Acta Naturae. 2010 Jul; 2(2): 1828.

Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences

Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences

Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences

Research Center of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences

Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences

Research Center of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a new type of pluripotent cellsthat can be obtained by reprogramming animal and human differentiated cells. In this review,issues related to the nature of iPSCs are discussed and different methods ofiPSC production are described. We particularly focused on methods of iPSC production withoutthe genetic modification of the cell genome and with means for increasing the iPSC productionefficiency. The possibility and issues related to the safety of iPSC use in cell replacementtherapy of human diseases and a study of new medicines are considered.

Keywords: induced pluripotent stem cells, directed stem cell differentiation, cell replacement therapy

Pluripotent stem cells are a unique model for studying a variety of processes that occur inthe early development of mammals and a promising tool in cell therapy of human diseases. Theunique nature of these cells lies in their capability, when cultured, for unlimitedselfrenewal and reproduction of all adult cell types in the course of theirdifferentiation [1]. Pluripotency is supported by acomplex system of signaling molecules and gene network that is specific for pluripotent cells.The pivotal position in the hierarchy of genes implicated in the maintenance of pluripotency isoccupied by Oct4, Sox2 , and Nanog genes encodingtranscription factors [2, 3]. The mutual effect of outer signaling molecules and inner factors leads tothe formation of a specific expression pattern, as well as to the epigenome statecharacteristic of stem cells. Both spontaneous and directed differentiations are associatedwith changes in the expression pattern and massive epigenetic transformations, leading totranscriptome and epigenome adjustment to a distinct cell type.

Until recently, embryonic stem cells (ESCs) were the only wellstudied source ofpluripotent stem cells. ESCs are obtained from either the inner cell mass or epiblast ofblastocysts [46]. A series of protocols has been developed for the preparation of variouscell derivatives from human ESCs. However, there are constraints for ESC usein cell replacement therapy. The first constraint is the immune incompatibility between thedonor cells and the recipient, which can result in the rejection of transplanted cells. Thesecond constraint is ethical, because the embryo dies during the isolation of ESCs. The firstproblem can be solved by the somatic cell nuclear transfer into the egg cell and then obtainingthe embryo and ESCs. The nuclear transfer leads to genome reprogramming, in which ovariancytoplasmic factors are implicated. This way of preparing pluripotent cells from certainindividuals was called therapeutic cloning. However, this method is technologyintensive,and the reprogramming yield is very low. Moreover, this approach encounters theabovementioned ethic problem that, in this case, is associated with the generation ofmany human ovarian cells [7].

In 2006, the preparation of pluripotent cells by the ectopic expression of four genes Oct4 , Sox2 , Klf4 , and cMyc in both embryonic and adult murine fibroblasts was first reported[8]. The pluripotent cells derived from somatic ones werecalled induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Using this set of factors(Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and cMyc), iPSCs were prepared later from variousdifferentiated mouse [914] and human [1517] cell types. Human iPSCs were obtainedwith a somewhat altered gene set: Oct4 , Sox2 , Nanog , and Lin28 [18].Induced PSCs closely resemble ESCs in a broad spectrum of features. They possess similarmorphologies and growth manners and are equally sensitive to growth factors and signalingmolecules. Like ESCs, iPSCs can differentiate in vitro intoderivatives of all three primary germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm) and formteratomas following their subcutaneous injection into immunodeficient mice. MurineiPSCs injected into blastocysts are normally included in the development toyield animals with a high degree of chimerism. Moreover, murine iPSCs, wheninjected into tetraploid blastocycts, can develop into a whole organism [19, 20]. Thus, an excellent method thatallows the preparation of pluripotent stem cells from various somatic cell types whilebypassing ethical problems has been uncovered by researchers.

In the first works on murine and human iPSC production, either retro or lentiviralvectors were used for the delivery of Oct4 , Sox2 , Klf4 , and cMyc genes into somatic cells. Theefficiency of transduction with retroviruses is high enough, although it is not the same fordifferent cell types. Retroviral integration into the host genome requires a comparatively highdivision rate, which is characteristic of the relatively narrow spectrum of cultured cells.Moreover, the transcription of retroviral construct under the control of a promoter localizedin 5LTR (long terminal repeat) is terminated when the somatic celltransform switches to the pluripotent state [21]. Thisfeature makes retroviruses attractive in iPSC production. Nevertheless, retroviruses possesssome properties that make iPSCs that are produced using them improper for celltherapy of human diseases. First, retroviral DNA is integrated into the host cell genome. Theintegration occurs randomly; i.e., there are no specific sequences or apparent logic forretroviral integration. The copy number of the exogenous retroviral DNA that is integrated intoa genome may vary to a great extent [15]. Retrovirusesbeing integrated into the cell genome can introduce promoter elements and polyadenylationsignals; they can also interpose coding sequences, thus affecting transcription. Second, sincethe transcription level of exogenous Oct4 , Sox2 , Klf4 , and cMyc in the retroviral constructdecreases with cell transition into the pluripotent state, this can result in a decrease in theefficiency of the stable iPSC line production, because the switch from the exogenous expressionof pluripotency genes to their endogenous expression may not occur. Third, some studies showthat the transcription of transgenes can resume in the cells derived fromiPSCs [22]. The high probability thatthe ectopic Oct4 , Sox2 , Klf4 , and cMyc gene expression will resume makes it impossible to applyiPSCs produced with the use of retroviruses in clinical trials; moreover,these iPSCs are hardly applicable even for fundamental studies onreprogramming and pluripotency principles. Lentiviruses used for iPSC production can also beintegrated into the genome and maintain their transcriptional activity in pluripotent cells.One way to avoid this situation is to use promoters controlled by exogenous substances added tothe culture medium, such as tetracycline and doxycycline, which allows the transgenetranscription to be regulated. iPSCs are already being produced using suchsystems [23].

Another serious problem is the gene set itself that is used for the induction of pluripotency[22]. The ectopic transcription of Oct4 , Sox2 , Klf4 , and cMyc can lead to neoplastic development from cells derived from iPSCs,because the expression of Oct4 , Sox2 , Klf4, and cMyc genes is associated with the development ofmultiple tumors known in oncogenetics [22, 24]. In particular, the overexpression of Oct4 causes murine epithelial cell dysplasia [25],the aberrant expression of Sox2 causes the development of serrated polypsand mucinous colon carcinomas [26], breast tumors arecharacterized by elevated expression of Klf4 [27] , and the improper expression of cMyc is observed in 70% of human cancers [28].Tumor development is oberved in ~50% of murine chimeras obtained through the injection ofretroviral iPSCs into blastocysts, which is very likely associated with thereactivation of exogenous cMyc [29, 30].

Several possible strategies exist for resolving the above-mentioned problems:

The search for a less carcinogenic gene set that is necessary and sufficient for reprogramming;

The minimization of the number of genes required for reprogramming and searching for the nongenetic factors facilitating it;

The search for systems allowing the elimination of the exogenous DNA from the host cell genome after the reprogramming;

The development of delivery protocols for nonintegrated genetic constructs;

The search for ways to reprogram somatic cells using recombinant proteins.

The ectopic expression of cMyc and Klf4 genes isthe most dangerous because of the high probability that malignant tumors will develop [22]. Hence the necessity to find other genes that couldsubstitute cMyc and Klf4 in iPSC production. Ithas been reported that these genes can be successfully substituted by Nanog and Lin28 for reprogramming human somatic cells [18;] . iPSCs were prepared from murine embryonic fibroblastsby the overexpression of Oct4 and Sox2 , as well as the Esrrb gene encoding the murine orphan nuclear receptor beta. It has alreadybeen shown that Esrrb , which acts as a transcription activator of Oct4 , Sox2 , and Nanog , is necessary for theselfrenewal and maintenance of the pluripotency of murine ESCs. Moreover, Esrrb can exert a positive control over Klf4 . Thus, the genes causingelevated carcinogenicity of both iPSCs and their derivatives can besuccessfully replaced with less dangerous ones [31].

