Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Centers Institute for Regenerative Medicine have hit upon a new strategy for tissue healing: mobilizing the bodys stem cells to the site of injury. Thus harnessing the bodys natural healing powers might make in body regeneration of muscle tissue is a possibility.

Sang Jin Lee, assistant professor of Medicine at Wake Forest, and his colleagues implanted small bits of biomaterial scaffolds into the legs of rats and mice. When they embedded these scaffolds with proteins that mobilize muscle stem cells (like insulin-like growth factor-1 or IGF-1), the stem cells migrated from the muscles to the bioscaffolds and formed muscle tissue.

Working to leverage the bodys own regenerative properties, we designed a muscle-specific scaffolding system that can actively participate in functional tissue regeneration, said Lee. This is a proof-of-concept study that we hope can one day be applied to human patients.

If patients have large sections of muscle removed because of infections, tumors or accidents, muscle grafts from other parts of the body are typically used to restore at least some of the missing muscle. Several laboratories are trying the grow muscle in the laboratory from muscle biopsies that can be then transplanted back into the patient. Growing muscle on scaffolds fashioned from biomaterials have also proven successful.

Lees technique overcomes some of the short-comings of these aforementioned procedures. As Lee put it, Our aim was to bypass the challenges of both of these techniques and to demonstrate the mobilization of muscle cells to a target-specific site for muscle regeneration.

Most tissues in our bodies contain a resident stem cell population that serves to regenerate the tissue as needed. Lee and his colleagues wanted to determine if these resident stem cells could be coaxed to move from the tissue or origin, muscle in this case, and embeds themselves in an implanted scaffold.

In their first experiments, Lee and his team implanted scaffolds into the leg muscles of rats. After retrieving them several weeks later, it was clear that the muscle stem cell population (muscle satellite cells) not only migrated into the scaffold, but other stem cell populations had also taken up residence in the scaffolds. These scaffolds were also contained an interspersed network of blood vessels only 4 weeks aster transplantation.

In their next experiments, Lee and others laced the scaffolds with different cocktails of proteins to boost the stem cell recruitment properties of the implanted scaffolds. The protein that showed the most robust stem cell recruitment ability was IGF-1. In fact, IGF-1-laced scaffolds had four times the number of cells as plain scaffolds and increased formation of muscle fibers.

The protein [IGF-1] effectively promoted cell recruitment and accelerated muscle regeneration, said Lee.

For their next project, Lee would like to test the ability of his scaffolds to promote muscle regeneration in larger laboratory animals.

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Beyond the Dish | A developmental biologist muses about ...

One kind of stem cell, those referred to as 'facultative', form part -- together with other cells -- of tissues and organs. There is apparently nothing that differentiates these cells from the others. However, they have a very special characteristic, namely they retain the capacity to become stem cells again. This phenomenon is something that happens in the liver, an organ that hosts cells that stimulate tissue growth, thus allowing the regeneration of the organ in the case of a transplant. Knowledge of the underlying mechanism that allows these cells to retain this capacity is a key issue in regenerative medicine.

Headed by Jordi Casanova, research professor at the Instituto de Biologa Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB) of the CSIC and at IRB Barcelona, and by Xavier Franch-Marro, CSIC tenured scientist at the Instituto de Biologa Evolutiva (CSIC-UPF), a study published in the journal Cell Reports reveals a mechanism that could explain this capacity. Working with larval tracheal cells of Drosophila melanogaster, these authors report that the key feature of these cells is that they have not entered the endocycle, a modified cell cycle through which a cell reproduces its genome several times without dividing.

"The function of endocycle in living organisms is not fully understood," comments Xavier Franch-Marro. "One of the theories is that endoreplication contributes to enlarge the cell and confers the production of high amounts of protein." This is the case of almost all larval cells of Drosophila.

The scientists have observed that the cells that enter the endocycle lose the capacity to reactivate as stem cells. "The endocycle is linked to an irreversible change of gene expression in the cell," explains Jordi Casanova, "We have seen that inhibition of endocycle entry confers the cells the capacity to reactivate as stem cells."

Cell entry into the endocycle is associated with the expression of the Fzr gene. The researchers have found that inhibition of this gene prevents this entry, which in turn leads to the conversion of the cell into an adult progenitor that retains the capacity to reactivate as a stem cell. Therefore, this gene acts as a switch that determines whether a cell will enter mitosis (the normal division of a cell) or the endocycle, the latter triggering a totally different genetic program with a distinct outcome regarding the capacity of a cell to reactivate as a stem cell.

