Stem Cells This is an OPML file. It can be used to export all the MedWorm RSS feeds on this topic into your personal RSS reader (usually you have to save this file to your own computer before clicking on an Import OPML command in your own feed reader to upload the file which will then import all the feeds) or it can be used by webmasters to integrate MedWorm feeds with their own website. This is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader, such as GoogleReader, or to display this data on your own website or blog. Subscribe to this data using MyMedWorm.Subscribe to this data using GoogleReader.Subscribe to this data using Bloglines.Subscribe to this data using MyYahoo.

This page shows you the most recent publications within this specialty of the MedWorm directory. This is page number 18.

Murine microenvironment metaprofiles associate with human cancer etiology and intrinsic subtypes.
CONCLUSIONS: Detection of radiation-preceded human cancer by the irradiated host metaprofile raises possibilities of assessing human cancer etiology. Moreover, the association of the irradiated host metaprofiles with estrogen receptor negative status and claudin-low subtype suggests that host processes similar to those induced by radiation underlie sporadic cancers. PMID: 23339125 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Clinical Cancer Research - January 21, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Nguyen DH, Fredlund E, Zhao W, Perou CM, Balmain A, Mao JH, Barcellos-Hoff MH Tags: Clin Cancer Res Source Type: research

Wnt signaling in stem and cancer stem cells.
Abstract The functional versatility of Wnt/β-catenin signaling can be seen by its ability to act in stem cells of the embryo and of the adult as well as in cancer stem cells. During embryogenesis, stem cells demonstrate a requirement for β-catenin in mediating the response to Wnt signaling for their maintenance and transition from a pluripotent state. In adult stem cells, Wnt signaling functions at various hierarchical levels to contribute to specification of different tissues. This has raised the possibility that the tightly regulated self-renewal mediated by Wnt signaling in stem and progenitor cells is subvert...
Source: Current Opinion in Cell Biology - January 21, 2013 Category: Cytology Authors: Holland JD, Klaus A, Garratt AN, Birchmeier W Tags: Curr Opin Cell Biol Source Type: research

Germ cells are required to maintain a stable sexual phenotype in adult zebrafish.
Abstract Sex in zebrafish is not determined by a major chromosomal locus, but instead relies on a mechanism that is influenced by a germ cell-derived signal, as animals that lack germ cells, or specifically oocytes, develop as phenotypic males. These data suggest that during primary sex determination, an oocyte-derived signal acts on the bipotential somatic gonad to promote the female-specific program. However, it is not known if germ cells are required only during the primary sex-determining window, or instead are required throughout adult life to maintain the female sexual phenotype. Here we show that while wild-...
Source: Developmental Biology - January 21, 2013 Category: Biology Authors: Dranow DB, Tucker RP, Draper BW Tags: Dev Biol Source Type: research

Potential adult sibling stem cell donors’ perceptions and opinions regarding an information and care model
Potential adult sibling stem cell donors’ perceptions and opinions regarding an information and care model Bone Marrow Transplantation advance online publication, January 21 2013. doi:10.1038/bmt.2012.283 Authors: A Kisch, S Lenhoff, M Bengtsson & I Bolmsjö
Source: Bone Marrow Transplantation - January 21, 2013 Category: Hematology Authors: A KischS LenhoffM BengtssonI Bolmsjö Tags: potential sibling donors haematopoietic stem cell donation information and care model donor confidentiality quantitative study Source Type: research

Factors impacting stem cell mobilization failure rate and efficiency in multiple myeloma in the era of novel therapies: experience at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
zo, S Giralt & H Hassoun
Source: Bone Marrow Transplantation - January 21, 2013 Category: Hematology Authors: M PozotrigoN AdelH LandauA LesokhinN LendvaiD J ChungD ChimentoE RiedelX ChenL ReichR ComenzoS GiraltH Hassoun Tags: stem cell mobilization multiple myeloma lenalidomide novel agents Source Type: research

