MedWorm: Stem Cells

Cloning stem cells: What does it mean?

CNN.com - Health — Sat, 18 May 2013 11:34:40 +0100

Earlier this week we saw a breakthrough in this field: A group of researchers published in the journal Cell proof that they had created embryonic stem cells through cloning. (Source: CNN.com - Health)

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Plant-Produced Human Recombinant Erythropoietic Growth Factors Support Erythroid Differentiation In Vitro

Stem Cells and Development — Sat, 18 May 2013 03:03:50 +0100

Stem Cells and Development , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Stem Cells and Development)

Researchers Report Cloning Advance For Producing Stem Cells

NPR Health and Science — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:00:00 +0100

Scientists reported this week in the journal Cell that they had used somatic cell nuclear transfer techniques to create a source of embryonic stem cells from the skin cells of a patient. George Daley, director of the stem cell transplantation program at Boston Children's Hospital, and Josephine Johnston of the Hastings Center discuss the research.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us (Source: NPR Health and Science)

Molecular and Functional Evidence of HCN4 and Caveolin-3 Interaction During Cardiomyocyte Differentiation from Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Stem Cells and Development — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:56:00 +0100

Stem Cells and Development Jun 2013, Vol. 22, No. 11: 1717-1727. (Source: Stem Cells and Development)

Hot On The TRAIL Of Graft Vs. Host Disease

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 17 May 2013 08:00:00 +0100

For patients with leukemia and other hematological malignancies, transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCT) can be a powerfully effective therapy. In addition to the desirable anti-tumor effect, transplanted cells can also attack the host tissue, resulting in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, Arnab Ghosh and colleagues at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center found that expression of a protein that causes cell death, TRAIL, in transplanted cells was critical for an effective anti-tumor response... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Breakthrough Marks The First Time Human Stem Cells Have Been Produced Via Nuclear Transfer

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 17 May 2013 08:00:00 +0100

Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University and the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) have successfully reprogrammed human skin cells to become embryonic stem cells capable of transforming into any other cell type in the body. It is believed that stem cell therapies hold the promise of replacing cells damaged through injury or illness. Diseases or conditions that might be treated through stem cell therapy include Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, cardiac disease and spinal cord injuries. The research breakthrough, led by Shoukhrat Mitalipov, Ph.D... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

New Ways Of Generating Stem Cells For Patients With Dysfunctional Or Damaged Tissues And Organs

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 17 May 2013 07:00:00 +0100

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is a technique in which the nucleus of a donor cell is transferred to an egg cell whose nucleus has been removed, generating embryos that are almost an identical genetic match to the donor individual. For the first time, a team of scientists has used SCNT to produce human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). This milestone, published by Cell Press in the journal Cell, opens up new avenues for using stem cells to understand patient-specific causes of disease and for developing personalized therapies... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Evidence for a common progenitor of epithelial and mesenchymal components of the liver

Cell Death and Differentiation — Fri, 17 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: A Conigliaro, L Amicone, V Costa, M De Santis Puzzonia, C Mancone, B Sacchetti, C Cicchini, F Garibaldi, D A Brenner, T Kisseleva, P Bianco & M Tripodi (Source: Cell Death and Differentiation)

Adoptively transferred TRAIL+ T cells suppress GVHD and augment antitumor activity

Journal of Clinical Investigation — Thu, 16 May 2013 23:10:02 +0100

Current strategies to suppress graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) also compromise graft-versus-tumor (GVT) responses. Furthermore, most experimental strategies to separate GVHD and GVT responses merely spare GVT function without actually enhancing it. We have previously shown that endogenously expressed TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is required for optimal GVT activity against certain malignancies in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). In order to model a donor-derived cellular therapy, we genetically engineered T cells to overexpress TRAIL and adoptively transferred donor-type unsorted TRAIL+ T cells into mouse models of allo-HSCT. We found that murine TRAIL+ T cells induced apoptosis of alloreactive T cells, thereby reducing GVHD in...

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Chemistry: Shepherding Stem Cells

Editors' Choice — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:10:16 +0100

Stem cells, because of their ability to differentiate into multiple cell types, are of interest in aiding tissue repair and for treating diseases such as diabetes. However, their lack of … [Read more] (Source: Editors' Choice)

Editors' Choice

Science: Current Issue — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:10:13 +0100

[News & Analysis] Biomedicine: Human Stem Cells From Cloning, Finally

Science: Current Issue — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:10:13 +0100

This time it looks like it's for real: Researchers have made personalized human embryonic stem cells with a method similar to how Dolly the sheep was cloned—though with an added jolt of caffeine.Author: Gretchen Vogel (Source: Science: Current Issue)

Stem cell breakthrough

CNN.com - Health — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:59:22 +0100

CNN's Elizabeth Cohen on cloned stem cells that could develop into muscle or nerve cells. (Source: CNN.com - Health)

Human Cloning Moves a Step Closer

WSJ.com: Health — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:46:06 +0100

Scientists used cloning technology to transform human skin cells into embryonic stem cells, moving a step closer toward human cloning. (Source: WSJ.com: Health)

Stem Cell Milestone Revives Intense Ethical Debate

NPR Health and Science — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:00:00 +0100

Scientists in Oregon have achieved something that has eluded researchers for years. They have created stem cells that are tailored to individual patients, made from cloned embryos. That would open the door to treating many diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes, spinal cord injuries and many others. But researchers face ethical dilemmas.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us (Source: NPR Health and Science)

Synthetic Silicate Used To Stimulate Stem Cells Into Bone Cells

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:00:00 +0100

In new research published online in Advanced Materials, researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) are the first to report that synthetic silicate nanoplatelets (also known as layered clay) can induce stem cells to become bone cells without the need of additional bone-inducing factors. Synthetic silicates are made up of simple or complex salts of silicic acids, and have been used extensively for various commercial and industrial applications, such as food additives, glass and ceramic filler materials, and anti-caking agents... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Cloning, Stem Cells Long Mired In Legislative Gridlock

NPR Health and Science — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:04:00 +0100

The news that scientists have successfully cloned a human embryo seems almost certain to rekindle a political fight that has raged, on and off, since the creation of Dolly the sheep. It's a fight that has, over the past decade and a half, produced a lot of heat and light and not a lot of policy.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us (Source: NPR Health and Science)

Stem cells: Back to the future

New Scientist - Health — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:00:00 +0100

The unexpected return of therapeutic cloning could reopen ethical arguments that seemed to have been laid to rest (Source: New Scientist - Health)

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Human Cloning Produces Embryonic Stem Cells

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:00:00 +0100

A major breakthrough has just been achieved in stem cell research. Through human cloning, American scientists have effectively produced early embryos and used them as a source of stem cells with a procedure similar to the one that produced "Dolly the sheep", the first mammal ever to be cloned. The finding was published in the journal Cell. Stem cells derived by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) have the potential to transform into any cell type, such as bone or brain tissue cells. They can be used to treat and help understand a wide range of conditions and health problems... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Cloning Is Used to Create Embryonic Stem Cells

NYT and Stem Cells — Thu, 16 May 2013 05:00:00 +0100

Researchers fused skin cells with donated human eggs to create human embryos that were genetically identical to the person who provided the skin cells. (Source: NYT and Stem Cells)

