone Marrow-Mediated Tumor Angiogenesis
Bone marrow–derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) contribute to the angiogenesis-dependent growth of tumors in mice and humans. EPCs regulate the angiogenic switch via paracrine secretion of proangiogenic growth factors and by direct luminal incorporation into sprouting nascent vessels. miRNAs have emerged as key regulators of several cellular processes including angiogenesis; however, whether miRNAs contribute to bone marrow–mediated angiogenesis has remained unknown. Here, we show that genetic ablation of miRNA-processing enzyme Dicer, specifically in the bone marrow, decreased the number of circulating EPCs, re...
Source: Cancer Research - January 2, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Plummer, P. N., Freeman, R., Taft, R. J., Vider, J., Sax, M., Umer, B. A., Gao, D., Johns, C., Mattick, J. S., Wilton, S. D., Ferro, V., McMillan, N. A. J., Swarbrick, A., Mittal, V., Mellick, A. S. Tags: Tumor and Stem Cell Biology Source Type: research

p38 Inhibits Liver Fibrogenesis and Carcinogenesis
In this study, we examined whether the stress-activated protein kinase p38α (Mapk14) controls ROS metabolism and development of fibrosis and cancer in mice given thioacetamide to induce chronic liver injury. Liver-specific p38α ablation was found to enhance ROS accumulation, which appears to be exerted through the reduced expression of antioxidant protein HSP25 (Hspb1), a mouse homolog of HSP27. Its reexpression in p38α-deficient liver prevents ROS accumulation and thioacetamide-induced fibrosis. p38α deficiency increased expression of SOX2, a marker for cancer stem cells and the liver oncoproteins c-Jun (Jun) and Gank...
Source: Cancer Research - January 2, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Sakurai, T., Kudo, M., Umemura, A., He, G., Elsharkawy, A. M., Seki, E., Karin, M. Tags: Molecular and Cellular Pathobiology Source Type: research

Delineating Patient-Specific Tumor Profiles
In this study, we exploited ultradeep single-molecule genomic data derived from multiple microdissected colorectal cancer glands per tumor, along with a novel quantitative approach to measure tumor characteristics, define patient-specific tumor profiles, and infer tumor ancestral trees. We show that each cancer is unique in terms of its cellular organization, molecular heterogeneity, time from malignant transformation, and rate of mutation and apoptosis. Importantly, we estimate CSC fractions between 0.5% and 4%, indicative of a hierarchical organization responsible for long-lived CSC lineages, with variable rates of symme...
Source: Cancer Research - January 2, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Sottoriva, A., Spiteri, I., Shibata, D., Curtis, C., Tavare, S. Tags: Integrated Systems and Technologies Source Type: research

Chloroquine, Autophagy, and the Kidney
Autophagy is a homeostatic cellular recycling system that is responsible for degrading damaged or unnecessary cellular organelles and proteins. Cancer cells are thought to use autophagy as a source of energy in the unfavorable metastatic environment, and a number of clinical trials are now revealing the promising role of chloroquine, an autophagy inhibitor, as a novel antitumor drug. On the other hand, however, the kidneys are highly vulnerable to chemotherapeutic agents. Recent studies have shown that autophagy plays a protective role against acute kidney injury, including cisplatin-induced kidney injury, and thus, we sus...
Source: Cancer Research - January 2, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Kimura, T., Takabatake, Y., Takahashi, A., Isaka, Y. Tags: Reviews Source Type: research

Counterpoint: Cancer Stem Cells: Nonbelievers' Viewpoint [Point/Counterpoint]
Source: Clinical Chemistry - January 2, 2013 Category: Chemistry Authors: Gokmen-Polar, Y., Badve, S. S. Tags: Cancer Diagnostics (since 2002) Point/Counterpoint Source Type: research