The Most Effectively Reprogrammed Cell Lines . Murine and humaniPSCs can be obtained from fibroblasts using the factors Oct4, Sox2, and Klf4,but without cMyc . However, in this case, reprogramming deceleratesand an essential shortcoming of stable iPSC clones is observed [32, 33]. The reduction of a number ofnecessary factors without any decrease in efficiency is possible when iPSCsare produced from murine and human neural stem cells (NSCs) [12, 34, 35]. For instance, iPSCs were produced fromNSCs isolated from adult murine brain using two factors, Oct4 and Klf4, aswell as even Oct4 by itself [12, 34]. Later, human iPSCs were produced by the reprogramming offetal NSCs transduced with a retroviral vector only carrying Oct4 [35] . It is most likely that the irrelevanceof Sox2, Klf4, and cMyc is due to the high endogenous expression level of these genes inNSCs.

Successful reprogramming was also achieved in experiments withother cell lines, in particular, melanocytes of neuroectodermal genesis [36]. Both murine and human melanocytes are characterized by a considerableexpression level of the Sox2 gene, especially at early passages.iPSCs from murine and human melanocytes were produced without the use of Sox2or cMyc. However, the yield of iPSC clones produced from murine melanocytes was lower(0.03% without Sox2 and 0.02% without cMyc) in comparison with that achieved when allfour factors were applied to melanocytes (0.19%) and fibroblasts (0.056%). A decreasedefficiency without Sox2 or cMyc was observed in human melanocyte reprogramming (0.05%with all four factors and 0.01% without either Sox2 or cMyc ). All attempts to obtain stable iPSC clones in the absence of both Sox2 andcMyc were unsuccessful [36]. Thus, theminimization of the number of factors required for iPSC preparation can be achieved by choosingthe proper somatic cell type that most effectively undergoes reprogramming under the action offewer factors, for example, due to the endogenous expression of pluripotencygenes. However, if human iPSCs are necessary, these somatic cellsshould be easily accessible and wellcultured and their method of isolation should be asnoninvasive as possible.

One of these cell types can be adipose stem cells (ASCs). This is aheterogeneous group of multipotent cells which can be relatively easily isolated in largeamounts from adipose tissue following liposuction. Human iPSCs weresuccessfully produced from ASCs with a twofold reprogramming rate and20fold efficiency (0.2%), exceeding those of fibroblasts [37].

However, more accessible resources for the effective production of humaniPSCs are keratinocytes. When compared with fibroblasts, human iPSC productionfrom keratinocytes demonstrated a 100fold greater efficiency and a twofold higherreprogramming rate [38].

It has recently been found that the reprogramming of murine papillary dermal fibroblasts(PDFs) into iPSCs can be highly effective with theoverexpression of only two genes, Oct4 and Klf4 ,inserted into retroviral vectors [39;].PDFs are specialized cells of mesodermal genesis surrounding the stem cells ofhair follicles . One characteristic feature of these cells is the endogenous expression of Sox2 , Klf4 , and cMyc genes,as well as the geneencoding alkaline phosphatase, one of the murine and humanESC markers. PDFs can be easily separated from other celltypes by FACS (fluorescenceactivated cell sorting) using life staining with antibodiesagainst the surface antigens characteristic of one or another cell type. The PDF reprogrammingefficiency with the use of four factors (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and cMyc) retroviral vectorsis 1.38%, which is 1,000fold higher than the skin fibroblast reprogramming efficiency inthe same system. Reprogramming PDFs with two factors, Oct4 and Klf4 , yields 0.024%, which is comparable to the efficiency of skinfibroblast reprogramming using all four factors. The efficiency of PDF reprogramming iscomparable with that of NSCs, but PDF isolation is steady and far lessinvasive [39]. It seems likely that human PDF lines arealso usable, and this cell type may appear to be one of the most promising for human iPSCproduction in terms of pharmacological studies and cell replacement therapy. The use of suchcell types undergoing more effective reprogramming, together with methods providing thedelivery of pluripotency genes without the integration of foreign DNA into thehost genome and chemical compounds increasing the reprogramming efficiency and substitutingsome factors required for reprogramming, is particularly relevant.

Chemical Compounds Increasing Cell Reprogramming Efficiency. As was noted above,the minimization of the factors used for reprogramming decreases the efficiency of iPSCproduction. Nonetheless, several recent studies have shown that the use of genetic mechanisms,namely, the initiation of ectopic gene expression, can be substituted by chemical compounds,most of them operating at the epigenetic level. For instance, BIX01294 inhibitinghistone methyltransferase G9a allows murine fibroblast reprogramming using only two factors,Oct4 and Klf4, with a fivefold increased yield of iPSC clones in comparison with the controlexperiment without BIX01294 [40]. BIX01294taken in combination with another compound can increase the reprogramming efficiency even more.In particular, BIX01294 plus BayK8644 elevated the yield of iPCSs 15 times, andBIX01294 plus RG108 elevated it 30 times when only two reprogramming factors, Oct4 andKlf4, were used. RG108 is an inhibitor of DNA methyltransferases, and its role in reprogrammingis apparently in initiating the more rapid and effective demethylation of promoters ofpluripotent cellspecific genes, whereas BayK8644 is an antagonist of Ltypecalcium channels, and its role in reprogramming is not understood very well [40]. However, more considerable results were obtained inreprogramming murine NSCs. The use of BIX01294 allowed a 1.5foldincrease in iPSC production efficiency with two factors, Oct4 and Klf4, in comparison withreprogramming with all four factors. Moreover, BIX01294 can even substitute Oct4 in thereprogramming of NSCs, although the yield is very low [41]. Valproic (2propylvaleric) acid inhibiting histone deacetylases canalso substitute cMyc in reprogramming murine and human fibroblasts. Valproic acid (VPA)increases the reprogramming efficiency of murine fibroblasts 50 times, and human fibroblastsincreases it 1020 times when three factors are used [42, 43]. Other deacetylase inhibitors,such as TSA (trichostatin A) and SAHA (suberoylanilide hyroxamic acid), also increase thereprogramming efficiency. TSA increases the murine fibroblast reprogramming efficiency 15times, and SAHA doubles it when all four factors are used [42]. Besides epigenetic regulators, the substances inhibiting the proteincomponents of signaling pathways implicated in the differentiation of pluripotent cells arealso applicable in the substitution of reprogramming factors. In particular, inhibitors of MEKand GSK3 kinases (PD0325901 and CHIR99021, respectively) benefit the establishment of thecomplete and stable pluripotency of iPSCs produced from murineNSCs using two factors, Oct4 and Klf4 [41, 44].