Stem-cell-based strategy boosts immune system in mice

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

(University of California - San Francisco) Raising hopes for cell-based therapies, UC San Francisco researchers have created the first functioning human thymus tissue from embryonic stem cells in the laboratory. The researchers showed that, in mice, the tissue can be used to foster the development of white blood cells the body needs to mount healthy immune responses and to prevent harmful autoimmune reactions. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Development of cardiac support bioprostheses for ventricular restoration and myocardial regeneration [BASIC SCIENCE]

European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery — Thu, 16 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS Myocardial infarction treated with stem cells associated with a collagen matrix and ventricular constraint device improves systolic and diastolic function, reducing adverse remodelling and fibrosis. The application of bioactive molecules and the recent development of nanobiotechnologies should open the door for the creation of a new semi-degradable ventricular support bioprosthesis, capable of controlled stability or degradation in response to physiological conditions of the left or right heart. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)

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Experiment Brings Human Cloning One Step Closer

WSJ.com: Health — Thu, 16 May 2013 03:45:39 +0100

Scientists have used cloning technology to transform human skin cells into embryonic stem cells, an experiment that may revive the controversy over human cloning. (Source: WSJ.com: Health)

Human stem cells created by cloning

Nature — Thu, 16 May 2013 01:12:25 +0100

Nature 497, 7449 (2013). http://www.nature.com/doifinder/10.1038/497295a Author: David Cyranoski Breakthrough sets up showdown with induced adult lines. (Source: Nature)

Scientists create human embryos to make stem cells

Los Angeles Times - Science — Thu, 16 May 2013 00:43:00 +0100

For the first time, scientists have created embryos that are genetic copies of living people to make stem cells, which may help treat many diseases but also raises concerns about human cloning.For the first time, scientists have created human embryos that are genetic copies of living people and used them to make stem cells — a feat that paves the way for treating a range of diseases with personalized body tissues but also ignites fears of human cloning. (Source: Los Angeles Times - Science)

Cloning Is Used to Create Embryonic Stem Cells

NYT Health — Wed, 15 May 2013 23:46:43 +0100

Researchers fused skin cells with donated human eggs to create human embryos that were genetically identical to the person who provided the skin cells. (Source: NYT Health)

Patient-Specific Human Embryonic Stem Cells Created by Cloning

Scientific American Topic - Biotechnology — Wed, 15 May 2013 23:15:00 +0100

From Nature magazine [More] (Source: Scientific American Topic - Biotechnology)

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Scientists Use Cloning Technique to Produce Human Stem Cells

WebMD Health — Wed, 15 May 2013 23:02:56 +0100

Breakthrough bypasses need to use cells from fertilized embryos (Source: WebMD Health)

How Researchers Cloned Human Embryos

NPR Health and Science — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:14:00 +0100

After decades of trying, scientists say they've finally figured out how to make personalized embryonic stem cells. One day, these designer cells may help treat an array of diseases. A jolt of caffeine and and a little electric shock helped to do the trick.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us (Source: NPR Health and Science)

Nuclear Transfer Begets Embryonic Stem Cells (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Primary Care — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:27:10 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- For the first time, researchers have efficiently produced human embryonic stem cells, using a process similar to the one that produced the famous cloned sheep, Dolly. (Source: MedPage Today Primary Care)

Beating human heart cells produced from skin - video

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:09:36 +0100

Human embryonic stem cells have been harvested from cloned embryos for the first time and grown into beating heart cells (Source: Guardian Unlimited Science)

Scientists successfully clone human stem cells via skin cells

Health News: CBSNews.com — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:07:19 +0100

Somatic cell nuclear transfer allowed scientists for first time to use unfertilized egg cells to create cloned cells for research (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

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Scientists report first success in cloning human stem cells

CNN.com - Health — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:47:10 +0100

It's been 17 years since Dolly the sheep was cloned from a mammary cell. And now scientists applied the same technique to make the first embryonic stem cell lines from human skin cells. (Source: CNN.com - Health)

Human embryonic stem cells created from adult tissue for first time

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:21:49 +0100

The cells, made with cloning technique behind Dolly the sheep, have the potential to regenerate damaged organs and tissuesScientists have used the cloning technique that led to Dolly the sheep to turn human skin into embryonic stem cells – which can make any tissue in the body.The US team overcame technical problems that had frustrated researchers for more than a decade to create batches of the body's master cells from donated skin.The work will spark fresh interest in the use of cloning in medical research, and reignite the controversy over a procedure that demands a supply of human eggs, and the creation and destruction of early stage embryos. The US group employed the technique to make embryonic stem cells that were genetically matched to individuals. Such cells could be used to study...

Human stem cells made using Dolly cloning technique

New Scientist - Health — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:09:47 +0100

The landmark achievement revives the hope of being able to generate new tissues using a patient's own cells, eliminating the risk of immune rejection (Source: New Scientist - Health)

Scientists Clone Human Embryos To Make Stem Cells

NPR Health and Science — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:01:00 +0100

Scientists say they have successfully created personalized embryonic stem cells from a donor's skin. They hope these kinds of cells can someday be used to treat diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson's. But the discovery raises ethical concerns because it takes researchers a step closer to cloning humans.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us (Source: NPR Health and Science)

Clues To Tooth Regeneration Provided By Alligator Stem Cell Study

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:00:00 +0100

Alligators may help scientists learn how to stimulate tooth regeneration in people, according to new research led by the Keck School of Medicine of USC. For the first time, a global team of researchers led by USC pathology Professor Cheng-Ming Chuong, M.D., Ph.D., has uncovered unique cellular and molecular mechanisms behind tooth renewal in American alligators. Their study, titled "Specialized stem cell niche enables repetitive renewal of alligator teeth," appears in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the official journal of the United States National Academy of Sciences... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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OHSU research team successfully converts human skin cells into embryonic stem cells

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

(Oregon Health & Science University) Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University have successfully reprogrammed human skin cells to become embryonic stem cells capable of transforming into any other cell type in the body. It is believed that stem cell therapies hold the promise of replacing cells damaged through injury or illness. Diseases or conditions that might be treated through stem cell therapy include Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, cardiac disease and spinal cord injuries. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Neuroscience: Cell transplants stem seizures

Nature — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Nature 497, 7449 (2013). doi:10.1038/497290b Stem-cell therapy can reduce seizures in epileptic mice.Some forms of epilepsy are thought to be caused by dysfunctional cells in the hippocampus region of the brain. The affected cells, called inhibitory interneurons, help to regulate neural circuits. Robert Hunt, Scott Baraban and their colleagues (Source: Nature)

Targeting self-renewal pathways in myeloid malignancies

Cell Communication and Signaling — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

A fundamental property of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is the ability to self-renew. This is a complex process involving multiple signal transduction cascades which control the fine balance between self-renewal and differentiation through transcriptional networks. Key activators/regulators of self-renewal include chemokines, cytokines and morphogens which are expressed in the bone marrow niche, either in a paracrine or autocrine fashion, and modulate stem cell behaviour. Increasing evidence suggests that the downstream signaling pathways induced by these ligands converge at multiple levels providing a degree of redundancy in steady state hematopoiesis. Here we will focus on how these pathways cross-talk to regulate HSC self-renewal highlighting potential therapeutic windows which could ...

