By Stephanie Banat

17-year-old Samantha Horowitz is teaching the world about the healing powers of music.

A lifelong Merrick resident, Horowitz is a senior at Calhoun High School who for the past three years has been the sole vocalist in the production of a musical documentary, Second Chance, based on her mother, Tara Notricas, long battle with mast cell disease.

Some of the songs were written from my perspective, and some were written from my moms perspective, Horowitz explained. Music has given us the freedom to express things that we couldnt put into words and I truly believe its a huge part of the reason that my mom is here with us today.

In honor of her creative, healing effort, the Herald is proud to name Horowitz its 2021 Person of the Year.

Since Notricas early 20s, she had suffered from a number of physical maladies of unknown causes, including episodes of anaphylactic shock, hair loss and other issues.

It wasnt until April 2011, after consultations with scores of specialists, that Notrica was finally diagnosed with mast cell activation syndrome, a rare disorder caused by abnormal or overly active mast cells that affects multiple organ systems, including the gastrointestinal, neurological, endocrine, cardiac and respiratory systems.

It took a huge toll on me and my family, Horowitz said. I was 5 at the time, and I didnt understand what was going on. I just knew that my mom was sick, and that she couldnt be the mom she wanted to be for my brother, Jared, and I.

In 2018, Notrica endured a stem cell transplant, which was unsuccessful. Next, that June, her doctors offered her the option of receiving a bone marrow transplant, which, they said, she had a 50-50 chance of surviving. Nonetheless, Notrica decided to go forward with the procedure.

At this time, the whole music process really started picking up, her daughter said, because there were now a lot more emotions we were experiencing to write about because there were some days that my mom woke up and really didnt think she was going to make it.

Just two weeks before the bone marrow transplant, the family began filming a documentary, directed by Rochester-based filmmakers Matthew White and Brian Gerlach. The film documents Notricas health journey, and focuses on the weeks leading up to the transplant. Its title, Second Chance, comes from one of its songs, which is about Notrica getting a second chance at life, and getting to experience everything she had missed out on because of her illness.

Since 2017, Horowitz has written and recorded 11 original songs for the film. Her music career, however, started long before the documentary.

Ive had a passion for singing since I was around 3 or 4 years old, she said. In elementary school I did musical theater, and then in middle school I began writing my own original songs.

In 2017, at age 13, she wrote her first song for the documentary, alongside her mother and her vocal coach, former American Idol contestant and Merrick native Robbie Rosen. The ballad, called Brave the Storm, was written to show Notrica that she wasnt facing her illness alone, her daughter said.

Another one of her favorite songs from the documentary, Horowitz said, is called Carry On, which she wrote from her mothers perspective. This song is basically my mom saying that if it came down to it and she didnt make it, she wants my family to carry on without her, Samantha said, because shed always be a part of us and would always be watching over us.

Now, nearly three years after the transplant, and after facing a multitude of complications from it, Notrica is still under medical care at home.

The biggest thing, Horowitz said, is throughout this whole process of my mom being sick, whats always brought her a sense of comfort is music. Not just her favorite artists on the radio, but really the fact that I could sing to her and bring her joy and show her that there are things in life that are certainly worth fighting for not just her family, but also things like music.

Aside from her music, Horowitz has earned academic accolades throughout her high school career, and is a member of Calhouns national, math, science, English, social studies and world language honor societies. She is also a peer tutor for other students.

Rosen, who has gotten to know Horowitz well over the past four years, spoke about her dedication to the film and her ability to balance her various responsibilities despite the hardships shes faced. Shes been through so much since her childhood, Rosen said, so I think that her ability to keep it together, get the grades that she does, focus on music the way she does, and persevere through everything is a testament to who she is, her strength and her talent.

Calhoun Principal Nicole Hollings also noted Horowitzs many strengths, and the reasons that she is an ideal role model for others. Aside from being an outstanding student who has taken rigorous courses throughout high school, Hollings said, Samantha has been involved in many community service opportunities, and has always given her time and help to others who need it. She is truly a role model to others, showing how to be strong, caring, and how to live life in the moment, making every moment count, no matter how difficult it might be to do that.

Horowitz said that her mothers health journey has inspired her to major in biology when she starts college next year, and that she plans to go into the medical field. Im really interested in studying the correlation between music and someone healing, she said, Although this journey has caused me a lot of suffering, its made me extremely passionate about what I want to do with my future, and honestly, it has made me into who I am today.

Aside from sharing the familys ordeal, the documentary raises awareness of rare diseases, educates about bone marrow transplants, encourages people to become bone marrow donors and promotes State Senate Bill S1377, which would require school districts to establish medical hardship waiver policies.

But Horowitz said that her overall goal in creating the documentary is to help others who may be going through similar struggles. The main purpose isnt just to share my moms story or to get our music out there, she said, but really, its for people who are going through similar situations to see that they arent alone because its not easy for everyone to talk about their condition the way my mom does, and not everyone has a family member that can make songs about their journey to comfort them but I believe this film has the power to change peoples perspectives on life and to show them that music truly is a coping mechanism.

She added that she hoped the film would teach people not to take life for granted, and to make the best of every negative situation.

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Healing others with music - liherald

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Abstract:

Over the last decade, stem cell-associated therapies are widely used because of their potential in self-renewable and multipotent differentiation ability. Stem cells have become more attractive for aesthetic uses and plastic surgery, including scar reduction, breast augmentation, facial contouring, hand rejuvenation, and anti-aging. The current preclinical and clinical studies of stem cells on aesthetic uses also showed promising outcomes. Adipose-derived stem cells are commonly used for fat grafting that demonstrated scar improvement, anti-aging, skin rejuvenation properties, etc. While stem cell-based products have yet to receive approval from the FDA for aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery. Moving forward, the review on the efficacy and potential of stem cell-based therapy for aesthetic and plastic surgery is limited. In the present review, we discuss the current status and recent advances of using stem cells for aesthetic and plastic surgery. The potential of cell-free therapy and tissue engineering in this field is also highlighted. The clinical applications, advantages, and limitations are also discussed. This review also provides further works that need to be investigated to widely apply stem cells in the clinic, especially in aesthetic and plastic contexts.

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Exploring the potential of stem cell-based therapy for aesthetic and plastic surgery - Newswise

Skin Stem Cells Comments Off on Exploring the potential of stem cell-based therapy for aesthetic and plastic surgery – Newswise | December 23rd, 2021

Our cells are packed with unrealized potential. Almost every human cell contains the genetic information it needs to become any other kind of cell. A skin cell, for example, has the same genes as a muscle cell or a brain neuron, but in each type of cell only some of those genes are switched on, while others remain silent. Its a little like making different meals out of the same ingredients cupboard. If we understand the recipe behind each type of cell, then theoretically we can use this information to engineer every single cell type in the human body.

That is Mark Kotters goal. Kotter is the CEO and cofounder of bit.bioa Cambridge, UK, based company that wants to revolutionize clinical research and drug discovery by producing precisely engineered batches of human cells. Basic scientific research into new drugs and treatments often starts with tests in mice, or in the most widely used human cell lines: kidney cells and cervical cancer cells. This can be a problem, because the cells being experimented on may have major differences to the cells that a candidate drug is supposed to target in the human body. A drug that works in a mouse may turn out not to work when it's tested in humans. There is no mouse on this planet that has ever suffered from Alzheimers, it just doesnt exist, Kotter says. But testing a potential Alzheimers drug on a human brain cell engineered to have signs of Alzheimers disease could give a much clearer indication of whether that drug is likely to be successful.

Every cell type has its own little program, or postcodea combination of transcription factors that defines it, says Kotter. By inserting the right program into a stem cell, researchers can activate genes that code for these transcription factors and turn a stem cell into a specific type of mature cell. Unfortunately, biology has a way of fighting back. Cells often silence these genes, stopping the transcription factors from being produced. Kotters solutiondiscovered as part of his research at the University of Cambridgeis to insert this program in a region of the genome thats protected against gene silencing, something Kotter refers to as a genetic safe harbor.

Bit.bio currently sells two different reprogrammed cell lines: muscle cells and a specific kind of brain neuron, but the plan is to create bespoke cell lines for use in the pharmaceutical industry and academic research. What were doing with our partners in the industry now is to create genetic modifications that are relevant for diseases, Kotter says. He compares this approach to running software on a computer. By inserting the right bit of code into a cells genome, you can control how that cell behaves. That means that we can now run programs, and we can reprogram human cells, Kotter says. The cell reprogramming technology could also go well beyond model cell lines and help develop whole new kinds of treatment, such as cell therapy.

In some cell therapies, a patients own immune cells are grown outside of their body before being modified and inserted back into it to help fight a diseasea long and expensive process. One kind of cell therapy used to treat young people with leukemia costs more than 280,000 ($371,400) per patient. Bit.bios chief medical officer Ramy Ibrahim says that the firms technology could help drive down the cost of cell therapy and make it easier to manufacture immune cells at a large scale. Having abundant numbers of the right cell types that we can now make edits to, I think will be transformational, he says.

More Great WIRED Stories

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This Startup Is Makingand ProgrammingHuman Cells - Wired.co.uk

Skin Stem Cells Comments Off on This Startup Is Makingand ProgrammingHuman Cells – Wired.co.uk | December 23rd, 2021

"We started speaking with Kieron Jones and Andrew Strong as we were funded and started to execute our R&D plan, and the rest is history. We appreciate the variety of support services K2bio offers in addition to rental lab space," stated Kevin Slawin, CEO of Ponce Therapeutics. Ponce Therapeutics was the first client to enter into a contract with K2bio.

"We are very excited to welcome Ponce Therapeutics to the K2bio family," said Kieron Jones, Co-founder, CEO, and President of K2bio. "Our goal is to build a collaborative environment That allows companies within our facility to focus on efficiently developing their product. For companies outside of our facility, we offer a suite of contracted services to support their in-vivo and in-vitro needs as a long-term partner built on quality and timeliness."

About K2bio K2bio is a state-of-the-art facility with a unique model of providing preclinical contract research services and an incubator environment. We provide a unique and flexible co-working facility for high-potential, early-stage life science companies, with experienced biotech research managers and staff, in addition to a mouse vivarium to allow companies access to the research environment that they need to progress at an affordable cost. We've created the concierge of biolabs, offering researchers the option to add or subtract services based on their individual needs.

For more information, visit https://K2-biolabs.com.

About Ponce Therapeutics - Ponce Therapeutics is currently developing a biotechnology platform to restore young cells in the skin, targeting p16-expressing senescent cells for elimination. While initially focused on skin, Ponce plans to develop a wide-ranging portfolio of anti-aging products, which could ultimately lead to new cancer treatments. The elimination of pro-inflammatory senescent cells has been shown to suppress cancer and rejuvenate tissues by restoring stem cell niches to their healthy state. Ponce is headquartered in Miami, Florida, with research facilities located in Houston, TX.

For more information, visit https://poncetherapeutics.com.

