PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

27-Feb-2014

Contact: Eric C. Liao cliao@partners.org Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine

Researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)/Harvard Medical School, Drs. Beste Kinikoglu and Yawei Kong, led by Dr. Eric C. Liao, cultured and characterized for the first time multipotent neural crest cells isolated from zebrafish embryos. This important study is reported in the February 2014 issue of Experimental Biology and Medicine. Neural crest is a unique cell population induced at the lateral border of the neural plate during embryogenesis and vertebrate development depends on these multipotent migratory cells. Defects in neural crest development result in a wide range of malformations, such as cleft lip and palate, and diseases, such as melanoma. Dr. Liao's laboratory uses zebrafish as a model vertebrate to study the genetic basis of neural crest related craniofacial malformations. Zebrafish has long been used to study early development and recently emerged as a model to study disease. "Development of in vitro culture of neural crest cells and reproducible functional assays will provide a valuable and complementary approach to the in vivo experiments in zebrafish" said Dr. Eric C. Liao, senior author of the study and an Assistant Professor of Surgery at MGH, and Principal Faculty at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute.

The team took advantage of the sox 10 reporter transgenic model to enrich and isolate the neural crest cells (NCCs), which were subsequently cultured under optimized culture conditions. Cultured NCCs were found to express major neural crest lineage markers such as sox10, sox9a, hnk1, p75, dlx2a, and pax3, and the pluripotency markers c-myc and klf4. The cells could be further differentiated into multiple neural crest lineages, contributing to neurons, glial cells, smooth muscle cells, melanocytes, and chondrocytes. Using the functional cell behavior assays that they developed, the team was able to assess the influence of retinoic acid, an endogenously synthesized, powerful, morphogenetic molecule, on NCC behavior. This study showed that retinoic acid had a profound effect on NCC morphology and differentiation, significantly inhibited proliferation and enhanced cell migration. The data implicate NCCs as a target cell population for retinoic acid and suggest that it plays multiple critical roles in NCC development.

"We hope that our novel neural crest system will be useful to gain mechanistic understanding of NCC development and for cell-based high-throughput drug screening applications" said Dr. Beste Kinikoglu, a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Liao's laboratory and the study's first author. Dr. Steven R. Goodman, Editor-in-Chief of Experimental Biology and Medicine said "Liao and colleagues have provided the first zebrafish embryo derived NCC pure population in vitro model for the study of neural crest development. I believe that this will be a valuable tool for this purpose".

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Purification, culture and multi-lineage differentiation of zebrafish neural crest cells

Stem Cell Therapy | Stem cells from osteoarthritis patients as good as controls?
http://wwwarthritistreatmentcenter.com Stem cells from patients with osteoarthritis are as good as normal controls Alwin Scharstuhl and colleagues, in an art...

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Annie - Before Stem Cell
Here are some REAL results from stem cell therapy. This is Annie before her stem cell therapy treatment.

By: Stacey Ragsdale

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Annie - Before Stem Cell - Video

Annie - Before and After Stem Cell Therapy
I created this video with the YouTube Video Editor (http://www.youtube.com/editor)

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Annie - Before and After Stem Cell Therapy - Video

UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers created new nerve cells in the brains and spinal cords of living mammals without the need for stem cell transplants to replenish lost cells.

Although the research indicates it may someday be possible to regenerate neurons from the body's own cells to repair traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage or to treat conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, the researchers stressed that it is too soon to know whether the neurons created in these initial studies resulted in any functional improvements, a goal for future research.

Spinal cord injuries can lead to an irreversible loss of neurons, and along with scarring, can ultimately lead to impaired motor and sensory functions. Scientists are hopeful that regenerating cells can be an avenue to repair damage, but adult spinal cords have limited ability to produce new neurons. Biomedical scientists have transplanted stem cells to replace neurons, but have faced other hurdles, underscoring the need for new methods of replenishing lost cells.

Scientists in UT Southwestern's Department of Molecular Biology first successfully turned astrocytes -- the most common non-neuronal brain cells -- into neurons that formed networks in mice. They now successfully turned scar-forming astrocytes in the spinal cords of adult mice into neurons. The latest findings are published today in Nature Communications and follow previous findings published in Nature Cell Biology.

"Our earlier work was the first to clearly show in vivo (in a living animal) that mature astrocytes can be reprogrammed to become functional neurons without the need of cell transplantation. The current study did something similar in the spine, turning scar-forming astrocytes into progenitor cells called neuroblasts that regenerated into neurons," said Dr. Chun-Li Zhang, assistant professor of molecular biology at UT Southwestern and senior author of both studies.