A pilot study of tandem high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue as consolidation for high-risk neuroblastoma: Children’s Oncology Group study ANBL00P1
A pilot study of tandem high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue as consolidation for high-risk neuroblastoma: Children’s Oncology Group study ANBL00P1 Bone Marrow Transplantation advance online publication, January 21 2013. doi:10.1038/bmt.2012.276 Authors: A E Seif, A Naranjo, D L Baker, N J Bunin, M Kletzel, C S Kretschmar, J M Maris, P W McGrady, D von Allmen, S L Cohn, W B London, J R Park, L R Diller & S A Grupp
Source: Bone Marrow Transplantation - January 21, 2013 Category: Hematology Authors: A E SeifA NaranjoD L BakerN J BuninM KletzelC S KretschmarJ M MarisP W McGradyD von AllmenS L CohnW B LondonJ R ParkL R DillerS A Grupp Tags: pediatric neuroblastoma tandem transplant hematopoietic SCT Source Type: research

There are many potential medical therapies for atraumatic osteonecrosis
Atraumatic osteonecrosis is a common complication of SLE and is seen in other connective tissue diseases, in patients treated with high doses of CSs, in HIV-infected patients and in alcoholic patients. Standard care is confined to analgesia, core decompression if the condition is early and affects the femoral head and joint replacement. However, consideration of the underlying biological mechanisms leads to the recognition of many potential therapies that might either prevent progression or, even, reverse the process if it is not yet too far advanced. These potential therapies merit detailed consideration. Critical points ...
Source: Rheumatology - January 21, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Fessel, J. Tags: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Autoimmunity REVIEWS Source Type: research

One cell, multiple roles: contribution of mesenchymal stem cells to tumor development in tumor microenvironment
The discovery of tissue reparative and immunosuppressive abilities of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has drawn more attention to tumor microenvironment and its role in providing the soil for the tumor cell growth. MSCs are recruited to tumor which is referred as the never healing wound and altered by the inflammation environment, thereby helping to construct the tumor microenvironment. The environment orchestrated by MSCs and other factors can be associated with angiogenesis, immunosuppression, inhibition of apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), survival of cancer stem cells, which all contribute to tumor grow...
Source: BioMed Central - January 21, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Xue YangJing HouZhipeng HanYing WangChong HaoLixin WeiYufang Shi Source Type: research

Stem cell therapies: Recent advances in basic and translational research
Stem cell therapies have still some way to go for commercialisation, but scientists have made rapid progress in the last one year. Here’s a snapshot of where we stand and the recent advances in basic and translational research.
Source: The Economic Times - January 20, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Cyclooxygenase, Cancer Stem Cells and DNA Methylation Play Important Roles in Colorectal Carcinogenesis
Digestion 2013;87:12–16 (DOI:10.1159/000343898)
Source: Digestion - January 20, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Source Type: research

One form of neuron turned into another in brain
A new finding by stem cell biologists turns one of the basics of neurobiology on its head -- demonstrating that it is possible to turn one type of already differentiated neuron into another within the brain.
Source: ScienceDaily Headlines - January 20, 2013 Category: Science Source Type: news

Identifying Early Molecular Targets Related To The Reprogramming Process In Leprosy Infection To Prevent The Progression Of Infection
Leprosy is a bacterial disease that spreads to muscles and other tissues in the body, causing neurodegeneration and muscle weakness. A new study, published by Cell Press in the journal Cell, reveals that the bacteria responsible for leprosy spread infection by hijacking specialized cells in the adult nervous system, reprogramming them into a stem cell-like state, and converting them to muscle-like cells. These findings could lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for combating bacterial infections and degenerative diseases as well as new tools for regenerative medicine...
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - January 20, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses Source Type: news

Researchers turn one form of neuron into another in the brain
(Harvard University) A new finding by Harvard stem cell biologists turns one of the basics of neurobiology on its head -- demonstrating that it is possible to turn one type of already differentiated neuron into another within the brain.
Source: EurekAlert! - Biology - January 20, 2013 Category: Biology Source Type: news

Incidence and natural history of pure red cell aplasia in major ABO‐mismatched haematopoietic cell transplantation
Summary Major ABO mismatching is not considered a contraindication to allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Modern reduced‐intensity conditioning and reduced‐toxicity regimens cause much less myeloablation than conventional myeloablative regimens, such as cyclophosphamide with busulfan or total body irradiation, which may affect the incidence of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). We estimated the incidence and described the natural history of PRCA in patients with major ABO‐mismatched donor stem cells. Between 2007 and 2008, 161 (27% of all patients undergoing HSCT) underwent allogeneic HSCT with maj...
Source: British Journal of Haematology - January 19, 2013 Category: Hematology Authors: Fleur M. Aung, Benjamin Lichtiger, Roland Bassett, Ping Liu, Amin Alousi, Qaiser Bashier, Stefan O. Ciurea, Marcos J. Lima, Chitra Hosing, Partow Kebriaei, Yago Nieto, Betul Oran, Simrit Parmar, Muzaffar Qazilbash, Nina Shah, Issa Khouri, Richard E. Champ Tags: Research Paper Source Type: research

