Lilly, Vir Biotechnology and GSK Announce First Patient Dosed in Expanded BLAZE-4 Trial Evaluating Bamlanivimab (LY-CoV555) with VIR-7831 (GSK4182136)…
By Dr. Matthew Watson
INDIANAPOLIS, SAN FRANCISCO and LONDON, Jan. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY), Vir Biotechnology, Inc. (NASDAQ: VIR) and GlaxoSmithKline plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) today announced a collaboration to evaluate a combination of two COVID-19 therapies in low-risk patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. Lilly has expanded its ongoing BLAZE-4 trial to evaluate the administration of bamlanivimab (LY-CoV555) 700mg with VIR-7831 (also known as GSK4182136) 500mg, two neutralizing antibodies that bind to different epitopes of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. This unique collaboration marks the first time that monoclonal antibodies from separate companies will be brought together to explore potential outcomes.
Acasti Pharma Provides Update on Recent Financing Activities
By Dr. Matthew Watson
LAVAL, Québec, Jan. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As required pursuant to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, Acasti Pharma Inc. (“Acasti or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: ACST – TSX-V: ACST) is providing an update on the use of its “at-the market” equity offering program.
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Acasti Pharma Provides Update on Recent Financing Activities
Pluristem Announces Uplisting to the Nasdaq Global Market®
By Dr. Matthew Watson
HAIFA, Israel, Jan. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:PSTI) (TASE:PSTI), a leading regenerative medicine company developing a platform of novel biological therapeutic products, announced that effective as of market open on January 29, 2021, its common shares have been approved for listing to the Nasdaq Global Market® and will continue trading under the company's current ticker symbol – PSTI.
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Pluristem Announces Uplisting to the Nasdaq Global Market®
VBL Therapeutics Treats First Patient in Phase 2 Randomized Controlled Study of VB-201 in COVID-19 Patients
By Dr. Matthew Watson
TEL AVIV, Israel, Jan. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VBL Therapeutics (Nasdaq: VBLT) today announced the dosing of the first patient in a randomized controlled Phase 2 study of the Company’s proprietary investigational oral immune-modulator molecule, VB-201 for the treatment of COVID-19. The study will assess the ability of VB-201 to prevent clinical deterioration and reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with severe COVID-19.
European Medicines Agency Accepts GBT’s Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for Oxbryta® (voxelotor) for the Treatment of Hemolytic Anemia in…
By Dr. Matthew Watson
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Jan. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Blood Therapeutics, Inc. (GBT) (NASDAQ: GBT) today announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has completed the validation of GBT’s Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for Oxbryta® (voxelotor) tablets and started its standard review process. GBT is seeking full marketing approval from the EMA for Oxbryta to treat hemolytic anemia in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) who are 12 years of age and older.
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European Medicines Agency Accepts GBT’s Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for Oxbryta® (voxelotor) for the Treatment of Hemolytic Anemia in...
Mydecine Innovations Group Files Application to list to the NASDAQ
By Dr. Matthew Watson
DENVER, Jan. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mydecine Innovations Group (CSE: MYCO) (OTC: MYCOF) (FSE: 0NFA) (“Mydecine” or the “Company’), an emerging biopharma and life sciences company committed to the research, development, and acceptance of alternative nature-sourced medicine for mainstream use, announced that it has submitted a formal application to list its common shares (“Shares”) on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange (“NASDAQ”). NASDAQ is the second largest exchange by market capitalization worldwide and is home to many of the world’s best technology companies.
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Mydecine Innovations Group Files Application to list to the NASDAQ
PolyPid to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Financial Results and Operational Highlights on February 10, 2021
By Dr. Matthew Watson
PETAH TIKVA, Israel, Jan. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PolyPid Ltd. (Nasdaq: PYPD), a Phase 3 clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing targeted, locally administered and prolonged-release therapeutics using its proprietary PLEX technology, today announced that it will report its fourth quarter and full year 2020 financial results and operational highlights before the open of the U.S. financial markets on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. The Company will host a conference call and webcast at 8:30 AM Eastern Time to discuss the results and provide an update on business operations.