"Astrocytes are abundant and widely distributed both in the brain and in the spinal cord. In response to injury, these cells proliferate and contribute to scar formation. Once a scar has formed, it seals the injured area and creates a mechanical and biochemical barrier to neural regeneration," Dr. Zhang explained. "Our results indicate that the astrocytes may be ideal targets for in vivo reprogramming."

The scientists' two-step approach first introduces a biological substance that regulates the expression of genes, called a transcription factor, into areas of the brain or spinal cord where that factor is not highly expressed in adult mice. Of 12 transcription factors tested, only SOX2 switched fully differentiated, adult astrocytes to an earlier neuronal precursor, or neuroblast, stage of development, Dr. Zhang said.

In the second step, the researchers gave the mice a drug called valproic acid (VPA) that encouraged the survival of the neuroblasts and their maturation (differentiation) into neurons. VPA has been used to treat epilepsy for more than half a century and also is prescribed to treat bipolar disorder and to prevent migraine headaches, he said.

The current study reports neurogenesis (neuron creation) occurred in the spinal cords of both adult and aged (over one-year old) mice of both sexes, although the response was much weaker in the aged mice, Dr. Zhang said. Researchers now are searching for ways to boost the number and speed of neuron creation. Neuroblasts took four weeks to form and eight weeks to mature into neurons, slower than neurogenesis reported in lab dish experiments, so researchers plan to conduct experiments to determine if the slower pace helps the newly generated neurons properly integrate into their environment.

In the spinal cord study, SOX2-induced mature neurons created from reprogramming of astrocytes persisted for 210 days after the start of the experiment, the longest time the researchers examined, he added.

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New neurons generated in brains, spinal cords of living adult mammals

A LOCAL man on Tuesday celebrated his 39th birthday by becoming Shanghais 294th hematopoietic stem cell donor after shedding 22 kilograms to meet the eligibility requirements.

Pan Weizhong, a team leader for Sinopec, joined the China Bone Marrow Bank in 2007 after one of his colleagues successfully donated his stem cells. Last October, Pan received a call from the Shanghai Red Cross Society telling him his blood was a match for a 28-year-old woman suffering from leukemia in Wuhan, capital of central Chinas Hubei Province.

He was really excited when he found out and couldnt wait to tell me when I came home from work,Pans wife Wang Aiping, who works as an accountant at a community health care center, told Shanghai Daily yesterday.

I was also very happy because I had always supported his decision to become a donor.

But when Pan, who weighed about 90 kilograms at the time, went for a preliminary medical examination, doctors told him he had a fatty liver and needed to lose weight, Wang said.

Determined to qualify for the scheme, Pan switched to a vegetarian diet and began exercising for two hours every day. He even quit smoking and drinking alcohol, his wife said.

My son and I also became vegetarians to support him,she said.

After two months of no meat and lots of exercise, doctors gave Pan the green light.

After Tuesdays operation Pan said he was delighted to have been able to help someone he had never even met.

It feels great to celebrate my birthday by giving this woman a fresh start in life,he said.Its the best present Ive ever had.

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Man fights the flab to be cell donor -Eastday

Scientists have transformed human skin cells into fully functioning liver cells with "extremely promising" therapeutic potential.

Transplanted into laboratory mice with liver failure, the cells matured and multiplied over a period of nine months.

In future they could form the basis of personalised treatments for patients who might otherwise need a liver transplant.

Earlier attempts to produce liver cells from artificially created stem cells have proved disappointing.

Generally, once implanted into existing liver tissue the cells have not tended to survive.

The new research involved a two-stage process of transforming skin cells in the laboratory before transplanting them.

First, the cells were genetically reprogrammed back to an intermediate "endoderm" stage of development using a cocktail of genes and chemical compounds.

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"The liver likes a balanced diet, just like the rest of your body," explains Dr. Nancy Reau, vice president of the American Liver Foundation's Board of Directors. She notes that an extreme elimination diet is generally not good for your system, and any benefit it may give you disappears once you go back to eating regularly. For the liver (as well as the rest of your body), look to high-fibre vegetables and lean proteins.

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Liver Transplant Research: Skin Cells Transformed Into Liver Cells Could Save Lives, Scientists Say

Washington, Feb 24 : In a path-breaking research, scientists have discovered a way to transform skin cells into mature, fully functioning liver cells that flourish on their own.

The technique could serve as an alternative for liver-failure patients who do not require full-organ replacement or who do not have access to a transplant owing to limited donor organ availability.

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes and University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) revealed a new cellular reprogramming method that transforms human skin cells into liver cells that are virtually indistinguishable from the cells that make up liver tissue.

"Earlier studies tried to reprogramme skin cells back into a stem cell-like state in order to then grow liver cells. However, generating these pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells, and then transforming them into liver cells was not always resulting in complete transformation," explained Sheng Ding, senior investigator at Gladstone Institutes.