It has recently been shown that antioxidants can considerably increase the efficiency ofsomatic cell reprogramming. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) can essentially influence the efficiencyof iPSC production from various murine and human somatic cell types [45]. The transduction of murine embryonic fibroblasts (mEFs) with retrovirusescarrying the Oct4 , Sox2 , and Klf4 genes results in a significant increase in the production level of reactive oxygen species(ROS) compared with that of both control and Efs tranduced with Oct4 , Sox2 , cMyc , and Klf4 . Inturn, the increase in the ROS level causes accelerated aging and apoptosis of the cell, whichshould influence the efficiency of cell reprogramming. By testing several substances possessingantioxidant activity such as vitamin B1, sodium selenite, reduced glutathione, and ascorbicacid, the authors have found that combining these substances increases the yield ofGFPpositive cells in EF reprogramming (the Gfp genewas under the control of the Oct4 gene promoter). The use of individualsubstances has shown that only ascorbate possesses a pronounced capability to increase thelevel of GFPpositive cells, although other substances keep theirROSdecreasing ability. In all likelihood, this feature of ascorbates is not directlyassociated with its antioxidant activity [45]. The scoreof GFPpositive iPSC colonies expressing an alkaline phosphatase hasshown that the efficiency of iPSC production from mEFs with three factors (Oct4, Sox2, andKlf4) can reach 3.8% in the presence of ascorbate. When all four factors (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, andcMyc) are used together with ascorbate, the efficiency of iPSC production may reach8.75%. A similar increase in the iPSC yield was also observed in the reprogramming of murinebreast fibroblasts; i.e., the effect of vitamin C is not limited by one cell type. Moreover,the effect of vitamin C on the reprogramming efficiency is more profound than that of thedeacetylase inhibitor valproic (2propylvaleric) acid. The mutual effect of ascorbate andvalproate is additive; i.e., these substances have different action mechanisms. Moreover,vitamin C facilitates the transition from preiPSCs to stablepluripotent cells. This feature is akin to the effects of PD0325901 and CHIR99021, which areinhibitors of MEK and GSK3 kinases, respectively. This effect of vitamin C expands to humancells as well [45]. Following the transduction of humanfibroblasts with retroviruses carrying Oct4 , Sox2 , Klf4 , and cMyc and treatment with ascorbate, theauthors prepared iPSCs with efficiencies reaching 6.2%. The reprogrammingefficiency of ASCs under the same conditions reached 7.06%. The mechanism ofthe effect that vitamin C has on the reprogramming efficiency is not known in detail.Nevertheless, the acceleration of cell proliferation was observed at the transitional stage ofreprogramming. The levels of the p53 and p21 proteins decreased in cells treated withascorbate, whereas the DNA repair machinery worked properly [45]. It is interesting that an essential decrease in the efficiency of iPSCproduction has been shown under the action of processes initiated by p53 and p21 [4650].

As was mentioned above, for murine and human iPSC production, both retro andlentiviruses were initially used as delivery vectors for the genes required for cellreprogramming. The main drawback of this method is the uncontrolled integration of viral DNAinto the host cells genome. Several research groups have introduced methods fordelivering pluripotency genes into the recipient cell which either do notintegrate allogenic DNA into the host genome or eliminate exogenous genetic constructs from thegenome.

CreloxP Mediated Recombination. To prepareiPSCs from patients with Parkinsons disease, lentiviruses were used,the proviruses of which can be removed from the genome by Cre recombinase. To do this, the loxP site was introduced into thelentiviral 3LTRregions containing separate reprogramming genesunder the control of the doxycyclineinducible promoter. During viral replication, loxP was duplicated in the 5LTR of the vector. As aresult, the provirus integrated into the genome was flanked with two loxP sites. The inserts were eliminated using the temporary transfection ofiPSCs with a vector expressing Cre recombinase[51].

In another study, murine iPSCs were produced using a plasmid carrying the Oct4 , Sox2 , Klf4I, and cMyc genes in the same reading frame in which individual cDNAs were separatedby sequences encoding 2 peptides, and practically the whole construct was flanked with loxP sites [52]. The use ofthis vector allowed a notable decrease in the number of exogenous DNA inserts in the hostcells genome and, hence, the simplification of their following excision [52]. It has been shown using lentiviruses carrying similarpolycistronic constructs that one copy of transgene providing a high expression level of theexogenous factors Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and cMyc is sufficient for the reprogramming ofdifferentiated cells into the pluripotent state [53,54].

The drawback of the CreloxP system is the incomplete excisionof integrated sequences; at least the loxP site remains in thegenome, so the risk of insertion mutations remains.

Plasmid Vectors . The application of lentiviruses and plasmids carrying the loxP sites required for the elimination of transgene constructsmodifies, although insignificantly, the host cells genome. One way to avoid this is touse vector systems that generally do not provide for the integration of the whole vector orparts of it into the cells genome. One such system providing a temporary transfectionwith polycistronic plasmid vectors was used for iPSC production from mEFs [29]. A polycistronic plasmid carrying the Oct4 , Sox2 , and Klf4 gene cDNAs, as well as aplasmid expressing cMyc , was transfected into mEFs one, three, five,and seven days after their primary seeding. Fibroblasts were passaged on the ninth day, and theiPSC colonies were selected on the 25th day. Seven out of ten experiments succeeded inproducing GFPpositive colonies (the Gfp gene wasunder the control of the Nanog gene promoter). The iPSCsthat were obtained were similar in their features to murine ESCs and did not contain inserts ofthe used DNA constructs in their genomes. Therefore, it was shown that wholesome murineiPSCs that do not carry transgenes can be reproducibly produced, and that thetemporary overexpression of Oct4 , Sox2 , Klf4 , and cMyc is sufficient for reprogramming. The maindrawback of this method is its low yield. In ten experiments the yield varied from 1 to 29 iPSCcolonies per ten million fibroblasts, whereas up to 1,000 colonies per ten millions wereobtained in the same study using retroviral constructs [29].

Episomal Vectors . Human iPSCs were successfully produced fromskin fibroblasts using single transfection with polycistronic episomal constructs carryingvarious combinations of Oct4 , Sox2 , Nanog , Klf4 , cMyc , Lin28 , and SV40LT genes. These constructs were designed on the basis of theoriP/EBNA1 (EpsteinBarr nuclear antigen1) vector [55]. The oriP/EBNA1 vector contains the IRES2 linker sequence allowing theexpression of several individual cDNAs (encoding the genes required for successfulreprogramming in this case) into one polycistronic mRNA from which several proteins aretranslated. The oriP/EBNA1 vector is also characterized by lowcopy representation in thecells of primates and can be replicated once per cell cycle (hence, it is not rapidlyeliminated, the way common plasmids are). Under nonselective conditions, the plasmid iseliminated at a rate of about 5% per cell cycle [56]. Inthis work, the broad spectrum of the reprogramming factor combinations was tested, resulting inthe best reprogramming efficiency with cotransfection with three episomes containing thefollowing gene sets: Oct4 + Sox2 + Nanog + Klf4 , Oct4 + Sox2 + SV40LT + Klf4 , and cMyc + Lin28 . SV40LT ( SV40 large T gene )neutralizes the possible toxic effect of overexpression [57]. The authors have shown thatwholesome iPSCs possessing all features of pluripotent cells can be producedfollowing the temporary expression of a certain gene combination in human somatic cells withoutthe integration of episomal DNA into the genome. However, as in the case when plasmid vectorsare being used, this way of reprogramming is characterized by low efficiency. In separateexperiments the authors obtained from 3 to 6 stable iPSC colonies per 106transfected fibroblasts [55]. Despite the fact that skinfibroblasts are wellcultured and accessible, the search for other cell types which arerelatively better cultured and more effectively subject themselves to reprogramming throughthis method is very likely required. Another drawback of the given system is that this type ofepisome is unequally maintained in different cell types.

PiggyBacTransposition . One promising system used foriPSC production without any modification of the host genome is based on DNA transposons.Socalled PiggyBac transposons containing2linkered reprogramming genes localized between the 5 and3terminal repeats were used for iPSC production from fibroblasts. The integrationof the given constructs into the genome occurs due to mutual transfection with a plasmidencoding transposase. Following reprogramming due to the temporary expression of transposase,the elimination of inserts from the genome took place [58, 59]. One advantage of the PiggyBac system on CreloxP is that the exogenous DNA iscompletely removed [60].