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PolyPid to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Financial Results and Operational Highlights on February 10, 2021
Vaxil Provides Update on USAMRIID, Oral Experiment and Other General Business Matters
By Dr. Matthew Watson
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Vaxil Provides Update on USAMRIID, Oral Experiment and Other General Business Matters
electroCore, Inc. Announces Inclusion of gammaCore Sapphire™ in new NHS England and NHS Improvement MedTech Funding Mandate Policy 2021/22
By Dr. Matthew Watson
ROCKAWAY, N.J., Jan. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- electroCore, Inc. (Nasdaq: ECOR), a commercial-stage bioelectronic medicine company, today announced that gammaCore Sapphire (nVNS) has been included in a new long-term reimbursement policy launched by Matthew Whitty, Director of Innovation Research and Life Sciences and Chief Executive of the Accelerated Access Collaborative, for and on behalf of NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSEI).
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electroCore, Inc. Announces Inclusion of gammaCore Sapphire™ in new NHS England and NHS Improvement MedTech Funding Mandate Policy 2021/22
Immutep Announces Advancement Of Phase II Trial For Eftilagimod Alpha In Covid-19 Patients To Randomised Portion Of The Study
By Dr. Matthew Watson
Sydney, AUSTRALIA , Jan. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Immutep Limited (ASX: IMM; NASDAQ: IMMP) ("Immutep” or “the Company”), a biotechnology company developing novel immunotherapy treatments for cancer and autoimmune disease, announced that an independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) has completed a safety run-in data review of the first six patients from the Phase II clinical trial of Eftilagimod Alpha Treatment by immune modulation in COVID-19 disease (EAT COVID), being conducted by the University Hospital Pilsen, Czech Republic. Following this data review, the DSMB recommended that the study advance with enrolment for the randomised portion of the study. All six patients (age range, 50-83 years; 2 women) received the three planned 10 mg efti injections and have since been discharged from hospital. No adverse events have been reported.
Auron Therapeutics Closes $12.75 Million Seed Financing to Develop Differentiation Therapies for Treatment of Cancers
By Dr. Matthew Watson
WELLESLEY, Mass., Jan. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Auron Therapeutics (“Auron”), a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing differentiation therapies for treating cancer, today announced the completion of its $12.75 million seed financing round. Proceeds will be used to discover and develop novel therapeutics directed toward differentiation therapy, which reactivates endogenous cellular programs to elicit tumor cell maturation and differentiation.
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Auron Therapeutics Closes $12.75 Million Seed Financing to Develop Differentiation Therapies for Treatment of Cancers
Vaxart Announces Publication of a Peer-reviewed Journal Article Showing the Potential Clinical and Economic Value of a Norovirus Vaccine
By Dr. Matthew Watson
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Jan. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vaxart, Inc., (NASDAQ: VXRT), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing oral vaccines that are administered by tablet rather than by injection, including a Phase 2 ready norovirus program, announced today health care economic findings published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine. Computational modeling simulating norovirus infection and transmission in a community setting showed that a potential norovirus vaccine can avert symptomatic cases and result in cost savings. The study found, among other things, that vaccination against the norovirus can reduce the economic burden of the virus and is cost effective even if priced at $500 per course when vaccinating children under 5 and older adults, a much higher value than previously estimated. The manuscript titled, “Potential Clinical and Economic Value of Norovirus Vaccination in the Community Setting” can be accessed here.
Motus GI Announces Warrant Exercise Agreement Resulting in Expected Gross Proceeds to the Company of up to $11 Million
By Dr. Matthew Watson
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Motus GI Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: MOTS) (“Motus GI” or the “Company”), a medical technology company providing endoscopy solutions that improve clinical outcomes and enhance the cost-efficiency associated with the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal conditions, announced today that it has signed a warrant exercise agreement with an existing institutional investor that is expected to provide the Company with gross proceeds of up to $11.0 million.
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Motus GI Announces Warrant Exercise Agreement Resulting in Expected Gross Proceeds to the Company of up to $11 Million
SetPoint Medical Raises $64M in Preferred Stock Financing to Support Pivotal Trial for its Novel Bioelectronic Platform
By Dr. Matthew Watson
VALENCIA, Calif., Jan. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SetPoint Medical Corporation today announced raising $64M in a Preferred Stock Financing to support its RESET-RA pivotal trial in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The company is developing its platform for the treatment of chronic, inflammation-mediated autoimmune diseases and is initially focused on a potentially efficacious, yet less immunosuppressive option for the treatment of RA.