"So we thought that, rather than taking these skin cells all the way back to a stem cell-like state, perhaps we could take them to an intermediate phase," he added.

Instead of taking the skin cells back to the beginning, the scientists took them only part way, creating endoderm-like cells.

Endoderm cells are cells that eventually mature into many of the body's major organs - including the liver.

This step allowed them to generate a large reservoir of cells that could more readily be coaxed into becoming liver cells.

Next, the researchers discovered a set of genes and compounds that can transform these cells into functioning liver cells.

After just a few weeks, the team began to notice a transformation.

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Skin-tillating! Healthy liver cells created in lab

By Amy Norton HealthDay Reporter

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 19, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- An experimental therapy that genetically tweaks the immune system may effectively treat a type of adult leukemia that often has a grim prognosis.

Researchers found that of 16 patients with advanced B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 88 percent went into remission after being treated with genetically altered versions of their own immune system cells.

The findings, reported Feb. 19 in the journal Science Translational Medicine, extend research published last spring on the first five patients to receive the treatment.

"First and foremost, we've shown that this isn't a fluke. This is a reliable result," said study senior author Dr. Renier Brentjens, an oncologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

There is still plenty of work to be done, he and other experts cautioned. The treatment, known as T-cell therapy, is not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is only available in a research setting.

"We're still very much in the early stages of development," Brentjens said. But, he added, "this is potentially the first promising new therapy [for advanced B-cell ALL] in a long time."

Another expert agreed.

"The response rates are incredibly high," said Dr. David Porter, director of blood and marrow transplantation at the University of Pennsylvania's Abramson Cancer Center.

Porter, who was not involved in the study, has also been researching the T-cell therapy for advanced ALL, as well as another adult leukemia called chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The results for the ALL patients have not been published in a journal yet, but Porter said they've shown similar response rates.

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Experimental Therapy Shows Promise Against Type of Adult Leukemia

New York, New York (PRWEB) February 26, 2014

Adler Footcare of Greater New York is offering an advanced treatment option for chronic foot problems like plantar fasciitis, as well as common foot problems like Osteoarthritis, Achilles tendonitis and torn soft tissue.

In the past these conditions have been treated by physical therapy or orthotic therapy, but the results have often been poor, leaving patients continuing to struggle with the pain. With stem cell replacement therapy, the treatment of these conditions is proving far more effective and long lasting than traditional treatments.

At Adler Footcare we use live birth stem cells which are introduced into the affected area. Stem cells are used by many physicians to treat a broad variety of conditions because of their ability to either replicate themselves, or change into the cell type that is needed to repair the tissue that has been damaged. When a patient comes in for stem cell therapy, the affected area is carefully measured so the stem cells can be delivered directly to the area that needs the treatment.

The Joint Commission accredited Podiatric OR of Midtown Manhattan housed within Adler Footcare is designed to facilitate advanced treatments such as Stem Cell Replacement Therapy to all their patients.

With stem cell treatment we are finding that patients heal much faster and are able to return to their normal activities much sooner than with traditional treatment options, said Dr. Darline Kulhan, podiatric surgeon at Adler Footcare. Recovery time depends on each individual patients medical diagnosis and overall general health.

Treatments using stem cells have been used by physicians for over 100 years. Stem Cell Replacement Therapy is covered by commercial insurance and Medicare, and is approved and regulated by the FDA. The product is tested and screened by medical professionals to eliminate the potential of any communicable diseases.

To learn more about Stem Cell Replacement Therapy or to schedule a consultation with a New York podiatrist at Adler Footcare, call (212) 704-4310 or visit http://www.mynycpodiatrist.com.

About Adler Footcare New York

Dr. Jeffrey L. Adler, Medical/Surgical Director and owner of Adler Footcare 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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Stem Cell Replacement Therapy for Common Foot Injuries Provides Rapid Healing

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Newswise DALLAS, Feb. 25, 2014 UTSouthwestern Medical Center researchers created new nerve cells in the brains and spinal cords of living mammals without the need for stem cell transplants to replenish lost cells.

Although the research indicates it may someday be possible to regenerate neurons from the bodys own cells to repair traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage or to treat conditions such as Alzheimers disease, the researchers stressed that it is too soon to know whether the neurons created in these initial studies resulted in any functional improvements, a goal for future research.

Spinal cord injuries can lead to an irreversible loss of neurons, and along with scarring, can ultimately lead to impaired motor and sensory functions. Scientists are hopeful that regenerating cells can be an avenue to repair damage, but adult spinal cords have limited ability to produce new neurons. Biomedical scientists have transplanted stem cells to replace neurons, but have faced other hurdles, underscoring the need for new methods of replenishing lost cells.