However, despite the relatively high efficiency of exogenous DNA excision from the genome by PiggyBac transposition, the removal of a large number of transposoncopies is hardly achievable.

Nonintegrating Viral Vectors . Murine iPSCs were successfullyproduced from hepatocytes and fibroblasts using four adenoviral vectors nonintegrating into thegenome and carrying the Oct4 , Sox2 , Klf4 , and cMyc genes. An analysis of the obtainediPSCs has shown that they are similar to murine ESCs in their properties(teratoma formation, gene promoter DNA methylation, and the expression of pluripotent markers),but they do not carry insertions of viral DNA in their genomes [61]. Later, human fibroblastderived iPSCs wereproduced using this method [62].

The authors of this paper cited the postulate that the use of adenoviral vectors allows theproduction of iPSCs, which are suitable for use without the risk of viral oroncogenic activity. Its very low yield (0.00010.001%), the deceleration ofreprogramming, and the probability of tetraploid cell formation are the drawbacks of themethod. Not all cell types are equally sensitive to transduction with adenoviruses.

Another method of gene delivery based on viral vectors was recently employed for theproduction of human iPSCs. The sendaivirus (SeV)based vector wasused in this case [63]. SeV is a singlestrandedRNA virus which does not modify the genome of recipient cells; it seems to be a good vector forthe expression of reprogramming factors. Vectors containing either all pluripotencyfactors or three of them (without ) were used for reprogramming the human fibroblast. The construct based on SeV is eliminatedlater in the course of cell proliferation. It is possible to remove cells with the integratedprovirus via negative selection against the surface HN antigen exposed on the infected cells.The authors postulate that reprogramming technology based on SeV will enable the production ofclinically applicable human iPSCs [63].

Cell Transduction with Recombinant Proteins . Although the methods for iPSCproduction without gene modification of the cells genome (adenoviral vectors, plasmidgene transfer, etc.) are elaborated, the theoretical possibility for exogenous DNA integrationinto the host cells genome still exists. The mutagenic potential of the substances usedpresently for enhancing iPSC production efficiency has not been studied in detail. Fullychecking iPSC genomes for exogenous DNA inserts and other mutations is a difficult task, whichbecomes impossible to solve in bulk culturing of multiple lines. The use of protein factorsdelivered into a differentiated cell instead of exogenous DNA may solve this problem. Tworeports have been published to date in which murine and human iPSCs wereproduced using the recombinant Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and cMyc proteins [64, 65] . T he methodused to deliver the protein into the cell is based on the ability of peptides enriched withbasic residues (such as arginine and lysine) to penetrate the cells membrane. MurineiPSCs were produced using the recombinant Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and cMycproteins containing eleven Cterminal arginine residues and expressed in E. coli . The authors succeeded in producing murine iPSCs during four roundsof protein transduction into embryonic fibroblasts [65].However, iPSCs were only produced when the cells were additionally treatedwith 2propylvalerate (the deacetylase inhibitor). The same principle was used for theproduction of human iPSCs, but protein expression was carried out in humanHEK293 cells, and the proteins were expressed with a fragment of nine arginins at the proteinCend. Researchers have succeeded in producing human iPSCs after sixtransduction rounds without any additional treatment [64]. The efficiency of producing human iPSC in this way was 0.001%, which isone order lower than the reprogramming efficiency with retroviruses. Despite some drawbacks,this method is very promising for the production of patientspecificiPSCs.

The first lines of human pluripotent ESCs were produced in 1998 [6]. In line with the obvious fundamental importance of embryonic stem cellstudies with regard to the multiple processes taking place in early embryogenesis, much of theinterest of investigators is associated with the possibility of using ESCs and theirderivatives as models for the pathogenesis of human diseases, new drugs testing, and cellreplacement therapy. Substantial progress is being achieved in studies on directed humanESC differentiation and the possibility of using them to correct degenerativedisorders. Functional cell types, such as motor dopaminergic neurons, cardiomyocytes, andhematopoietic cell progenitors, can be produced as a result of ESCdifferentiation. These cell derivatives, judging from their biochemical and physiologicalproperties, are potentially applicable for the therapy of cardiovascular disorders, nervoussystem diseases, and human hematological disorders [66].Moreover, derivatives produced from ESCs have been successfully used for treating diseasesmodeled on animals. Therefore, bloodcell progenitors produced from ESCs weresuccessfully used for correcting immune deficiency in mice. Visual functions were restored inblind mice using photoreceptors produced from human ESCs, and the normal functioning of thenervous system was restored in rats modeling Parkinsons disease using the dopaminergicneurons produced from human ESCs [6770]. Despite obvious success, the fullscale applicationof ESCs in therapy and the modeling of disorders still carry difficulties, because of thenecessity to create ESC banks corresponding to all HLAhaplotypes, whichis practically unrealistic and hindered by technical and ethical problems.

Induced pluripotent stem cells can become an alternative for ESCs in the area of clinicalapplication of cell replacement therapy and screening for new pharmaceuticals.iPSCs closely resemble ESCs and, at the same time, can be produced in almostunlimited amounts from the differentiated cells of each patient. Despite the fact that thefirst iPSCs were produced relatively recently, work on directed iPSCdifferentiation and the production of patientspecific iPSCs isintensive, and progress in this field is obvious.

Dopamine and motor neurons were produced from human iPSCs by directeddifferentiation in vitro [71, 72]. These types of neurons are damaged in many inherited oracquired human diseases, such as spinal cord injury, Parkinsons disease, spinal muscularatrophy, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Some investigators have succeeded in producingvarious retinal cells from murine and human iPSCs [7375]. HumaniPSCs have been shown to be spontaneously differentiated in vitro into the cells of retinal pigment epithelium [76]. Another group of investigators has demonstrated that treating human andmurine iPSCs with Wnt and Nodal antagonists in a suspended culture induces theappearance of markers of cell progenitors and pigment epithelium cells. Further treating thecells with retinoic acid and taurine activates the appearance of cells expressing photoreceptormarkers [75].

Several research groups have produced functional cardiomyocytes (CMs) in vitro from murine and human iPSCs [7781]. Cardiomyocytes producedfrom iPSC are very similar in characteristics (morphology, marker expression,electrophysiological features, and sensitivity to chemicals) to the CMs ofcardiac muscle and to CMs produced from differentiated ESCs. Moreover, murineiPSCs, when injected, can repair muscle and endothelial cardiac tissuesdamaged by cardiac infarction [77].

Hepatocytelike cell derivatives, dendritic cells, macrophages, insulinproducingcell clusters similar to the duodenal islets of Langerhans, and hematopoietic and endothelialcells are currently produced from murine and human iPSCs, in addition to thealreadylisted types of differentiated cells [8285].