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SetPoint Medical Raises $64M in Preferred Stock Financing to Support Pivotal Trial for its Novel Bioelectronic Platform
Valentina Greco Receives the 2021 ISSCR Momentum Award < Yale School of Medicine – Yale School of Medicine
By daniellenierenberg
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) will present this years ISSCR Momentum Award to Valentina Greco, PhD, Carolyn Walch Slayman Professor of Genetics and member of the Yale Stem Cell Center. The prize recognizes the exceptional achievements of an investigator whose innovative research has established a major area of stem cell-related research with a strong trajectory for future success. Greco will present her science during a special lecture on June 25 during ISSCR 2021 Virtual, the worlds leading meeting of global innovators in stem cell science and regenerative medicine.
Studies from Grecos lab are redefining scientific understanding of the complex mechanisms that organize and regulate the skin stem cell niche and the behavior of normal and mutant cells in the epidermis under physiologic challenge and with aging. Her groups body of work exploring cell biology in vivo determined that the niche, rather than the stem cells, are required for tissue growth, that location in the niche dictates stem cell fate, that the niche exploits stem cell plasticity to maintain homeostasis, and that homeostatic correction battles disease emergence. These breakthroughs pave the way for new concepts in mammalian regenerative biology.
Valentina is a wonderful ambassador for the stem cell community and in particular for young, female scientists in our field, said Christine Mummery, PhD, ISSCRs president. She has a confidence and skill to pursue bold new ideas. Not only is she a pioneer in live cell imaging, but she also has made multiple important discoveries regarding the mechanisms that regulate epithelial stem cell function. We are honored to recognize Valentina for her momentous achievements.
Beyond her creativity and scientific talent, Greco has shown great leadership. She is deliberate in her commitment to career development and the training of young faculty and her lab members, and brings tremendous enthusiasm to her work. Throughout her career, Greco has sought out new ways to enhance her effectiveness as a mentor by pursuing education from others, thereby establishing a strong foundation for making fundamental scientific discoveries in partnership with her lab members. She shared her perspectives and experiences as a woman and an immigrant working in science in Stem Cell Reports, Women in Stem Cell Science, Part 1.
My lab and I are honored to be recognized with this award, Greco said. Our science is inspired by the previous insights of incredible scientists that have paved the way for our contributions including the inspiring work of Cristina Lo Celso, David Scadden, Charles Lin, and Shosei Yoshida and their pioneering live imaging of mammalian stem cells in blood regeneration and spermatogenesis.
Greco was also awarded the ISSCR Dr. Susan Lim Outstanding Young Investigator Award in 2014.
Submitted by Robert Forman on January 25, 2021
Essent Biologics Launches With A Mission To Provide Human-Derived Biomaterials And 3D Biology Data For Cell Therapy And Tissue Engineering – The Grand…
By daniellenierenberg
CENTENNIAL, Colo., Jan. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --Essent Biologics, a nonprofit biotechnology company emerging from two years of stealth-mode operation, today announced its launch as a new venture to meet the growing need for human-derived biomaterials and data to the regenerative medicine research community, as well as producing key inputs for further manufacturing by clinical partners.
As a new venture from AlloSource, one of the world's leading manufacturers of fresh cartilage tissue used for joint repair and skin allografts to heal severe burns, Essent Biologics will leverage its connection to human tissue donation by providing low passaged primary cell lines, origin tissue and comprehensive donor data to advance translational research from benchtop to bedside. The company also has the capability to serve as a biomanufacturing partner, creating a large inventory of custom products.
"We are proud to set a new standard in human-derived biomaterials for research," said Corey Stone, Executive Director, Essent Biologics. "Essent will motivate and empower the work researchers are doing by supporting the development of innovative therapies through quality biomaterials and powerful data."
Essent Biologics will supply highly characterized human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) produced under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). The company has already partnered with leading academic research and biopharmaceutical companies who excitedly await Essent Biologics' official product launch, anticipated in April.For additional information on the company's product pipeline, please visit essentbiologics.org.
"The work Essent is doing to help accelerate research through human clinical trials is remarkable," said Ethan Mann, CEO of Validus Cellular Therapeutics, Inc. "We are excited to partner with such an innovative company who will support research to develop new medical solutions, and we look forward to their future growth."