Scientists in UTSouthwesterns Department of Molecular Biology first successfully turned astrocytes the most common non-neuronal brain cells into neurons that formed networks in mice. They now successfully turned scar-forming astrocytes in the spinal cords of adult mice into neurons. The latest findings are published today in Nature Communications and follow previous findings published in Nature Cell Biology.

Our earlier work was the first to clearly show in vivo (in a living animal) that mature astrocytes can be reprogrammed to become functional neurons without the need of cell transplantation. The current study did something similar in the spine, turning scar-forming astrocytes into progenitor cells called neuroblasts that regenerated into neurons, said Dr. Chun-Li Zhang, assistant professor of molecular biology at UTSouthwestern and senior author of both studies.

Astrocytes are abundant and widely distributed both in the brain and in the spinal cord. In response to injury, these cells proliferate and contribute to scar formation. Once a scar has formed, it seals the injured area and creates a mechanical and biochemical barrier to neural regeneration, Dr. Zhang explained. Our results indicate that the astrocytes may be ideal targets for in vivo reprogramming.

The scientists' two-step approach first introduces a biological substance that regulates the expression of genes, called a transcription factor, into areas of the brain or spinal cord where that factor is not highly expressed in adult mice. Of 12 transcription factors tested, only SOX2 switched fully differentiated, adult astrocytes to an earlier neuronal precursor, or neuroblast, stage of development, Dr. Zhang said.

In the second step, the researchers gave the mice a drug called valproic acid (VPA) that encouraged the survival of the neuroblasts and their maturation (differentiation) into neurons. VPA has been used to treat epilepsy for more than half a century and also is prescribed to treat bipolar disorder and to prevent migraine headaches, he said.

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Researchers Generate New Neurons in Brains, Spinal Cords of Living Adult Mammals Without the Need of Stem Cell ...

Our cells don't live in a vacuum. They are surrounded by a complex, nurturing matrix that is essential for many biological functions, including growth and healing.

In all multicellular organisms, including people, cells make their own extracellular matrix. But in the lab, scientists attempting to grow tissue must provide a scaffold for cells to latch onto as they grow and proliferate. This engineered tissue has potential to repair or replace virtually any part of our bodies.

Typically, researchers construct scaffolds from synthetic materials or natural animal or human substances. All have their strengths and weaknesses, but no scaffolds grown in a Petri dish have been able to mimic the highly organized structure of the matrix made by living things, at least until now.

Feng Zhao of Michigan Technological University has persuaded fibroblasts, cells that makes the extracellular matrix, to make just such a well-organized scaffold. Its fibers are a mere 80 nanometers across, similar to fibers in a natural matrix. And, since her scaffold is made by cells, it is composed of the same intricate mix of all-natural proteins and sugars found in the body. Plus, its nanofibers are as highly aligned as freshly combed hair.

The trick was to orient the cells on a nano-grate that guided their growth -- and the creation of the scaffold.

"The cells did the work," Zhao said. "The material they made is quite uniform, and of course it is completely biological."

Stem cells placed on her scaffold thrived, and it had the added advantage of provoking a very low immune response.

"We think this has great potential," she said. "I think we could use this to engineer softer tissues, like skin, blood vessels and muscle."

The work is described in the paper "Highly Aligned Nanofibrous Scaffold Derived from Decellularized Human Fibroblasts," coauthored by Zhao, postdoctoral researcher Qi Xing and undergraduate Caleb Vogt of Michigan Technological University and Kam W. Leong of Duke University and published Jan. 29 in Advanced Functional Materials. Zhao designed the project. Xing and Vogt did the work, and Leong developed the template for cell growth.

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New biological scaffold offers promising foundation for engineered tissues

Frederick, MD (PRWEB) February 25, 2014

RoosterBio Inc is a new biotech start-up supplying human bone marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hBM-MSC) for tissue engineering research and stem cell-based product development into the high growth Synthetic Biology and Regenerative Medicine fields. RoosterBio, Inc. initiated laboratory operations in October, 2013, and has achieved the critical milestone of first product shipment to paying customers in just four short months. In addition to the early validation of their business model and rapidly generating revenue, Roosterbio has raised over 250K in seed investment and are actively seeking funds via AngelList (https://angel.co/roosterbio).

RoosterBio credits their quick-to-market accomplishments to hyper-efficient operations and the passion that the RoosterBio team shares in their desire to assist tissue engineers and cell therapists to accelerate life-saving technologies into the clinic. Our laser focus coupled with operational excellence has enabled us to reach these milestones; we will delight our customers with our product offering, says Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Uplaksh Kumar. The RoosterBio teams extensive experience sourcing raw materials, manufacturing stem cell products, and controlling for high quality with best-in-class characterization techniques has allowed them to successfully launch their flagship hBM-MSC product quickly and efficiently.

