News Updates
Hope For Those Aching Joints
Source: Forbes
At long last, there seems to be real hope in rebuilding damaged articular cartilage. Researchers from the University of Southampton recently discovered a new method to generate cartilage tissue from stem cells. Articular cartilage covers the ends of bones and acts as a shock absorber in the joints.
Researchers identify core genetic networks driving human embryonic stem cell behavior
Source: Science Daily
At the earliest stages of human embryonic development, a small collection of cells known as human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) orchestrates growth and differentiation, eventually giving rise to highly specialized human tissues. As pluripotent cells -- progenitors of every type of cell type in the body -- hESCs are of central interest to developmental and regenerative biologists. Many genes driving hESC functioning have previously been identified, but powerful tools that shed light on the interrelated activities of these genes have only emerged more recently. Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School used genome-wide genetic screening to both over-express and inactivate ("knock out") tens of thousands of genes in hESCs. They uncovered key networks that simultaneously control pluripotency and readiness for cell death (apoptosis), helping to ensure optimal conditions for embryonic development. The study's findings, published in Genes and Development, offer new insights into cancer genetics and a novel approach for regenerative medicine research.
Stem Cells Used to Treat Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head
Source: Yale School of Medicine
Collapsed femoral heads caused by osteonecrosis—otherwise known as avascular necrosis— unfortunately represent the root cause for approximately 10% of all hip replacements nationwide. Daniel Wiznia, MD, is utilizing a stem cell treatment at Yale School of Medicine and integrating new techniques along with 3D imaging technology as part of a joint-preservation procedure.
In embryonic stem cells, genes link pluripotency and ease of self-destruction
Source: GEN
Gene networks in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have been found to serve two purposes at once. They maintain pluripotency, and they keep apoptosis, or programmed cell death, on a hair trigger. This discovery, from a study led by researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School (HMS), suggests that faulty embryonic stem cells have a built-in mechanism to ensure that they are destroyed before they can compromise the functioning of future cells and tissues.
Surgeons explore treatments as elbow injuries increase
Source: Healio
During the past 2 decades, research has shown multiple factors have led to an increase in elbow injuries and surgeries among youth, collegiate and professional overhead-throwing athletes.
Generate looks to in-house stem cell manufacturing
Source: BioPharma Reporter
Generate Life Sciences is establishing a GMP facility in La Jolla, California that it says will enable end-to-end manufacturing of newborn stem cell biologics, bolstering supply and safeguarding clinical research.
Stem Cell Therapy Alleviates Muscular Dystrophy Symptoms in Compassionate-Use Study
Source: GEN
A compassionate-use study has generated promising results for the potential treatment of muscular dystrophies using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from Wharton’s jelly (WJ), a substance found in the umbilical cord. The study, led by doctors at Klara Medical Center (KMC), Czestochowa, Poland, and reported in STEM CELLS Translational Medicine, found that individuals treated using WJ-MSC exhibited significant improvement in several body muscles, with no serious side effects.