In addition to directed differentiation in vitro , investigators apply mucheffort at producing patientspecific iPSCs. The availability ofpluripotent cells from individual patients makes it possible to study pathogenesis and carryout experiments on the therapy of inherited diseases, the development of which is associatedwith distinct cell types that are hard to obtain by biopsy: so the use ofiPSCs provides almost an unlimited resource for these investigations.Recently, the possibility of treating diseases using iPSCs was successfullydemonstrated, and the design of the experiment is presented in the figure. A mutant allele wassubstituted with a normal allele via homologous recombination in murine fibroblastsrepresenting a model of human sickle cell anemia. iPSCs were produced fromrepaired fibroblasts and then differentiated into hematopoietic cell precursors.The hematopoietic precursors were then injected into a mouse from which the skin fibroblastswere initially isolated (). As a result, the initialpathological phenotype was substantially corrected [86].A similar approach was applied to the fibroblasts and keratinocytes of a patient withFanconis anemia. The normal allele of the mutant gene producing anemia was introducedinto a somatic cell genome using a lentivirus, and then iPSCs were obtainedfrom these cells. iPSCs carrying the normal allele were differentiated intohematopoietic cells maintaining a normal phenotype [87].The use of lentiviruses is unambiguously impossible when producing cells to be introduced intothe human body due to their oncogenic potential. However, new relatively safe methods of genomemanipulation are currently being developed; for instance, the use of synthetic nucleasescontaining zinc finger domains allowing the effective correction of genetic defects invitro [88].

Design of an experiment on repairing the mutant phenotype in mice modeling sickle cell anemia development [2]. Fibroblasts isolatedfrom the tail of a mouse (1) carrying a mutant allele of the gene encoding the human hemoglobin -chain (hs) were used for iPSCproduction (2). The mutation was then repaired in iPSCs by means of homological recombination (3) followed by cell differentiationvia the embryoid body formation (4). The directed differentiation of the embryoid body cells led to hematopoietic precursor cells (5)that were subsequently introduced into a mouse exposed to ionizing radiation (6).

The induced pluripotent stem cells are an excellent model for pathogenetic studies at the celllevel and testing compounds possessing a possible therapeutic effect.

The induced pluripotent stem cells were produced from the fibroblasts of a patient with spinalmuscular atrophy (SMA) (SMAiPSCs). SMA is an autosomalrecessive disease caused by a mutation in the SMN1 ( survival motorneuron 1 ) gene, which is manifested as the selective nonviability of lower motor neurons. Patients with this disorder usually die at the age of about two years.Existing experimental models of this disorder based on the use of flatworms, drosophila, andmice are not satisfactory. The available fibroblast lines from patients withSMA cannot provide the necessary data on the pathogenesis of this disordereither. It was shown that motor neurons produced from SMAiPSCs canretain the features of SMA development, selective neuronal death, and the lackof SMN1 transcription. Moreover, the authors succeeded in elevating the SMNprotein level and aggregation (encoded by the SMN2 gene, whose expressioncan compensate for the shortage in the SMN1 protein) in response to the treatment of motorneurons and astrocytes produced from SMAiPSCs with valproate andtorbomycin [89;]. iPSCs and theirderivatives can serve as objects for pharmacological studies, as has been demonstrated oniPSCs from patients with familial dysautonomia (FDA) [90]. FDA is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder manifested as thedegeneration of sensor and autonomous neurons. This is due to a mutation causing thetissuespecific splicing of the IKBKAP gene, resulting in a decreasein the level of the fulllength IKAP protein. iPSCs were produced fromfibroblasts of patients with FDA. They possessed all features of pluripotent cells. Neuralderivatives produced from these cells had signs of FDA pathogenesis and low levels of thefulllength IKBKAP transcript. The authors studied the effect of threesubstances, kinetin, epigallocatechin gallate, and tocotrienol, on the parameters associatedwith FDA pathogenesis. Only kinetin has been shown to induce an increase in the level offulllength IKBKAP transcript. Prolonged treatment with kinetininduces an increase in the level of neuronal differentiation and expression of peripheralneuronal markers.

Currently, a broad spectrum of iPSCs is produced from patients with variousinherited pathologies and multifactorial disorders, such as Parkinsons disease, Downsyndrome, type 1 diabetes, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, talassemia, etc., whichare often lethal and can scarcely be treated with routine therapy [51, 87, 89, 9194]. The data on iPSCs produced by reprogramming somaticcells from patients with various pathologies are given in the .

Functional categories of M. tuberculosis genes with changed expression level during transition to the NC state

One can confidently state that both iPSCs themselves and their derivativesare potent instruments applicable in biomedicine, cell replacement therapy, pharmacology, andtoxicology. However, the safe application of iPSCbased technologies requires the use ofmethods of iPSCs production and their directed differentiation which minimizeboth the possibility of mutations in cell genomes under in vitro culturingand the probability of malignant transformation of the injected cells. The development ofmethods for human iPSC culturing without the use of animal cells (for instance, the feederlayer of murine fibroblasts) is necessary; they make a viralorigin pathogen transferfrom animals to humans impossible. There is a need for the maximum standardization ofconditions for cell culturing and differentiation.

This study was supported by the Russian Academy of Sciences Presidium ProgramMolecular and Cell Biology.

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Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Problems and Advantages ...

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Somatic stem cells (also called adult stem cells) exist naturally in the body. They are important for growth, healing, and replacing cells that are lost through daily wear and tear.

Stem cells from the blood and bone marrow are routinely used as a treatment for blood-related diseases. However, under natural circumstances somatic stem cells can become only a subset of related cell types. Bone marrow stem cells, for example, differentiate primarily into blood cells. This partial differentiation can be an advantage when you want to produce blood cells; but it is a disadvantage if you're interested in producing an unrelated cell type.

Most types of somatic stem cells are present in low abundance and are difficult to isolate and grow in culture. Isolation of some types could cause considerable tissue or organ damage, as in the heart or brain. Somatic stem cells can be transplanted from donor to patient, but without drugs that suppress the immune system, a patient's immune system will recognize transplanted cells as foreign and attack them.

Therapy involving somatic stem cells is not controversial; however, it is subject to the same ethical considerations that apply to all medical procedures.

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Stem Cell Quick Reference - University of Utah

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Skin cells have been exposed to molecules that reverse their development but still retain their function, creating a kind of stem cell that keeps its original function in the body

By Chen Ly

A fluorescent light micrograph of fibroblast cells from human skin

VSHYUKOVA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Researchers have developed a method that can turn back the biological clock on skin cells by 30 years, creating stem cells from mature ones, which could be used to treat skin conditions in the future.

In 2007, Shinya Yamanaka at Kyoto University in Japan developed a technique that could transform adult skins cells into stem cells by inserting four specialist molecules, dubbed Yamanaka factors, that reverse cell development. It takes around 50 days of exposure to these molecules for normal cells to be reprogrammed into what are known as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

When you turn to a cell into an iPSC, you lose the original cell type and its functionality, says Diljeet Gill at the Babraham Institute in Cambridge, UK.

Gill and his colleagues have now devised a technique that uses Yamanaka factors to rejuvenate skin cells without losing their previous functionality.

The researchers collected skin cell samples from three human donors that had an average age of around 50, then exposed these to the Yamanaka factors for just 13 days to partially anti-age the cells. They then removed the Yamanaka factors and left the cells to grow.

As we age, our DNA gets tagged with chemicals, so tracking these markers can help us determine how old our bodies are. This is known as our epigenetic clock. Over time, some of our genes will either turn on or off, the collection of which is known as the transcriptome.

Gill and his team found that the epigenetic clock and transcriptome profiles of the partially reprogrammed cells matched the profiles of skin cells that belonged to people who were 30 years younger.

The rejuvenated cells also functioned like younger ones, too, creating more collagen than those that didnt undergo reprogramming. And when placed onto an artificial wound, the reprogrammed cells moved to close the gap much quicker than the older ones did.

In young people, if you cut yourself, itll take quicker to heal the wound, while it would take me longer to heal, says team member Wolf Reik, also at the Babraham Institute. Its very exciting not only the molecular read-outs that are younger, but the cell also functions more like young cells.

The key advance in this study is that we are now able to substantially rejuvenate cells without changing their identity or functionality, says Reik. In previous studies, you would end up with a stem cell, which is not what youd want for therapy.