An intensified systemic trafficking of bone marrow‐derived stem/progenitor cells in patients with pancreatic cancer

Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, we demonstrated that in patients with pancreatic cancer, intensified peripheral trafficking of selected populations of BMSCs occurs. This phenomenon seems to correlate with systemic activation of the CC, hepatocyte growth factor and S1P levels. In contrast to previous studies, we demonstrate herein that systemic SDF‐1 levels do not seem to be linked with increased mobilization of stem cells in patients with pancreatic cancer. (Source: Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine)

Cell adhesion and mechanical stimulation in the regulation of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation

Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine — Wed, 15 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract Stem cells have been shown to have the potential to provide a source of cells for applications to tissue engineering and organ repair. The mechanisms that regulate stem cell fate, however, mostly remain unclear. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitor cells that are isolated from bone marrow and other adult tissues, and can be differentiated into multiple cell lineages, such as bone, cartilage, fat, muscles and neurons. Although previous studies have focused intensively on the effects of chemical signals that regulate MSC commitment, the effects of physical/mechanical cues of the microenvironment on MSC fate determination have long been neglected. However, several studies provided evidence that mechanical signals, both direct and indirect, played important roles i...

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Human Embryonic Stem Cells Derived by Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer

Cell — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Masahito Tachibana, Paula Amato, Michelle Sparman, Nuria Marti Gutierrez, Rebecca Tippner-Hedges, Hong Ma, Eunju Kang, Alimujiang Fulati, Hyo-Sang Lee, Hathaitip Sritanaudomchai, Keith Masterson, Janine Larson, Deborah Eaton, Karen Sadler-Fredd, David Battaglia, David Lee, Diana Wu, Jeffrey Jensen, Phillip Patton, Sumita Gokhale, Richard L. Stouffer, Don Wolf, Shoukhrat Mitalipov. Reprogramming somatic cells into pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has been envisioned as an approach for generating patient-matched nuclear transfer .... (Source: Cell)

Self-Correction of Chromosomal Abnormalities in Human Preimplantation Embryos and Embryonic Stem Cells

Stem Cells and Development — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:08:32 +0100

Stem Cells and Development , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Stem Cells and Development)

Long Noncoding RNAs: New Players in the Molecular Mechanism for Maintenance and Differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Cells

Stem Cells and Development — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:08:25 +0100

Stem Cells and Development , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Stem Cells and Development)

Ontogeny of Human Umbilical Cord Perivascular Cells: Molecular and Fate Potential Changes During Gestation

Stem Cells and Development — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:08:12 +0100

Stem Cells and Development , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Stem Cells and Development)

Disease-In-A-Dish Models Show Promise For Treating Ataxia Telangiectasia

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:00:00 +0100

Led by Dr. Peiyee Lee and Dr. Richard Gatti, researchers at the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA have used induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells to advance disease-in-a-dish modeling of a rare genetic disorder, ataxia telangiectasia (A-T). Their discovery shows the positive effects of drugs that may lead to effective new treatments for the neurodegenerative disease. iPS cells are made from patients' skin cells, rather than from embryos, and they can become any type of cells, including brain cells, in the laboratory... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

'Off-the-shelf' virus-specific T-cells fight viral infections in stem cell transplant patients

Baylor College of Medicine News — Tue, 14 May 2013 05:00:00 +0100

Baylor College of Medicine researchers find a potential treatment for patients for whom antiviral drugs are not working. (Source: Baylor College of Medicine News)

Building a $325,000 Burger

NYT and Stem Cells — Tue, 14 May 2013 05:00:00 +0100

A researcher in the Netherlands wants to show the world — including potential donors — that in-vitro meat is a reality. (Source: NYT and Stem Cells)

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Vijay Tiwari awarded the Bruno Speck Award 2013

EurekAlert! - Cancer — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

(Johannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz) Dr Vijay Tiwari, a Group Leader at the Institute of Molecular Biology in Mainz, has been awarded the Bruno Speck Award by the Swiss Foundation of Haematological Research. The award recognizes outstanding work by young scientists in the fields of haematology and stem cell research. (Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer)

Using clay to grow bone

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

(Brigham and Women's Hospital) In new research published online May 13, 2013 in Advanced Materials, researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital are the first to report that synthetic silicate nanoplatelets (also known as layered clay) can induce stem cells to become bone cells without the need of additional bone-inducing factors. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Longer follow‐up confirms major improvement in outcome in children and adolescents with Philadelphia chromosome acute lymphoblastic leukaemia treated with continuous imatinib and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Results from the Spanish Cooperative Study SHOP/ALL‐2005

British Journal of Haematology — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Haematology)

Polycomb subunits Ezh1 and Ezh2 regulate the Merkel cell differentiation program in skin stem cells

The EMBO Journal AOP — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

The EMBO Journal. doi:10.1038/emboj.2013.110 Authors: Evan S Bardot, Victor J Valdes, Jisheng Zhang, Carolina N Perdigoto, Silvia Nicolis, Stephen A Hearn, Jose M Silva & Elena Ezhkova (Source: The EMBO Journal AOP)

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Survival and distribution of injected haematopoietic stem cells in acute kidney injury

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Injected HSCs do not appear to significantly contribute to tubular repair or ameliorate renal damage in ischaemic AKI although they may show considerable engraftment in various organs. These data further challenge the concept that injection of HSCs may be used as a therapeutic approach in treating AKI. (Source: Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation)

Antifungal drug usage in haematologic patients during a 4‐year period in an Asian university teaching hospital

Internal Medicine Journal — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

ConclusionThese results provide important epidemiologic data necessary for the formulation of strategies for prevention and treatment of IFD in Asian patients. (Source: Internal Medicine Journal)

Wnt5a signaling mediates biliary differentiation of fetal hepatic stem/progenitor cells in mice

Hepatology — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Wnt5a‐mediated signaling in fetal hepatic stem/progenitor cells suppresses biliary differentiation. These findings also suggest that activation of CaMKII by Wnt5a signaling suppresses biliary differentiation. (HEPATOLOGY 2013;) (Source: Hepatology)

Transdifferentiation of human stem cells [Cell Biology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

We report here the generation of antibody agonists from intracellular combinatorial libraries that transdifferentiate human stem cells. Antibodies that are agonists for the granulocyte colony stimulating factor receptor were selected from intracellular libraries on the basis of their ability to activate signaling pathways in reporter cells. We used a specialized... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

p63-expressing stem cells in GU tract and colon [Developmental Biology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

The tumor protein p63 (p63), and more specifically the NH2-terminal truncated (ΔN) p63 isoform, is a marker of basal epithelial cells and is required for normal development of several epithelial tissues, including the bladder and prostate glands. Although p63-expressing cells are proposed to be the stem cells of the developing... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

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Using Clay to Grow Bone

BWH for Journalists — Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Researchers use synthetic silicate to stimulate stem cells into bone cells (Source: BWH for Journalists)

Differentiation of human dental stem cells reveals a role for microRNA‐218

Journal of Periodontal Research — Mon, 13 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

ConclusionThese data reveal a miRNA‐regulated pathway for the differentiation of human DSCs and a select network of human miRNAs that control DSC osteogenic differentiation. (Source: Journal of Periodontal Research)

Development of a porous poly(DL‐lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid)‐based scaffold for mastoid air‐cell regeneration

The Laryngoscope — Mon, 13 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsThe PLGA/PEG‐alginate scaffolds developed in this study demonstrate similar structural features to human mastoid bone, support cell growth, and display sustained antibiotic release. These scaffolds may be of potential clinical use in mastoid air‐cell regeneration. Further in vivo studies to assess the suitability of PLGA/PEG‐alginate scaffolds for this application are required. Laryngoscope, 00:000–000, 2013 (Source: The Laryngoscope)

IL‐6 myokine signaling in skeletal muscle: a double‐edged sword?