Story Source:

The above story is based on materials provided by Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona). Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.

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Mechanism that allows differentiated cell to reactivate as a stem cell revealed

Stem Cell Therapy | stem cells fraud
http://www.arthritistreatmentcenter.com Too good to be true. And I was fooled also Japanese stem cell breakthrough, a fraud Reported by Rob Stein in Shots, a prestigious scientific journal...

By: Nathan Wei

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Stem Cell Therapy | stem cells fraud - Video

Chicago, Illinois (PRWEB) October 30, 2014

On October 26th at the Mid American Regenerative and Cellular Medicine Showcase in Chicago, leading applied stem cell research scientist Neil Riordan, PhD and Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Wade McKenna presented talks on New Techniques for Enhancing Stem Cell Therapy Effectiveness and Orthopedic Surgical Applications For Stem Cells.

Dr. Riordan focused on historical medical uses of amniotic membrane and the properties of AlphaGEMS that include: wound healing; inflammation and pain reduction; fibrosis risk reduction; growth factor source; adhesion reduction; regeneration support and stem cell enhancement, specifically regarding the mesenchymal stem cells contained within BMAC.

Dr. McKenna discussed the latest applications of BMAC stem cells in orthopedic surgeries like anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and how BMAC injections can virtually eliminate infection risk, reduce complications, increase graft strength, reduce post-surgical inflammation and significantly reduce recovery time. Dr. McKenna also talked about how bone marrow can now be safely and relatively painlessly harvested using his patented BioMAC catheter under local, not general anesthesia.

Dr. Riordan and Dr. McKenna are co-founders of the Riordan-McKenna Institute (RMI), which will be opening soon in Southlake, Texas. RMI will specialize in regenerative orthopedics including non-surgical stem cell therapy and stem cell-enhanced surgery using bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and AlphaGEMS amniotic tissue product.

Other noteworthy speakers in attendance included: Paolo Macchiarini, MD-PhD, Arnold Caplan, PhD and Mark Holterman, MD-PhD. Dr. Macchiarini and Dr. Holterman are well known for their work on the first stem cell trachea transplant. Dr. Caplan discovered the mesenchymal stem cell and is commonly referred to as the father of the mesenchymal stem cell.

About Neil Riordan PhD

Dr. Riordan is the co-founder of the Riordan-McKenna Institute (RMI), which will be opening soon in Southlake, Texas. RMI will specialize in regenerative orthopedics including non-surgical stem cell therapy and stem cell-enhanced surgery using bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and AlphaGEMS amniotic tissue product.

Dr. Riordan is founder and chief scientific officer of Amniotic Therapies Inc. (ATI). ATI specializes in amniotic tissue research and development. Its current product line includes AlphaGEMS and AlphaPATCH amniotic tissue-based products.

Dr. Riordan is the founder and chairman of Medistem Panama, Inc., (MPI) a leading stem cell laboratory and research facility located in the Technology Park at the prestigious City of Knowledge in Panama City, Panama. Founded in 2007, MPI stands at the forefront of applied research on adult stem cells for several chronic diseases. MPI's stem cell laboratory is ISO 9001 certified and fully licensed by the Panamanian Ministry of Health. Dr. Riordan is the founder of Stem Cell Institute (SCI) in Panama City, Panama (est. 2007).

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Riordan-McKenna Institute Founders, Neil Riordan, PhD and Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Wade McKenna Present at the Mid ...

JACKSON, Tenn. (PRWEB) October 30, 2014

Dr. Roy Schmidt and the staff of the Pain Specialist Center will host a free seminar and question-and-answer session about regenerative medicine on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. Held at the clinic at 15 Stonebridge Blvd. in Jackson, the hour-long event will allow attendees to ask questions about stem cell therapy and platelet rich plasma therapy in a relaxed atmosphere. Guests also will have the chance to talk to individuals who have received regenerative medicine treatments, which focus on helping patients relieve pain by supporting the healing process.

Stem cell therapy focuses on delivering the patients own stem cells to parts of the body that are in need. After adipose tissue (comprised of fat cells) is taken from the patients body, it is made into a stem cell concentrate. That concentrate is injected at the focal point of pain or area that needs healing. Schmidt, who is certified to administer stem cell therapy, was trained by Bioheart Chief Scientific Officer Kristin Comella. Comella has been recognized as a national leader in stem cell therapy.