SOURCE K2bio

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K2bio Welcomes Ponce Therapeutics to Houston - PRNewswire

Skin Stem Cells Comments Off on K2bio Welcomes Ponce Therapeutics to Houston – PRNewswire | December 23rd, 2021

The question really, is what should you be using retinol with. Hydrating ingredients like glycerin, peptides, ceramides, when sandwiched with your retinol, all help to support the integrity of the skin.

Ultimately, you should listen to your skin and let it be your guide. Ayodele advises keeping a diary noting any changes and taking pictures of your skin, comparing week one to week six. And remember: it is crucial to use SPF every day with retinol.

From the best formula for dark spots to products that are perfect for mature skins, heres Vogues edit of the best retinol creams and serums to try now:

The Best Retinol For Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Retinol 0.3% + Vitamin B3 Serum

La Roche Posay - Retinol B3

La Roche Posay via Marionnaud.fr

La Roche-Posay knows its way around an excellent skincare product this serum is just one among many. Combining vitamin B3 with 0.3 per cent retinol, its a gentle one, and good for even the most sensitive skins.

Best Affordable Retinol: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane

The Ordinary - mulsion de Granactive Retinoid* 2%

The Ordinary via Nocibe.fr

The Ordinary is renowned for bringing us premium ingredients at affordable prices, and this product comes in at well under 10. High potency, minimal irritation, low price whats not to love?

Retinol for Beginners: REN's Organic Retinoid Youth Serum for Sensitive Skin.

REN - Srum Jeunesse Bio Retinoid

Concerned about dryness and irritation? This REN formula is suitable for even the most sensitive skin, especially those that have previously reacted to retinol. The formula's unique delivery system allows for effective cell renewal without causing irritation.

Best Retinol Serum: Institut Esthederm Intensive Retinol Face Serum

Institut Esthederm - Intensive Retinol

6347

Institut Esthederm via Nocibe.fr

Perfect for deep-set wrinkles, this emollient-rich retinol serum effectively locks in moisture while working hard to bring plumpness back to the most sullen skin.

Best Retinol Booster: Paulas Choice 1% Retinol Booster

Paula's Choice - Boost Retinol 1%

Paula's Choice via Amazon.fr

Designed to be added to your favourite serum or moisturiser, Paulas Choice 1% Retinol Booster offers a more customisable approach to retinol use, making it perfect for beginners.

Best Retinol Overnight Mask: Allies of Skin 1A Retinal and Peptides Overnight Mask

Allies of Skin - 1A Retinal + Peptides Overnight Mask

Allies of Skin via Galerieslafayette.com

This antioxidant-rich formula delivers a jolt of nourishment to thirsty mature skin. Fortified with Ally-R, an encapsulated form of time-release retinaldehyde (a vitamin A even more powerful than retinol), this moisture barrier-maintaining formula helps promote firmness and smoothness in lacklustre skin.

Best Retinol For Acne: Lixir Night Switch Retinol 1%

Lixir Skin - Srum pour le visage Night Switch Retinol 1%

Lixir Skin via Net-a-porter.com

Lixirs Night Switch range is based on the idea that using too many active ingredients at once can confuse the skin. Instead, it advocates the frequent switching up of products. Night Switch Retinol 1% refines skin texture and boosts plumpness and firmness.

The most nourishing: Ideal Resource Youth Oil Concentrate with retinol by Darphin

Darphin - Ideal Resource Concentr huile jeunesse au retinol

9063

Darphin via Marionnaud.fr

Thanks to micro-encapsulated retinol, these mini-doses accelerate cell renewal and reinforce collagen production, helping to fight the signs of aging. Each one also contains a blend of plant oils that nourish the face and plump the eye area.

Fastest results: Este Lauder Perfectionist Pro

Este Lauder - Perfectionist Pro

12090

Este Lauder via Marionnaud.fr

Only 28 days to see visible results on the skin: that's the promise of this express treatment by Este Lauder. The result is smoother, softer, supple skin and a more radiant complexion. A must-have.

The best face cream: A-Passioni Retinol Cream by Drunk Elephant

Drunk Elephant - Crme A-Passioni Retinol

Drunk Elephant via Cultbeauty.com

Specially designed for sun-damaged skin, this cream combines 1% retinol with a cocktail of fruit extracts such as passion fruit, apricot and winter cherry to reduce the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles.

The Best Retinol Cream Available Over The Counter: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3% Cream

SkinCeuticals - Retinol 0.3 Peeling De Nuit Rides & Imperfections

SkinCeuticals via Nocibe.fr

The SkinCeuticals formula utilises encapsulation technology, to minimise irritation and allow the chamomile-derived bisabolol to counter any that does occur.

Best Retinol Night Oil: Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil

Luna - Huile de nuit Sunday Riley

Luna via Cultbeauty.com

Sunday Rileys bestselling Luna Sleeping Night Oil combines retinoid oil with blue tansy and cold-pressed chia, grape seed and avocado oils to renew the skins surface overnight. A celebrity favourite.

Best Retinol For Wrinkles: Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum

Elizabeth Arden - Retinol Ceramide Capsules

5340

Elizabeth Arden via Marionnaud.fr

By combining retinol with skin-loving ceramides, Elizabeth Arden allows you to swerve any flaking. The capsule format means you wont apply too much, and also keeps the formula fresh.

Best Retinol For Dullness: Medik8 R-Retinoate Intense

Medik8 - Crme rajeunissante intense r-Retinoate

Medik8 via Net-a-porter.com

Suffering from dull skin? Look no further than Medik8s ultimate time-defying treatment. Combining retinol with clinical-strength retinoic acid, as well as nourishing peptides, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, this miracle cream works overnight to plump and smooth the skin, firming it up and leaving it brighter and more replenished.

Best Retinol For Mature Skin: LOral Paris Pure Retinol Revitalift Laser Night Serum

L'Oral - Revitalift Laser Srum Nuit Rtinol Pur

For those in need of some extra TLC, LOrals powerhouse serum is formulated with a high concentration of pure retinol. One of the brands most potent blends, it targets fine lines and wrinkles, while added hyaluronic acid replenishes the skin with moisture.

Best Retinol Alternative: The Inkey List Bakuchiol Moisturiser

The Inkey List - Bakuchiol Moisturiser

The Inkey List via Cultbeauty.com

If youre finding retinol too harsh, there is a gentler alternative: bakuchiol, a plant-based super ingredient. Powered by bakuchiol, this moisturiser works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and smooths uneven skin, without causing irritation. Meanwhile added squalane, glycerin and sach inchi oil provide hydration and nourishment.

Best Retinol For Brightening: StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum

Strivectin - Super-C Retinol Srum Illuminateur & Correcteur Vitamine C

Strivectin via 1001pharmacies.com

With two hardworking actives vitamin C and retinol this lightweight serum is a multi-tasking wonder. Expect it to brighten, smooth, ease fine lines and strengthen the skin barrier, too.

Best Retinol For Tackling Signs Of Ageing: Sarah Chapman Skinesis Retinol Oil

Combining plant stem cells, platinum peptide delivery and time-release retinol, Sarah Chapmans Skinesis Platinum Stem Cell Elixir is a true super serum, acting on fine lines and wrinkles, increasing collagen synthesis, and improving skin elasticity.

Available at Lookfantastic.com.

Best Retinol For Wrinkles: Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum

Murad Cosmetic - Resurgence Renewing Eye Cream

Murad Cosmetic via Nocibe.fr

With clever three-part retinol technology, which comprises a fast-acting retinoid, a time-released retinol and a retinol booster, expect uneven texture (and the like) to be addressed from all angles with the help of this Murad serum.

The best night cream with retinol: Lancme Corrective Night Concentrate

Lancme - Concentr nuit correcteur

Lancme via Galerieslafayette.com

A powerful treatment, rich in retinol, vitamin A and hyaluronic acid, which moisturizes and firms the skin while reducing the appearance of wrinkles. However, we recommend avoiding it if you have sensitive skin.

This article was previously published on Vogue.co.uk

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20 of the best retinol creams & serums for every skin type - VOGUE Paris

Skin Stem Cells Comments Off on 20 of the best retinol creams & serums for every skin type – VOGUE Paris | December 23rd, 2021

I first dismissed this as a fancy version of those old heat patches you can get in the chemist, but I couldnt have been more wrong. Embedded within the lightweight but stretchy plaster-type fabric is enough clove and safflower to help get your blood flowing, as well as borneol to reduce inflammation and pain. And they really work.

15, available at Victoriahealth.com.

Jones Road The Best Pencil in Ultra Opaque

You cant go wrong with this one-style-fits-all eye pencil from make-up maverick Bobbi Browns newest cosmetic venture, which can outline, graphic line, feline line, smoky smudge line, whatever you choose. Point it at your lids and it pretty much does the rest by itself, its the very definition of fuss-free for those who dont like to overthink their eyeliner.

20, available at Jonesroadbeauty.com.

Ffern Organic Seasonal Fragrance

This is as small batch and as sustainable as it gets. Its also highly exclusive as you have to sign up for each new-season limited-edition release. But youll be happy you did, with each perfume created by master perfumer Francois Robert and his protg Elodie Durande, and delivered in entirely sustainable packaging. My favourite this year was Spring 2021, which had top notes of ginger underpinned by neroli, jasmine sambac absolute and orange absolute.

Available at Ffern.co.

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The 37 Best Beauty Products Of 2021 - British Vogue

Skin Stem Cells Comments Off on The 37 Best Beauty Products Of 2021 – British Vogue | December 23rd, 2021

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Global Regenerative Medicine Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Product (Cell-based Immunotherapies, Gene Therapies), by Therapeutic Category (Cardiovascular, Oncology), and Segment Forecasts, 2021-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global regenerative medicine market size is expected to reach USD 57.08 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 11.27% over the forecast period.

Recent advancements in biological therapies have resulted in a gradual shift in preference toward personalized medicinal strategies over the conventional treatment approach. This has resulted in rising R&D activities in the regenerative medicine arena for the development of novel regenerative therapies.

Furthermore, advancements in cell biology, genomics research, and gene-editing technology are anticipated to fuel the growth of the industry. Stem cell-based regenerative therapies are in clinical trials, which may help restore damaged specialized cells in many serious and fatal diseases, such as cancer, Alzheimer's, neurodegenerative diseases, and spinal cord injuries.

For instance, various research institutes have adopted Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESCs) to develop a treatment for Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

Constant advancements in molecular medicines have led to the development of gene-based therapy, which utilizes targeted delivery of DNA as a medicine to fight against various disorders.

Gene therapy developments are high in oncology due to the rising prevalence and genetically driven pathophysiology of cancer. The steady commercial success of gene therapies is expected to accelerate the growth of the global market over the forecast period.

Regenerative Medicine Market Report Highlights

Key Topics Covered:

Market Variables, Trends, & Scope

Competitive Analysis

Covid-19 Impact Analysis

Regenerative Medicine Market: Product Business Analysis

Regenerative Medicine Market: Therapeutic Category Business Analysis

Regenerative Medicine Market: Regional Business Analysis

Companies Mentioned

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/kovhgl

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Global Regenerative Medicine Market is Expected to Reach USD 57.08 Billion by 2027, Growing at a CAGR of 11.27% Over the Forecast Period. -...