Oligodendrogenesis from neural stem cells: perspectives for remyelinating strategies.
Abstract Mobilization of remyelinating cells spontaneously occurs in the adult brain. These cellular resources are specially active after demyelinating episodes in early phases of multiple sclerosis (MS). Indeed, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) actively proliferate, migrate to and repopulate the lesioned areas. Ultimately, efficient remyelination is accomplished when new oligodendrocytes reinvest nude neuronal axons, restoring the normal properties of impulse conduction. As the disease progresses this fundamental process fails. Multiple causes seem to contribute to such transient decline, including the failu...
Source: International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience - January 19, 2013 Category: Neuroscience Authors: Grade S, Bernardino L, Malva JO Tags: Int J Dev Neurosci Source Type: research

Regenerative medicine for the treatment of heart disease
Abstract Heart failure is a major cause of mortality worldwide with a steady increase in prevalence. There is currently no available cure beyond orthotopic heart transplantation, which for a number of reasons is an option only for a small fraction of all patients. Considerable hope has therefore been placed on the possibility of treating a failing heart by replacing lost cardiomyocytes, either through transplantation of various types of stem cells or by boosting endogenous regenerative mechanisms in the heart. Here, we review the current status of stem and progenitor cell‐based therapies for heart disease. We discuss the...
Source: Journal of Internal Medicine - January 19, 2013 Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Emil M. Hansson, Urban Lendahl Tags: Review Source Type: research

Accumulation and loss of asymmetric non-CpG methylation during male germ-cell development
DNA methylation is a well-characterized epigenetic modification involved in gene regulation and transposon silencing in mammals. It mainly occurs on cytosines at CpG sites but methylation at non-CpG sites is frequently observed in embryonic stem cells, induced pluriotent stem cells, oocytes and the brain. The biological significance of non-CpG methylation is unknown. Here, we show that non-CpG methylation is also present in male germ cells, within and around B1 retrotransposon sequences interspersed in the mouse genome. It accumulates in mitotically arrested fetal prospermatogonia and reaches the highest level by birth in ...
Source: Nucleic Acids Research - January 19, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Ichiyanagi, T., Ichiyanagi, K., Miyake, M., Sasaki, H. Tags: Gene Regulation, Chromatin and Epigenetics Source Type: research

Reverse engineering a mouse embryonic stem cell-specific transcriptional network reveals a new modulator of neuronal differentiation
Gene expression profiles can be used to infer previously unknown transcriptional regulatory interaction among thousands of genes, via systems biology ‘reverse engineering’ approaches. We ‘reverse engineered’ an embryonic stem (ES)-specific transcriptional network from 171 gene expression profiles, measured in ES cells, to identify master regulators of gene expression (‘hubs’). We discovered that E130012A19Rik (E13), highly expressed in mouse ES cells as compared with differentiated cells, was a central ‘hub’ of the network. We demonstrated that E13 is a protein-coding gene im...
Source: Nucleic Acids Research - January 19, 2013 Category: Research Authors: De Cegli, R., Iacobacci, S., Flore, G., Gambardella, G., Mao, L., Cutillo, L., Lauria, M., Klose, J., Illingworth, E., Banfi, S., di Bernardo, D. Tags: Computational Biology Source Type: research

Long non-coding RNAs function annotation: a global prediction method based on bi-colored networks
More and more evidences demonstrate that the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play many key roles in diverse biological processes. There is a critical need to annotate the functions of increasing available lncRNAs. In this article, we try to apply a global network-based strategy to tackle this issue for the first time. We develop a bi-colored network based global function predictor, long non-coding RNA global function predictor (‘lnc-GFP’), to predict probable functions for lncRNAs at large scale by integrating gene expression data and protein interaction data. The performance of lnc-GFP is evaluated on protein-c...
Source: Nucleic Acids Research - January 19, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Guo, X., Gao, L., Liao, Q., Xiao, H., Ma, X., Yang, X., Luo, H., Zhao, G., Bu, D., Jiao, F., Shao, Q., Chen, R., Zhao, Y. Tags: RNA characterisation and manipulation, Computational Methods, Genomics Methods Online Source Type: research