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) or platelet concentrates have been studied extensively since the 1990s. While similar products previously used in medicine (fibrin glue) were very expensive, PRP provides a cost-effective alternative. Plasma concentrates seek to help the body continue the healing process and strengthen the weakened tissue. It is often used for tendon problems, in addition to issues with ligaments, muscles, meniscus, cartilage, bone, wound and intervertebral discs. The supplemental role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy will be discussed at the event, also.

A board certified anesthesiologist, Schmidt has practiced pain management in the Jackson area for two decades. The Pain Specialist Center provides consultation and pain management services to patients suffering from chronic pain syndromes and terminal cancer pain. Individuals can learn more by going online to http://beyondpills.com, http://nopainmd.com and http://hyperbaricoxygentherapies.com, calling 731-660-2056 or e-mailing info(at)beyondpills(dot)com. Event information is on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PainSpecialistCenter.

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Seminar on Regenerative Medicine Open to Public

12 hours ago Fruit fly larva are used to study stem cells key features. Credit: Wikipedia

The study, performed with fruit flies, describes a gene that determines whether a specialized cell conserves the capacity to become a stem cell again. Unveiling the genetic traits that favour the retention of stem cell properties is crucial for regenerative medicine. Published in Cell Reports, the article is the fruit of collaboration between researchers at IRB Barcelona and CSIC.

One kind of stem cell, those referred to as 'facultative', form parttogether with other cellsof tissues and organs. There is apparently nothing that differentiates these cells from the others. However, they have a very special characteristic, namely they retain the capacity to become stem cells again. This phenomenon is something that happens in the liver, an organ that hosts cells that stimulate tissue growth, thus allowing the regeneration of the organ in the case of a transplant. Knowledge of the underlying mechanism that allows these cells to retain this capacity is a key issue in regenerative medicine.

Headed by Jordi Casanova, research professor at the Instituto de Biologa Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB) of the CSIC and at IRB Barcelona, and by Xavier Franch-Marro, CSIC tenured scientist at the Instituto de Biologa Evolutiva (CSIC-UPF), a study published in the journal Cell Reports reveals a mechanism that could explain this capacity. Working with larval tracheal cells of Drosophila melanogaster, these authors report that the key feature of these cells is that they have not entered the endocycle, a modified cell cycle through which a cell reproduces its genome several times without dividing.

"The function of endocycle in living organisms is not fully understood," comments Xavier Franch-Marro. "One of the theories is that endoreplication contributes to enlarge the cell and confers the production of high amounts of protein". This is the case of almost all larval cells of Drosophila.

The scientists have observed that the cells that enter the endocycle lose the capacity to reactivate as stem cells. "The endocycle is linked to an irreversible change of gene expression in the cell," explains Jordi Casanova, "We have seen that inhibition of endocycle entry confers the cells the capacity to reactivate as stem cells".

Cell entry into the endocycle is associated with the expression of the Fzr gene. The researchers have found that inhibition of this gene prevents this entry, which in turn leads to the conversion of the cell into an adult progenitor that retains the capacity to reactivate as a stem cell. Therefore, this gene acts as a switch that determines whether a cell will enter mitosis (the normal division of a cell) or the endocycle, the latter triggering a totally different genetic program with a distinct outcome regarding the capacity of a cell to reactivate as a stem cell.

Explore further: Autophagy helps fast track stem cell activation

More information: Specification of Differentiated Adult Progenitors via Inhibition of Endocycle Entry in the Drosophila Trachea, Nareg J.-V. Djabrayan, Josefa Cruz, Cristina de Miguel, Xavier Franch-Marro, Jordi Casanova, Cell Reports (2014) DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2014.09.043

In spite of considerable research efforts around the world, we still do not know the determining factors that confer stem cells their main particular features: capacity to self-renew and to divide and proliferate. The scientist ...

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A mechanism that allows a differentiated cell to reactivate as a stem cell revealed

For his contribution to the understanding of gene regulation and its potential ability to change agriculture and the treatment of disease and mental health, Professor Ryan Lister has been awarded the 2014 Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year.

Genes are not enough to explain the difference between a skin cell and a stem cell, a leaf cell and a root cell, or the complexity of the human brain. Genes dont explain the subtle ways in which your parents environment before you were conceived might affect your offspring.

Another layer of complexitythe epigenomeis at work determining when and where genes are turned on and off.

Ryan Lister is unravelling this complexity. Hes created ways of mapping the millions of molecular markers of where genes have been switched on or off, has made the first maps of these markers in plants and humans, and revealed key differences between the markers in cells with different fates.