Spinal Cord Stem Cells Comments Off on Global Regenerative Medicine Market is Expected to Reach USD 57.08 Billion by 2027, Growing at a CAGR of 11.27% Over the Forecast Period. -… | December 23rd, 2021

Image by MasterTux from Pixabay

The brain is the most complex thing in the universe! It is made up of an intricate network of cells called neurons. Neurons are long, elongated, fibre-like cells, and billions of them form a complex network of connections called synapses. Neurons are not physically connected, but they transmit messages between them electrochemically as non-contact nerve impulses. And, there are trillions of such connections in our brain. However, in the initial stages, when the embryo is developing, the primitive neurons are rounded and lack connection to each other.

So how do these innocuous-looking rounded cells become highly connected elongated neurons? Researchers from Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Bengaluru, found the key gene that assists in making this happen. The study published in iScience journal shows that a gene called Superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), hitherto known to be involved in another function, is caught performing a completely different function -- promoting the generation of neurons. The authors state that although a complete understanding of the exact mechanism of how this happens remains to be unravelled, there is a possibility that one day, human nerve cells could be grown from any human tissue cells, thereby opening therapeutic avenues for patients with nerve or spinal cord injuries.

Existing literature indicates that SOD2 basically mops oxygen radicals inside the cell. During normal metabolism, cell components called mitochondria generate energy-rich molecules from carbon sources. However, the process produces an undesirable byproduct called oxygen radicals. These are oxygen molecules with an extra electron on them which makes them highly reactive with other molecules, thereby causing toxicity in the cells. The usually designated job of the SOD2 gene is to minimise this damage by mopping up these free oxygen radicals. The researchers found that the SOD2 mop had another function: to help the cells become neural precursors, which in turn become highly connected neurons. The process is termed Differentiation.

Scientists differentiate a neuron cell from an embryonic cell by its shape and by looking for specific proteins produced only in these neuronal cells. These proteins are markers for that particular cell type.

To decipher SOD2s role in the differentiation process, the researchers introduced copies of the SOD2 gene into mouse embryonic stem cells grown in the lab (cultured cells). When they increased the number of copies of the gene, the embryonic cells changed into a neuron-like appearance and exhibited markers unique to cells of neurons. However, the markers were absent when they eliminated the SOD2 gene.

In our study, using embryonic cells, we show that when SOD2 is knocked down or eliminated and subjected to differentiation, the embryonic cells could not specifically change into a neuron. However, this did not compromise the differentiation to other tissues, says Dr Anujith Kumar, corresponding author of the paper.

Owing to numerous ethical problems associated with procuring human embryonic cells, the researchers used fibroblasts or skin cells of mice and intended to convert them into stem cells that mimic embryonic cells. They achieved this by introducing another gene called OCT4 into the fibroblast cells. When the researchers transferred the SOD2 gene and OCT4, fibroblasts stopped being fibroblasts and changed into neurons, but not pluripotent stem cells. (Pluripotent stem cells are master cells that can differentiate into almost any tissue cell type).

So how does SOD2 actually do this? The researchers hypothesised that SOD2 could be having other functions that involved mitochondria. However, they had to first observe the microscopic mitochondria inside the cell to test their hypothesis. To do so, they tagged a protein found on the mitochondrial surface with a fluorescent dye. Under a fluorescent microscope, these tagged mitochondria appear fluorescent. When the SOD2 gene was introduced in the cell, they could see that the mitochondria were longer than they would be. This is because the individual mitochondria had fused to produce longer filament like mitochondria.

Mitochondria fuse because of a protein called MFN2. Researchers found that the expression of SOD2 was causing the overproduction of MFN2 protein. The fusing of mitochondria was somehow related to the embryonic cells elongating and growing into neurons. But how exactly that happens is still a mystery.

Mechanistically, it is unclear how mitochondrial fusion and fission favour commitment to neuron formation, says Dr Kumar. However, he speculates that As neurons are dynamic cells and dependent on excessive energy molecule ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate), probably mitochondrial fusion favours the energy supply and in turn facilitates neural formation.

The research done on mouse cells needs to be repeated with human cells, and hopefully, the results will one day be helpful to treat nerve injuries. At this juncture, the current findings on differentiated neurons thus produced are suitable for research purposes to study neuronal development. It could also be used to develop an experimental framework to model diseases in the cells by growing them in the lab. Such experiments could be utilised for drug screening and also where researchers test the effect of promising drugs by trying them on these cells.

This article has been run past the researchers, whose work is covered, to ensure accuracy.

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Scientists unravel a gene function that helps the genesis of neurons - Research Matters

Spinal Cord Stem Cells Comments Off on Scientists unravel a gene function that helps the genesis of neurons – Research Matters | December 23rd, 2021

Researchers globally produce hundreds of thousands of studies annually. It can be difficult to know if at some time in the future they will be the foundation for a disease cure or a technology such as CRISPR that revolutionizes medicine. But many are exciting for what they point to or how they spike the imagination. Heres a look at 10 of the more compelling research stories of the year.

Type 1 Diabetes Therapy Showed Promise in Early-Stage Trial

Vertex Pharmaceuticalsannouncedpositive early data from the first patient in its Phase I/II study of VX-880 in type 1 diabetes (T1D). The therapy is a stem cell-derived, fully differentiated pancreatic islet cell replacement therapy. T1D is an autoimmune disease, where the immune system attacks the islet cells in the pancreas, which is where insulin is produced. This leads to loss of insulin production and problems with blood sugar control.

In the study, the patient received a single infusion of VX-880 at half the target dose along with immunosuppressive therapy. The patient showed successful engraftment and demonstrated fast and robust improvements in several measurements, including increases in fasting and stimulated C-peptide, improvements in glycemic control, including HbA1c. It also resulted in less need for medical insulin. The therapy appeared well tolerated.

Some Alzheimers Plaques May Be Protective

Source: BioSpace

One of the hallmarks of Alzheimers disease is the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. Yet many drugs that cleared amyloid dont seem to improve memory or cognition. Many researchers believe amyloid is only part of the issue, perhaps triggering inflammation that causes damage to the brain. New research out of theSalk Instituteadded a new twist, suggesting that some of the plaques may be protective. A type of immune cell in the brain, microglia, was long believed to inhibit the growth of plaques by eating them. Their research, however, demonstrated that microglia promote the formation of what are being dubbed dense-core plaques, which transports the wispy plaque away from neurons. They published their research in the journalNature Immunology.

We show that dense-core plaques dont form spontaneously, said Greg Lemke, a professor in Salks Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory. We believe theyre built by microglia as a defense mechanism, so they may be best left alone. There are various efforts to get the FDA to approve antibodies whose main clinical effect is reducing dense-core plaque formation, but we make the argument that breaking up the plaque may be doing more damage.

5 Genes Associated with Lewy Body Dementia, with Implications for Alzheimers and Parkinsons

Research conductedby theNIHs National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)identified five genes that appear to play a critical role in whether a person will suffer from Lewy body dementia, a type of dementia where the brain accumulates clumps of abnormal protein deposits known as Lewy bodies. The data also supported Lewy body dementias connections to Parkinsons disease and connections to Alzheimers disease. The research was published in the journalNature Genetics.

Sonja Scholz, investigator at the NIHs NINDS and senior author of the study, said, Our results support the idea that this may be because Lewy body dementia is caused by a spectrum of problems that can be seen in both disorders. We hope that these results will act as a blueprint for understanding the disease and developing new treatments.

Why Obesity is Associated with Inflammation

Although obesity is linked with many inflammatory conditions, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and infection, why isnt it well understood? Researchers atUT Southwestern Medical Centeridentifieda type of cell that, at least in mice, is responsible for triggering inflammation in fat tissue. In obese individuals, white adipose tissue (WAT), stores excess calories in the form of triglycerides. In obesity, WAT is overworked, fat cells start to die, and immune cells are activated. The research team identified an adipose progenitor cell (APC), a precursor that later generates mature fat cells. These new cells are called fibro-inflammatory progenitors (FIPs) and they make signals that encourage inflammation.

Whats Behind Brain Fog in COVID-19 Patients

One of several unusual symptoms reported in COVID-19 patients is what is dubbed brain fog or COVID brain, but in medical terminology, is called encephalopathy. It appears to be loss of short-term memory, headaches and confusion. At its most severe, it is associated with psychosis and seizures. Researchers atMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centerpublishedresearch in the journalCancer Cellthat explains the underlying cause of brain fog.

Jan Remsik, a research fellow in the lab, says, We found that these patients had persistent inflammation and high levels of cytokines in their cerebrospinal fluid, which explained the symptoms they were having.

New Compound Appears to Reverse Neuron Damage Caused by ALS

Researchers atNorthwestern Universityidentifieda compound that appears to reverse the ongoing degeneration of upper motor neurons associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. As the motor neurons degenerate, they eventually die and the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With the disease, people may lose the ability to speak, eat, move and breathe. The compound, NU-9, was developed in the laboratory of Richard B. Silverman, the Patrick G. Ryan/Aon Professor of Chemistry at Northwestern. It can reduce protein misfolding in critical cell lines. The compound is also not toxic and can cross the blood-brain barrier. They published their research inClinical and Translational Medicine.

How Astrocytes Fix Damage in the Brain

Investigators withCharit Universittsmedizin Berlindescribed how a type of glial cell, called astrocytes, plays a role in protecting surrounding brain tissue after damage. They become part of a defense mechanism called reactive astrogliosis, which helps form scars, and contains inflammation and controls tissue damage. Astrocytes are also able to ensure the nerve cells survive that are located immediately next to the tissue injury, which preserves the function of neuronal networks. The mechanism was the protein drebrin, which controls astrogliosis. Astrocytes require drebrin to form scars and protect the surrounding tissue. Drebrin regulates the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, an internal scaffold that maintains astrocyte mechanical stability.

A New Spin on Jurassic Park?

In the books and filmsJurassic Park, researchers collected the blood from insects trapped in amber and cloned dinosaurs. A researcher from theUniversity of Minnesota is putting a more practical spin on amber research. Amber is the fossilized resin from a now-extinct species of pine, Sciadopityaceae. It was formed about 44 million years ago. In the Baltic regions, amber has been used for hundreds of years for traditional medicines for pain relief and its anti-inflammatory and anti-infective properties. Previous research has suggested that amber molecules might have an antibiotic effect. The team extracted even more chemicals from amber samples that appeared to show activity against gram-positive, antibiotic resistant bacteria.

They identified 20 compounds using GC-MS in the amber, most prominent being abietic acid, dehydroabietic acid and palustric acid, compounds with known biological activity. They also acquired a Japanese umbrella pine, the closest living species to theSciadopityaceae, and extracted resins and identified sclarene, a molecule present in the amber extracts that could potentially undergo chemical transformations to produce the bioactive molecules found in the Baltic amber samples.

The most important finding is that these compounds are active against gram-positive bacteria, such as certain Staphylococcus aureus strains, but not gram-negative bacteria, said Connor McDermott, a graduate student in the laboratory of Elizabeth Ambrose, who led the research. This implies the composition of the bacterial membrane is important for the activity of the compounds.