FEBS Journal — Mon, 13 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

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In Vivo RNAi Screen for BMI1 Targets Identifies TGF-β/BMP-ER Stress Pathways as Key Regulators of Neural- and Malignant Glioma-Stem Cell Homeostasis

Cancer Cell — Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Gaetano Gargiulo, Matteo Cesaroni, Michela Serresi, Nienke de Vries, Danielle Hulsman, Sophia W. Bruggeman, Cesare Lancini, Maarten van Lohuizen. In mouse and human neural progenitor and glioblastoma “stem-like” cells, we identified key targets of the Polycomb-group protein BMI1 by combining ChIP-seq with in vivo RNAi screening. We discover.... (Source: Cancer Cell)

Acylglycerol kinase augments JAK2/STAT3 signaling in esophageal squamous cells

Journal of Clinical Investigation — Sun, 12 May 2013 10:10:01 +0100

JAK2 activity is tightly controlled through a self-inhibitory effect via its JAK homology domain 2 (JH2), which restricts the strength and duration of JAK2/STAT3 signaling under physiological conditions. Although multiple mutations within JAK2, which abrogate the function of JH2 and sustain JAK2 activation, are widely observed in hematological malignancies, comparable mutations have not been detected in solid tumors. How solid tumor cells override the autoinhibitory effect of the JH2 domain to maintain constitutive activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling remains puzzling. Herein, we demonstrate that AGK directly interacted with the JH2 domain to relieve inhibition of JAK2 and activate JAK2/STAT3 signaling. Overexpression of AGK sustained constitutive JAK2/STAT3 activation, consequently promotin...

The expression and significance of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor and its pathway on breast cancer stem/progenitors

Breast Cancer Research — Sun, 12 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our data support the notion that IGF-1R is a marker of stemness, and IGF-1R and its downstream PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway are attractive targets for therapy directed against breast cancer stem/progenitors. (Source: Breast Cancer Research)

Stem Cells and Acquired Resistance to EGFR Inhibitors

Cancer Research — Sun, 12 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, our study indicates that the manner of EGFR-TKI exposure influences the mechanism of acquired resistance and the appearance of stem cell–like property with EGFR-TKI treatment. Cancer Res; 73(10); 3051–61. ©2013 AACR. (Source: Cancer Research)

{beta}1 Integrin Association with Trop-2

Cancer Research — Sun, 12 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, we provide the first evidence that β1 integrin-dependent migratory and metastatic competence of prostate cancer cells is enhanced by Trop-2. Cancer Res; 73(10); 3155–67. ©2013 AACR. (Source: Cancer Research)

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NEDD9 Stabilizes AURKA

Cancer Research — Sun, 12 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Aurora A kinase (AURKA) is overexpressed in 96% of human cancers and is considered an independent marker of poor prognosis. While the majority of tumors have elevated levels of AURKA protein, few have AURKA gene amplification, implying that posttranscriptional mechanisms regulating AURKA protein levels are significant. Here, we show that NEDD9, a known activator of AURKA, is directly involved in AURKA stability. Analysis of a comprehensive breast cancer tissue microarray revealed a tight correlation between the expression of both proteins, significantly corresponding with increased prognostic value. A decrease in AURKA, concomitant with increased ubiquitination and proteasome-dependent degradation, occurs due to depletion or knockout of NEDD9. Reexpression of wild-type NEDD9 was sufficient...

{beta}-Catenin/POU5F1/SOX2 Complex in Lung Cancer Stem Cells

Cancer Research — Sun, 12 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Cancer stem-like cells (CSLC) are crucial in tumor initiation and progression; however, the underlying mechanism for the self-renewal of cancer cells remains undefined. In the study, immunohistochemical analysis of specimens freshly excised from patients with lung adenocarcinoma showed that high expression of insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF-IR) in lung adenocarcinoma cells was positively correlated with the expressions of cancer stem cell markers CD133 and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A1 (ALDH1A1). IGF-IR activation enhanced POU class 5 homeobox 1 (POU5F1) expression on human lung adenocarcinoma stem-like cells (LACSLC) through PI3K/AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin cascade. POU5F1 could form a novel complex with β-catenin and SOX2 to bind Nanog promoter for transcription to main...

Activated N-Ras signaling regulates arterial-venous specification in zebrafish

Journal of Hematology and Oncology — Sun, 12 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our studies revealed for the first time that activated N-Ras signaling during the endothelial differentiation in vertebrates can disrupt the balance of arterial-venous specification, thus providing new insights into the pathogenesis of the congenital human vascular disease and tumorigenic angiogenesis. (Source: Journal of Hematology and Oncology)

Transplantation KCNMA1 modified bone marrow‐mesenchymal stem cell therapy for diabetes mellitus‐induced erectile dysfunction

Andrologia — Sat, 11 May 2013 20:12:13 +0100

This study assessed the effect of KCNMA1 transfected bone marrow‐mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) on the improvement of erectile function in diabetic rats. Sixty male Sprague–Dawley rats were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) and screened with apomorphine (APO) to establish diabetes mellitus‐induced erectile dysfunction (DMED). DMED rats were randomly divided into four groups: rats in each group underwent intracavernous injection with either phosphate buffer solution (DMED+PBS), nontransfected MSCs (DMED+MSCs), empty vector transfected MSCs (DMED+null‐MSCs) or KCNMA1 transfected MSCs (DMED+KCNMA1‐MSCs). Before injection, high levels of KCNMA1 expression were confirmed in KCNMA1‐MSCs using RT‐PCR and Western blotting. The lentivirus transfected MSCs maintained their potenti...

Stem Cell Injection Research Study Now Enrolling at the Arizona Pain...

PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals — Sat, 11 May 2013 07:10:17 +0100

The new Arizona Pain Stem Cell Institute is beginning a research project involving...(PRWeb May 09, 2013)Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/stemcellinjections/painmanagementarizona/prweb10716458.htm (Source: PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals)

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Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein enhances osteogenesis by directly binding and activating bone morphogenetic protein-2

Bone — Sat, 11 May 2013 04:10:58 +0100

Abstract: Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are effective for bone regeneration, and are used clinically. However, supraphysiological doses are required, which limits their use. Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein is an extracellular matrix protein, which we have previously shown can bind to growth factors of the TGFs family, suggesting that COMP may also bind to BMP-2. Rather than being a passive component of the matrix, COMP may serve as an “instructive matrix” component capable of increasing local growth factor concentration, slowing the diffusion of growth factors, and promoting their biological activity. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether COMP binds to BMP-2, and whether it promotes the biological activity of BMP-2 with respect to osteogenesis. We found th...

UCLA stem cell researchers move toward treatment for rare genetic nerve disease

UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences — Fri, 10 May 2013 18:08:00 +0100

Young blood may help rejuvenate old hearts

NHS News Feed — Fri, 10 May 2013 10:47:00 +0100

Conclusion This study finds that sharing the circulation of young and old mice appears to reverse the age-related thickening of heart muscle cells in the older animal, and it seems this could be due to a certain growth factor in the blood of the young animal. The findings will be of scientific interest, and further our understanding of the processes of heart ageing in animals. However, the findings have very limited direct relevance to humans, and do not suggest a new treatment for heart failure. It is also certainly unknown at this point whether increasing levels of this factor in the blood of people with this type of heart failure would somehow reverse the entire disease process. Its relevance to other types of heart failure not associated with thickened heart muscle is even less clear....