Hes created maps of the epigenome in plants, which could enable plant breeders to modify crops to increase yields without changing the underlying DNA.

Hes explained a challenge for stem cell medicineshowing how, when we persuade, for example, skin cells to turn into stem cells, these cells retain a memory of their past. Their epigenome is different to that of natural embryonic stem cells. He believes this molecular memory could be reversed.

He has also recently explored the most complex system we knowthe human braindiscovering that its epigenome is extensively reconfigured in childhood during critical stages when the neural circuits are forming and maturing. These epigenome patterns may even underpin learning and memory. All of this in just 15 years since the beginning of his PhD.

For his contribution to the understanding of gene regulation and its potential ability to change agriculture and the treatment of disease and mental health, Professor Ryan Lister of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology at the University of Western Australia has been awarded the 2014 Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year.

The human body is composed of hundreds of different types of cells. Yet all are formed from the same set of instructions, the human genome. How does this happen?

On top of the genetic code sits another code, the epigenome. It can direct which genes are switched on and which are switched off, Ryan Lister says. The genome contains a huge volume of information, a parts list to build an entire organism. But controlling when and where the different components are used is crucial. The epigenetic code regulates the release of the genomes potential. Cells end up with different forms and functions through using different parts of the genome.

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Regulating genes to treat illness, grow food, and understand the brain

Scientists have grown miniature stomachs in a lab dish using stem cells, and are already using them to study stomach cancer. They hope they can grow patches to fix ulcers, find new drugs to treat and even prevent stomach cancer, and perhaps even grow replacement stomachs some day.

They discovered that the bacteria that cause stomach cancer begin doing their dirty work almost immediately, attaching to the stomach lining and causing tumors to start growing in response. Helicobacter pylori causes many, if not most, cases of stomach cancer, which affects more than 22,000 Americans a year and kills half of them. Stomach cancer is a major killer globally, affecting close to a million people a year and killing more than 70 percent of them.

And the team grew their mini-stomachs using two different types of stem cells human embryonic stem cells, grown from very early human embryos, but also induced pluripotent stem cells or iPS cells, which are made by tricking bits of skin or other tissue into acting like a stem cell.

In our hands they worked exactly the same, James Wells of Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center, who led the research. Both were able to generate, in a petri dish, human stomach tissue.

Immunofluorescent image of human stomach tissue made using stem cells

Stem cells are the body's master cells. Embryonic stem cells and iPS cells are both pluripotent meaning they can give rise to any tissue in the body. They've been used to grow miniature human livers, retinas, brain tissue and have been injected into eyes to treat eye disease.

Growing anything close to a real stomach or even a patch for an ulcer is a long way off. The gastric organoids Wellss team made the name up are just about the size of a BB bullet.

Its not easy getting stem cells to do what you want them to do. Wells and his team, including graduate student Kyle McCracken, had to use various growth factors and chemicals, each introduced at precisely the right time, to coax the cells into becoming three-dimensional blobs of stomach tissue. The stomach is a complex organ, with layers of muscle cells, cells that make up the stomach lining and glands that secrete proteins and acid to digest food.

"The bacteria immediately know what to do and they behaved as if they were in the stomach.

But the process worked, and the mini-stomachs look just like stomach tissue, the team reports in this weeks issue of the journal Nature.

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Mini-Stomachs Let Scientists Study Ulcers in a Lab Dish

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced it has awarded 15 grants totaling more than $19 million to boost the development of medical device, drug, and biological products for patients with rare diseases, with at least a quarter of the funding going to studies focused solely on pediatrics.

The FDA awards grants for clinical studies on safety and/or effectiveness of products that could either result in, or substantially contribute to, approval of the products.

The FDA is in a unique position to help those who suffer from rare diseases by offering several important incentives to promote the development of products for rare diseases, one of which is this grants program, said Gayatri R. Rao, M.D., director of the FDAs Office of Orphan Product Development. The grants awarded this year support much-needed research in difficult-to-treat diseases that have little, or no, available treatment options.

The program is administered through the FDAs Orphan Products Grants Program. This program was created by the Orphan Drug Act, passed in 1983, to promote the development of products for rare diseases. Since its inception, the program has given more than $330 million to fund more than 530 new clinical studies on developing treatments for rare diseases and has been used to bring more than 50 products to marketing approval.

A panel of independent experts with experience in the disease-related fields reviewed the grant applications and made recommendations to the FDA.