According to Allied Market Research, the Cellular Therapy and Tissue Engineering industries are some of the fastest growing in the regenerative medicine sector. The Cellular Therapy market tallied a total expenditure of $7.25 billion in 2019 and is expected to hit $48.11 billion by 2027. The Tissue Engineering market tallied a total expenditure of $2.3 billion in 2019 and is expected to hit $6.8 billion by 2027. These strong growth rates are powered by an increase in clinical trials and manufacturing throughput.
About Essent BiologicsEssent Biologics is setting a new standard in human-derived biomaterials and 3D biology data for research. The nonprofit biotechnology company provides low passaged primary cells, origin tissue and scaffolds, as well as comprehensive donor and product data to advance regenerative medicine research from benchtop to bedside. Essent Biologics supplies products in small or large volumes and serves as a manufacturing partner by creating master cell banks and an inventory of custom products within a tailored specification. In order to ensure reliable product quality, safety and efficacy, all Essent Biologics products are developed using robust design control processes and produced under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). For more information, please visit essentbiologics.org.
Media ContactCorey StoneEssent Biologics720.873.4781cstone@essentbiologics.org
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How to Treat a Wounded Manatee – The New York Times
By daniellenierenberg
Unfortunately, there arent too many manatees that dont have a wound, says Jon (JP) Peterson, vice president of zoological operations at SeaWorld in Orlando, Fla. Peterson oversees the rescue team, a group of wildlife veterinarians and animal specialists who travel the coastal waterways of the Southeast providing emergency medicine to wild animals, including injured, cold and orphaned manatees. Boats are the most common cause of wounds: Sharp skegs and propellers scrape along the animals backs and flanks, leaving behind everything from minor scratches to much more severe lacerations like those Peterson calls sucking chest wounds.
Assess the cut and nearby tissue. Gray is bad, Peterson says. You want pink. If you see dark gray or brown, blood, pus or smell a pungent odor, there is usually infection. A manatees outer skin is tough, like an elephants hide, and prone to close up quickly. Clean, flush and scrub the wound with a sterile solution like chlorhexidine until youve removed the necrotic tissue (you may need to cut it out). To accelerate healing, Petersons team uses antibiotics, cold-laser therapy and stem cells, as well as raw, unpasteurized honey. Use a tongue depressor and pack the honey into the wound, Peterson says. With its sticky, antibacterial properties, honey stays put, even underwater.
Dont underestimate the strength of these animals. Theyre one ball of muscle, Peterson says. Dolphins and whales make less challenging patients. Release healed manatees back into the wild. Of course, unless youre trained and permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, you should not handle manatees at all. Mistreating them is illegal and can result in a fine and prison time. In 1967, only a few hundred manatees remained in Florida when they were listed among the first class of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. Researchers now estimate the population at 6,300, most with crisscrossing bright white scars across their bodies. In fact, scarring is so prevalent that scientists use scar patterns to identify individual manatees during aerial surveys. You can look down from an airplane and see, Oh, look, theres so-and-so, Peterson says.
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How to Treat a Wounded Manatee - The New York Times
We tried The Body Shops new Drops of Youth skincare range heres what we thought – The Independent
By daniellenierenberg
There are lots of places in a skincare routine where a budget product can do the job perfectly well, but your serum often isnt one of them; an effective, affordable serum is a rare thing. Its no wonder, then, that a bottle of The Body Shops brilliant youth concentrate sells every 27 seconds.
The entire Drops of Youth range, of which youth concentrate is one of the stars, is formulated around the same quad of ingredients and, as well as the serum, includes a foaming cleanser, toner, eye cream, moisturiser, night-time mask, sheet mask, reformulated liquid peel and the new bouncy jelly mist.
As part of its launch, a trio of products from the Drops of Youth range the new mist, the reformulated peel and the cult serum have been rebranded for the lockdown age, emphasising their pollution clearing and blue light-fighting properties.
Now we are spending more time indoors than ever, you might expect that our skins exposure to environmental damage is much reduced. But indoor pollution is a problem, too. Confined to our houses, heating, ventilation, cooking, damp, dust and even the light from your phone have the potential to cause surface-level congestion (aka spots) and deep damage, leading to premature ageing and possible discolouration.