Dr. Jon Rowley, RoosterBios Chief Executive said I cant express how proud I am of our small, highly dedicated team that worked tirelessly to get our first products designed, manufactured, quality tested, released, and just as importantly sold and shipped to our first paying customers. This was truly a team effort that couldnt have been done without each and every person at RoosterBio.

Having spent years as cell and tissue technologists, the RoosterBio team has an intimate understanding of the pain points surrounding the generation of large numbers of robust, reproducible, standardized cells for research and product development purposes. RoosterBio products are designed to solve this problem and they believe that high volume and affordable cellular raw materials will kick-start the cell-based medical product revolution.

Dr. Sarah Griffiths, a Researcher at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, believes that RoosterBios MSCs will do exactly that, and was anxiously awaiting receipt of the product. "We are excited to receive the first shipment of RoosterBios product. The potential to generate large stocks of MSCs in a short period of time will be a tremendous advantage to the progress of our research."

Researchers in the fields of Synthetic Biology and Regenerative Medicine, such as Dr. Griffiths, will use RoosterBios MSCs to develop new medical therapies to provide treatments for degenerative diseases such as Parkinsons and Alzheimers diseases, or to repair or replace tissue after a catastrophic injury such as traumatic bone and cartilage injury, spinal cord damage, heart attack, or significant burns.

RoosterBios current focus is to supply high volume research-grade cells manufactured with processes consistent with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). They are rapidly approaching their next milestones by laying the groundwork for initiating production of clinical-grade cells to be used in translational R&D and clinical studies.

About RoosterBio RoosterBio is focused on building a robust and sustainable Regenerative Medicine industry. Our products are affordable and standardized primary cells and media, manufactured and delivered with highest quality and in formats that simplify product development efforts. RoosterBio products are made with care in Frederick, MD, and will accelerate the translation of cell therapy and tissue engineering technologies into the clinic.

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RoosterBio Inc, a Frederick Maryland Biotech Startup, Achieves Rapid Traction with Product Launch and Fundraising ...

Researchers in Bern have discovered that, during a viral infection, immune cells control the blood stem cells in the bone marrow and therefore also the body's own defenses. The findings could allow for new forms of therapy, such as for bone marrow diseases like leukemia.

During a viral infection, the body needs various defense mechanisms -- amongst other things, a large number of white blood cells (leukocytes) must be produced in the bone marrow within a short period of time. In the bone marrow, stem cells are responsible for this task: the blood stem cells. In addition to white blood cells, blood stem cells also produce red blood cells and platelets.

The blood stem cells are located in specialized niches in the bone marrow and are surrounded by specialized niche cells. During an infection, the blood stem cells must complete two tasks: they must first recognise that more blood cells have to be produced and, secondly, they must recognise what kind of.

Now, for the first time, researchers at the Department of Medical Oncology at the University of Bern and Bern University Hospital headed by Prof. Adrian Ochsenbein have investigated how the blood stem cells in the bone marrow are regulated by the immune system's so-called T killer cells during a viral infection. As this regulation mechanism mediated by the immune system also plays an important role in other diseases such as leukemia, these findings could lead to novel therapeutic approaches. The study is being published in the peer-reviewed journal "Cell Stem Cell" today.

T Killer cells trigger defenses

One function of T killer cells is to "patrol" in the blood and remove pathogen-infected cells. However, they also interact with the blood stem cells in the bone marrow. The oncologists in Bern were able to show that messenger substances secreted by the T killer cells modulate the niche cells. In turn, the niche cells control the production and also the differentiation of the blood stem cells.

This mechanism is important in order to fight pathogens such as viruses or bacteria. However, various forms of the bone marrow disease leukemia are caused by a malignant transformation of exactly these blood stem cells. This leads to the formation of so-called leukemia stem cells. In both cases, the mechanisms are similar: the "good" mechanism regulates healthy blood stem cells during an infection, whilst the "bad" one leads to the multiplication of leukemia stem cells. This in turn leads to a progression of the leukemia.

This similarity has already been investigated in a previous project by the same group of researchers. "We hope that this will enable us to better understand and fight infectious diseases as well as bone marrow diseases such as leukemia," says Carsten Riether from the Department of Clinical Research at the University of Bern and the Department of Medical Oncology at Bern University Hospital and the University of Bern.

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The above story is based on materials provided by University of Bern. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.

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Immune cells regulate blood stem cells, research shows

On a Saturday last September, Be the Match Foundation sponsored a 5-kilometer walk and run in Creve Coeur Park to promote donor awareness. The foundation is an international bone marrow registry, and it coordinates marrow and stem cell transplants that are used to treat blood disorders.