Point: Cancer Stem Cells--The Evidence Accumulates [Point/Counterpoint]
Source: Clinical Chemistry - January 2, 2013 Category: Chemistry Authors: Azizi, E., Wicha, M. S. Tags: Cancer Diagnostics (since 2002) Point/Counterpoint Source Type: research

Cell Plasticity and Heterogeneity in Cancer [Reviews]
BACKGROUND: Heterogeneity within a given cancer arises from diverse cell types recruited to the tumor and from genetic and/or epigenetic differences amongst the cancer cells themselves. These factors conspire to create a disease with various phenotypes. There are 2 established models of cancer development and progression to metastatic disease. These are the clonal evolution and cancer stem cell models. CONTENT: The clonal evolution theory suggests that successive mutations accumulating in a given cell generate clonal outgrowths that thrive in response to microenvironmental selection pressures, dictating the phenotype of t...
Source: Clinical Chemistry - January 2, 2013 Category: Chemistry Authors: Marjanovic, N. D., Weinberg, R. A., Chaffer, C. L. Tags: Other Areas of Clinical Chemistry Reviews Source Type: research

Modeling of epigenome dynamics identifies transcription factors that mediate Polycomb targeting [RESEARCH]
Although changes in chromatin are integral to transcriptional reprogramming during cellular differentiation, it is currently unclear how chromatin modifications are targeted to specific loci. To systematically identify transcription factors (TFs) that can direct chromatin changes during cell fate decisions, we model the relationship between genome-wide dynamics of chromatin marks and the local occurrence of computationally predicted TF binding sites. By applying this computational approach to a time course of Polycomb-mediated H3K27me3 marks during neuronal differentiation of murine stem cells, we identify several motifs t...
Source: Genome Research - January 2, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Arnold, P., Scholer, A., Pachkov, M., Balwierz, P. J., Jorgensen, H., Stadler, M. B., van Nimwegen, E., Schubeler, D. Tags: RESEARCH Source Type: research

The bHLH transcription factor SPATULA regulates root growth by controlling the size of the root meristem
Conclusions: Our data suggest that SPT functions in growth control throughout sporophytic growth of Arabidopsis, but is not necessary for cell fate decisions except during carpel development. SPT functions independently of gibberellic acid during root development, but may play a role in regulating auxin transport or accumulation. Our data suggests that SPT plays a role in control of root growth, similar to its roles in above ground tissues.
Source: BioMed Central - January 2, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Srilakshmi MakkenaRebecca S Lamb Source Type: research

Stem cells permitted easier identification of childhood sarcoma
Source: HemOncToday.com - January 1, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news

Become an Advocate for Science: Join the AIBS Legislative Action Center
Quick, free, easy, effective, impactful! Join the AIBS Legislative Action Center today! (www.aibs.org/public-policy/legislativeactioncenter.html) The AIBS Legislative Action Center is an online resource that allows biologists and science educators to quickly and effectively influence policy and public opinion. Each day lawmakers must make tough decisions about science policy. For example, what investments to make in federal research programs, how to conserve biodiversity, how to mitigate climate change, or under what circumstances to permit stem cell research. Scientists now have the opportunity to help elected officials ...
Source: Public Policy Reports - January 1, 2013 Category: Biology Authors: AIBS Source Type: news

Stem Cell Research Shows ALS May Be Treatable
Results from eleven independent ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) research studies are giving hope to the ALS community - showing for the first time that the disease may be treatable by targeting new mechanisms revealed by neural stem cell-based studies. A decade of research conducted at multiple institutions, shows that when neural stem cells were transplanted into multi-levels of the spinal cord of a mouse model with familial ALS, disease onset and progression slowed, motor and breathing function improved and treated mice survived three to four times longer than untreated mice...
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - January 1, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Alzheimer's / Dementia Source Type: news

Mesenchymal stem cells: protectors of islets?
PMID: 23390634 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Regenerative Medicine - January 1, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: King CC Tags: Regen Med Source Type: research