High-energy visible light (HEV light), often referred to as blue light are rays emitted from the screens of the devices phones, tablets, laptops on which we increasingly spend our days, and penetrates the skin more deeply than UV rays, in part due to how much closer its source is to our faces than the sun.
We put the new and improved range to the test to see if it lives up to expectations.
You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
Drops of Youth Bouncy Jelly Mist
(The Body Shop)
The Drops of Youth bouncy jelly mist feels wetter and more substantial on first application than many similar hydrating sprays, and quickly absorbs and dries down to a silky, matte finish on the skin. We love it for a mid-afternoon refresh, when our skin is starting to feel dry, though we find the spritz a little too heavy to apply directly to the face, and so prefer to spray it into our hands first. If you want to spray it over make-up, make sure you hold the bottle an arms length away.
The formula contains a trio of plant stem cells: criste marine, sea holly and edelweiss, all of which are known for their resilience and regenerating powers in the wild. Edelweiss, sourced from the Italian Alps, is particularly interesting. The flower survives UV rays and extreme weather where it grows at altitude, and in skincare is a powerful antioxidant.
It contains leontopodic acid, which strengthens the skins barrier, encouraging regeneration and hydration, and reducing and soothing sensitive reactions, thus increasing your skins resistance to external pressures including blue light and indoor pollution.
It also contains fair trade moringa oil, which is itself an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants, including quercetin and vitamins A, C and E, all of which further the protection against environmental aggressors offered by the Drops of Youth plant stem cell trio. Moringa oil is also a good source of amino acids and oleic acid, a fatty acid that helps restore the skins natural barrier and protects against moisture loss, and is a lighter weight than many other plant oils. Youll find all these ingredients throughout the Drops of Youth range, making it a strong offering for both antioxidant protection and lasting hydration.
(The Body Shop)
The cult youth concentrate serum is, of course, also a favourite. With its pipette applicator, slightly gloopy texture and excellent slip across the skin (a tiny drop goes a long way), it has the application experience of a far more expensive serum. It dries to a slightly tacky finish (which we dont mind, as its rarely the final product in our routine) and feels like a fresh drink for your skin. For those who want a hydrating, protecting serum, it makes a happy two-in-one swap for hyaluronic acid and vitamin C serums, and at a very competitive price point.
Drops of Youth Liquid Peel
(The Body Shop)
Completing the trio is the liquid peel, which has a gel-like consistency and is, curiously, massaged into dry skin. After a few seconds white peelings begin to lift away from the skin; it's quite a dramatic effect and the claim is that this is dead skin lifting away, but at least some of it will be the product itself.
The classic exfoliating ingredient in the peel is citric acid, though it's very low on the ingredients list, meaning it's included in small quantities. Skin is left soft and smooth, and it's a good option for those with sensitive skin or who are scared of the exfoliating heavyweights, but those who are after a more serious peel will find it underwhelming.
Drops Of Youth Eye Concentrate
(The Body Shop)
Another highlight from the range, this has a rolling metal ball applicator and a light, gel-like texture that is more like a serum than a traditional eye cream. It is gorgeously soothing and cooling perfect on tired, irritated eyes and to alleviate morning puffiness and leaves the skin plumped and smooth.
We also love the youth cream moisturiser (25), which again has a light, whipped gel texture and leaves skin plump and silky smooth. Its the perfect base for make-up.
Drops of Youth bouncy sleeping mask
(The Body Shop)
A final favourite is the youth bouncy sleeping mask (22), and not just for the name. We love the promise of night skincare maximum time for the product to work on its skin, minimum effort involved and this is a proper mask that requires rinsing off in the morning, unlike many night-time masks, which feel more like heavy moisturisers. It has a thick, jelly-like texture that you have to really dig into to break the surface; after each unceremonious scoop it magically settles into a smooth, level surface infinitely satisfying. Skin is left brighter, nourished and glowing in the morning.
The verdict: The Body Shop Drops of Youth range
The range is a brilliant choice for skincare addicts after protection from environmental damage and bouncy, hydrated skin without the spend demanded by luxury products. The cult serum, youth concentrate, remains the star of the extended line-up, but your face will reward you for adding the new bouncy jelly mist to your cart, too. Drops of Youth is a bold marketing claim, but the plump, fresh, glowing skin it gives certainly helps.
IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.
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We tried The Body Shops new Drops of Youth skincare range heres what we thought - The Independent
Genetic Energy Boost Reverses Cellular Effects of Motor Neuron Disease – Technology Networks
By daniellenierenberg
A study examining the damage caused to nerve cells by motor neuron disease (MND) has shown that by targeting these cells energy centers, called mitochondria, neuronal function can be restored.
The research, conducted by a team at the University of Edinburgh, has been published in the journal Acta Neuropathologica.1MND is a broad term for a group of rare, progressive and sometimes fatal neurodegenerative conditions, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) and progressive muscular atrophy (PMA).
The research team, led by Dr Arpan Mehta, alongside Dr Bhuvaneish Selvaraj and Professor Siddharthan Chandran, all based at the University of Edinburghs Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, focused their work on the axon of human motor neurons. This is the region of a motor neuron that conducts electrical signals released by the brain and carries them to the body part they are intended for. In some human motor neurons, the axon can be over a meter long. These processes are energy-guzzling, and that power is provided by mitochondria, known to generations of long-suffering biology students as the powerhouses of the cell.
The scientists noted that the axons of MND-affected neurons were shorter than normal, and their mitochondria were not as easily able to move around the cell as they were in healthy neurons.
Using stem cells taken from people who have a mutation in a gene called C9orf72 that is known to play a causal role in both the MND subtype ALS and frontotemporal dementia, Mehta and colleagues created a stem cell model of MND, and sought to repair these stricken neurons.
In their stem cell models of MND, the team showed that by increasing the levels of a protein named PGC1 that regulates mitochondrial energy metabolism, the motor neurons function could be returned to healthy levels.
Dr Arpan Mehta (right), alongside Euan MacDonald MBE, co-founder of the Euan MacDonald Centre.
Our data provides hope that by restoring the cells energy source we can protect the axons and their connection to muscle from degeneration. Work is already underway to identify existing licensed drugs that can boost the mitochondria and repair the motor neurons. This will then pave the way to test them in clinical trials.
The team focused solely on the most common genetic form of ALS in their study and acknowledge that MNDs such as ALS are caused by a range of genetic and environmental factors. Nevertheless, they hope that their findings can be applied to other forms of the disease.
Reference:Mehta AR, Gregory JM, Dando O, et al. Mitochondrial bioenergetic deficits in C9orf72 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis motor neurons cause dysfunctional axonal homeostasis. Acta Neuropathol. Published online January 4, 2021. doi:10.1007/s00401-020-02252-5
Correction: This article was updated on January 25, 2021 to amend a quote from Dr Mehta.
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Genetic Energy Boost Reverses Cellular Effects of Motor Neuron Disease - Technology Networks
Stem Cells- Definition, Properties, Types, Uses, Challenges
By daniellenierenberg
Biology Educational Videos
Last Updated on October 12, 2020 by Sagar Aryal
Stem cells are unique cells present in the body that have the potential to differentiate into various cell types or divide indefinitely to produce other stem cells.
Figure: Stem Cell Renewal and Differentiation. Image Source: Maharaj Institute of Immune Regenerative Medicine.
All the stem cells found throughout all living systems have three important properties. These properties can be visualized in vitro by a process called clonogenic assays, where a single cell is assessed for its ability to differentiate.
The following are some properties of stem cells:
Figure: Techniques for generating embryonic stem cell cultures. Image Source: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (Nico Heins et al.)
Depending on the source of the stem cells or where they are present, stem cells are divided into various types;
Figure: Human Embryonic Stem Cells Differentiation. Image created with biorender.com
Figure: Preliminary Evidence of Plasticity Among Nonhuman Adult Stem Cells. Image Source: NIH Stem Cell Information.
Figure: Progress in therapies based on iPSCs. Image Source: Nature Reviews Genetics (R. Grant Rowe & George Q. Daley).
Figure: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Image Source: PromoCell GmbH.
Some of the common and well-known examples of stem cell research are:
Stem cell research has been used in various areas because of their properties. Some of the common applications of stem cells research include;
Because of different ethical and other issues related to stem cell research, there are some limitations or challenges of stem cell research. Some of these are:
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Stem Cells- Definition, Properties, Types, Uses, Challenges