The 2014 grant recipients are:

For the grants program therapies, a disease or condition is considered rare if it affects less than 200,000 persons in the United States. There are about 7,000 rare diseases and conditions, according to the National Institutes of Health. In total, nearly 30 million Americans suffer from at least one rare disease.

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nations food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

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FDA awards grants to stimulate drug, device development for rare diseases

New York, New York (PRWEB) October 29, 2014

Stem cell therapy is the future of foot pain treatment. New York podiatrists at Adler Footcare are using ethical stem cell treatments for foot problems to help speed healing, minimize pain, and reduce swelling.

Stem cells are cells that havent quite yet determined their role in the body. This gives them the ability to turn into anything. The treatment is being used for problems causing foot pain, such as Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and arthritis of the first toe joint. Stem cells help regenerate new cartilage and helps tissue heal much quicker.

"Stem cells turn into everything," said Dr. Jeffrey Adler, Medical/Surgical Director & Owner of Adler Footcare. "So basically, if the damage is due to cartilage, they turn into cartilage. If the damage is due to soft tissue, they turn into soft tissue. Its the Swiss army knife of treatments."

The stem cells are not live embryos, but instead are generated from the placenta and ethically obtained during the C-sections of live births. The women who the cells are taken from are screened and tested for any communicable diseases beforehand.

Stem cell therapy uses a minimally invasive technique to inject the cells directly into the area where the patient is feeling the foot pain. Fluoroscopy is used to determine the exact position for injection. When stem cell therapy is used healing occurs twice as fast. As the tissues are regenerated and the swelling is minimized, the patient is able to experience more range of motion, less post-operative pain, and less inflammation.

The New York podiatrists at Adler Footcare have been using stem cell therapy for 2 years. They continue to stay up-to-date on the process and have seen only positive results.

To learn more about stem cell treatment for foot pain, contact a New York podiatrist at Adler Footcare.

About Dr. Jeffrey L. Adler

Dr. Jeffrey L. Adler, Medical/Surgical Director and Owner of Adler Footcare of Greater New York has been practicing podiatric medicine since 1979 and has performed thousands of foot and ankle surgeries. Dr. Adler is board certified in Podiatric Surgery and Primary Podiatric Medicine by the American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry. Dr. Adler is also a Professor of Minimally Invasive Foot Surgery for the Academy of Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Surgeons. As one of only several in the country who perform minimally invasive podiatric surgery, Dr. Adlers patients enjoy significantly reduced recovery times.

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The Miracle of Stem Cell Therapy at Adler Footcare Regenerates Cells, Heals Foot Pain

OTTAWA - A coalition of Canadian stem cell advocates, researchers and charities is calling for $1.5 billion in private and public funding for stem cell therapy over the next 10 years.

The coalition's action plan is aimed at cementing Canada's reputation as a stem cell leader, one that uses stem cell science to reduce suffering and death from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, vision loss, spinal cord injuries and other conditions.

James Price, the president and CEO of the Canadian Stem Cell Foundation, says the action plan could help millions of people with new, life-changing therapies.

The action plan's call for funding includes a $50 million scaled annual average commitment by the federal government.

The Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine estimates the action plan could also create more than 12,000 jobs due to the growth of existing companies and the development of new enterprises aimed at global markets.

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Medical groups call for major stem cell investment from public, private sector

Published: Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at 12:39 p.m. Last Modified: Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at 12:39 p.m.

Jaimonee Hagins, 12, a seventh-grade student at Howard Middle School, needs a blood and marrow transplant to help battle the disease, which often has her in such deep pain she cannot attend classes.

Understanding only too well the ravages of sickle cell anemia is her mother, Charlet Harrison, of Ocala. She and her brother Myron Harrison grew up with the condition.

Sickle cell anemia is the most common form of sickle cell disease, an inherited disorder in which red blood cells are abnormally shaped. This results in painful episodes, serious infections, chronic anemia and damage to body organs.

According to the National Institutes of Health, a blood and marrow stem cell transplant can work well for treating sickle cell anemia as it replaces faulty stem cells with healthy ones. Stem cells are found in bone marrow.

According to Dr. Ali Nassar of Munroe Heart, A bone marrow transplant produces new cells. Donor to recipient genetically must be a close match. Only with identical twins is the match 100 percent. If the procedure is a success, it is considered a cure.

I hope I will find a donor. If they help me, they will save my life, Jaimonee said.

When asked what has been the most difficult part of her disorder, she said the surgeries. She also said the frequent pain is real achy.

