Tag Archives: stem cells

Cellular barcoding: giving names to every stem cell

There are many different cell types in the blood, all of different functions and shapes. All these cells are made by the stem cells by a process of lineage commitment and differentiation. How can we monitor this

Jellyfish meets algae – two marine materials enabling adult stem cells to heal cartilage defects

The regeneration of cartilage in humans is a big challenge, since cartilage tissue cannot regenerate from itself after an injury. Therefore, the application of tissue engineering strategies is very promising for the healing of cartilage defects. Tissue

NucleoCounter® NC-200™ – Automated Cell Counter

The NucleoCounter® NC-200™ is a high precision automated cell counter utilizing state-of-the-art image cytometry. With user adaptable protocols and specialized assays for counting a wide range of mammalian cells, including adipose-derived stem cells, T cells, aggregated cells

Building and rebuilding gastric epithelium: Trop2 as a common denominator

In mammals, the stomach is lined by a contiguous layer of cells called epithelium, further organized into units called glands. Gastric glands are divided into two areas: corpus and antrum, according to their specific function depending on

Insulin analogue with reduced weight gain effect in diabetic patients: detemir

Diabetes mellitus is a progressive condition in which the glycated hemoglobin level (i.e. marker of average blood glucose levels) rises inexorably over time. Strict glucose control in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus reduces

A New therapy for healing nonunion fractures in patients using self-bone marrow derived mesenchymal

Sometimes a broken bone fail to heal (“nonunion”) and it is necessary to induce the formation of new bone tissue to connect the broken pieces. Investigators from the Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Cientificas (IVIC) and orthopedic surgeons

Embryonic stem cells go against aging

The dream of regenerative medicine is now becoming true by the usage of versatile stem cells that are capable of differentiating into all types of cells in the body. This capability is called ‘pluripotency’ and there are

Animal-free platforms for the efficient and accurate prediction of kidney toxicity in humans

Tens of thousands of chemicals are used in food, cosmetics and consumer products. In addition, humans are exposed to drugs and environmental toxicants. Safety testing based on animals is too slow and too costly for screening the

Gliomas and the microenvironment

Recently, the term “microenvironment” has been introduced to indicate all the cell types and molecular signaling that in tumors regulates transformation, growth, invasion, therapeutic resistance and defense from host immunity. In malignant gliomas, i.e., glioblastoma, the most

“Good kids in bad neighborhoods” – the role of bone marrow microenvironment in the development of acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common and aggressive blood cancer in adults and is associated with a high rate of mortality due to cancer therapy resistance and disease relapse. AML is characterized by severe deficiency

Cortical bone: a ground-breaking source for multipotent stem cells

Multipotent stromal cells also known as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a family of cells derived from the mesodermal germ layer, distinguished by their ability to replicate themselves and differentiate, or change morph into different types of

The stromal vascular fraction: a regenerative reality?

In 2001, researchers discovered that fat tissue contains stem cells, which they termed adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs). To obtain these stem cells, fat tissue is taken from the abdomen of healthy adults undergoing liposuction and processed

Fragments of erythrocyte membranes are not only able to stop the bleeding, but also are able to prevent the spread of thrombosis

Red blood cells (RBCs), also called erythrocytes, are the most common type of blood cell and principal means of delivering oxygen to body tissues. Human erythrocytes develop from stem cells into mature erythrocytes in about 7 days. When matured, in a healthy individual these

Muscle stem cells fail to become activated in Pompe disease and do not repair the accumulating muscle damage

Skeletal muscle is the largest organ of the body and is responsible not only for movement , breathing and posture, but is also important in regulating body temperature. It is not surprising that defects in muscle function

Bioengineered human pyloric sphincters with functional muscle and nerves

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a hollow tube that primarily functions to mediate the digestion of the food that we eat into forms of energy and nutrients that the cells and our body can use. The appropriate

Demyelination and remyelination signalling in multiple sclerosis as an aid to targeted therapy

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterised by demyelination. Demyelination, i.e. damage and erosion of the myelin sheath which protects the nerve fibres, occurs in the white matter of

Contraception protects females against germline tumours… in worms

Genetic females of the nematode worm C. elegans initially produce 30-40 oocytes that accumulate in two U-shaped gonad arms, after which oocyte production ceases until a male is encountered. Oocyte accumulation is perceived as a signal that

Bone marrow transplantation resets the clock in patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) accounts for about one third of all of leukemias. In the United States 15,000 patients are diagnosed with and 4,500 patients die of CLL every year.  CLL is a diverse disease. Some patients

Recharged autologous stem cells to combat cartilage defects in osteoarthritic patients

Inflammation is one of the greatest challenges for physicians and researchers working to find new strategies to regenerate patients’ damaged and deteriorated cartilage. Although humans have stem cells which can aid in many tissue repair processes throughout

Stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system. Its main symptoms are motor disturbances such as tremors, rigidity and slowing of movements; although patients may also suffer from sleep disorders,