Diaphragm morphology of Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)
ABSTRACT The diaphragm is the main respiratory muscle. Along with other respiratory muscles, the diaphragm is responsible for the muscular contraction that generates the respiratory cycle and, as a consequence, the gaseous interchanges in the lungs. Guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus Linnaeus 1758) are largely used as experimental animals in many biology applications due to their easy management, low cost, and docile behavior. As the diaphragm exerts important effects on lung physiology and function, this study aimed at investigating the morphological characteristics of the muscle, through macroscopic, microscopic, and scanning ...
Source: Microscopy Research and Technique - January 19, 2013 Category: Laboratory Medicine Authors: Thais Borges Lessa, Erika T. Fonseca, Dilayla Kelly Abreu, Marcio Nogueira Rodrigues, Bruno Machado Bertassoli, Fernanda Menezes Oliveira e Silva, Carlos Eduardo Ambrósio Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Directing Cardiomyogenic Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells by Plasmid-Based Transient Overexpression of Cardiac Transcription Factors
Stem Cells and Development , Vol. 0, No. 0.
Source: Stem Cells and Development - January 18, 2013 Category: Stem Cells Tags: article Source Type: research

Addition of bone morphogenetic protein type 2 to ascorbate and β-glycerophosphate supplementation did not enhance osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells
CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that human ASCs expressed endogenous BMP-4 and BMP-7. Moreover, the supplementation of ASCs with BMP-2 did not increase the level of osteogenic markers in the initial (ALP activity), intermediate (osteonectin and osteocalcin), or final (calcium deposition) phases, suggesting that the exogenous addition of BMP-2 did not improve the in vitro osteogenesis process of human ASCs.
Source: Journal of Applied Oral Science - January 18, 2013 Category: Dentistry Source Type: research

Cyclooxygenase, Cancer Stem Cells and DNA Methylation Play Important Roles in Colorectal Carcinogenesis
Digestion 2013;87:12–16 (DOI:10.1159/000343898)
Source: Karger Publishers - January 18, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research

Study: Enzyme Plays Important Role in CML Stem Cell Reprogramming
Researchers have identified an enzyme that plays an important role in the reprogramming of malignant progenitor cells in chronic myeloid leukemia. The enzyme, ADAR1, could represent a target for selecting and eradicating leukemia stem cells.
Source: Cancer Network - January 18, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news

In utero Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Canines: Exploring the Gestational Age Window of Opportunity to Maximize Engraftment
Fetal Diagn Ther (DOI:10.1159/000346211)
Source: Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy - January 18, 2013 Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Source Type: research

Bacteria Can Morph Host Cells Into Stem Cells
Bacteria have the ability to convert the host tissue cells that they infect to become like stem cells that can then differentiate into virtually any other type of cell, thereby enabling the bugs to spread to other parts of the body. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh made this remarkable discovery while studying mice infected with bacteria that cause leprosy, an infectious disease that attacks the nerve system. They propose the finding will help stem cell researchers use similar mechanisms to develop new stem cell treatments for degenerative conditions...
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - January 18, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Stem Cell Research Source Type: news

Osmolarity determines the in vitro chondrogenic differentiation capacity of progenitor cells via nuclear factor of activated T-cells 5
Conclusions: Increasing the osmolarity of chondrogenic culture media by 100mOsm significantly increased chondrogenic gene expression during the course of chondrogenic differentiation of progenitor cells. Nfat5 may be involved in regulating chondrogenic differentiation of these cells under both normal and increased osmolarities and might regulate chondrogenic differentiation through influencing early Sox9 expression.Highlights: ► Increased osmolarity enhances chondrogenic differentiation of progenitor cells. ► NFAT5 may regulate chondrogenic marker expression under normal and increased osmolarity. ► NFAT5 is a potenti...
Source: Bone - January 18, 2013 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Marjolein M.J. Caron, Anna E. van der Windt, Pieter J. Emans, Lodewijk W. van Rhijn, Holger Jahr, Tim J.M. Welting Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

The Globoseries Glycosphingolipid SSEA-4 Is a Marker of Bone Marrow-Derived Clonal Multipotent Stromal Cells In Vitro and In Vivo
Stem Cells and Development , Vol. 0, No. 0.
Source: Stem Cells and Development - January 18, 2013 Category: Stem Cells Tags: article Source Type: research