Genetics of People Who Live 105 or Older

A new study of 81 semi-supercentenarianspeople 105 years of age or olderand supercentenarians110 years or older from across Italy, werestudiedby researchers from theUniversity of Bologna, Italy andNestle Research in Lausanne, Switzerland. They compared genetic data from these extraordinary agers to 36 healthy people from the same region whose age, on average, was 68 years. Blood samples were drawn, and whole-genome sequencing was performed. They then compared their data with another previously published study that analyzed 333 Italians over 100 years of age and 358 people who were about 60 years of age. They published their research in the journal eLife.

Scientists identified five common genetic changes that were most frequent in the 105+/110+ groups, between two genes known as COA1 and STK17A. Analysis showed the same variants in the people over 100. Computational analysis predicted these variations most likely modulated the expression of three different genes: STK17A, COA1 and BLVRA.

Junk DNA and Aging

For a long time, so-called junk DNA was thought to play no role in inheritance or metabolism. Increasingly, this non-coding DNA is found to play a significant role in gene regulation. Researchers atWashington State Universityrecently identifieda DNA region called VNTR2-1 that seems to drive telomerase gene activity. In addition, it appears to prevent aging in some types of cells. Telomeres are the ends of chromosomes, and their length is associated with aging that is to say, as the older you get, the shorter they get because every time cells divide, the telomeres get a tiny bit shorter. When they get too short, cells no longer reproduce. But in some reproductive cells and cancer cells, telomerase gene activity resets telomeres to the same length when DNA was originally copied, creating a kind of immortality for those cells.

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As 2021 draws to a close, COVID-19 remains a pervasive influence over life at Yale and across the world. And yet, even as a new surge in cases portends a winter of uncertainty, a look back at the past year offers many reminders of just how much more we now know about this global threat, the remarkable importance of vaccines and other public health measures, and the resiliency of humankind.

After reviewing the many hundreds of stories published on Yale News this year, we identified several about Yales response to the pandemic that especially resonated with readers and that best capture how the university and our experts have helped make sense of and respond to this disruptive disease. Youll find a list below.

In a second list below, we highlight several non-COVID stories about the people and projects that inspired us and gave us hope for a healthier and more equitable 2022 and the new initiatives that will position the Yale community to be a leader in tackling the challenges of the future.

As the new year began, Yale News reviewed how the campus community pulled together to do the work of the university in the face of unprecedented challenges, and looked ahead to the spring semester.

As chair of the White Houses COVID-19 Equity Task Force, Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, the C.N.H Long Professor of Internal Medicine, Public Health, and Management at Yale, became a national voice on racial inequities in COVID-19 treatment and outcomes. Meanwhile, Abbe Gluck, the Alfred M. Rankin Professor of Law and professor of internal medicine at Yale School of Medicine, was named special counsel to the Biden administrations COVID-19 Response team. She also worked in the Office of White House Counsel on other health care issues, including the Affordable Care Act..

In early January, Yale launched its COVID-19 vaccination program in the Lanman Center at Payne Whitney Gymnasium, as vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer gained final approvals for use in the United States.

After spending nearly a year cataloguing and exploring the SARS-CoV-2 genomes intricate makeup, a team of Yale scientists revealed a map of it with an unprecedented level of detail, including more than 100 identifiable structures.

In February, Yale scientists developed a new class of antiviral agents that showed promise for creating COVID-19 therapeutics exhibiting particular effectiveness when used in tandem with the drug remdesivir, another antiviral medication approved for use against the virus.

For most children, COVID-19 infection results in a relatively mild illness. In a few cases, however, a severe immune reaction occurs. During the spring, Yale research found that such rare, life-threatening reactions may be triggered by high levels of alarmins, molecules that make up part of the innate immune system.

The Lanman Center, which early in the pandemic was converted into a field hospital, and later into Yales primary vaccination center, returned to being simply a gym during the summer, as the vaccination operations were shifted to the Rose Center on Ashmun Street.

In July, a Yale-led study found that the COVID-19 vaccination campaign launched in the United States in late 2020 had, at that point, saved some 279,000 lives and prevented 1.25 million hospitalizations. Researchers warned, however, that these gains could be reversed by the highly transmissible Delta variant.

In September, Yale researchers provided important insights into what were then becoming known as breakthrough COVID-19 cases in which fully vaccinated individuals are infected by SARS-CoV-2 and which populations are particularly vulnerable to serious breakthrough illness.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists had been unclear about how long immunity lasts after an unvaccinated person is infected. In October, a Yale-led team of researchers found an answer: Strong protection following natural infection is short-lived, lasting as little as three months or less.

In October, a Yale-led study found that two of the commonly used COVID-19 vaccines provide protection against multiple variants of the virus that causes the disease, including the highly infectious Delta variant. Their findings also showed that those infected with the virus prior to vaccination exhibit a more robust immune response to all variants than those who were uninfected and fully vaccinated.

In November, a study by Yale political scientists and public health experts found that, when it comes to persuading people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, its more effective to appeal to community spirit than to self-interest.

Breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections tend to be mild, but Yale research published in December showed that more older adults have developed severe breakthrough cases during the Delta variant phase of the pandemic, particularly after a longer period of time had elapsed since their last vaccination. The findings, researchers say, reveal the importance of booster vaccinations.

White evangelical Christians have resisted getting vaccinated against COVID-19 at higher rates than other religious groups in the U.S. In November, a Yale study found that persuading these vaccine holdouts had only become more difficult.

In December, as a new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, began to spread throughout the world, public health leaders scrambled to better understand how contagious the new variant is and whether existing vaccines are effective against it. Yale doctors offered insights into the emerging threat.

In February, Yale announced the establishment of the Wu Tsai Institute, an ambitious new research enterprise that will supercharge Yales neuroscience initiative and position the university to reveal the brain in its full, dynamic complexity, thanks to a historic gift from Joseph C. Tsai 86, 90 J.D. and his wife, Clara Wu Tsai.

As a historic renovation of the Peabody Museum proceeds, conservator Mariana Di Giacomo is charged with keeping a close eye on the iconic mural The Age of Reptiles, by celebrated artist Rudolph Zallinger. The experience has allowed her to appreciate layers of detail. In February, Yale News caught up with her and shared a dazzling gallery of images.

In a promising early trial, researchers from Yale reported in February that patients with spinal cord injuries experienced substantial improvements in motor function such as the ability to walk or to use their hands after an intravenous injection of bone marrow-derived stem cells.

After 30 months of renovations, the redesigned Humanities Quadrangle formerly the Hall of Graduate Studies put a vibrant new face on Yales longstanding excellence in the humanities. The refurbished building includes dynamic spaces that promote connections among departments and programs and the cultivation of new ideas.

The late Jeremy Ayers once known as the gender-bending performance artist Silva Thin may seem like an unlikely namesake for an ant. But thanks to Yale ecologist Douglas B. Booher and rock star Michael Stipe, who shared a decades-long friendship with Ayers, a new species from the forests of Ecuador will honor his legacy and his reverence for the diversity of life.

During the summer, the university announced that present and future students at Yale Universitys drama school will no longer pay tuition, thanks to a landmark $150 million gift from entertainment executive and philanthropist David Geffen.

Psilocybin, a psychedelic drug found in some mushrooms, has long been studied as a potential treatment for depression. Yale research published in July detailed exactly what happens in the brain after a dose of psilocybin, and what makes its medicinal properties so promising.

In August, Yale scientists published a study of atmospheric patterns on Mars and Saturns moon Titan that will help lay the foundation for more accurate forecasts of weather on other worlds. Researchers say such forecasts will be vital to the safety and success of future research missions.

In 1965, Yale scholars created a sensation with the revelation of the Vinland Map, which was thought to be the earliest known European depiction of the New World. This summer, a team of Yale researchers said it proved the map to be an elaborate 20th-century forgery.

In October, a series of performances by the Yale Glee Club, Yale Bands, and the Yale Symphony Orchestra held in each of Yales residential college courtyards marked a return to live music on campus following a year of lockdowns and a response to the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020. (With video.)

In November, Yale and the City of New Haven reconfirmed their historic, three-century partnership for a new generation, announcing a six-year commitment that increases the universitys annual voluntary financial contribution to the city and creates bold opportunities for inclusive economic growth that benefit the entire community.

Tony Reno, now in his ninth season as head coach of the Yale football team, is more focused on creating a culture of responsibility, camaraderie, and integrity than on wins and losses but that hasnt kept the Bulldogs from finding success on the field.

On the long road to Yale College, Obed Gyedu-Larbi labored as a domestic aide and Greyhound baggage handler. He also founded a non-profit to feed and clothe homeless people in New York City. For me, he said, it was important to not only work hard for myself.

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Find out who can be a stem cell or bone marrow donor, and how to register.

A stem cell or bone marrow transplant is an important treatment for some people with types of blood cancer such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

A transplant allows you to have high doses of chemotherapy and other treatments. The stem cellsare collected from the bloodstream or the bone marrow.Peoplehave a transplant either:

To be a donor you need to have stem cells that match the person you are donating to. To find this out, you have a blood test to look at HLA typing or tissue typing.

Staff in the laboratory look at the surface of your blood cells. They compare them to the surface of the blood cells of the person needing a transplant.

Everyone has their own set of proteins on the surface of their blood cells. The laboratory staff look for proteins called HLA markers and histocompatibility antigens. They check for 10 HLA markers. The result of this test shows how good the HLA match is between you and the person who needs the cells.

Abrother or sisteris most likely to be a match. There is a 1 in 4 chance of your cells matching.This is called a matched related donor (MRD) transplant.Anyone else in the family is unlikely to match. This can be very frustrating for relatives who are keen to help.

Sometimes if your cells are a half (50%) match, you might still be able to donate stem cells or bone marrow to a relative. This is called a haploidentical transplant.

You can't donate stem cells or bone marrow to your relative if you're not a match.

It's sometimes possible to get a match from someoneoutside of the family. This is calleda matched unrelated donor. To find a matched unrelated donor, it'susually necessary to search large numbers of people whose tissue type has been tested. So doctorssearch national and international registers to try to find a match for your relative.

Even if you can't donate to your relative, you might be ableto become a donor for someone else. You can do this by contacting one of the UK registers.

There are different donor registersin the UK.These work with each otherand with international registersto match donors with people who need stem cells. This helps doctors find donors for their patients as quickly as possiblefrom anywhere in the world.

Each registry has specific health criteriaand listmedical conditions that mightpreventyou from donating. Check their websitefor this information. Once registered, the organisation will contactyou if you are a match for someone who needs stem cells or bone marrow.

British Bone Marrow Registry (BBMR)

To register with the BBMR, you mustbe a blood donor. BBMR would like toregister those groups they are particularly short of ontheir register.This includes men between the ages of 17 and 40. And womenaged between 17 and 40 who are from Black, Asian, and minority ethnicities and mixed ethnicity backgrounds.

You have a blood test for tissue typing. Your details are kept on file until you are 60.

Anthony Nolan

You must be aged between 16 and 30 to register with Anthony Nolan. You have a cheek swab to test fortissue typing. Your details are kept on the register until you are 60.

Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry

You must be aged between 17 and 30 and your details are kept on the register until you are 60. You have a blood test for tissue typing.

DKMS

To register you must be aged between 17 and 55. You havea cheek swab for tissue typing. Your details stay on the register until your61st birthday.

This page is due for review. We will update this as soon as possible.

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Bone marrow is the spongy tissue inside some of the bones in the body, including the hip and thigh bones. Bone marrow contains immature cells called stem cells.

Many people with blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma, sickle cell anemia, and other life threatening conditions rely on bone marrow or cord blood transplants to survive.

People need healthy bone marrow and blood cells to live. When a condition or disease affects bone marrow so that it can no longer function effectively, a marrow or cord blood transplant could be the best treatment option. For some people, it may be the only option.

This article looks at everything there is to know about bone marrow.

Bone marrow is soft, gelatinous tissue that fills the medullary cavities, or the centers of bones. The two types of bone marrow are red bone marrow, known as myeloid tissue, and yellow bone marrow, known as fatty tissue.

Both types of bone marrow are enriched with blood vessels and capillaries.

Bone marrow makes more than 220 billion new blood cells every day. Most blood cells in the body develop from cells in the bone marrow.

Bone marrow contains two types of stem cells: mesenchymal and hematopoietic.

Red bone marrow consists of a delicate, highly vascular fibrous tissue containing hematopoietic stem cells. These are blood-forming stem cells.

Yellow bone marrow contains mesenchymal stem cells, or marrow stromal cells. These produce fat, cartilage, and bone.

Stem cells are immature cells that can turn into a number of different types of cells.

Hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow give rise to two main types of cells: myeloid and lymphoid lineages. These include monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, erythrocytes, dendritic cells, and megakaryocytes, or platelets, as well as T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells.

The different types of hematopoietic stem cells vary in their regenerative capacity and potency. They can be multipotent, oligopotent, or unipotent, depending on how many types of cells they can create.

Pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells have renewal and differentiation properties. They can reproduce another cell identical to themselves, and they can generate one or more subsets of more mature cells.

The process of developing different blood cells from these pluripotent stem cells is known as hematopoiesis. It is these stem cells that are needed in bone marrow transplants.

Stem cells constantly divide and produce new cells. Some new cells remain as stem cells, while others go through a series of maturing stages, as precursor or blast cells, before becoming formed, or mature, blood cells. Stem cells rapidly multiply to make millions of blood cells each day.

Blood cells have a limited life span. This is around 120 days for red blood cells. The body is constantly replacing them. The production of healthy stem cells is vital.

The blood vessels act as a barrier to prevent immature blood cells from leaving bone marrow.

Only mature blood cells contain the membrane proteins required to attach to and pass through the blood vessel endothelium. Hematopoietic stem cells can cross the bone marrow barrier, however. Healthcare professionals may harvest these from peripheral, or circulating, blood.

The blood-forming stem cells in red bone marrow can multiply and mature into three significant types of blood cells, each with its own job:

Once mature, these blood cells move from bone marrow into the bloodstream, where they perform important functions that keep the body alive and healthy.

Mesenchymal stem cells are present in the bone marrow cavity. They can differentiate into a number of stromal lineages, such as:

Red bone marrow produces all red blood cells and platelets and around 6070% of lymphocytes in human adults. Other lymphocytes begin life in red bone marrow and become fully formed in the lymphatic tissues, including the thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes.

Together with the liver and spleen, red bone marrow also plays a role in getting rid of old red blood cells.

Yellow bone marrow mainly acts as a store for fats. It helps provide sustenance and maintain the correct environment for the bone to function. However, under particular conditions such as with severe blood loss or during a fever yellow bone marrow may revert to red bone marrow.

Yellow bone marrow tends to be located in the central cavities of long bones and is generally surrounded by a layer of red bone marrow with long trabeculae (beam-like structures) within a sponge-like reticular framework.

Before birth but toward the end of fetal development, bone marrow first develops in the clavicle. It becomes active about 3 weeks later. Bone marrow takes over from the liver as the major hematopoietic organ at 3236 weeks gestation.

Bone marrow remains red until around the age of 7 years, as the need for new continuous blood formation is high. As the body ages, it gradually replaces the red bone marrow with yellow fat tissue. Adults have an average of about 2.6 kilograms (kg) (5.7 pounds) of bone marrow, about half of which is red.

In adults, the highest concentration of red bone marrow is in the bones of the vertebrae, hips (ilium), breastbone (sternum), ribs, and skull, as well as at the metaphyseal and epiphyseal ends of the long bones of the arm (humerus) and leg (femur and tibia).

All other cancellous, or spongy, bones and central cavities of the long bones are filled with yellow bone marrow.

Most red blood cells, platelets, and most white blood cells form in the red bone marrow. Yellow bone marrow produces fat, cartilage, and bone.

White blood cells survive from a few hours to a few days, platelets for about 10 days, and red blood cells for about 120 days. Bone marrow needs to replace these cells constantly, as each blood cell has a set life expectancy.

Certain conditions may trigger additional production of blood cells. This may happen when the oxygen content of body tissues is low, if there is loss of blood or anemia, or if the number of red blood cells decreases. If these things happen, the kidneys produce and release erythropoietin, which is a hormone that stimulates bone marrow to produce more red blood cells.

Bone marrow also produces and releases more white blood cells in response to infections and more platelets in response to bleeding. If a person experiences serious blood loss, yellow bone marrow can activate and transform into red bone marrow.

Healthy bone marrow is important for a range of systems and activities.

The circulatory system touches every organ and system in the body. It involves a number of different cells with a variety of functions. Red blood cells transport oxygen to cells and tissues, platelets travel in the blood to help clotting after injury, and white blood cells travel to sites of infection or injury.

Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that gives them their color. It collects oxygen in the lungs, transports it in the red blood cells, and releases oxygen to tissues such as the heart, muscles, and brain. Hemoglobin also removes carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a waste product of respiration, and sends it back to the lungs for exhalation.

Iron is an important nutrient for human physiology. It combines with protein to make the hemoglobin in red blood cells and is essential for producing red blood cells (erythropoiesis). The body stores iron in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Most of the iron a person needs each day for making hemoglobin comes from the recycling of old red blood cells.

The production of red blood cells is called erythropoiesis. It takes about 7 days for a committed stem cell to mature into a fully functional red blood cell. As red blood cells age, they become less active and more fragile.

White blood cells called macrophages remove aging red cells in a process known as phagocytosis. The contents of these cells are released into the blood. The iron released in this process travels either to bone marrow for the production of new red blood cells or to the liver or other tissues for storage.

Typically, the body replaces around 1% of its total red blood cell count every day. In a healthy person, this means that the body produces around 200 billion red blood cells each day.

Bone marrow produces many types of white blood cells. These are necessary for a healthy immune system. They prevent and fight infections.

The main types of white blood cells, or leukocytes, are as follows.

Lymphocytes are produced in bone marrow. They make natural antibodies to fight infection due to viruses that enter the body through the nose, mouth, or another mucous membrane or through cuts and grazes. Specific cells recognize the presence of invaders (antigens) that enter the body and send a signal to other cells to attack them.

The number of lymphocytes increases in response to these invasions. There are two major types of lymphocytes: B and T lymphocytes.

Monocytes are produced in bone marrow. Mature monocytes have a life expectancy in the blood of only 38 hours, but when they move into the tissues, they mature into larger cells called macrophages.

Macrophages can survive in the tissues for long periods of time, where they engulf and destroy bacteria, some fungi, dead cells, and other material that is foreign to the body.

Granulocytes is the collective name given to three types of white blood cells: neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. The development of a granulocyte may take 2 weeks, but this time reduces when there is an increased threat, such as a bacterial infection.

Bone marrow stores a large reserve of mature granulocytes. For every granulocyte circulating in the blood, there may be 50100 cells waiting in the bone marrow to be released into the bloodstream. As a result, half the granulocytes in the bloodstream can be available to actively fight an infection in the body within 7 hours of it detecting one.

Once a granulocyte has left the blood, it does not usually return. A granulocyte may survive in the tissues for up to 45 days, depending on the conditions, but it can only survive for a few hours in circulating blood.

Neutrophils are the most common type of granulocyte. They can attack and destroy bacteria and viruses.

Eosinophils are involved in the fight against many types of parasitic infections and against the larvae of parasitic worms and other organisms. They are also involved in some allergic reactions.

Basophils are the least common of the white blood cells. They respond to various allergens that cause the release of histamines, heparin, and other substances.

Heparin is an anticoagulant. It prevents blood from clotting. Histamines are vasodilators that cause irritation and inflammation. Releasing these substances makes a pathogen more permeable and allows for white blood cells and proteins to enter the tissues to engage the pathogen.

The irritation and inflammation in tissues that allergens affect are parts of the reaction associated with hay fever, some forms of asthma, hives, and, in its most serious form, anaphylactic shock.

Bone marrow produces platelets in a process known as thrombopoiesis. Platelets are necessary for blood to coagulate and for clots to form in order to stop bleeding.

Sudden blood loss triggers platelet activity at the site of an injury or wound. Here, the platelets clump together and combine with other substances to form fibrin. Fibrin has a thread-like structure and forms an external scab or clot.

Platelet deficiency causes the body to bruise and bleed more easily. Blood may not clot well at an open wound, and there may be a higher risk of internal bleeding if the platelet count is very low.

The lymphatic system consists of lymphatic organs such as bone marrow, the tonsils, the thymus, the spleen, and lymph nodes.

All lymphocytes develop in bone marrow from immature cells called stem cells. Lymphocytes that mature in the thymus gland (behind the breastbone) are called T cells. Those that mature in bone marrow or the lymphatic organs are called B cells.

The immune system protects the body from disease. It kills unwanted microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses that may invade the body.

Small glands called lymph nodes are located throughout the body. Once lymphocytes are made in bone marrow, they travel to the lymph nodes. The lymphocytes can then travel between each node through lymphatic channels that meet at large drainage ducts that empty into a blood vessel. Lymphocytes enter the blood through these ducts.

Three major types of lymphocytes play an important part in the immune system: B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, and NK cells.

These cells originate from hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow in mammals.

B cells express B cell receptors on their surface. These allow the cell to attach to an antigen on the surface of an invading microbe or another antigenic agent.

For this reason, B cells are known as antigen-presenting cells, as they alert other cells of the immune system to the presence of an invading microbe.

B cells also secrete antibodies that attach to the surface of infection-causing microbes. These antibodies are Y-shaped, and each one is akin to a specialized lock into which a matching antigen key fits. Because of this, each Y-shaped antibody reacts to a different microbe, triggering a larger immune system response to fight infection.

In some circumstances, B cells erroneously identify healthy cells as being antigens that require an immune system response. This is the mechanism behind the development of autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis, scleroderma, and type 1 diabetes.

These cells are so-called because they mature in the thymus, which is a small organ in the upper chest, just behind the sternum. (Some T cells mature in the tonsils.)