The technique may one day be useful in treating skin conditions, such as burns and ulcers. There is also the added bonus that the cells wouldnt be rejected by an individuals body, because they would be their own cells, says Gill.

So far, weve only tested this technique in skin cells. Were excited to see if we can translate it across other cell types, says Gill.

Journal reference: eLife, DOI: 10.7554/eLife.71624

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Anti-ageing technique makes skin cells act 30 years younger - New Scientist

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Get the Highest Quality Multi Collagen Powder Highest Quality Multi Collagen Powder

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Collagen has become a popular hair growth supplement thanks to media attention and personal reports from consumers, despite a lack of scientific evidence linking collagen to hair growth.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and it helps build and repair bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles, hair and skin, including skin on the scalp.

Some studies have shown that taking collagen improves hair growth, but most of these studies were funded by the cosmetic and supplement industries.According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, this presents a conflict of interest because most of the research on collagen supplements is funded by related industries that may benefit from positive results.

People have claimed that collagen supplementation can help regenerate hair follicles to regrow hair, thicken hair density, stop hair loss and possibly impact hair graying.

More objective and controlled studies are necessary to determine whether collagen supplementation may live up to these claims.

Collagen plays important roles in the health of the scalp and hair follicles, and it contains amino acids used to build keratin, which is the protein that hair is primarily made of.

Collagen is the primary component of the dermis, which is the connective tissue layer that contains hair follicles. Collagen plays a role repairing the dermis and the skin on the scalp at the base of the hair follicle, and it may impact age-related hair growth.

The following studies reported no conflicts of interest or suspicious funding sources.

An August 2021 study published in Aging investigated the role collagen may play in hair follicle regeneration. Tests showed that younger cells at the base of hair follicles upregulated (used more) collagen, while aged cells downregulated (used less) collagen. The young cells also aggregated together, which promotes hair follicle growth, while the aged cells had difficulty aggregating.

These results suggest that collagen helps younger people regenerate hair follicles, which lead to hair growth. As people age and collagen levels drop, there is less hair follicle regeneration and subsequent hair loss.

According to a 2018 study published in Experimental Dermatology, collagen type 17 is an important part of the microenvironment that promotes hair follicle stem cell health. Hair follicle stem cells become active during a new hair cycle, which is when new hair growth occurs.

The study also reported that people born with an inability to make collagen type 17 develop junctional epidermolysis bullosa, which is a genetic condition that causes skin to be fragile and blister. Patients with this condition develop serious hair loss and hair graying early in life.

Mice genetically altered to be deficient in type 17 collagen also develop hair loss and graying. Researchers reported that graying is believed to occur after collagen breakdown around hair follicle stem cells.

A 2016 study published in Science evaluated the effects of supplementing type 17 collagen in aged mice with hair loss. Results showed that maintaining levels of type 17 collagen helped aged hair follicles use collagen again to restore cell function and health.

Type 17 collagen is not available in supplement form but supplementing with different types of collagen may provide a wide range of amino acids the body needs to produce type 17 collagen.

Type I collagen is considered one of the best types for skin and hair, and it is found in both marine and bovine sources of collagen. This type of collagen is rich in hydroxyproline, which helps build keratin and is essential for skin health.

CB Supplements offers the highest quality multi collagen powder thats naturally formulated to keep your joints, skin, hair, nails and gut healthy.

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Taking collagen may improve the health of your scalp and hair, but there isnt much objective evidence that it will result in hair growth for everyone who takes it. Other potential collagen benefits include improvements in the health of skin, joints and bones.

Supplementing with collagen powder may promote the health and function of the scalp and hair follicles, but it must be taken on a long-term basis because the body produces an enzyme that constantly breaks down collagen.

Dietary supplements, including collagen supplements, are not reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration before they reach the U.S. market. It is important to look for a third-party verification seal on supplements before you buy them.

Examples of third-party verification organizations in the U.S. include the U.S. Pharmacopeia and NSF International. U.S. Pharmacopeia ensures that the ingredients have been verified, and NSF International certifies that a products ingredients match the label.

Make sure to discuss any new supplement with a doctor to review possible side effects, drug interactions and allergies. Collagen may be sourced from fish and eggs, which are common allergens.

Ask your doctor if any digestive problems could result from recommended dose and whether you should try a particular form of supplement first.

While there are no known drug interactions with collagen, some collagen supplements contain other ingredients, such as vitamin C, that may interact with drugs. Vitamin C should not be taken with bortezomib or deferoxamine.

Please seek the advice of a medical professional before making health care decisions.

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Collagen for Hair Growth | The Benefits It Has on Your Hair - DrugWatch.com

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It can be difficult to figure out what products are worth your money in such a saturated beauty space, but here are two telltale signs: If celebrities recommend the product without being paid and if beauty editors, who get sent free products to test on the regular, say theyd spend their own money on it, chances are the product is worth a place in your routine.

Augustinus Baders The Cream (for combination and oily skin) and The Rich Cream (for dry skin) check both these boxes. The Creams word-of-mouth testimonials have given the product cult-level status. In fact, its been recommended three separate times in I Swear By This, a franchise where creatives share their must-have beauty products.

I felt like this product came out of nowhere; like one day, it popped up and everyone was recommending it. I have really sensitive skin, so Im typically hesitant to try new products, but I gave this a go. When I woke up the next day, I was a believer. Everything that everyone says about this cream is true. The price point is definitely on the higher end, but its so worth it. Grace Pae, celebrity makeup artist

"This has become central to not just my routine, but the routine of many of our customers. We were the first platform to launch this product, and it was really excitingthe whole experience of discovering this beauty holy grail. It's been a best-seller since it launched." Cassandra Grey, founder of beauty e-commerce platform Violet Grey

If its good enough for burn victims, its good enough for me. It's expensive, but some stuff you can't really put a price on. Plus, Im not using that much. My girlfriend buys it, so its all over the house. Basically, when she's not around, I use it, so I dont get slapped on the wrist.

This is an interesting product because its become the hot chick thing. They sell this at The Row; its the one. Every two to three years, theres a product like that. I don't even know if it's celebrity-driven because, with anything that becomes as big and popular as this, its just because it's good and it works.

Skin care and beauty are so personal. You can't just have beautiful packaging and marketing. It really does have to work, and there has to be a word-of-mouth element. That criteria doesn't exist in other categories. Chris Black, writer, consultant, and co-host of the podcast How Long Gone

Given all the hype the product has received, I decided to try it out myself. Below, my review on Augustinus Bader The Cream.

The Formula

In 2008, Augustinus Bader, a professor of applied stem cell biology and cell technology at the University of Leipzig in Germany, formulated a wound gel that heals third-degree burns, without surgery. The eponymous skin-care line was born from this breakthrough. The ethos behind Baders work is the idea that your skin doesnt need a never-ending supply of new ingredients.

Our skin contains stem cells, which have healing and regenerative properties. However, according to research, in order to trigger the self-renewal process, the environment needs to give the stem cells a green light to do their job. If theyre not receiving signals to activate, the skin stem cells lay dormant.

Both creams are formulated with Trigger Factor Complex, which contains vitamins, peptides, amino acids, and lipidsingredients that nourish the environment and signal to the dormant stem cells to wake up. Once the bodys stem cells are activated, the healing process promotes skin-care benefits like reducing redness, fading hyperpigmentation, and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The Results

After years of hearing the buzz about the brand, I decided to give it a try to see if the cream was actually as good as people say. I have combination skin thats prone to dehydration and dark spots, so I chose The Cream over The Rich Cream. The brand recommends using the product for at least 27 days (the amount of time it takes for cell turnover to occur). They also suggest using it alone, with no other skin-care products aside from cleanser. However, I decided to work The Cream into my existing morning and evening routines. After cleansing, Id apply the product before layering my other serums on top.