Adult Neurogenesis in the Crayfish Brain: The Hematopoietic Anterior Proliferation Center Has Direct Access to the Brain and Stem Cell Niche
Stem Cells and Development , Vol. 0, No. 0.
Source: Stem Cells and Development - January 18, 2013 Category: Stem Cells Tags: article Source Type: research

Advancing Pluripotent Stem Cell Culture: It Is a Matter of Setting the Standard
Stem Cells and Development , Vol. 0, No. 0.
Source: Stem Cells and Development - January 18, 2013 Category: Stem Cells Tags: article Source Type: research

Defining Vascular Stem Cells
Stem Cells and Development , Vol. 0, No. 0.
Source: Stem Cells and Development - January 18, 2013 Category: Stem Cells Tags: article Source Type: research

Differential Gene Expression in Nuclear Label-Retaining Cells in the Developing Mouse Mammary Gland
Stem Cells and Development , Vol. 0, No. 0.
Source: Stem Cells and Development - January 18, 2013 Category: Stem Cells Tags: article Source Type: research

The Potential Role of Microvesicles in Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Therapy
Stem Cells and Development , Vol. 0, No. 0.
Source: Stem Cells and Development - January 18, 2013 Category: Stem Cells Tags: article Source Type: research

Fate specification in the adult brain – lessons for eliciting neurogenesis from glial cells
Abstract In the adult mammalian brain, neurogenesis is restricted to few regions, while gliogenesis continues in a wide‐spread manner. Here we discuss our knowledge of extrinsic and intrinsic factors regulating neuro‐ and gliogenesis in the adult brain and propose a model of fate specification identifying the states of easiest transition between glio‐ and neurogenesis, highlighting the unique mechanisms stabilising the neural stem cell state. The model also encompasses the fate alterations achieved by direct reprogramming, and hence addresses a novel avenue for repair, namely eliciting neurogenesis from glial cells o...
Source: BioEssays - January 18, 2013 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Jovica Ninkovic, Magdalena Götz Tags: Prospects & Overviews Source Type: research

Bacterias hidden weapon could pave way for stem cell treatments
A discovery about the way in which bugs spread throughout the body could help to develop stem cell treatments.
Source: Medical Research Council General News - January 18, 2013 Category: Research Source Type: news

One million Brits can 'dump their deodorants'
Conclusion This is intriguing research following up on the previous finding that a particular DNA sequence variation in the ABCC11 gene is associated with both earwax and armpit sweat odour. One form of the variant is linked with dry earwax and less odorous sweat, while another is linked with wet earwax and more odorous sweat. The researchers did find that there was a link between which variant mothers had and their deodorant usage. However, almost 80% of women with the dry earwax, “non-odorous” variant still reported using deodorant around once a week. The researchers’ results indicate the same may be true for men,...
Source: NHS News Feed - January 18, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Lifestyle/exercise Genetics/stem cells Source Type: news

Revascularization: A Treatment for Permanent Teeth with Necrotic Pulp and Incomplete Root Development
Conclusions: Although the outcome of revascularization procedures remains somewhat unpredictable and the clinical management of these teeth is challenging, when successful, they are an improvement to treatment protocols that leave the roots short and the walls of the root canal thin and prone to fracture. They also leave the door open to other methods of treatment in addition to extraction, when they fail to achieve the desired result.
Source: Journal of Endodontics - January 18, 2013 Category: Dentistry Authors: Ronald Wigler, Arieh Y. Kaufman, Shaul Lin, Nelly Steinbock, Hagai Hazan-Molina, Calvin D. Torneck Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

Angiotensin II promotes differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells to smooth muscle cells through PI3-kinase signaling pathway and NF-κB.
Abstract Embryonic stem cells (ES cells), the pluripotent derivatives of the inner cell mass from blastocysts, have the capacity for unlimited growth, self-renewal and differentiation toward all types of somatic cells. Angiotensin II (Ang II), the most important effector peptide of the renin-angiotensin system, is also an angiogenesis factor. However, the potential impact of Ang II on ES cell differentiation is still unknown. In the present study, we have successfully induced the differentiation of ES cells into smooth muscle cells (SMCs) on collagen IV. Interestingly, incubation of ES cells with Ang II further pro...
Source: Differentiation - January 18, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Zheng X, Wu Y, Zhu L, Chen Q, Zhou Y, Yan H, Chen T, Xiao Q, Zhu J, Zhang L Tags: Differentiation Source Type: research