Mark Pearl was at the event. Two of his three kids were born with a rare blood disorder called Fanconi anemia. Alexandra was diagnosed on Christmas Day 2000. She was 5. Her younger brother, Matthew, was diagnosed shortly thereafter. A marrow donor in Sweden was quickly found for Alexandra, but no matches were found for Matthew.

Mark and his wife, Diane, began organizing donor drives. Its easy to register as a donor. A couple of swabs on the inside of a cheek to collect DNA is all that is required. At their first drive in February 2001, they registered more than 4,000 potential donors. No matches. Over the next five and a half years, they organized more than 1,000 drives and registered more than 100,000 potential donors.

A donor was eventually found in North Carolina. As is almost always the case, the donor registered at someone elses drive. Matthew received his transplant in 2006.

He and his sister are fine.

Also at the event in Creve Coeur was Brian Jakubeck. He did not know Mark, but he had registered as a potential donor at one of the drives the Pearls had organized for Matthew. One of the last drives, actually.

How did that happen? Mark has season tickets for the Rams and sits next to Ted Cassimatis, who is a college friend of Brians brother. So as the Pearls reached out well beyond their own circle of friends, Ted sent out a mass email to his friends, and that email reached Brian. He and his wife, Kathy, registered as potential donors at a drive in May 2006.

Sometime later, Brian heard the good news from Ted that a donor had been found for his friends son.

Several years passed. In August 2012, Brian heard from Be the Match. He appeared to be a match. Would he agree to have some blood samples taken to confirm that he was a match? Sure, he said.

The results were positive. He was a match. He had more tests shortly before Christmas, and in January of last year, he went to St. Louis University Hospital and gave his stem cells. This was done in a process called apheresis. It is similar to giving plasma or platelets. The blood goes through an IV, passes through a machine that collects the stem cells, and then is returned through another IV. Its painless, but takes about six hours.

Read more:
McClellan: Bone marrow registry drives often pay it forward

In a medical first, scientists at the Gladstone Institutes and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) have transformed human skin cells into mature, fully functioning liver cells.

Additionally, these cells can thrive on their own after being transplanted into laboratory animals a positive step for future treatment for liver failure.

So far, scientists have been able turn skin cells into cells closely resembling heart cells and pancreas cells, but there hasnt been a method to generate cells that are fully mature. And previous studies on liver-cell reprogramming had difficulties getting the stem-cell-derived liver cells to survive and flourish once transplanted inside the body.

But in this latest study, published in the journal Nature, researchers figured out a way to overcome these obstacles.

Earlier studies tried to reprogram skin cells back into a pluripotent, stem cell-like state in order to then grow liver cells, senior author Sheng Ding, a professor of pharmaceutical chemistry at UCSF, said in a press release. However, generating these so-called induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells, and then transforming them into liver cells wasnt always resulting in complete transformation. So we thought that, rather than taking these skin cells all the way back to a pluripotent, stem cell-like state, perhaps we could take them to an intermediate phase.

Dings regeneration method involved using a specific cocktail of reprogramming genes and chemical compounds. This mixture helped to transform the skin cells into cells resembling those in the endoderm an embryonic cell layer that eventually forms many of the bodys major organs. According to the researchers, this state allowed the cells to be more easily coaxed into becoming liver cells.

Then, using another set of genes and compounds, Ding and his team transformed the endoderm-like cells into nearly indistinguishable liver cells. To see how well these cells performed on their own, the researchers implanted them into the livers of mice that had been genetically altered to experience liver failure. Nine months post-transplantation, the team saw an overall rise in human liver protein levels an indication that the liver cells were growing and thriving.

This study has major implications for those suffering from liver failure, as a costly liver transplant is often the only form of treatment.

Many questions remain, but the fact that these cells can fully mature and grow for months post-transplantation is extremely promising, said Dr. Holger Willenbring, associate director of the UCSF Liver Center and the papers other senior author. In the future, our technique could serve as an alternative for liver-failure patients who dont require full-organ replacement, or who dont have access to a transplant due to limited donor organ availability.

Click for more from University of California, San Francisco.

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Scientists transform human skin cells into mature liver cells

Gladstone Institutes

Joint Gladstone-UCSF study highlights novel reprogramming method; offers new hope for treating liver failure

SAN FRANCISCO, CAFebruary 23, 2014 The power of regenerative medicine now allows scientists to transform skin cells into cells that closely resemble heart cells, pancreas cells and even neurons. However, a method to generate cells that are fully maturea crucial prerequisite for life-saving therapieshas proven far more difficult. But now, scientists at the Gladstone Institutes and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), have made an important breakthrough: they have discovered a way to transform skin cells into mature, fully functioning liver cells that flourish on their own, even after being transplanted into laboratory animals modified to mimic liver failure.