T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia.
We report the case of a man with de novo T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia and discuss the distinctive clinical, morphologic, immunophenotypic, and cytogenetic features of this entity. PMID: 23382603 [PubMed]
Source: Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings - January 1, 2013 Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Graham RL, Cooper B, Krause JR Tags: Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent) Source Type: research

Automated analysis of flow cytometric data for CD34+ stem cell enumeration using a probability state model
Source: Cytometry Part B: Clinical Cytometry - January 1, 2013 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Donald J. Herbert, David T. Miller, C. Bruce Bagwell Tags: Erratum Source Type: research

Polymeric nanoparticles‐based topical delivery systems for the treatment of dermatological diseases
Abstract Human skin not only functions as a permeation barrier (mainly because of the stratum corneum layer) but also provides a unique delivery pathway for therapeutic and other active agents. These compounds penetrate via intercellular, intracellular, and transappendageal routes, resulting in topical delivery (into skin strata) and transdermal delivery (to subcutaneous tissues and into the systemic circulation). Passive and active permeation enhancement methods have been widely applied to increase the cutaneous penetration. The pathology, pathogenesis, and topical treatment approaches of dermatological diseases, such as ...
Source: Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology - January 1, 2013 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Zheng Zhang, Pei‐Chin Tsai, Tannaz Ramezanli, Bozena B. Michniak‐Kohn Tags: Advanced Review Source Type: research

Quantifying Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Mononuclear Cell Fraction of Bone Marrow Samples Obtained for Cell Therapy
Conclusions: Our findings suggested that the success of cell therapy was independent of the number of MSCs present in the BM aspirate used for autologous cell therapy.
Source: Transplantation Proceedings - January 1, 2013 Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: M. Alvarez-Viejo, Y. Menendez-Menendez, M.A. Blanco-Gelaz, A. Ferrero-Gutierrez, M.A. Fernandez-Rodriguez, J. Gala, J. Otero-Hernandez Tags: Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation Source Type: research

Bone Marrow–derived Endothelial Progenitor Cells Promote Hematopoietic Reconstitution After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Conclusion: These data showed that BM-derived EPC infusions augmented hematopoiesis suggesting a new approach to promote hematopoiesis.
Source: Transplantation Proceedings - January 1, 2013 Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: Z. Yan, L. Zeng, Z. Li, H. Zhang, W. Chen, L. Jia, C. Chen, H. Cheng, J. Cao, K. Xu Tags: Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation Source Type: research

Establishment of Isolation and Expansion Protocols for Human Cardiac C-kit-Positive Progenitor Cells for Stem Cell Therapy
In conclusion, the single-cell culture protocol using an enzymatic digestion method may be more useful to isolate human cardiac-derived c-kit-positive elements compared with the tissue expansion method.
Source: Transplantation Proceedings - January 1, 2013 Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: S.H. Choi, S.Y. Jung, W. Suh, S.H. Baek, S.-M. Kwon Tags: Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation Source Type: research

A Direct Comparison of Expression Profiles of Adhesion Molecules on Naïve T Cells Between Cord Blood and Steady-State Bone Marrow Grafts of Healthy Donors
Conclusions: Our results among UCB suggested lower intensities of ICAM-1 expression on naïve T cells and their easier polarization from Th1 to Th2 elements.
Source: Transplantation Proceedings - January 1, 2013 Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: L.-X. Sun, Y.-Q. Li, X.-N. Song, J. Jiang, Y.-J. Chang Tags: Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation Source Type: research

Newer Antifungal Agents for Fungal Infection Prevention During Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Meta-Analysis
Conclusions: This analysis indicated new antifungal agents were well-tolerated with manageable side effects. They were beneficial for prophylaxis of invasive fungal infections.
Source: Transplantation Proceedings - January 1, 2013 Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: S.-X. Xu, J.-L. Shen, X.-F. Tang, B. Feng Tags: Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation Source Type: research