Human Dental Pulp-Derived Stem Cells Protect Against Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury in Neonatal Mice [Brief Reports]
Conclusions— SHED transplantation into the HI-injured brain resulted in remarkable neurological and pathophysiological recovery. Our findings indicate that paracrine factors derived from SHED support a neuroprotective microenvironment in the HI brain. SHED graft and SHED-conditioned medium may provide a novel neuroprotective therapy for HI.
Source: Stroke - January 18, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Yamagata, M., Yamamoto, A., Kako, E., Kaneko, N., Matsubara, K., Sakai, K., Sawamoto, K., Ueda, M. Tags: Animal models of human disease, Apoptosis Brief Reports Source Type: research

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Prevent Hydrocephalus After Severe Intraventricular Hemorrhage [Basic Sciences]
Conclusions— Intraventricular transplantation of umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells significantly attenuated the posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus and brain injury after IVH. This neuroprotective mechanism appears to be mediated by the anti-inflammatory effects of these cells.
Source: Stroke - January 18, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Ahn, S. Y., Chang, Y. S., Sung, D. K., Sung, S. I., Yoo, H. S., Lee, J. H., Oh, W. I., Park, W. S. Tags: Animal models of human disease, Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage, Other Stroke Treatment - Medical Basic Sciences Source Type: research

Regenerative medicine approach to repair the failing heart.
Abstract Heart failure is a serious and very common clinical condition in which the heart is about to stop working. Currently, heart failure has no cure. Over the last decade, cardiac cell therapy has been widely studied as a revolutionary approach to promote the non-pharmacological replacement of the lost myocardium. Despite the initial enormous expectations, recent clinical trials have shown modest results without therapeutic effectiveness following cardiac stem cell transplantation. Since the adult heart is not a post-mitotic organ, recent disappointing findings have motivated researchers to pursue alternative t...
Source: Vascular Pharmacology - January 18, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Vincenzo L, Ventura C Tags: Vascul Pharmacol Source Type: research

Wnt3a mediated activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling promotes tumor progression in glioblastoma.
Abstract Presence of a distinct population of cells that drives tumor progression supports the hierarchical model of tumor development in Glioblastoma (GBM) and substantiates the cancer stem cell hypothesis. Amongst the various developmental signalling pathways that are aberrantly activated, we here show that activated Wnt /β-catenin signalling pathway plays a critical role in malignant transformation and tumor progression in gliomas. We demonstrate that Wnt ligands - Wnt1 and Wnt3a are expressed in a graded manner in these tumors as well as over-expressed in glioma stem cell-lines. A selective inhibition of Wnt s...
Source: Cell Research - January 18, 2013 Category: Cytology Authors: Kaur N, Chettiar S, Rathod S, Rath P, Mujumdar D, Shaikh M, Shiras A Tags: Mol Cell Neurosci Source Type: research

Gene therapy for hemoglobinopathies: progress and challenge.
Abstract Hemoglobinopathies are genetic inherited conditions that originate from the lack or malfunction of the hemoglobin protein. Sickle cell disease (SCD) and thalassemia are the most common forms of these conditions. The severe anemia combined with complications that arise in the most affected patients raises the necessity for a cure to restore hemoglobin function. The current routine therapies for these conditions, namely transfusion and iron chelation, have significantly improved the quality of life in patients over the years, but still fail to address the underlying cause of the diseases. A curative option, ...
Source: Translational Research : the journal of laboratory and clinical medicine - January 18, 2013 Category: Laboratory Medicine Authors: Dong A, Rivella S, Breda L Tags: Transl Res Source Type: research

The compatibility of swine BMDC-derived bile duct endothelial cells with a nanostructured electrospun PLGA material.
Conclusions: BMSCs can be differentiated into the bile duct endothelial cells in vitro. Materials prepared by the electrospinning method have a nanofiber structure, which does not significantly degrade within two weeks. Differentiated cells exhibit good biocompatibility with the nanofibers. PMID: 23335380 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: The International Journal of Artificial Organs - January 18, 2013 Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: Zhou J, Yang AH, Yin X, Xu Y, Cao Y, Xu Q Tags: Int J Artif Organs Source Type: research