Before

After

The Cream played well with the other products in my routine. Its lightweight texture glided smoothly across my skin and the formula didnt dry down stickythere was no greasy residue left behind. My skin felt (and looked) plump after applying and it absorbed quickly. After a couple weeks of using The Cream, I started to notice a difference. My skin, which usually looks dull and extra parched in the mornings, felt supple and looked dewy. My stubborn dark spots were beginning to fade. Overall, my complexion looked healthier.

I still have a couple of weeks to go before I hit the 27-day mark, but The Cream has quickly become a staple in my routine. Yes, its pricey, but because of its clinically backed formula and proven performance, I think its absolutely worth the money.

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Augustinus Bader The Cream Review - Coveteur

Skin Stem Cells Comments Off on Augustinus Bader The Cream Review – Coveteur | April 15th, 2022

ASCE+ HRLVis the second product of ExoCoBio's professional aesthetic brand "ASCE+" whose first product "ASCE+ SRLV" for skin care is now widely recognized in a global market. ASCE+ HRLV is targeted for scalp rejuvenation and hair loss market and expected to rapidly expand its market share by introducing four effects: (1) scalp rejuvenation, (2) hair loss care, (3) improvement of hair anti-aging and (4) trouble prevention. They are designed to take care of both of scalp and hair regardless of age and gender.

According to the research conducted by Grand View Research (global market and research company), "the global hair and scalp care market size is valued at US$ 80.81 billion in 2020 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2021 to 2028." In recent years, there are growing concerns about the harmful effects of pollution, excessive use of hair products with chemicals, and the demand for nature-friendly products, whose market needs led to the launch of ASCE+ HRLV.

Dr. Iigo de Felipe, a Dermatologist with clinics in Barcelona and London, completed forthe last 2 years a clinical study for patients with scalp rejuvenation & hair loss using ASCE+ HRLV. When asked about his experience with the product, he said it is "better than other traditional treatments such as oral dutasteride, minoxidil or PRP" and praised its effectiveness affirming that it is "especially good in the frontal area of the scalp, an area where many other treatments usually fail". Dr. De Felipe also emphasized that "even though treatment is very effective for men, it is equally and sometimes even more effective for women too."

Over the past five years, ExoCoBio has made utmost efforts for R&D relating to skin, by using its patented technology "ExoSCRT" that is designed to isolate quality exosomes with excellent efficacy and to mass-produce exosomes (For more information on ExoSCRT, visit the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOGQI8VuNOU). As a result, ExoCoBio became a global leader in exosome industry by obtaining 38 patents that are considered to be the strongest patent portfolio for exosomes in the world. Recently ExoCoBio successfully registered the patent "Composition for rejuvenating hair &, preventing hair aging comprising an exosome derived from stem cells as an active ingredient (Patent No. KR 10-2265875-0000)," which is the world first and unique idea to rejuvenate the hair color (i.e., hair returns to its original color).

"It is anticipated that the launch of ASCE+ HRLV will lead to expansion of ExoCoBio's share in the scalp rejuvenation and hair loss market as well as skin care market. In addition to the aesthetic product, ExoCoBio plans to develop a bio-medicine for hair loss through its R&D based on its innovative technology," stated Byong Cho, CEO of ExoCoBio (For HRLV technology, visit the following: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkRcNCvNKAI).

References:https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/hair-care-markethttps://www.imcas.com/en/academy/show/11792/exosomes-in-treatment-of-androgenetic-alopecia-aga?connected=1

About ExoCoBio Inc. (www.exocobio.com)

ExoCoBio Inc. is the global leader who specializes in next generation exosome-based regenerative aesthetics, regenerative medicine, & immunotherapy. Currently ExoCoBio offers a series of exosome-based aesthetic & cosmetic products which are innovative and brand-new items in the regenerative aesthetics industry. Among them, ASCE+, EXOMAGE, and CELLTWEET are leading brands for skin rejuvenation, skin immune-modulation, and scalp rejuvenation, which have shown dramatic sales increase worldwide.

SOURCE ExoCoBio Inc.

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ExoCoBio launches "ASCE+ HRLV" for Scalp Rejuvenation and Hair Loss - PR Newswire

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Scientists have created a stem cell treatment that might potentially lead to novel restorative therapies for those who have suffered a spinal cord damage.

Clinical trials have been hindered by limited stem cell viability and inability to replace injured spinal cord cells following spinal cord damage, despite its enormous promise for tissue healing.

Using a tailored method, this study establishes ground-breaking new territory by directing grafted neuronal stem cells to produce the specific kinds of spinal cord repair cells. It is critical that these newly generated cells survive and operate inside the host wounded spinal cord for a lengthy period of time following a spinal cord accident.

As a neurodegenerative ailment, spinal cord damage is a severe and expensive one, Karimi noted. She estimates that roughly 1,400 new occurrences of spinal cord injury occur annually in Canada, out of a total population of 86,000 people. Of them, 40% are all below the age of 45. It is anticipated that in 2019, the yearly cost of spine nerve lesion in Canada would be around $2.7 billion. She said that these expenses include medical treatment and hospitalizations, and also indirect expenses such as missed or decreased output.

Developing innovative restorative medicine therapies to enhance the standard of life for a wide group of people is an unfulfilled need in the field of spinal cord injury rehabilitation. This is exciting news for spinal cord injury sufferers, who have seen few advancements in treatment since the advent of stem cell research.

It will likely still be some time before this kind of treatment is available to patients, but we know that the researchers involved in this study are doing everything they can to advance neural stem cell transplantation therapies and bring them to a wider clinical application.

The study was published in The Journal of Neuroscience.

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Neural Stem Cell Therapy For Spinal Cord Injury To Tap Into The Potential Of Stem Cells - Optic Flux

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When a freak accident left mum-of-three Sam Bloom paralysed from the waist down, she sunk into a deep depression before finding comfort from an unlikely source.

Bloom stumbled across a baby magpie she called Penguin Bloom, and the bird soon became a member of her family - eventually helping to assist in her recovery.

Her book of the same name later became a movie, starring Australian actress Naomi Watts as Sam.

Watch The Morning Show on Channel 7 and stream it for free on 7plus >>

See Sam Bloom in the video player above

But that is far from the end of Blooms remarkable story.

She is both a world para-surf champion and disability advocate, fighting for a cure for spinal cord injuries.

When she joined The Morning Show, she started by discussing the impact of the film.

I think the best thing about the whole film and telling our story is just all the messages Ive received from people around the world, Bloom said.

It was on Netflix in South America and Europe and so on, and a lot of people have just said thank you because they dont feel so alone because it was a pretty honest account of when life doesnt turn out the way you thought it would.

Its nice to know that youre actually helping someone.

Bloom was an avid surfer before her accident, and her injury hasnt deterred her. She has twice taken out the world para-surf championship and recently returned from a surfing trip with her family in Yeppoon in north Queensland.

It was so much fun, the wave pool at Yeppoon is like a giant lake and its like it has this giant plunger in the middle and it sucks up, Bloom said.

Its a bit terrifying at first and then there are five different breaks - it is the best fun ever.

I feel super-free, kind of feel like my old self again, which is a nice feeling. Its the best.

Bloom also spoke about her work with Wings for Life World Run - the worlds largest running event in which thousands of people around the globe run simultaneously to raise money and awareness for spinal cord injury research.