Effect of Autologous Transplantation of Bone Marrow Cells Concentrated With the MarrowXpress System in Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia
This study sought to assess the safety and efficacy of transplantation of autologous bone marrow concentrates in “no-option” patients to restore blood perfusion by collateral flow and limb salvage. We performed a nonrandomized, noncontrolled pilot study for no-option CLI patients using intra-arterial infusion of autologous bone marrow concentrate. Variation of blood perfusion parameters, evaluated by laser doppler flowmetry after 6 and 12 months, was set as primary endpoint. Thirteen enrolled patients showed improvements in objective measurements of perfusion. This uncontrolled study provided evidence that transplantat...
Source: Transplantation Proceedings - January 1, 2013 Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: C. Maione, C. Botti, C.A. Coppola, C. Silvestroni, S. Lillo, V. Schiavone, G. Sica, V. Sica, V. Kumar, G. Cobellis Tags: Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation Source Type: research

Implications of adipose-derived stromal cells in a 3D culture system for osteogenic differentiation: an in vitro and in vivo investigation
Conclusions: This is the first study to investigate the capability of human ADS cells in a 3D culture system to undergo osteogenic differentiation. The results confirm that MAs maintain their stem cell characteristics. Compared with analogous cells in monolayer culture, the human ADS cells as MAs exhibit elevated levels of osteogenic differentiation and increased matrix mineralization. Furthermore, the creation of uniform spheroids allows for improved handling and manipulation during transplantation. These findings strongly support the concept that 3D culture systems remain not only a viable option for stem cell culture bu...
Source: The Spine Journal - January 1, 2013 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Francis H. Shen, Brian C. Werner, Haixiang Liang, Hulan Shang, Ning Yang, Xudong Li, Adam L. Shimer, Gary Balian, Adam J. Katz Tags: 2012 Outstanding Paper: Runner-up Source Type: research

Single-center experience on renal transplantation in primary focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis using hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in thymus, bone marrow, portal and peripheral circulation.
We report our experience in 34 patients with primary FSGS who underwent RTx between April 1999 and June 2009, using hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). They belonged to four groups: group 1 (n = 12) received high-dose HSCT in periphery, thymus, bone-marrow, and portal circulation with low-dose non-myeloablative conditio-ning; group 2 (n = 7) was modified with HSCT without marrow/thymic infusion; and group 3 (n = 3) received HSCT and proteasome inhibitor Bortezomib replacing conditioning. Group 4 (n = 12), were controls who opted for RTx under standard triple-drug immunosuppression. Patient/donor demogra-phics w...
Source: Saudi Journal of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation - January 1, 2013 Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Vanikar AV, Trivedi HL, Shah PR, Kanodia KV, Patel RD, Modi PR, Dave SD, Singhai AM, Shah VR, Trivedi VB, Shankar V Tags: Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl Source Type: research

[Delayed-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for assessing a minipig myocardial infarction model established by percutaneous balloon occlusion].
CONCLUSION: We have established a feasible approach for evaluating minipig models of AMI as a platform for assessing the therapeutic effect of stem cell transplantation for AMI. PMID: 23353152 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Journal of Southern Medical University - January 1, 2013 Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Yin Q, Zhao YS, Wang H, Pei ZY Tags: Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao Source Type: research

[Regulation of mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord on natural killer cells-mediated cytotoxicity against dendritic cells].
CONCLUSION: UC-MSCs can enhance NK cells-mediated cytotoxicity against DCs possibly by inhibiting DC maturation and up-regulating the ligands for killer activator receptor on the surface of the DCs. PMID: 23353170 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Journal of Southern Medical University - January 1, 2013 Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Zhao YQ, Cao DL, Chen W Tags: Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao Source Type: research

Heart to heart: grafting cardiosphere‐derived cells augments cardiac self‐repair by both myocytes and stem cells
Source: EMBO Molecular Medicine - January 1, 2013 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Jose A. Palacios, Michael D. Schneider Tags: Closeup Source Type: research