Amniotic fluid stem cells and fetal cell microchimerism.
Abstract Fetal cells (and cell-free, fetal DNA used for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis) are known to exist in the circulation of pregnant women. These cells exhibit stem cell properties when they differentiate at the site of injured maternal tissue, but the origin of these fetal, natural, and probably reparative cells is unknown. During pregnancy, mobilized pluripotent fetal stem cells of yet unidentified in vivo significance float in the amniotic fluid, and we argue that circulating fetal cells and the pluripotent amniotic fluid cells might share a common origin. PMID: 23337352 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Trends in Molecular Medicine - January 18, 2013 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Rosner M, Hengstschläger M Tags: Trends Mol Med Source Type: research

Human herpesvirus‐6 encephalitis during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation leads to poor prognosis
ConclusionIn cases involving CBT or unrelated‐donor transplantation, patients should be carefully monitored for the symptomatic reactivation of HHV‐6.
Source: Transplant Infectious Disease - January 18, 2013 Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: Y. Shimazu, T. Kondo, T. Ishikawa, K. Yamashita, A. Takaori‐Kondo Tags: Original Report Source Type: research

Leucine‐rich repeat‐containing G protein‐coupled receptor 5 expression in ductular reactions after chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer
Conclusion: These findings suggest that LGR5 may be involved in maintaining DR in damaged liver.
Source: Hepatology Research - January 18, 2013 Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Susumu Saigusa, Koji Tanaka, Yuji Toiyama, Kohei Matsushita, Mikio Kawamura, Yoshinaga Okugawa, Keiichi Uchida, Yasuhiro Inoue, Yasuhiko Mohri, Masato Kusunoki Tags: Short Communication Source Type: research

miR-218 as a Tumor Suppressor in Medulloblastoma [Gene Regulation]
In this study, the regulation and function of microRNA 218 (miR-218), which is significantly underexpressed in medulloblastoma, was evaluated. Re-expression of miR-218 resulted in a significant decrease in medulloblastoma cell growth, cell colony formation, cell migration, invasion, and tumor sphere size. We used C17.2 neural stem cells as a model to show that increased miR-218 expression results in increased cell differentiation and also decreased malignant transformation when transfected with the oncogene REST. These results suggest that miR-218 acts as a tumor suppressor in medulloblastoma. MicroRNAs function by down-re...
Source: Journal of Biological Chemistry - January 18, 2013 Category: Chemistry Authors: Venkataraman, S., Birks, D. K., Balakrishnan, I., Alimova, I., Harris, P. S., Patel, P. R., Handler, M. H., Dubuc, A., Taylor, M. D., Foreman, N. K., Vibhakar, R. Tags: Cell Biology Source Type: research

Efficacy of lenalidomide in POEMS syndrome: A retrospective study of 20 patients
We report the use of a combination of lenalidomide and dexamethasone in 20 patients with POEMS syndrome. Four patients were newly diagnosed, and 16 had relapsed or progressed after treatment. All but one of the patients responded: clinical improvements were noted in neuropathies (16/20) organomegaly (13/13), peripheral edema (14/15), and pulmonary hypertension (5/5). At least a very good partial response was noted in 68% of patients, with partial responses in 26%. Serum VEGF levels fell markedly in all 17 patients with available values. Twelve patients had 18‐FDG‐PET/CT at diagnosis (11 with positive findings), and nin...
Source: American Journal of Hematology - January 18, 2013 Category: Hematology Authors: Bruno Royer, Lavinia Merlusca, Julie Abraham, Lucile Musset, Julien Haroche, Sylvain Choquet, Xavier Leleu, Catherine Sebban, Olivier Decaux, Lionel Galicier, Muriel Roussel, Christian Recher, Anne Banos, Isabelle Guichard, Jean‐Marie Brisseau, Pascal G Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

European CHMP to discuss licensing application for defibrotide to treat and prevent hepatic veno-occlusive disease
Source: GlobeNewswire Area: News Gentium S.p.A has announced that its Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) for defibrotide to treat and prevent hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) in adults and children undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation therapy, will be on the agenda for discussion at the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use meetings scheduled to be held on February 18-21, 2013. Certain high-dose conditioning regimens used as part of stem cell transplantation can damage the lining cells of hepatic blood vessels and result in VOD, a blockage of the sm...
Source: NeLM - News - January 18, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: news