The run is on May 8 at 9am in Sydney and the run starts all around the world at the same time, in a way were lucky that its not in the middle of the night in Sydney when it starts, Bloom said with a laugh.

Bloom explained the goal behind the run and her hopes for what it might ultimately achieve: funding vital research into spinal injuries.

Unfortunately its all about money, she said.

Thats the best thing about Wings for Life World Run, 100 per cent of the money raised goes straight to the research.

Its incredible, theyre doing a lot of research now with stem cells and neurostimulation.

I hope that theyll find a cure for spinal cord injuries. Can you imagine, theres millions of people around the world living with spinal cord injury and it breaks my heart when I see young people (affected).

Because I was 41 when I had my accident and I know how devastating it is, when you see young people and their journey is only just beginning.

Bloom revealed that, while her outlook is a lot more positive, she still struggles with living with her injury

I have good days and bad days, for sure, she said. To be honest, I hate being stuck in a wheelchair, Id do anything to be up and to be me again.

To help support the Wings for Life World Run please click here

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Still Blooming: Sams mission to raise money for spinal cord injury research - 7NEWS

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Lineage and Cancer Research UK Announce Completion of Patient Enrollment in Phase 1 Clinical Study of VAC2 for the Treatment of Non-small Cell Lung...

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SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vaxart, Inc. (Nasdaq: VXRT) today announced that Dr. Sean Tucker, SVP and Chief Scientific Officer, will present at the World Vaccine Congress Washington 2022 in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 3:55 p.m. ET.

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Vaxart to Present at World Vaccine Congress Washington 2022 on April 20

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REDWOOD CITY, Calif., and SHANGHAI, China, April 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coherus BioSciences, Inc. (“Coherus”, Nasdaq: CHRS) and Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co., Ltd. (“Junshi Biosciences”, HKEX: 1877; SSE: 688180) announced today that the United States Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") has granted Orphan Drug Designation (“ODD”) for toripalimab, a PD-1 inhibitor, for the treatment of small cell lung cancer (“SCLC”). ODD is granted to drugs intended to treat rare diseases with a patient population less than 200,000 in the United States. The designation provides incentives to advance development and commercialization of drugs that have the potential to provide benefit to patients with rare diseases.

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Coherus and Junshi Biosciences Announce PD-1 Inhibitor Toripalimab Granted Orphan Drug Designation for Small Cell Lung Cancer in the United States

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Phase Ib dose-escalating OVATION I Study with GEN-1 in advanced ovarian cancer patients was well received at 2022 AACR Annual Meeting

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Celsion and Medidata Present Findings on Use of Synthetic Control Arm to Estimate Treatment Effect in Ovarian Cancer Trial at 2022 AACR Annual Meeting

Global News Feed Comments Off on Celsion and Medidata Present Findings on Use of Synthetic Control Arm to Estimate Treatment Effect in Ovarian Cancer Trial at 2022 AACR Annual Meeting | April 15th, 2022

SHANGHAI, China and REDWOOD CITY, Calif., April 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co., Ltd. (“Junshi Biosciences”, HKEX: 1877; SSE: 688180) and Coherus BioSciences, Inc. (“Coherus”) announced today that the United States Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") has granted Orphan Drug Designation (“ODD”) for toripalimab, a PD-1 inhibitor, for the treatment of small cell lung cancer (“SCLC”). ODD is granted to drugs intended to treat rare diseases with a patient population less than 200,000 in the United States. The designation provides incentives to advance development and commercialization of drugs that have the potential to provide benefit to patients with rare diseases.

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Junshi Biosciences and Coherus Announce PD-1 Inhibitor Toripalimab Granted Orphan Drug Designation for Small Cell Lung Cancer in the United States

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– In Adults with Pyruvate Kinase (PK) Deficiency Who Are Not Regularly Transfused, PYRUKYND® Significantly Increased Hemoglobin Level, Decreased Hemolysis and Improved Patient-Reported Outcomes –

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Agios Announces Publication of Phase 3 ACTIVATE Study in New England Journal of Medicine Demonstrating Benefits of PYRUKYND® (mitapivat) for Adults...

Global News Feed Comments Off on Agios Announces Publication of Phase 3 ACTIVATE Study in New England Journal of Medicine Demonstrating Benefits of PYRUKYND® (mitapivat) for Adults… | April 15th, 2022

IRVINE, Calif., April 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Biomerica, Inc. (Nasdaq: BMRA), a global provider of advanced medical diagnostic and therapeutic products, today announced its fiscal third quarter and nine month results ended February 28, 2022.

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Biomerica Reports 111% Increase in Q3 Fiscal 2022 Revenues to $7.6 million vs. Q3 Fiscal 2021

Global News Feed Comments Off on Biomerica Reports 111% Increase in Q3 Fiscal 2022 Revenues to $7.6 million vs. Q3 Fiscal 2021 | April 15th, 2022

April events to highlight Longeveron’s commitment to developing cell therapeutics for chronic aging related diseases. April events to highlight Longeveron’s commitment to developing cell therapeutics for chronic aging related diseases.

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Longeveron to Present at Longevity Leaders World Congress; Latinos and Alzheimer’s Symposium; International Frailty and Sarcopenia Research...

Global News Feed Comments Off on Longeveron to Present at Longevity Leaders World Congress; Latinos and Alzheimer’s Symposium; International Frailty and Sarcopenia Research… | April 15th, 2022

NEW YORK, April 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BeyondSpring Inc. (the “Company” or “BeyondSpring”) (Nasdaq: BYSI), a clinical stage global biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative cancer therapies to improve clinical outcomes for patients who have high unmet medical needs, today announced that it has filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on April 14, 2022. The annual report on Form 20-F, which contains the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements, can be accessed on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and on the Company’s website at www.beyondspringpharma.com under “Financials & Filings” in the Investors section.

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BeyondSpring Files 2021 Annual Report on Form 20-F

Global News Feed Comments Off on BeyondSpring Files 2021 Annual Report on Form 20-F | April 15th, 2022

Immunicum AB (“Immunicum” publ; IMMU.ST), a biopharmaceutical company focused on therapies addressing tumor recurrence and hard-to-treat established tumors, today announced that the company will participate in the public-private partnership Oncode-PACT, which will be supported by the National Growth Fund, an initiative of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and the Ministry of Finance.

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Immunicum AB: Immunicum to Participate in the New Cancer Research Consortium Oncode-PACT

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1 Growth at constant exchange rates and scope corresponds to organic growth of sales, excluding exchange rate variations, by calculating the indicator for the financial year in question and the indicator for the previous financial year on the basis of identical exchange rates (the exchange rate used is the previous financial year), and excluding change in scope, by calculating the indicator for the financial year in question on the basis of the scope of consolidation for the previous financial year.

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Virbac : Very strong growth in revenue in the first quarter of 2022 of +16.2% at comparable exchange rates (+19.3% at real rates), driven by good...

Global News Feed Comments Off on Virbac : Very strong growth in revenue in the first quarter of 2022 of +16.2% at comparable exchange rates (+19.3% at real rates), driven by good… | April 15th, 2022

DURHAM, N.C., April 14, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heat Biologics, Inc. (“Heat”) (NYSE American: HTBX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing first-in-class therapies to modulate the immune system and novel biodefense assets, today announced it plans to host an investor and media livestream event on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 10:30 AM Eastern Time to discuss the latest developments. The event will be broadcast at: https://vimeo.com/event/2027558/fc6de52c31

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Heat Biologics’ Announces Planned Investor and Media Livestream Event to Discuss Latest Developments

Global News Feed Comments Off on Heat Biologics’ Announces Planned Investor and Media Livestream Event to Discuss Latest Developments | April 15th, 2022