Bone morphogenetic protein 6 stimulates mineralization in human dental follicle cells without dexamethasone

Archives of Oral Biology — Fri, 10 May 2013 08:15:35 +0100

Conclusion: These findings suggest that hDFCs can differentiate to osteogenic lineage cells osteogenic induction medium without DEX, and BMP6 is a key gene in the osteogenic differentiation of hDFCs, and has therapeutic utility for bone regeneration and bone research. (Source: Archives of Oral Biology)

Comparison of the differentiation potential of neural crest derived progenitor cells from apical papilla (dNC-PCs) and stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) into mineralising cells

Archives of Oral Biology — Fri, 10 May 2013 08:15:35 +0100

Conclusion: Our results suggest that dNC-PCs are precursors for primary odontoblasts, whereas SHED differentiate into replacement odontoblasts. These different odontogenic differentiation potentials of dNC-PCs and SHED have to be considered for cellular therapies and tissue engineering approaches in the future. (Source: Archives of Oral Biology)

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Transplanted Human Brain Cells Grow In Mice

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 10 May 2013 08:00:00 +0100

A key type of human brain cell developed in the laboratory grows seamlessly when transplanted into the brains of mice, UC San Francisco researchers have discovered, raising hope that these cells might one day be used to treat people with Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and possibly even Alzheimer's disease, as well as complications of spinal cord injury such as chronic pain and spasticity... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Natural Fibres Biologically Effective For Use In Stem Cell Cartilage Repair

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 10 May 2013 07:00:00 +0100

Over 20 million people in Europe suffer from osteoarthritis which can lead to extensive damage to the knee and hip cartilage. Stem cells offer a promising way forward but a key challenge has been to design a 'smart material' that is biologically effective for cartilage tissue regeneration. Now researchers have identified a blend of naturally occurring fibres such as cellulose and silk that makes progress towards affordable and effective cell-based therapy for cartilage repair a step closer... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

mHCN4 Genetically Modified Canine Mesenchymal Stem Cells Provide Biological Pacemaking Function in Complete Dogs with Atrioventricular Block

Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

ConclusionTransplantation of mHCN4‐modified cMSCs provided a stable biological pacemaking function that allowed an appropriate chronotropic response to physical exercise for up to 6 weeks. (Source: Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE)

UCLA stem cell researchers move toward treatment for rare genetic nerve disease

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

(University of California - Los Angeles) UCLA researchers at the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research have used induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) to advance disease-in-a-dish modeling of a rare genetic disorder, ataxia telangiectasia. Their discovery shows positive effects of drugs that may lead to effective new treatments for the neurodegenerative disease. iPSC are made from patient skin cells rather than from embryos and can become any type of cells in the laboratory. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Development and resolution of secondary autoimmunity after autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for systemic lupus erythematosus: competition of plasma cells for survival niches?

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an effective treatment for severe autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).1 However, it is increasingly recognised that these patients have an added propensity to develop secondary autoimmune disorders.2 3 Here, we report on a 21-year-old male patient who received a CD34-selected autologous HSCT following conditioning with antithymocyte-globulin and cyclophosphamide (CYC) after written informed consent for refractory, severe SLE with renal, haematological, mucocutaneous and musculoskeletal manifestations (SLEDAI 19).1 Clinical remission was achieved for SLE within 3 months after HSCT and anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies disappeared despite immunosuppressive drug withdrawal. Eight months after HSC...

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Stem cell therapy for tendinopathy: lessons from a large animal model

British Journal of Sports Medicine — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Introduction Tendon disorders compromise pain-free activity and often progress to chronic pain with a major impact on quality of life. Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is particularly common with many proposed therapies. However, apart from eccentric loading exercises, none have been shown to be more effective than placebo.1 Even the recent popular use of platelet-rich plasma has shown poor efficacy.2 3 There is therefore a clear need for new effective non-surgical treatments. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer the potential for tendon regeneration and improved functional outcome via either direct or paracrine effects. We have therefore investigated the efficacy of bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) implanted into naturally-occurring over-strain injury of the equine superficial digital flexor t...

Factors affecting tendinopathogenesis

British Journal of Sports Medicine — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Discussion We have demonstrated that MSC injections can be effective in reducing surgically-induced tendon pathology and that timing of injection is critically important to the long-term benefit. The in vitro changes in MSC expression suggest that both the tenocytes and the condition of the extracellular environment determine the secretome of the injected cells, and that the MSCs are responding to feedback from their immediate environment. MSCs have potential in the development of a cellular therapy to treat tendinopathy that develops after injury. (Source: British Journal of Sports Medicine)

Effects of mast cells on the function of isolated human tenocytes

British Journal of Sports Medicine — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Discussion These findings suggest that either through physical association with tenocytes and/or release of mediators, mast cells could play a role in the regulation and activation of tenocytes. Further studies are underway to investigate the molecular mechanisms of mast cell-tenocyte interactions and whether these could play a role in the pathogenesis of tendinopathy. (Source: British Journal of Sports Medicine)

Stem cells, angiogenesis and muscle healing: a potential role in massage therapies?

British Journal of Sports Medicine — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Skeletal muscle injuries are among the most common and frequently disabling injuries sustained by athletes. Repair of injured skeletal muscle is an area that continues to present a challenge for sports medicine clinicians and researchers due, in part, to complete muscle recovery being compromised by development of fibrosis leading to loss of function and susceptibility to re-injury. Injured skeletal muscle goes through a series of coordinated and interrelated phases of healing including degeneration, inflammation, regeneration and fibrosis. Muscle regeneration initiated shortly after injury can be limited by fibrosis which affects the degree of recovery and predisposes the muscle to reinjury. It has been demonstrated in animal studies that antifibrotic agents that inactivate transforming g...

Detection of a TLR2 agonist by hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) impacts the function of the macrophages they produce

European Journal of Immunology — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

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CD133 expression in circulating tumor cells from breast cancer patients: Potential role in resistance to chemotherapy

International Journal of Cancer — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract CD133 has been associated with cell properties such as self renewal, migration and vasculogenic mimicry, potentially involved in generation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). We characterized CD133 expression in CTCs of 98 no‐metastatic breast cancer patients. CTCs were isolated by immunomagnetic techniques using magnetic beads labelled with a multi‐cytokeratin(CK)‐specific antibody (CK3‐11D5) and CTCs and CD133 detection through immunocytochemical methods. CK+/CD133+ CTCs were identified in 65% of patients at baseline and 47,8% after systemic therapy (p=0.53). Correlation of CD133 status in CTCs with classical clinicopathological characteristics and response to therapy was performed. Her2 not amplified and low Ki‐67 index were positively correlated with presence of CK+/...

Frequent detection of human cytomegalovirus in neuroblastoma: A novel therapeutic target?

International Journal of Cancer — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract Neuroblastoma is the most common and deadly tumor of childhood, where new therapy options for patients with high‐risk disease are highly warranted. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is prevalent in the human population and has recently been implicated in different cancer forms where it may provide mechanisms for oncogenic transformation, oncomodulation and tumour cell immune evasion. Here we show that the majority of primary neuroblastomas and neuroblastoma cell lines are infected with HCMV. Our analysis show that HCMV immediate‐early protein was expressed in 100% of 36 primary neuroblastoma samples, and HCMV late protein was expressed in 92%, However, no infectious virus was detected in primary neuroblastoma tissue extracts. Remarkably, all six human neuroblastoma cell lines inves...

