Stem Cells

Chromatin compaction required for proper embryonic stem cell differentiation

New research findings show that embryonic stem cells unable to fully compact the DNA inside them cannot complete their primary task: differentiation into specific cell types that give rise to the various types of tissues and structures in the body. Continue reading

Posted in Stem Cells | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

Successful stem cell differentiation requires DNA compaction, study finds

ScienceDaily (May 11, 2012) New research findings show that embryonic stem cells unable to fully compact the DNA inside them cannot complete their primary task: differentiation into specific cell types that give rise to the various types of tissues and structures in the body. Researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University found that chromatin compaction is required for proper embryonic stem cell differentiation to occur. Chromatin, which is composed of histone proteins and DNA, packages DNA into a smaller volume so that it fits inside a cell Continue reading

Posted in Stem Cells | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

Boston scientists grow lung tissue from cystic fibrosis patients’ skin cells

By Carolyn Y. Johnson, Globe Staff Two teams of Boston scientists have developed new ways to turn stem cells into different types of lung tissue, surmounting a major hurdle for scientists trying to harness the power of stem cell biology to study and develop treatments for major lung diseases Continue reading

Posted in Stem Cells | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

Stem cell sparing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer may avoid salivary gland damage

Public release date: 9-May-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ] Contact: Emma Mason wordmason@mac.om European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) Barcelona, Spain: Researchers believe they may have found a way to avoid damaging salivary glands during radiotherapy treatment for head and neck cancer a discovery that could improve the quality of life of 500,000 patients a year worldwide with the disease. Presenting their findings to the 31st conference of the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO31) [1], the researchers said that they had discovered that the stem cells essential for regenerating the parotid gland (the largest pair of salivary glands) were located mainly in its major ducts, and that these could easily be avoided during radiotherapy or given a minimal radiation dose. “This would significantly reduce complications arising from radiotherapy for head and neck cancer,” said Dr Peter van Luijk, a research associate at the University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands Continue reading

Posted in Stem Cells | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

Transplanted Gene-Modified Blood Stem Cells Protect Brain Cancer Patients From Toxic Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Study is first to show feasibility and efficacy of a new use for autologous stem cell transplant Newswise SEATTLE For the first time, scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have transplanted brain cancer patients own gene-modified blood stem cells in order to protect their bone marrow against the toxic side effects of chemotherapy. Initial results of the ongoing, small clinical trial of three patients with glioblastoma showed that two patients survived longer than predicted if they had not been given the transplants, and a third patient remains alive with no disease progression almost three years after treatment. Continue reading

Posted in Stem Cells | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

Treating a chimp with stem cells

ST. Continue reading

Posted in Stem Cells | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

Pluristem stem cells save girl's life

Pluristem Therapeutics Ltd. (Nasdaq:PSTI; DAX: PJT: PLTR)has announced that a seven year-old girl suffering from an aplastic bone marrow whose condition was rapidly deteriorating has seen a reversal of her condition. Continue reading

Posted in Stem Cells | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

New treatment now available for patients with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma

PrMozobil provides enhanced mobilization of stem cells for autologous transplantation in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma patients MONTRAL, May 9, 2012 /CNW/ – Sanofi Canada announced today that Mozobil (plerixafor), a new treatment for the mobilization of stem cells in patients with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) and multiple myeloma (MM), is now available on the Canadian market. Mozobil is the first in a new class of haematopoietic stem cell mobilising agents that reversibly blocks the CXCR4-SDF-1a interaction in the bone marrow Continue reading

Posted in Stem Cells | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off

ALS Patients Approved For More Stem Cells

University of Michigan Hospital (Credit: UM.edu) ANN ARBOR Three patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis will be permitted to receive a second dose of stem cells delivered directly to the spinal cord, in a clinical trial being led by the University of Michigans Eva Feldman, M.D. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the second treatment after a review concluded that the patients showed no adverse effects from their first implantation surgeries Continue reading

Posted in Stem Cells | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off

'Cell shield' for cancer patients

9 May 2012 Last updated at 14:14 ET By James Gallagher Health and science reporter, BBC News It may be possible to use “stem cell shielding” to protect the body from the damaging effects of chemotherapy, early results from a US trial suggest. Continue reading

Posted in Stem Cells | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off