There are many different types of T cells, and they perform a range of functions as part of adaptive cell-mediated immunity. T cells help B cells make antibodies against invading bacteria, viruses, or other microbes.

Unlike B cells, some T cells engulf and destroy pathogens directly after binding to the antigen on the surface of the microbe.

NK T cells, not to be confused with NK cells of the innate immune system, bridge the adaptive and innate immune systems. NK T cells recognize antigens presented in a different way from many other antigens, and they can perform the functions of T helper cells and cytotoxic T cells. They can also recognize and eliminate some tumor cells.

These are a type of lymphocyte that directly attack cells that a virus has infected.

A bone marrow transplant is useful for various reasons. For example:

Stem cells mainly occur in four places:

Stem cells for transplantation are obtainable from any of these except the fetus.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) involves the intravenous (IV) infusion of stem cells collected from bone marrow, peripheral blood, or umbilical cord blood.

This is useful for reestablishing hematopoietic function in people whose bone marrow or immune system is damaged or defective.

Worldwide, more than 50,000 first HSCT procedures, 28,000 autologous transplantation procedures, and 21,000 allogeneic transplantation procedures take place every year. This is according to a 2015 report by the Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation.

This number continues to increase by over 7% annually. Reductions in organ damage, infection, and severe, acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) seem to be contributing to improved outcomes.

In a study of 854 people who survived at least 2 years after autologous HSCT for hematologic malignancy, 68.8% were still alive 10 years after transplantation.

Bone marrow transplants are the leading treatment option for conditions that threaten bone marrows ability to function, such as leukemia.

A transplant can help rebuild the bodys capacity to produce blood cells and bring their numbers to acceptable levels. Conditions that may be treatable with a bone marrow transplant include both cancerous and noncancerous diseases.

Cancerous diseases may or may not specifically involve blood cells, but cancer treatment can destroy the bodys ability to manufacture new blood cells.

A person with cancer usually undergoes chemotherapy before transplantation. This eliminates the compromised marrow.

A healthcare professional then harvests the bone marrow of a matching donor which, in many cases, is a close family member and ready it for transplant.

Types of bone marrow transplant include:

A persons tissue type is defined as the type of HLA they have on the surface of most of the cells in their body. HLA is a protein, or marker, that the body uses to help it determine whether or not the cell belongs to the body.

To check if the tissue type is compatible, doctors assess how many proteins match on the surface of the donors and recipients blood cells. There are millions of different tissue types, but some are more common than others.

Tissue type is inherited, and types pass on from each parent. This means that a relative is more likely to have a matching tissue type.

However, if it is not possible to find a suitable bone marrow donor among family members, healthcare professionals try to find someone with a compatible tissue type on the bone marrow donor register.

Healthcare professionals perform several tests before a bone marrow transplant to identify any potential problems.

These tests include:

In addition, a person needs a complete dental exam before a bone marrow transplant to reduce the risk of infection. Other precautions to lower the risk of infection are also necessary before the transplant.

Bone marrow is obtainable for examination by bone marrow biopsy and bone marrow aspiration.

Bone marrow harvesting has become a relatively routine procedure. Healthcare professionals generally aspirate it from the posterior iliac crests while the donor is under either regional or general anesthesia.

Healthcare professionals can also take it from the sternum or from the upper tibia in children, as it still contains a substantial amount of red bone marrow.

To do so, they insert a needle into the bone, usually in the hip, and withdraw some bone marrow. They then freeze and store this bone marrow.

National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) guidelines limit the volume of removable bone marrow to 20 milliliters (ml) per kg of donor weight. A dose of 1 x 103 and 2 x 108 marrow mononuclear cells per kg is necessary to establish engraftment in autologous and allogeneic marrow transplants, respectively.

Complications related to bone marrow harvesting are rare. When they do occur, they typically involve problems related to anesthetics, infection, and bleeding.

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Bone marrow: Function, diseases, transplants, and donation

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on Bone marrow: Function, diseases, transplants, and donation | December 23rd, 2021

MELVILLE, N.Y., Dec. 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BioRestorative Therapies, Inc. (the Company" or BioRestorative) (NASDAQ:BRTX), a life sciences company focused on adult stem cell-based therapies, today released the following year-end message.

As we reach the end of 2021, we are inspired by the many healthcare workers and biopharmaceutical companies that have worked to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. This year has been environmentally difficult, but we have seen incredible advancements in our sector which have reinforced the importance of our mission to become a clinical stage company. Since our emergence from Chapter 11 in 2020, we have sought to take positive steps at BioRestorative Therapies with the goal of making it a preeminent cell therapy company. During 2021, we achieved important transformational milestones, which created meaningful intrinsic value and advanced us toward our stated strategic goals.

In November of this year, we closed on a $23 million capital raise and concurrently listed our securities on the Nasdaq Capital Market. This is a very significant development as we are now fully funded to complete our Phase 2 trial for our lead clinical candidate, BRTX-100, for the treatment of chronic lumbar disc disease (CLDD.) During this process, we have attracted many new institutional fundamental investors as well as some retail investors. With that accomplished, I would like to briefly discuss the status of our programs and the opportunities that lie ahead of us.

BRTX-100 is our lead program for the treatment of CLDD, one of the leading causes of lower back pain. Our solution is a one-time injection of 40 million mesenchymal stem cells derived from a patients own bone marrow and expanded ex vivo before re-injection. Two things make us optimistic about this program. First, in connection with our IND filing, we referred the FDA to prior human clinical studies from different institutions that demonstrated the safety/feasibility of using mesenchymal stem cells to treat disc orders. This data not only enabled us to accelerate our clinical program and initiate a Phase 2 trial, but we believe it substantially reduces risk in offering compelling guidance on the use of cell-based interventions to treat lower back pain. Second, our manufacturing of BRTX-100 involves the use of low oxygen conditions, which ensures that the cells have enhanced survivability after introduction into the harsh avascular environment of the injured disc which has little or no blood flow. The benefits of this process are significant and are illustrated well in our recent Journal of Translational Medicine publication. Our approach is akin to transplant medicine in which specific cell types are used to replace the ones which have been lost to disease. We believe that transplanting targeted cells can offer a more attractive safety profile and potentially an improved clinical outcome. We remain optimistic that we will see significant positive clinical outcomes as we proceed with our clinical trial.

The most significant milestones we achieved in 2021 include:

Our 2022 objectives include the initiation of enrollment for our BRTX-100 clinical trial, the development of our overall product profiles via manufacturing and delivery system improvements, and the entering into of technology validation and enabling partnerships to accelerate our clinical timelines.

Some of the events and milestones that we hope to accomplish in 2022 include:

This is an exciting time to be part of the BioRestorative family. As we enter 2022 with a well-capitalized balance sheet to fully fund our Phase 2 trial, we look to accelerate our research and development pipeline. We do not take for granted that our technologies give us an opportunity to make a profound impact on the everyday lives of many people. We are grateful for the opportunity to validate such technologies; it is what we do and what we believe is the center of our core competencies.

Visit our website at http://www.biorestorative.com for more information about BioRestorative.

Thank you to the BioRestorative family for your loyalty and ongoing support.

I wish you and all those near and dear to you a wonderful Holiday Season and the very best for 2022 and beyond.

Very truly yours,

Lance AlstodtPresident, CEO and Chairman of the Board

About BioRestorative Therapies, Inc.

BioRestorative Therapies, Inc. (www.biorestorative.com) develops therapeutic products using cell and tissue protocols, primarily involving adult stem cells. Our two core programs, as described below, relate to the treatment of disc/spine disease and metabolic disorders:

Disc/Spine Program (brtxDISC): Our lead cell therapy candidate, BRTX-100, is a product formulated from autologous (or a persons own) cultured mesenchymal stem cells collected from the patients bone marrow. We intend that the product will be used for the non-surgical treatment of painful lumbosacral disc disorders or as a complementary therapeutic to a surgical procedure. The BRTX-100 production process utilizes proprietary technology and involves collecting a patients bone marrow, isolating and culturing stem cells from the bone marrow and cryopreserving the cells. In an outpatient procedure, BRTX-100 is to be injected by a physician into the patients damaged disc. The treatment is intended for patients whose pain has not been alleviated by non-invasive procedures and who potentially face the prospect of surgery. We have received authorization from the Food and Drug Administration to commence a Phase 2 clinical trial using BRTX-100 to treat chronic lower back pain arising from degenerative disc disease.

Metabolic Program (ThermoStem): We are developing a cell-based therapy candidate to target obesity and metabolic disorders using brown adipose (fat) derived stem cells to generate brown adipose tissue (BAT). BAT is intended to mimic naturally occurring brown adipose depots that regulate metabolic homeostasis in humans. Initial preclinical research indicates that increased amounts of brown fat in animals may be responsible for additional caloric burning as well as reduced glucose and lipid levels. Researchers have found that people with higher levels of brown fat may have a reduced risk for obesity and diabetes.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This letter contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and other risks, including, without limitation, those set forth in the Company's latest Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other filings made with the SEC. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this letter are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

CONTACT:

Email: ir@biorestorative.com

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BioRestorative Therapies, Inc. Releases Year-End Message - BioSpace

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on BioRestorative Therapies, Inc. Releases Year-End Message – BioSpace | December 23rd, 2021

Findings from a new study could point the way to new treatments for blood diseases including cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. [3 min read]

In this schematic, cells (black spheres) within each well are committed to a specific fate, but external stimuli, such as cell-to-cell communication, can force cells out of one state and into another. (Illustration: Courtesy of Adam MacLean.)

Scientists have found a way to prove that biochemical signals sent from cell to cell play an important role in determining how those cells develop.

The study from researchers at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences was published in the journal Development on Dec. 22.

A little background:

Whats new:

We discovered that the communication process can change the formation of blood cell types dramatically, and that cells that are closer to one another have a greater influence on each others fate, MacLean said.

A controversy resolved

Researchers trying to determine what early factors nudge a cell down one developmental path or another have wondered if random fluctuations within the cell are enough to decide which path is taken. Many models have suggested they were, but recent breakthrough studies showed that random fluctuations were not enough, that something else drives cells toward their fate.

The model MacLean and Rommelfanger have developed appears to put an end to the controversy altogether. They show that cell-to-cell communication can, in fact, be the deciding factor that sets cells along a certain path.

Why it matters:

By understanding how blood cell fate decisions are made, MacLean said, we get closer to being able to identify leukemia cells of origin, and in theory we can design strategies to control or alter cell fate decision-making and stop the development of cancer.

The research could help improve cancer therapies such as bone marrow transplant.

Better understanding stem cell fate decisions, as our study provides, could provide new insight to improve clinical outcomes for these diseases, MacLean said.

More than just blood

This new model has important implications beyond the blood system.

Our model is broadly applicable, so researchers working on other cell types can apply it to find out for those other cells how important cell-to-cell communication may be, said MacLean.

Whats next:

The role of cell-to-cell communication in determining cell fate is in its nascent stages, says MacLean, but further experiments and future technologies to integrate these new types of data with sophisticated models should help expand understanding.

In addition, the team is developing methods to study the regulation of key genes involved in cell fate decisions, which should further advance their overall theoretical model.