According to her mother, Jaimonees surgeries have included removal of her spleen, at age 1, and her gall bladder, at age 4. She has had episodes affecting other major organs.

Blood cells get clogged. Normally, they are round in shape in order to flow through the body. When they get clogged, they cause pain, Charlet Harrison said. A clog on an arm or leg is easy to get over; it is when they get clogged in your heart or another major organ that damage occurs. The spleen and gall bladder, with sickle cell patients, are the first to go. Seventy-five percent of patients have these organs removed.

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Blood, donor drive to benefit girl with sickle cell anemia

Professor Ryan Lister says he is humbled by the award.

A scientist from the University of WA says he is humbled to be awarded the Prime Minister's prize for life science.

Professor Ryan Lister researches epigenomes - the chemical compounds surrounding DNA - and is one of six people to receive a prize for science from Prime Minister Tony Abbott in Canberra.

Professor Lister has mapped how genes are turned on and off, revealing why a leaf cell is different from a root cell or a stem cell different from a skin cell.

He said he hoped his research could be used to improve the understanding of the human brain, transform stem-cell medicine and advance agriculture.

"We need to be able to understand how the different cell types of our bodies form and how they form in healthy states, so that we can understand why they might be disturbed in various disease states," Professor Lister said.

He said the epigenome played a pivotal role in normal development and disease or stress states in humans, animals and plants.

"What we've been able to do is create the first maps of how the brain epigenome changes during development," he said.

"What this will allow us to do in the future is to look at a range of neurological disorders to see whether these chemical signposts added to the DNA are changed or disturbed or altered within these various disease states.

"We're also researching how the epigenome might affect plant development and the growth and health of crops.

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UWA scientist Ryan Lister wins Prime Minister's prize for life science

Copy of PhytoScience Philippines Celeb Share good effect of Stem Cell Therapy
PHYTOSCIENCE DOUBLE STEM CELL removes the apperance of age lines and restore smoth, radiant, youthful looking skin! LOOK YOUNGER REDUCE THE LOOK OF WRINKLES LINES ...

By: Emmanuel Villamor Jr

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Copy of PhytoScience Philippines Celeb Share good effect of Stem Cell Therapy - Video

Q: You recently wrote about stem cell research, and I understand that stem cell therapy is being used to treat inflammatory bowel disease in cats. Do you have more details?

A: The Winn Feline Foundation has funded the research of Dr. Craig Webb and Dr. Tracy Webb of Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine to study the use of stem cells to treat inflammatory bowel disease in cats. Early results are promising.

Stem cell research in cats doesn't stop there. Dr. Glenn Olah, president of the Winn Feline Foundation, notes that Winn also funded stem cell studies to treat feline asthma and kidney disease. Results are hopeful, but it's simply too early to offer definitive answers.

"In some ways, stem cell studies in pets are ahead of (those in) people."

Q: About a month ago, I adopted a beautiful Burmese after she romanced me at the shelter. Once we got home, she wanted nothing to do with me. It's not that she isn't friendly. She loves my son and even sleeps with him. When I get up early to feed her, she stays away until I've left the room. My son suggested that the cat harbors resentment toward me because I took her from her cat friends. What can do to improve the situation?

A: "The good news is that it's very unlikely the cat harbors any resentment," said Winn Feline board member and feline veterinarian Dr. Drew Weigner, of Atlanta. "The bad news for you -- but good news for the cat and your son -- is that they developed a fast friendship.

Here are tips that might help the cat warm up to you:

Sit on the floor in an empty room with her. Close the door, but provide an empty box or two for the cat to hop into. Then, simply watch TV, or read a children's story out loud. Cats sometimes like that soft sing-song voice we tend to use when reading children's stories.

Wait until the cat comes to you. It may take several days, but eventually curiosity will out.

Next, take over feeding the cat, even if she waits for you to leave the room to eat.

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My Pet World: Stem cell treatments show promise for some feline health issues

Stem cells and gene hold promising treatment options for Parkinson's, mandate doctors across the globe, including from Mumbai. Eleven trials to test stem cell and gene therapy for treating Parkinson's are underway currently of which the one in Mumbai had to be put on hold due to regulatory hurdles.

Currently, neuro-augmentative therapies such as usage of drugs or deep brain stimulation (DBS) are being used to treat Parkinson's disorder. "The future holds hope for neuro-restorative therapies like that of stem cells or gene infusion in the Parkinson's disorder treatment. It involves restoration of brain function to normal. In the next five to seven years, this may pave the way for future," said Dr Paresh Doshi, neurologist at Jaslok Hospital, Peddar Road in Mumbai.