In previous studies on liver-cell reprogramming, scientists had difficulty getting stem cell-derived liver cells to survive once being transplanted into existing liver tissue. But the Gladstone-UCSF team figured out a way to solve this problem. Writing in the latest issue of the journal Nature, researchers in the laboratories of Gladstone Senior Investigator Sheng Ding, PhD, and UCSF Associate Professor Holger Willenbring, MD, PhD, reveal a new cellular reprogramming method that transforms human skin cells into liver cells that are virtually indistinguishable from the cells that make up native liver tissue.

These results offer new hope for the millions of people suffering from, or at risk of developing, liver failurean increasingly common condition that results in progressive and irreversible loss of liver function. At present, the only option is a costly liver transplant. So, scientists have long looked to stem cell technology as a potential alternative. But thus far they have come up largely empty-handed.

Earlier studies tried to reprogram skin cells back into a pluripotent, stem cell-like state in order to then grow liver cells, explained Dr. Ding, one of the papers senior authors, who is also a professor of pharmaceutical chemistry at UCSF, with which Gladstone is affiliated. However, generating these so-called induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells, and then transforming them into liver cells wasnt always resulting in complete transformation. So we thought that, rather than taking these skin cells all the way back to a pluripotent, stem cell-like state, perhaps we could take them to an intermediate phase.

This research, which was performed jointly at the Roddenberry Center for Stem Cell Research at Gladstone and the Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCSF, involved using a cocktail of reprogramming genes and chemical compounds to transform human skin cells into cells that resembled the endoderm. Endoderm cells are cells that eventually mature into many of the bodys major organsincluding the liver.

Instead of taking the skin cells back to the beginning, we took them only part way, creating endoderm-like cells, added Gladstone and CIRM Postdoctoral Scholar Saiyong Zhu, PhD, one of the papers lead authors. This step allowed us to generate a large reservoir of cells that could more readily be coaxed into becoming liver cells.

Next, the researchers discovered a set of genes and compounds that can transform these cells into functioning liver cells. And after just a few weeks, the team began to notice a transformation.

The cells began to take on the shape of liver cells, and even started to perform regular liver-cell functions, said UCSF Postdoctoral Scholar Milad Rezvani, MD, the papers other lead author. They werent fully mature cells yetbut they were on their way.

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Scientists Transform Skin Cells Into Functioning Liver Cells

Doubts keep growing about the stunning discovery that super stem cells could be created merely by placing white blood cells from young mice in acid or otherwise stressing them, says Paul Knoepfler, a stem cell researcher at UC Davis.

Among other inconsistencies, Knoepfler referred to several unexplained anomalies in images of these STAP cells in two papers, published by the prestigious journal Nature on Jan. 29. One image appears to suggest signs that virtually all cells treated with an acid bath were being reprogrammed, a result that would be extraordinary. Stem cell reprogramming to date has been inefficient, with a low percentage of treated cells being reprogrammed.

"The more I look at these two STAP papers, the more concerned I get ... The bottom line for me now is that some level a part of me still clings to a tiny and receding hope this has all been overblown due to simple misunderstandings, but that seems increasingly unlikely," Knoepfler wrote Sunday on his blog, IPS Cell.

This undated image made available by the journal Nature shows a mouse embryo formed with specially-treated cells from a newborn mouse that had been transformed into stem cells. Researchers in Boston and Japan say they created stem cells from various tissues of newborn mice. If the same technique works for humans, it may provide a new way to grow tissue for treating illnesses like diabetes and Parkinson's disease. The report was published online on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014 in the journal Nature. (AP Photo/RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, Haruko Obokata)

Nature is conducting its own investigation, Knoepfler noted. But in addition, the journal should release "unmodified, original versions" of the images and data in the papers, Knoepfler wrote.

The images contained "minor errors" that didn't change the basic findings, said Charles Vacanti, a Harvard University professor who is part of the scientific team reporting the discovery, according to a Feb. 22 article in a Japanese newspaper, the Asahi Shimbun.

Controversy is normal for any major scientific advance. Skeptics must be converted, and the only way to do that is to show the data. The 1997 announcement of the first mammalian clone, Dolly the sheep, was greeted with considerable doubt because it was believed that genetic imprinting made such cloning impossible. But others were eventually able to confirm the finding.

In this case, doubters say such an apparently easy method of reprogramming cells would generate pluripotent stem cells far too easily, because stress is common in animals. Such stem cells are known to cause tumors, so evolution should have selected against such a response.

Nature's own role has been criticized. The journal was taken to task for its handling of online journalism Feb. 20 by another stem cell blogger, Alexey Bersenev. He chided Nature for not linking to sources.