Paracrine cytokine mechanisms underlying the hyperpigmentation of seborrheic keratosis in covered skin areas

The Journal of Dermatology — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

In this study, we characterized seborrheic keratosis (SK) to examine the paracrine cytokine mechanism(s) involved in its epidermal hyperpigmentation by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry and western blotting analyses. In contrast to our previous study which showed the upregulated expression of EDN1 and EDNBR at the transcriptional and translational levels in the epidermis of SK, we observed unexpectedly that the cytokine SCF and its receptor c‐KIT are not upregulated, but are downregulated at both the gene and protein levels. We established SK cell lines to examine whether SK basaloid cells are less sensitive to SCF‐inducible stimulation than are normal human keratinocytes (NHK). Comparison of the stimulatory effects of interleukin (IL)‐1α or tumor...

Benefits and risks when pushing renal regeneration

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: miRNA let-7e is involved in renal differentiation via the modulation of GSK3β phosphorylation and β-catenin production. The inhibitory effect of miRNA let-7e on PKCβ reduces GSK3β phosphorylation and β-catenin production during the differentiation process in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). (Source: Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation)

Transplantation: basic science

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:MSC-derived EVs may have a protective role in TCMR by inhibition of T cell proliferation, by differentiation toward a T regulatory phenotype and by reduction of apoptosis and preservation of functional integrity of tubular cells. These protective effects are mediated by the horizontal transfer of specific RNAs from EVs to target cells. (Source: Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation)

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Strategies for Isolating and Enriching Cancer Stem Cells: Well Begun Is Half Done

Stem Cells and Development — Fri, 10 May 2013 03:05:47 +0100

Stem Cells and Development , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Stem Cells and Development)

Two UCLA faculty elected to National Academy of Sciences

UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences — Thu, 09 May 2013 22:15:33 +0100

Two professors from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA have been elected by their peers to the prestigious National Academy of Sciences in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. Election to the academy is considered one of the highest honors presented to scientists in the U.S.; its membership includes Albert Einstein, Robert Oppenheimer, Thomas Edison, Orville Wright and Alexander Graham Bell. The UCLA professors are among 84 new members of the academy from across the U.S. and 21 foreign associates from 14 countries. Their election brings the number of current UCLA academy members to 43. The new UCLA members are: Dr. Edward De Robertis, Norman Sprague Professor of Biological Chemistry and a Howard Hughes Medi...

Expression of the Human FSHD-Linked DUX4 Gene Induces Neurogenesis During Differentiation of Murine Embryonic Stem Cells

Stem Cells and Development — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:02:51 +0100

Stem Cells and Development , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Stem Cells and Development)

Turning old hearts

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

(Harvard University) Two Harvard Stem Cell Institute researchers have identified a protein in the blood of mice and humans that may prove to be the first effective treatment for the form of age-related heart failure that affects millions of Americans. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Salk researchers chart epigenomics of stem cells that mimic early human development

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

(Salk Institute) Scientists have long known that control mechanisms known collectively as "epigenetics" play a critical role in human development, but they did not know precisely how alterations in this extra layer of biochemical instructions in DNA contribute to development. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

6-Formylindolo (3,2-b)carbazole (FICZ) enhances retinoic acid (RA)-induced differentiation of HL-60 myeloblastic leukemia cells

Molecular Cancer — Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our data suggest that FICZ modulates intracellular signaling pathways and enhances RA-induced differentiation. (Source: Molecular Cancer)

The myelodysplastic syndrome as a prototypical epigenetic disease

Blood — Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

The myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a clonal disorder characterized by increased stem cell proliferation coupled with aberrant differentiation resulting in a high rate of apoptosis and eventual symptoms related to bone marrow failure. Cellular differentiation is an epigenetic process that requires specific and highly ordered DNA methylation and histone modification programs. Aberrant differentiation in MDS can often be traced to abnormal DNA methylation (both gains and losses of DNA methylation genome wide and at specific loci) as well as mutations in genes that regulate epigenetic programs (TET2 and DNMT3a, both involved in DNA methylation control; EZH2 and ASXL1, both involved in histone methylation control). The epigenetic nature of MDS may explain in part the serendipitous observatio...

GATA2 haploinsufficiency caused by mutations in a conserved intronic element leads to MonoMAC syndrome

Blood — Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Previous reports of GATA2 mutations have focused on the coding region of the gene or full gene deletions. We recently identified 2 patients with novel insertion/deletion mutations predicted to result in mRNA nonsense-mediated decay, suggesting haploinsufficiency as the mechanism of GATA2 deficient disease. We therefore screened patients without identified exonic lesions for mutations within conserved noncoding and intronic regions. We discovered 1 patient with an intronic deletion mutation, 4 patients with point mutations within a conserved intronic element, and 3 patients with reduced or absent transcription from 1 allele. All mutations affected GATA2 transcription. Full-length cDNA analysis provided evidence for decreased expression of the mutant alleles. The intronic deletion and point ...

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Identification of the chemokine CCL28 as a growth and survival factor for human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells

Blood — Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

In an attempt to discover novel growth factors for hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), we have assessed cytokine responses of cord blood (CB)–derived CD34+ cells in a high-content growth factor screen. We identify the immunoregulatory chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 28 (CCL28) as a novel growth factor that directly stimulates proliferation of primitive hematopoietic cells from different ontogenetic origins. CCL28 enhances the functional progenitor cell content of cultured cells by stimulating cell cycling and induces gene expression changes associated with survival. Importantly, addition of CCL28 to cultures of purified putative hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) significantly increases the ability of the cells to long-term repopulate immunodeficient mice compared with equival...

FLT3 activation cooperates with MLL-AF4 fusion protein to abrogate the hematopoietic specification of human ESCs

Blood — Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL)–AF4 fusion arises prenatally in high-risk infant acute pro-B-lymphoblastic leukemia (pro-B-ALL). In human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), MLL-AF4 skewed hematoendothelial specification but was insufficient for transformation, suggesting that additional oncogenic insults seem required for MLL-AF4–mediated transformation. MLL-AF4+ pro-B-ALL expresses enormous levels of FLT3, occasionally because of activating mutations, thus representing a candidate cooperating event in MLL-AF4+ pro-B-ALL. Here, we explored the developmental impact of FLT3 activation alone, or together with MLL-AF4, in the hematopoietic fate of hESCs. FLT3 activation does not affect specification of hemogenic precursors but significantly enhances the formation of CD45+ blood cells, and ...

A critical role for the retinoic acid signaling pathway in the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease

Blood — Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Damage to the gastrointestinal tract during graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. In the current study, we identified a critical role for the retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathway in the induction and propagation of gastrointestinal GVHD. The administration of exogenous RA significantly increased expression of the gut-homing molecules, CCR9 and α4β7, on donor T cells in mesenteric lymph nodes, and augmented the accumulation of proinflammatory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells within the gut mucosa, leading to a selective exacerbation of colonic GVHD and increased overall mortality. Conversely, depletion of RA in recipient mice by vitamin A deprivation resulted in a dramatic re...

Use of V(D)J recombination excision circles to identify T- and B-cell defects and to monitor the treatment in primary and acquired immunodeficiencies

Journal of Translational Medicine — Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) and kappa-deleting recombination excision circles (KRECs) are circular DNA segments generated in T and B cells during their maturation in the thymus and bone marrow. These circularized DNA elements persist in the cells, are unable to replicate, and are diluted as a result of cell division, thus are considered markers of new lymphocyte output. The quantification of TRECs and KRECs, which can be reliably performed using singleplex or duplex real-time quantitative PCR, provides novel information in the management of T- and B-cell immunity-related diseases. In primary immunodeficiencies, when combined with flow cytometric analysis of T- and B-cell subpopulations, the measure of TRECs and KRECs has contributed to an improved characterization of the disea...