About the study

This work was supported by National Science Foundation grant DMS 2045327 and a USC Women in Science and Engineering Top-up Fellowship.

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Communication between cells plays a major role in deciding their fate > News > USC Dornsife - USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on Communication between cells plays a major role in deciding their fate > News > USC Dornsife – USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences | December 23rd, 2021

Dr Pradeep Mahajan, Regenerative Medicine Researcher, StemRx Bioscience Solutions highlights the importance and other aspects of stem cell technology

Globally, we are seeing a change in the type of age-specific, chronic, debilitating diseases. Thus, the manner in which we diagnose and treat such diseases is also seeing a paradigm shift. From empirical use of drugs to target-specific treatments, we are now advancing towards molecular dysfunction-based therapies.

I have been in the field of clinical medicine and surgery for over 3 decades now and I have always been fascinated by new research. Among the substantial advances in the healthcare field, I believe regenerative medicine and cell-based therapy have been game changers. We saw hematopoietic stem cells being used to treat blood cancers and related diseases for over 3-4 decades. Now we are seeing an expansion in the applications of stem cells in treating various acute, chronic, lifestyle, and even genetic and congenital diseases. The need arose because conventional medicine is gradually losing potency in treating diseases and patients are often left at the mercy of nature to take its course.

With increasing knowledge of stem cells, the trend to utilise the endogenous repair mechanisms of the human body gained popularity. Cells, growth factors and other biological products, when present at the right site; at the right moment, stimulate the natural healing mechanisms of the body and aid in management of health conditions. Cell-based therapy thus marked the beginning of a new era in regenerative medicine.

Stem cells are present in several tissues, namely, embryo, umbilical cord, placenta, as well as adult body tissues. These are the master cells of the body that have roles in development of the body, repairing and regenerating injured tissues (at a cellular level), and maintaining homeostasis even in an healthy individual. Of course, we have all heard of ethical issues regarding the use of embryonic stem cells as well as their tumor-forming issue. Regarding umbilical cord stem cells, the trend of banking this tissue has just begun; therefore, the majority of us would not have the umbilical cord as a source of stem cells. Keeping in mind these aspects, researchers started focusing on adult stem cells that can be derived from different tissues of the human body. The common sources are bone marrow, fat tissue, peripheral blood, and teeth, among others. The chief advantage is that, the source being autologous, the therapy is safe and is not associated with side effects.

Coming to the diseases that can be treated using stem cellswe have just scratched the tip of the iceberg. There are several health conditions that plague mankindarthritis, diabetes, nerve-related conditions, traumatic injuries, etc. Conventionally, one would be prescribed medications (often for prolong periods or even for their lifetime) or be advised surgery. Nonetheless, in several cases, the quality of life of a patient is compromised. The various properties of stem cells help reduce swelling in the body, regulate the immune system, enhance the functioning of other cells, and create a healthy environment for health cells to thrive. Through this, one can target a myriad of pathologies at the molecular level, in a minimally/non-invasive manner.

Patients today are quite aware of the benefits of regenerative medicine and cell based therapy, but there is still a long distance to cover. Countries are promoting research and development in the field of regenerative medicine and cell-based therapy. Research advances pertaining to introducing products with cell and scaffold based technology through tissue engineering are underway. Bioactive scaffolds that are capable of supporting activation and differentiation of host stem cells at the required site are being developed. In the future, it will be possible to use human native sites as micro-niche/micro-environment for potentiation of the human bodys site-specific response. Another breakthrough in the field of cell-based therapy is immunotherapy that aims to utilise certain parts of a persons immune system and stimulate them to fight diseases such as cancer.

The scope of cell-based therapy is endless. All we need is more research, awareness, and implementation to permit reach of the treatment to every stratum of the society. Soon, we will talk about treating diseases with cells and not pills and knives!

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Importance of stem cells-Past, present and future - Express Healthcare

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on Importance of stem cells-Past, present and future – Express Healthcare | December 23rd, 2021

Although bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) are effective in treating chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP), the homing of BMMSCs seems to require ultrasound induction. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is an important derivative of artemisinin (ART) and has been previously reported to alleviate inflammation and autoimmune diseases. But the effect of DHA on chronic prostatitis (CP) is still unclear. This study aims to clarify the efficacy and mechanism of DHA in the treatment of CBP and its effect on the accumulation of BMMSCs. The experimental CBP was produced in C57BL/6 male mice via intraurethrally administeredE. colisolution. Results showed that DHA treatment concentration-dependently promoted the accumulation of BMMSCs in prostate tissue of CBP mice. In addition, DHA and BMMSCs cotreatment significantly alleviated inflammation and improved prostate damage by decreasing the expression of proinflammatory factors such as TNF-, IL-1, and chemokines CXCL2, CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 in prostate tissue of CBP mice. Moreover, DHA and BMMSCs cotreatment displayed antioxidation property by increasing the production of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), SOD, and decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) expression. Mechanically, DHA and BMMSCs cotreatment significantly inhibited the expression of

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Dihydroartemisinin Promoted Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Homing and Suppressed Inflammation and Oxidative Stress against Prostate Injury in...

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on Dihydroartemisinin Promoted Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Homing and Suppressed Inflammation and Oxidative Stress against Prostate Injury in… | December 23rd, 2021

DUARTE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--City of Hope doctors presented data on an investigational bispecific antibody for multiple myeloma and the CMVPepVax, a City of Hope-developed vaccine against the cytomegalovirus, at this years ASH Annual Meeting.

City of Hope continues to be a leader in innovative research on investigational immunotherapies for blood cancers and improving stem cell transplants, said Eileen Smith, M.D., City of Hopes Francis & Kathleen McNamara Distinguished Chair in Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. New research at this years ASH conference includes promising investigational immunotherapies for lymphoma, multiple myeloma, leukemia and other blood cancers and an update on a City of Hope-developed vaccine to prevent a virus that can cause serious complications in stem cell transplant recipients.

Here are highlights of City of Hope research presented at the ASH conference:

Investigational bispecific antibody for multiple myeloma is well-tolerated and effective

Bispecific antibodies are an emerging immunotherapy against blood cancers. City of Hopes Elizabeth Budde, M.D., Ph.D., presented at this years ASH conference on mosunetuzumab. The research demonstrated that mosunetuzumab is a safe and effective investigational bispecific antibody for follicular lymphoma.

Talquetamab is an investigational therapy that is also demonstrating encouraging results for the treatment of relapsed multiple myeloma, according to a study led by Amrita Krishnan, M.D., director of the Judy and Bernard Briskin Center for Multiple Myeloma Research at City of Hope and chief, Division of Multiple Myeloma.

Talquetamab targets the G protein-coupled receptor family C group 5 member (GPRC5D) that has a high expression on malignant plasma cells and is limited on normal human tissue. The first-in-class bispecific antibody directs T cells to kill multiple myeloma cells by binding to both GPRC5D and CD3 receptors.

Patients with relapsed or difficult to treat multiple myeloma in the Phase 1 study received recommended Phase 2 doses as an injection on a weekly or biweekly basis. By increasing the doses slowly, researchers hope that will help to minimize the severity of cytokine release syndrome.

Krishnan presented data on 55 patients. For the study, 30 patients who received the therapy weekly (and their results were evaluable, meaning they could be included in the study) and 23 people who received it on a biweekly schedule were included. The study is ongoing.

In the weekly cohort, the overall response rate was 70% and there was a very good partial response or better in 57% of patients.

The response numbers are very strong and whats also remarkable is that the responses were durable and deepened over time in both groups, Krishnan said.

Cytokine release syndrome occurred in 73% of the weekly dose cohort, but only one patient had a severe case and it was treatable. Other side effects included neutropenia and dysgeusia.

We are excited that our results demonstrated that talquetamab is well-tolerated and highly effective at the Phase 2 dose level and with tolerable side effects, Krishnan said.

Further studies of the therapy on its own or in combination with other treatments for multiple myeloma are underway.

City of Hope-developed vaccine to prevent cytomegalovirus shows safety, tolerability

Despite therapies to help prevent the cytomegalovirus (CMV), which can flare up in blood marrow/stem cell transplant recipients who are immunocompromised, CMV infections are one of the most common complications in these patients. Furthermore, the antiviral drugs used to prevent flare-ups are toxic, expensive and increase the risk of other opportunistic infections.

City of Hope has developed an anti-CMV vaccine, known as CMVPepVax. At this years ASH conference, the results of a Phase 2 trial using CMVPepVax were reported by Ryotaro Nakamura, M.D., City of Hopes Jan & Mace Siegel Professor in Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in the Division of Leukemia.

The double blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized Phase 2 trial enrolled stem cell transplant recipients from four transplant centers, including City of Hope. Nakamura reported on data from 32 patients in the vaccine arm and 29 patients in the placebo arm.

CMVPepVax was delivered via injections 28 days after transplant and 56 days after the procedure.

Trial results demonstrated that there was no difference in CMV reactivation in both arms.

CMVPepVax was well-tolerated in patients with no increase in adverse side effects. Transplant outcomes were also similar between the two groups when comparing one-year overall survival, relapse-free survival, nonrelapse mortality, relapse and acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

Significantly higher levels of CMV-targeting T cells were measured in patients in the vaccine arm who did not have CMV in their bloodstream. In patients who had the CMVPepVax injections, robust expansion of functional T cells also occurred.

Our results confirm that CMVPepVax is safe to use and provides an immune response, Nakamura said. Although the vaccine did not reduce the presence of CMV in the bloodstream, there were favorable CD8 T cell responses, which are protective in principle, but maybe didn't recover fast enough to prevent CMV from reactivating.

Next steps include researching whether stem cell donors who receive the vaccine can transfer immunity to patients, as well as providing a booster to patients. This may lead to faster immune responses after transplant.

Using probiotics for stem cell transplant patients

City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow and stem cell transplantation it was one of the first cancer centers nationwide to perform a bone marrow transplant and has performed more than 17,000 bone marrow/stem cell transplants since 1976. Because of this leadership, City of Hope doctors and scientists are investigating how to make the transplant process better, as well as how to deal with complications that may arise from the procedure, such as GVHD.

Led by Karamjeet S. Sandhu, M.D., an assistant professor in City of Hope's Division of Leukemia in the Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, a City of Hope study examined how adding the probiotic CBM 588 to transplant recipients diets might decrease inflammation in the gut and lower the risk of GVHD. The results were discussed in an oral presentation at the ASH conference.

Sandhu explained that the body hosts microbial communities, known as the microbiome. These microbes help the body in several metabolic processes, such as digesting food, strengthening the immune system, protecting against other bacteria and producing vitamins, including B vitamins.

Recent studies have shown the microbiome can play a role in cancer risk and how a persons body responds to cancer treatment. In people with blood cancers who receive a transplant, there is a direct link between the health of microbiome and survival.

Imbalance among these microbial species have also been associated with several transplant complications including GVHD, said Sandhu, M.D. He added that the imbalance also contributes to morbidity and mortality.