"In scientific journalism, every claim must be linked to appropriate original source," Berseney wrote. "Nature consistently refuses to acknowledge bloggers, online discussions and other web resources with valid credible information. This is not acceptable for sci journalism."

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STAP stem cell doubts keep proliferating

Cambridge News Follow us on

Monday 24 Feb 2014 2:43 PM

Written byELEANOR DICKINSON

Sufferers of serious brain diseases could one day be helped by stem cell treatments , according to scientists at Cambridge University.

Scientists at the University hope to be able to use the regenerative power of stem cells to treat major brain conditions such as Parkinsons and Huntingtons disease.

Their findings are expected to be revealed at the Cambridge Festival of Science next month.

Robin Franklin, the newly appointed Professor of Stem Cell Medicine, will be discussing his research into central nervous system regeneration and the possibility of treating multiple sclerosis.

He said: The brain, although capable of unmatched feats of adaptability, is generally considered to be an organ that is very poor at mending itself after injury.

However, one particular type of brain cell, called the oligodendrocyte the cell that makes the myelin wrapping around nerve fibres can be regenerated when lost in disease by the brains own stem cells.

By studying in the laboratory how brain stem cells generate new oligodendrocytes it has been possible to identify ways in which this important regenerative process might be achieved in the clinic, offering the

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Stem cells to fight brain diseases say Cambridge scientists

The power of regenerative medicine now allows scientists to transform skin cells into cells that closely resemble heart cells, pancreas cells and even neurons. However, a method to generate cells that are fully mature -- a crucial prerequisite for life-saving therapies -- has proven far more difficult. But now, scientists at the Gladstone Institutes and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), have made an important breakthrough: they have discovered a way to transform skin cells into mature, fully functioning liver cells that flourish on their own, even after being transplanted into laboratory animals modified to mimic liver failure.

In previous studies on liver-cell reprogramming, scientists had difficulty getting stem cell-derived liver cells to survive once being transplanted into existing liver tissue. But the Gladstone-UCSF team figured out a way to solve this problem. Writing in the latest issue of the journal Nature, researchers in the laboratories of Gladstone Senior Investigator Sheng Ding, PhD, and UCSF Associate Professor Holger Willenbring, MD, PhD, reveal a new cellular reprogramming method that transforms human skin cells into liver cells that are virtually indistinguishable from the cells that make up native liver tissue.

These results offer new hope for the millions of people suffering from, or at risk of developing, liver failure -- an increasingly common condition that results in progressive and irreversible loss of liver function. At present, the only option is a costly liver transplant. So, scientists have long looked to stem cell technology as a potential alternative. But thus far they have come up largely empty-handed.

"Earlier studies tried to reprogram skin cells back into a pluripotent, stem cell-like state in order to then grow liver cells," explained Dr. Ding, one of the paper's senior authors, who is also a professor of pharmaceutical chemistry at UCSF, with which Gladstone is affiliated. "However, generating these so-called induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells, and then transforming them into liver cells wasn't always resulting in complete transformation. So we thought that, rather than taking these skin cells all the way back to a pluripotent, stem cell-like state, perhaps we could take them to an intermediate phase."

This research, which was performed jointly at the Roddenberry Center for Stem Cell Research at Gladstone and the Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCSF, involved using a 'cocktail' of reprogramming genes and chemical compounds to transform human skin cells into cells that resembled the endoderm. Endoderm cells are cells that eventually mature into many of the body's major organs -- including the liver.

"Instead of taking the skin cells back to the beginning, we took them only part way, creating endoderm-like cells," added Gladstone and CIRM Postdoctoral Scholar Saiyong Zhu, PhD, one of the paper's lead authors. "This step allowed us to generate a large reservoir of cells that could more readily be coaxed into becoming liver cells."

Next, the researchers discovered a set of genes and compounds that can transform these cells into functioning liver cells. And after just a few weeks, the team began to notice a transformation.

"The cells began to take on the shape of liver cells, and even started to perform regular liver-cell functions," said UCSF Postdoctoral Scholar Milad Rezvani, MD, the paper's other lead author. "They weren't fully mature cells yet -- but they were on their way."

Now that the team was encouraged by these initial results in a dish, they wanted to see what would happen in an actual liver. So, they transplanted these early-stage liver cells into the livers of mice. Over a period of nine months, the team monitored cell function and growth by measuring levels of liver-specific proteins and genes.

Two months post-transplantation, the team noticed a boost in human liver protein levels in the mice, an indication that the transplanted cells were becoming mature, functional liver cells. Nine months later, cell growth had shown no signs of slowing down. These results indicate that the researchers have found the factors required to successfully regenerate liver tissue.

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Skin cells transformed into functioning liver cells in mouse study