Regulatory hurdles and resource constraints though have led to these trials being held up in Mumbai. Dr Doshi said that trials of Duodopa therapy which involves infusion of an active ingredient gel called Levodopa in the intestines has been kept on hold at the moment at privately-run Jaslok Hospital due to regulatory hurdles. The hospital was the only centre in entire South East Asia to have been running the trial.

"Levodopa gets converted into dopamine in the body. Normal levels of dopamine control Parkinsons disorder," said Dr Doshi.

Trials to infuse stem cells from the patient's body in the patient itself had been underway in small group of patients in India, but due to inability to recruit more patients, the trial was stopped. "We could only recruit four patients for two years. However, a similar trial is underway in China and another trial which explores adipose tissue stem cells in treating Parkinson's disease is underway in South Africa," said Dr Doshi.

In January this year, medical journal The Lancet reported that after sixteen years of trials, gene therapy is showing promising results in humans. "Three genes that promote the formation of dopamine generating cells in the brain were injected in the brain bound with a viral vector in fifteen patients. The genes are intended to boost the production of dopamine, a chemical that becomes deficient in patients withParkinson's," said The Lancet report.

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Gene therapy, stem cell therapy trials underway

Glossary

Below is a glossary of terms related to stem cell research and clinical trials at the Stem Cell Center. For questions about any of these terms, please call the center at 832-355-9405.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI)The medical term for a "heart attack."Acute myocardial infarction results from a blockage in one or more of the blood vessels leading to the heart. Damage to the heart muscle results, due to the lack of blood flow.

Adult stem cellAn undifferentiated cell found among differentiated cells in a tissue or organ.Thestemcellcan renew itself and change to yield all the specialized cell types of the tissue or organ.

AkinesiaA lack of myocardial wall motion.

AllogeneicA graft or tissue from someone other than the patient such as a donor or other third-party source.

Angina or angina pectorisChest pain that occurs when diseased blood vessels restrict blood flow to the heart.

AngiogenesisA new blood vessel growth.

AngiographyAn x-raytechniqueinwhichdye is injected into the chambers of your heart or the arteries that lead to your heart (the coronary arteries). The test lets doctors measure the blood flow and blood pressure in the heart chambers and see if the coronary arteries are blocked.

AngioplastyA nonsurgical technique for treating diseased arteries by temporarily inflating a tiny balloon inside an artery.

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Stem Cell Education Center - Texas Heart Institute at St ...

Nonsurgical pain management for joint arthritis, such as in the knee, shoulder or hip, has so far consisted predominantly of pain suppressing medicines. This usually entails steroid injections, topical analgesic creams and medications by mouth such as anti-inflammatory medications. What has really been necessary, though, is a treatment that truly alters the underlying problem.

Stem Cells are like a blank slate and can differentiate into all types of cells for regeneration.

Regenerative medicine provides the opportunity for a real cure with stem cells, platelet rich plasma and growth factors to heal damage. One of the foremost procedures at TeleHealth Medical Group that continues to increase in popularity is bone marrow derived stem cell injections. A persons own bone marrow contains a substantial amount of the stem cells and additional biologic materials necessary for regeneration, with the added benefit of being low risk and outpatient.

What are bone marrow derived stem cell injections?

The main reason that stem cells are used as therapy for arthritis and other conditions that experience joint pain is that they maintain regenerative properties with the potential to repair and reverse damaged joints.

Bone marrow is a spongy tissue contained inside ones bones, and makes cells that are crucial to existence including platelets, white blood cells and red blood cells. All of these cells start in the marrow as stem cells, which are basically a blank slate type of cell. With a blank slate, the cell can then turn into many different types of cells needed in the body including cartilage, tendon or muscle. There are three types of adult stem cells in the human body. The first type of stem cell turns into blood components, with a second destined to become lining of the endometrium.

The third, and most important for musculoskeletal regenerative medicine, are mesenchymal stem cells found in bone marrow. They have been used in animal models to regenerate cartilage and in human models to regenerate bone. (Centeno et al, 2008)

The largest and easiest sources of stem cells for concentrated amounts of bone marrow are in the iliac crest of the hip and the bones of the spine. For the easiest process at TeleHealth, the iliac crest is used for the procedures in an outpatient setting.

Harvesting bone marrow from the iliac crest hip bone.