For the study, Sandhu and his team used Clostridium Butyricum Miyairi 588 (CBM588), a probiotic strain that has been used in Japan for several decades to manage diarrhea caused by antibiotics or infections. CBM588 is a butyrate-producing bacteria present in the spore form in soil and food. Administration of CBM588 has shown anti-inflammatory and immune modulating effects, as well as evidence of anti-cancer activity.

This was the first study of CBM588 among bone marrow/stem cell transplant recipients. Fifteen patients received the current standard of care therapies to prevent GVHD and 21 received CBM588 in addition to standard of care for GVHD.

Our study demonstrated that CMB588 is safe and feasible to use in this patient population without increasing mortality, Sandhu said. We even noted an improvement in gastrointestinal GVHD, but further studies are needed to prove the effect and mechanism of action among recipients of bone marrow/stem cell transplantation.

Joint study examines somatic mutations in CMML patients, impact on stem cell transplants

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a rare form of leukemia that primarily affects older adults. The only potential cure at this time is allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, also known as a stem cell transplant.

Research has shown that somatic mutations genetic changes that are acquired during life and not inherited are an important factor in determining prognosis for CMML patients. However, limited data are available regarding their impact on outcomes after CMML patients receive transplant.

A joint study between City of Hope and Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) analyzed the relationship between somatic mutations in CMML and their impact on stem cell transplants.

Additionally, the study aimed to evaluate two separate scoring systems commonly used in nontransplant CMML patients, the CMML-specific prognostic scoring system (CPSS) and molecular CPSS (CPSS-Mol), which takes into account the somatic mutations, to find out if they can predict the results of a transplant.

Led by City of Hopes Matthew Mei, M.D., an associate professor in City of Hopes Division of Lymphoma, Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, the study included 313 patients across 78 different transplant centers, all of whom underwent a comprehensive mutation analysis of 131 genes performed at City of Hope under the supervision of Raju K. Pillai, M.D., director of Pathology Core Laboratories in Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope.

The study found that 93% of patients had at least one mutation identified, and the median number of mutations was three. The most frequently mutated genes were ASXL1 (62%), TET2 (35%), KRAS/NRAS (33% combined) and SRSF2 (31%); TP53 was mutated in 3% of patients.

Both the CPSS and CPSS-Mol were predictive of overall survival after transplant; however, neither system was able to identify patients who were at an increased risk of relapse. Furthermore, the incorporation of somatic mutations did not appear to refine the prognosis.

Our study is the largest analysis of CMML patients who underwent a stem cell transplant with paired mutation analysis, Mei said. Overall, patients with CMML remain at high risk for relapse after transplant. Novel therapies aimed at decreasing relapse and making transplants safer, as well as improved methods of predicting outcomes of transplant in CMML, are still critically needed.

Additional research on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T therapy and stem cell transplantation presented at ASH

Tanya Siddiqi, M.D., director of City of Hope's Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Program, also presented a poster on the Transcend NHL 001 trial at the ASH conference, and Ibrahim Aldoss, M.D., associate professor, City of Hope's Division of Leukemia, presented a poster on the outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in adults with Ph-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

City of Hope is a leader in blood cancer research and treatment. The National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center has performed more than 17,000 bone marrow/stem cell transplants and is a leader in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T therapy, with nearly 800 patients treated with immune effector cells, including CAR T therapy, and nearly 80 open or completed trials.

About City of Hope

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hopes translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution. A National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope is ranked among the nations Best Hospitals in cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona. Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) became a part of City of Hope in 2016. AccessHope, a subsidiary launched in 2019, serves employers and their health care partners by providing access to NCI-designated cancer center expertise. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram.

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City of Hope presents leading-edge research on blood cancer therapies and its vaccine to reduce stem cell transplant complications at American Society...

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on City of Hope presents leading-edge research on blood cancer therapies and its vaccine to reduce stem cell transplant complications at American Society… | December 23rd, 2021

Abstract: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an effective treatment method used in many neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases that affect the bone marrow, blood cells, and immune system.The procedure is associated with a risk of adverse events, mostly elated to the immune response after transplantation. The aim of our research was to identify genes, processes and cellular entities involved in the variety of changes occurring after allogeneic HSCT in children by performing a whole genome expression assessment together with pathway enrichment analysis. We conducted a prospective study of 27 patients (aged 1.518 years) qualified for allogenic HSCT. Blood samples were obtained before HSCT and 6 months after the procedure. Microarrays were used to analyze gene expressions in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. This was followed by Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrich- ment analysis, and proteinprotein interaction (PPI) analysis using bioinformatic tools. We found 139 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of which 91 were upregulated and 48 were downregulated. Blood microparticle, extracellular exosome, B-cell receptor signaling pathway, complement activation and antigen binding were among GO terms found to be significantly enriched. The PPI analysis identified 16 hub genes. Our results provide insight into a broad spectrum of epigenetic changes that occur after HSCT. In particular, they further highlight the importance of extracellular vesicles (exosomes and microparticles) in the post-HSCT immune response.

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Analysis of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Gene Expression Highlights the Role of Extracellular Vesicles in the Immune Response following...

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on Analysis of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Gene Expression Highlights the Role of Extracellular Vesicles in the Immune Response following… | December 23rd, 2021

Mysuru

An 88-year-old gentleman presented to Manipal Hospital Mysore with blackish discoloration of the heel of left foot. He was diabetic & was on regular treatment for the same. For the current problem, he had already received several medications including intra venous antibiotics with little improvement. Upon examination he was detected to have Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) with gangrene of heel of left foot. Large number of such patients end up with amputation of leg. Our aim in such situation is to first try to save the limb. Amputation should be the last resort when everything else fails. Said Dr. Upendra Shenoy Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon Manipal Hospital Mysore, while giving details about the patient. While addressing the media Dr. C B Keshavamurthy Consultant Interventional Cardiology, Manipal Hospital Mysore said, Patients angiogram showed diffuse disease in all blood vessels of the leg with critical blocks in many areas.

We performed angioplasty on the limb. The procedure improved the blood supply to the limb, but additional treatment was required to restore blood circulation to the foot and toes. Dr. Shenoy and team decided to implement stem cell therapy, hybrid procedure of peripheral angioplasty with stem cell injection. First of its kind procedure in Mysore. Stem cell therapy involves the injection of stem cells obtained from the bone marrow of healthy individuals.

These stem cells can transform themselves into different tissues according to the requirement. In this case, the stem cells stimulate the formation of new blood vessels, said Dr Upendra Shenoy while explaining about the therapy. Dr Shenoy further added, On the day after angioplasty, we injected the stem cell into the calf muscles of the patient.

The dose depends upon the weight of the patient. If the weight is below 60 kg, the doctor injects about 150 million stem cells. In patients with more than 60 kg, the dose is about 200 million.

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Stem cell therapy holds immense promise for the treatment of patients with non-healing ischemic leg wounds - Ibcworldnews

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Comments Off on Stem cell therapy holds immense promise for the treatment of patients with non-healing ischemic leg wounds – Ibcworldnews | December 23rd, 2021

Advance Market Analytics published a new research publication on Stem Cells Market Insights, to 2026 with 232 pages and enriched with self-explained Tables and charts in presentable format. In the Study you will find new evolving Trends, Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities generated by targeting market associated stakeholders. The growth of the Stem Cells Market was mainly driven by the increasing R&D spending across the world.

Some of the key players profiled in the study are:

Smith & Nephew (United Kingdom),Celgene Corporation (United States),BIOTIME, INC. (United States),Cynata (Australia),Applied Cell Technology (Hungary),STEMCELL Technologies Inc. (Canada),BioTime Inc. (United States),Cytori Therapeutics, Inc. (United States),Astellas Pharma Inc. (Japan),U.S. Stem Cell, Inc. (United States),Takara Holdings. (Japan)

Get Free Exclusive PDF Sample Copy of This Research @ https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/sample-report/72815-global-stem-cells-market-1

Scope of the Report of Stem Cells

The stem cell is used for treating chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, cancer, diabetes, and others. Growing research and development in stem cell isolation techniques propelling market growth. For instance, a surgeon from Turkey developed a method for obtaining stem cells from the human body without enzymes which are generally used for the isolation of stem cells. Further, growing healthcare infrastructure in the developing economies and government spending on the life science research and development expected to drive the demand for stem cell market over the forecasted period.

Market Trend:

Emphasizing On Development of Regenerative Medicine

Technological Advancement in Stem Cell Harvesting and Isolation Techniques

Market Drivers:

Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases such as Cardiovascular Disorders, Cancer, and others

Growing Healthcare Infrastructure in the Developing Economies

Challenges:

Lack of Awareness Regarding Stem Cell Therapy in the Low and Middle Income Group Countries

Opportunities:

Growing Demand for Cellular Therapies

Rising Application of Autologous Therapy

The titled segments and sub-section of the market are illuminated below:by Type (Adult Stem Cells (Neuronal, Hematopoietic, Mesenchymal, Umbilical Cord, Others), Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESC), Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, Very Small Embryonic-Like Stem Cells), Application (Regenerative Medicine (Neurology, Orthopedics, Oncology, Hematology, Cardiovascular and Myocardial Infraction, Injuries, Diabetes, Liver Disorder, Incontinence, Others), Drug Discovery and Development), Technology (Cell Acquisition (Bone Marrow Harvest, Umbilical Blood Cord, Apheresis), Cell Production (Therapeutic Cloning, In-vitro Fertilization, Cell Culture, Isolation), Cryopreservation, Expansion and Sub-Culture), Therapy (Autologous, Allogeneic)

Have Any Questions Regarding Global Financial Advisory Market Report, Ask Our [emailprotected] https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/enquiry-before-buy/72815-global-stem-cells-market-1

Region Included are: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Oceania, South America, Middle East & Africa

Country Level Break-Up: United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, South Africa, Nigeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Germany, United Kingdom (UK), the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Austria, Turkey, Russia, France, Poland, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, China, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, India, Australia and New Zealand etc.

Strategic Points Covered in Table of Content of Global Stem Cells Market:

Chapter 1: Introduction, market driving force product Objective of Study and Research Scope the Stem Cells market

Chapter 2: Exclusive Summary the basic information of the Stem Cells Market.

Chapter 3: Displaying the Market Dynamics- Drivers, Trends and Challenges of the Stem Cells

Chapter 4: Presenting the Stem Cells Market Factor Analysis Porters Five Forces, Supply/Value Chain, PESTEL analysis, Market Entropy, Patent/Trademark Analysis.

Chapter 5: Displaying market size by Type, End User and Region 2015-2020

Chapter 6: Evaluating the leading manufacturers of the Stem Cells market which consists of its Competitive Landscape, Peer Group Analysis, BCG Matrix & Company Profile

Chapter 7: To evaluate the market by segments, by countries and by manufacturers with revenue share and sales by key countries (2021-2026).

Chapter 8 & 9: Displaying the Appendix, Methodology and Data Source

Finally, Stem Cells Market is a valuable source of guidance for individuals and companies in decision framework.

Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @ https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/reports/72815-global-stem-cells-market-1

Contact Us:

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Stem Cells Market to Witness Gigantic Growth by 2026 LSMedia - LSMedia

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