Effect of mesenchymal stem cells on inhibiting airway remodeling and airway inflammation in chronic asthma

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry — Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

In this study, we investigated the effect on airway remodeling and airway inflammation by administrating BMSCs in chronic asthmatic mice. Forty‐eight female BALB/c mice were randomly distributed into PBS group, BMSCs treatment group, BMSCs control group, and asthmatic group. The levels of cytokine and immunoglobulin in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The number of CD4+CD25+regulatory T cells and morphometric analysis was determined by flow cytometry, hematoxylin‐eosin, immunofluorescence staining, periodic‐acid Schiff, and masson staining, respectively. We found that airway remodeling and airway inflammation were evident in asthmatic mice. Moreover, low level of IL‐12 and high levels of IL‐13, IL‐4, OVA‐specific IgG...

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Non insulin producing cell line, MIA PaCa‐2 is rendered insulin producing in vitro via mesenchymal epithelial transition

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry — Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract We used non‐insulin producing pancreatic carcinoma cell line, MIA PaCa‐2 and have modulated its culture conditions by using 1% matrigel as extracellular matrix, N2, B27 growth supplements and serum free conditions. Expression of markers was analyzed using qRT‐PCR, immunofluorescence and in vitro functional assay for insulin and C‐peptide release was assessed using insulin and C‐peptide ELISA, respectively. The cells grown under this altered culture conditions have exhibited a transition in the morphology from mesenchymal to epithelial with extensive piling up of cells. A reduction in doubling time from 40 to 18 h, upregulation of beta islet specific markers like pancreatic duodenal homeobox‐1 (Pdx‐1), C‐peptide, insulin, and disappearance of markers like vimentin...

Accumulation of micron sized iron oxide particles in endothelin‐1 induced focal cortical ischemia in rats is independent of cell migration

Magnetic Resonance in Medicine — Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

ConclusionWe conclude that MRI‐based neural stem/progenitor cell tracking via direct injection of MPIOs into the lateral and third ventricles, requires significant validation in models of brain disease/trauma. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Magnetic Resonance in Medicine)

Gender depended potentiality of differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells into oocyte‐Like cells in vitro

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

FACS purification of Drosophila larval neuroblasts for next-generation sequencing

Nature Protocols — Thu, 09 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Nature Protocols 8, 1088 (2013). doi:10.1038/nprot.2013.062 Authors: Heike Harzer, Christian Berger, Ryan Conder, Gerald Schmauss & Juergen A Knoblich Elegant tools are available for the genetic analysis of neural stem cell lineages in Drosophila, but a methodology for purifying stem cells and their differentiated progeny for transcriptome analysis is currently missing. Previous attempts to overcome this problem either involved using RNA isolated from (Source: Nature Protocols)

Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes Migrate in Response to Gradients of Fibronectin and Wnt5a

Stem Cells and Development — Thu, 09 May 2013 03:08:22 +0100

Stem Cells and Development , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Stem Cells and Development)

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Epigenomic Analysis of Multilineage Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Cell — Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Wei Xie, Matthew D. Schultz, Ryan Lister, Zhonggang Hou, Nisha Rajagopal, Pradipta Ray, John W. Whitaker, Shulan Tian, R. David Hawkins, Danny Leung, Hongbo Yang, Tao Wang, Ah Young Lee, Scott A. Swanson, Jiuchun Zhang, Yun Zhu, Audrey Kim, Joseph R. Nery, Mark A. Urich, Samantha Kuan, Chia-an Yen, Sarit Klugman, Pengzhi Yu, Kran Suknuntha, Nicholas E. Propson, Huaming Chen, Lee E. Edsall, Ulrich Wagner, Yan Li, Zhen Ye, Ashwinikumar Kulkarni, Zhenyu Xuan, Wen-Yu Chung, Neil C. Chi, Jessica E. Antosiewicz-Bourget, Igor Slukvin, Ron Stewart, Michael Q. Zhang, Wei Wang, James A. Thomson, Joseph R. Ecker, Bing Ren. Epigenetic mechanisms have been proposed to play crucial roles in mammalian development, but their precise functions are only partially understood. To investigate ep...

Transcriptional and Epigenetic Dynamics during Specification of Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Cell — Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Casey A. Gifford, Michael J. Ziller, Hongcang Gu, Cole Trapnell, Julie Donaghey, Alexander Tsankov, Alex K. Shalek, David R. Kelley, Alexander A. Shishkin, Robbyn Issner, Xiaolan Zhang, Michael Coyne, Jennifer L. Fostel, Laurie Holmes, Jim Meldrim, Mitchell Guttman, Charles Epstein, Hongkun Park, Oliver Kohlbacher, John Rinn, Andreas Gnirke, Eric S. Lander, Bradley E. Bernstein, Alexander Meissner. Differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) provides a unique opportunity to study the regulatory mechanisms that facilitate cellular transitions in a human context. To that end, we perf.... (Source: Cell)

Cancer Headlines from Johns Hopkins (with audio)

MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:54:33 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- Cancer Headlines is a monthly podcast from Johns Hopkins that focuses solely on oncology news. This month's topics include blood tests to monitor cancers during treatment, a biomarker for lung cancer, and stem cells to treat brain cancer. (Source: MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology)

Blood Vessel-Derived Stem Cells for Meniscal RegenerationBlood Vessel-Derived Stem Cells for Meniscal Regeneration

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:00:00 +0100

Learn more on blood vessel-derived stem cells -- and the role can they play in meniscal regeneration. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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Low-Level Shear Stress Induces Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Migration Through the SDF-1/CXCR4 Axis Via MAPK Signaling Pathways

Stem Cells and Development — Wed, 08 May 2013 14:20:14 +0100

Stem Cells and Development , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Stem Cells and Development)

Adult Cells Transformed Into Early-Stage Nerve Cells, Bypassing The Pluripotent Stem Cell Stage

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 May 2013 09:00:00 +0100

A University of Wisconsin-Madison research group has converted skin cells from people and monkeys into a cell that can form a wide variety of nervous-system cells - without passing through the do-it-all stage called the induced pluripotent stem cell, or iPSC. Bypassing the ultraflexible iPSC stage was a key advantage, says senior author Su-Chun Zhang, a professor of neuroscience and neurology. "IPSC cells can generate any cell type, which could be a problem for cell-based therapy to repair damage due to disease or injury in the nervous system... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Customizable, Three-Dimensional Bone Grafts Created From Skin Cells

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 May 2013 08:00:00 +0100

A team of New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Research Institute scientists report the generation of patient-specific bone substitutes from skin cells for repair of large bone defects. The study, led by Darja Marolt, PhD, a NYSCF-Helmsley Investigator and Giuseppe Maria de Peppo, PhD, a NYSCF Research Fellow, and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA, represents a major advance in personalized reconstructive treatments for patients with bone defects resulting from disease or trauma... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Drosophila Offer Clues To Understanding How Stem Cells Produce Different Kinds Of Cells

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 May 2013 07:00:00 +0100

The human body contains trillions of cells, all derived from a single cell, or zygote, made by the fusion of an egg and a sperm. That single cell contains all the genetic information needed to develop into a human, and passes identical copies of that information to each new cell as it divides into the many diverse types of cells that make up a complex organism like a human being... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Silk and cellulose biologically effective for use in stem cell cartilage repair