How are these injections performed?

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Bone Marrow Stem Cell Injections, Mesenchymal Stem Cell ...

The bone marrow and stem cell transplant program at the Siteman Cancer Center is one of the largest in the world, completing nearly 500 transplants each year and more than 5,000 since 1982. The program has performed unrelated donor transplants since 1992.

Our physicians use the latest clinical techniques and resources to collect stem cells or peripheral blood for allogeneic transplants, in which transplanted cells come from siblings and unrelated donors. By manipulating stem cell grafts, they also are working to reduce tumor contamination and bolster immunity. Whenever it is appropriate, they recommend that patients participate inclinical trials, research studies that test whether new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer are safe and effective.

At any given time, Siteman offers more than 40 therapeutic clinical trials for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and related disorders, including studies that incorporate transplant. Our large patient population allows us to offer single-institution studies and provides us with access to a wide range of tissue samples for future study.

In recent years, Siteman physicians have conducted clinical studies that led to the approval of the drug plerixafor to mobilize, or harvest, stem cells for transplant in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma. They participated in studies that showed decitabine and high-dose lenalidomide were effective treatments for elderly patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). And they were the first to use a novel suicide gene for gene therapy to control graft-versus-host disease, a serious complication of transplantation.

Dedicated facilities include a 26-bed unit for patients undergoing transplant, which offers eight ICU beds and special HEPA filtration systems to reduce the risk of infection and a second unit for transplant patients and those with blood-related cancers, currently licensed for 38 beds.

Our program has long been an active member of theNational Marrow Donor Program, International Bone Marrow Transplant Registry, North American Bone Marrow Transplant Registry, Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network and Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) Transplant Consortium.

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Bone Marrow Transplant and Stem Cell Transplant Program ...

As we age, the reduced turnover of our cells means we can lose control over how our skin ages. Epidermal stem cells needed to create healthy new skin are significantly reduced and function less efficiently. A discovery based on promising plant stem cell research may allow you to regain control.

Scientists have found that a novel extract derived from the stem cells of a rare apple tree cultivated for its extraordinary longevity shows tremendous ability to rejuvenate aging skin. By stimulating aging skin stem cells, this plant extract has been shown to lessen the appearance of unsightly wrinkles. Clinical trials show that this unique formulation increases the longevity of skin cells, resulting in skin that has a more youthful and radiant appearance.

Cells in our bodies are programmed for specific functions. A skin cell, a brain cell, and a liver cell all contain the same DNA, or set of genes. However, each cells fate is determined by a set of epigenetic (able to change gene expression patterns) signals that come from inside it and from the surrounding cells as well. These signals are like command tags attached to the DNA that switch certain genes on or off.

This selective coding creates all of the different kinds of cells in our bodies, which are collectively known as differentiated (specialized) cells.

Although differentiated cells vary widely in purpose and appearance, they all have one thing in common: they all come with a built-in operational limit. After so many divisions, they lose their ability to divide and must be replaced. This is where stem cells come in.

Your body also produces other cells that contain no specific programming. These stem cells are blank, so your body can essentially format them any way it pleases. Two universal aspects shared by this type of cell are: (1) the ability to replenish itself through a process of self-renewal and (2) the capacity to produce a differentiated cell.

In animals and humans, two basic kinds of stem cells exist: embryonic and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells have the power to change into any differentiated cell type found anywhere in your body. Adult stem cells, on the other hand, are generally more limited. They can only evolve into the specific type of cell found in the tissue where they are located. The primary function of these adult stem cells is maintenance and repair.

But certain adult stem cells found in nature retain the unlimited developmental potential that embryonic stem cells possess. These cells have become the main focus for an exciting new wave of regenerative medicine (repairing damaged or diseased tissues and organs using advanced techniques like stem cell therapy and tissue engineering).

The basal (innermost) layer of the skins epidermis comprises two basic types of cells: (1) the slowly dividing epidermal stem cells (that represent about 2-7% of the basal cell population) and (2) their rapidly dividing offspring that supply new cells to replace those that are lost or dying.1-3

The slow self-renewal process of epidermal stem cells, however, creates a problem. Because each epidermal stem cell only lasts for a certain number of divisions, and because each division runs the risk of lethal DNA mutation, the epidermal stem cell population can become depleted. When this happens, lost or dying skin cells begin to outnumber their replacements and the skins health and appearance start to decline.

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Apple Stem Cells Offer Hope for Aging and Damaged Skin ...