University of Bristol news — Wed, 08 May 2013 07:00:00 +0100

Over 20 million people in Europe suffer from osteoarthritis which can lead to extensive damage to the knee and hip cartilage. Stem cells offer a promising way forward but a key challenge has been to design a ‘smart material’ that is biologically effective for cartilage tissue regeneration. Now researchers have identified a blend of naturally occurring fibres such as cellulose and silk that makes progress towards affordable and effective cell-based therapy for cartilage repair a step closer. (Source: University of Bristol news)

Reviewing the Follow-up Care of Pediatric Patients' Status Post-Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for the Primary Care Pediatrician

Clinical Pediatrics — Wed, 08 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Late adverse effects after pediatric HSCT are common and require close screening and monitoring, which can be done by the primary care provider along with the oncologist. (Source: Clinical Pediatrics)

Defining the path to hematopoietic stem cells

Nature Biotechnology — Wed, 08 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Nature Biotechnology 31, 416 (2013). doi:10.1038/nbt.2571 Authors: Christopher M Sturgeon, Andrea Ditadi, Raedun L Clarke & Gordon Keller New insights into hemogenic endothelium will facilitate efforts to produce hematopoietic stem cells in vitro. (Source: Nature Biotechnology)

Necrotic and apoptotic cells serve as nuclei for calcification on osteoblastic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells in vitro

Cell Biochemistry and Function — Wed, 08 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

In this study, we investigated whether cell death is involved in the calcification on osteoblastic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) under osteogenic culture in vitro. Apoptosis and necrosis occurred in an osteogenic culture of hMSC, and cell death preceded calcification. The generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species, chromatin condensation and fragmentation, and caspase‐3 activation increased in this culture. A pan‐caspase inhibitor (Z‐VAD‐FMK) and anti‐oxidants (Tiron and n‐acetylcysteine) inhibited osteogenic culture‐induced cell death and calcification. Furthermore, calcification was significantly promoted by the addition of necrotic dead cells or its membrane fraction. Spontaneously dead cells by osteogenic culture and exogenous...

Inhibition of CK2α down‐regulates Notch1 signalling in lung cancer cells

Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine — Wed, 08 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract Protein kinase CK2 is frequently elevated in a variety of human cancers. The Notch1 signalling pathway has been implicated in stem cell maintenance and its aberrant activation has been shown in several types of cancer including lung cancer. Here, we show, for the first time, that CK2α is a positive regulator of Notch1 signalling in lung cancer cell lines A549 and H1299. We found that Notch1 protein level was reduced after CK2α silencing. Down‐regulation of Notch1 transcriptional activity was demonstrated after the silencing of CK2α in lung cancer cells. Furthermore, small‐molecule CK2α inhibitor CX‐4945 led to a dose‐dependent inhibition of Notch1 transcriptional activity. Conversely, forced overexpression of CK2α resulted in an increase in Notch1 transcriptional acti...

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Become an Advocate for Science: Join the AIBS Legislative Action Center

Public Policy Reports — Tue, 07 May 2013 23:11:00 +0100

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 understand these issues. These exciting new advocacy tools allows individuals to quickly and easily communicate with members of Congress, executive branch officials, and ...

Stress Induces AMP-Dependent Loss of Potency Factors Id2 and Cdx2 in Early Embryos and Stem Cells

Stem Cells and Development — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:48:23 +0100

Stem Cells and Development May 2013, Vol. 22, No. 10: 1564-1575. (Source: Stem Cells and Development)

Correction

Stem Cells and Development — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:48:01 +0100

Stem Cells and Development May 2013, Vol. 22, No. 10: 1624-1624. (Source: Stem Cells and Development)

Immunotherapy in lung cancer: the potential of cancer stem cells in future therapies

Future Oncology — Tue, 07 May 2013 11:29:28 +0100

Future Oncology , May 2013, Vol. 9, No. 5, Pages 623-625. (Source: Future Oncology)

Bioengineer Reveals That Heart Cells Change Stem Cell Behavior

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 07 May 2013 07:00:00 +0100

Stem cells drawn from amniotic fluid show promise for tissue engineering, but it's important to know what they can and cannot do. A new study by researchers at Rice University and Texas Children's Hospital has shown that these stem cells can communicate with mature heart cells and form electrical couplings with each other similar to those found in heart tissue. But these electrical connections alone do not prompt amniotic cells to become cardiac cells... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Gene Thought To Make Heart Tissues Turns Out To Make Blood And Muscles As Well

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 07 May 2013 07:00:00 +0100

New research out of the Lillehei Heart Institute at the University of Minnesota shows that by turning on just a single gene, Mesp1, different cell types including the heart, blood and muscle can be created from stem cells. The study was published in the journal Cell Stem Cell. "Previous research indicated that this gene was the "master regulator" for development of the heart, and that its activity prevented the differentiation of other cell types," said Michael Kyba, Ph.D... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Silk and cellulose biologically effective for use in stem cell cartilage repair

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 07 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

(University of Bristol) Over 20 million people in Europe suffer from osteoarthritis which can lead to extensive damage to the knee and hip cartilage. Stem cells offer a promising way forward but a key challenge has been to design a 'smart material' that is biologically effective for cartilage tissue regeneration. Now researchers have identified a blend of naturally occurring fibers such as cellulose and silk that makes progress towards affordable and effective cell-based therapy for cartilage repair a step closer. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Castor and EYA in cell-fate diversification [Developmental Biology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 07 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Asymmetric division of stem cells results in both self-renewal and differentiation of daughters. Understanding the molecules and mechanisms that govern differentiation of specific cell types from adult tissue stem cells is a major challenge in developmental biology and regenerative medicine. Drosophila follicle stem cells (FSCs) represent an excellent model system... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

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Comparison between fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells derived from dermal and adipose tissue

International Journal of Cosmetic Science — Tue, 07 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

ConclusionHuman dermal fibroblasts have a potential to adhere to plastic surfaces and differentiate into other cell types. However, for stem cells intended to be used in cosmetics, experiments conducted with contaminated fibroblasts may produce poor or even falsely negative results for the efficacy of the active ingredient or formulation, and thus conceal their promising effects as antiaging and skin rejuvenation products.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. (Source: International Journal of Cosmetic Science)

Japan to offer fast-track approval path for stem cell therapies

Nature Medicine — Tue, 07 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Nature Medicine 19, 510 (2013). doi:10.1038/nm0513-510 Author: David Cyranoski (Source: Nature Medicine)

The mood stabilizer valproate activates human FGF1 gene promoter through inhibiting HDAC and GSK‐3 activities

Journal of Neurochemistry — Tue, 07 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

This study suggested, for the first time, that VPA activates human FGF1 gene promoter through inhibiting HDAC and GSK‐3 activities. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. (Source: Journal of Neurochemistry)

Adult stem cells for chronic lung diseases

Respirology — Tue, 07 May 2013 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are chronic, progressive and lethal lung diseases. The incidence of IPF and COPD increases with age, independent of exposure to common environmental risk factors. At present, there is limited understanding of the relationship between aging and the development of chronic lung diseases. One hypothesis is that chronic injury drives to exhaustion the local and systemic repair responses in the lung. These changes are accentuated during aging where there is a progressive accumulation of senescent cells. Recently, stem cells have emerged as a critical reparative mechanism for lung injury. In this review, we discuss the repair response of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (B‐MSCs) after lung in...