Monkeys suffering from Parkinson's disease show a marked improvement when human embryonic stem cells are implanted in their brains, in what a Japanese researcher said Wednesday was a world first.

A team of scientists transplanted the stem cells into four primates that were suffering from the debilitating disease.

The monkeys all had violent shaking in their limbs -- a classic symptom of Parkinson's disease -- and were unable to control their bodies, but began to show improvements in their motor control after about three months, Kyoto University associate professor Jun Takahashi told AFP.

About six months after the transplant, the creatures were able to walk around their cages, he said.

"Clear improvements were confirmed in their movement," he said.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological illness linked to a decrease in dopamine production in the brain. There is currently no medical solution to this drop off in a key neurotransmitter.

The condition, which generally affects older people, gained wider public recognition when Hollywood actor Michael J. Fox revealed he was a sufferer.

Takahashi said at the time of the implant about 35 percent of the stem cells had already grown into dopamine neuron cells, with around 10 percent still alive after a year.

He said he wants to improve the effectiveness of the treatment by increasing the survival rate of dopamine neuron cells to 70 percent.

"The challenge before applying it to a clinical study is to raise the number of dopamine neuron cells and to prevent the development of tumours," he said.

"I would like to make this operation more effective and safe" before clinical trials, Takahashi said.

Takahashi said so far he had used embryonic stem cells, which are harvested from foetuses, but would likely switch to so-called Induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) cells, which are created from human skin, for the clinical trial.

His team, which has also transplanted iPS cells into monkeys, are now looking to see if the primates with Parkinson's disease show similar improvements in their motor control.

Scientists say the use of human embryonic stem cells as a treatment for cancer and other diseases holds great promise, but the process has drawn fire from religious conservatives, among others.

Opponents say harvesting the cells, which have the potential to become any cell in the human body, is unethical because it involves the destruction of an embryo.

The Japanese government currently has no guidelines on the use of human stem cells in clinical research.

In October last year, the Court of Justice of the European Union banned the patenting of stem cells when their extraction causes the destruction of a human embryo, a ruling that could have repercussions on medical research.

Scientists warned that the ruling would damage stem cell research in Europe, while the Catholic church hailed it as a victory for the protection of human life.

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Stem cell implants boost monkeys with Parkinson's

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Makucell, Inc., a new life science company that utilizes an innovative proprietary regenerative medicine technology to address aging skin, hair and nail conditions, has presented important pre-clinical and clinical information on its proprietary molecule, Asymmtate, at the 36th Annual Hawaii Dermatology Seminar, Waikoloa, Hawaii.  Asymmtate™ is the active key ingredient in Makucell's new topical skin care line Renewnt™ (pronounced "Re-new-int").

Asymmtate™ is a selective modulator of the Wnt (pronounced "wint") signaling pathway that encourages optimal signaling to stimulate skin stem cells to replenish themselves, keratinocytes, fibroblasts and other dermal cells, which produce collagen, elastic tissue, matrix and other substances to foster a more healthy, rejuvenated appearing skin.  Renewnt™ will be available through aesthetic dermatology professionals in April 2012.

Mark Dahl, M.D. Makucell's, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, presented the two scientific poster presentations.   The presentation titles and conclusions are summarized below.

The Safety and Efficacy of Asymmtate – Asymmtate™ penetrates into human epidermis and dermis and remains active.  Asymmtate in its cream vehicles is non-mutagenic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing.  Asymmtate™ Analog Mitigates Photoaging Effects of UVB in Mice – An analog of Asymmtate applied topically can mitigate the subsequent visible appearance of photoaging changes in mice after exposures of their skin to UVB.

In addition to the pre-clinical/clinical information presented this week, Makucell has initiated a 100 subject Use Study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Renewnt™ for Hydration Day and Night Moisturizer in a real world setting.  This four-week study will include 12 investigator sites across the U.S.  "This large multicenter study is very important to validate aspects of clinical product performance of Asymmtate™ under real world conditions.  The diverse geographical study sites will allow us to evaluate effects on unique skin types in different climates," said Lawrence A. Rheins, President and CEO of Makucell.

The innovative technology that resulted in the formulation of Renewnt was developed by distinguished research scientist Michael Kahn, Ph.D. and colleagues at the Eli & Edythe Broad Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine. "This is an exciting time for Makucell," said Makucell co-founder and inventor Michael Kahn, Ph.D.  "This technology will be utilized for commercial topical applications to address the challenges of photoaging skin and other hair and nail conditions."

For media and investment inquiries please contact please contact Lawrence Rheins, lrheins@makucellinc.com or 1-855-MAKUCELL.

About Makucell
Makucell (www.makucell.com) is a new life science technology transfer company that utilizes an innovative proprietary regenerative medicine technology to address aging skin, hair and nail conditions in an entirely new way. Using a patent-pending new molecule, Asymmtate, Makucell has developed the Renewnt brand of non-prescription products that work with the skin's own stem cells to produce healthier, and more youthful appearing skin. This innovative technology was developed by researchers at the Eli & Edythe Broad Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine.  Makucell is financed through private investors and is not in receipt of government funding.

About the USC Stevens Institute for Innovation
The USC Stevens Institute for Innovation (http://stevens.usc.edu) is a university-wide resource in the Office of the Provost at the University of Southern California that helps identify, nurture, protect, and transfer to the market the most exciting innovations from USC.  It also provides a central connection for industry seeking cutting-edge innovations in which to invest. As part of this role, the USC Stevens Institute manages the university's intellectual property portfolio stemming from its $560M annual research program. Furthermore, the USC Stevens Institute develops the innovator as well as innovations, through educational programs, community-building events, and showcase opportunities.

Media Contact:
Lawrence Rheins
lrheins@makucellinc.com
1-480-305-2061

SOURCE USC Stevens Institute for Innovation

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http://www.stevens.usc.edu
http://www.makucell.com/

Original post:
Makucell™ Announces Key Scientific Presentations and Launch of a Large, Multicenter Use Study of Asymmtate™

To: HEALTH, MEDICAL AND NATIONAL EDITORS

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Makucell, Inc., a new life science company that utilizes an innovative proprietary regenerative medicine technology to address aging skin, hair and nail conditions, has presented important pre-clinical and clinical information on its proprietary molecule, Asymmtate, at the 36th Annual Hawaii Dermatology Seminar, Waikoloa, Hawaii. Asymmtate(TM) is the active key ingredient in Makucell's new topical skin care line Renewnt(TM) (pronounced "Re-new-int").

Asymmtate(TM) is a selective modulator of the Wnt (pronounced "wint") signaling pathway that encourages optimal signaling to stimulate skin stem cells to replenish themselves, keratinocytes, fibroblasts and other dermal cells, which produce collagen, elastic tissue, matrix and other substances to foster a more healthy, rejuvenated appearing skin. Renewnt(TM) will be available through aesthetic dermatology professionals in April 2012.

Mark Dahl, M.D. Makucell's, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, presented the two scientific poster presentations. The presentation titles and conclusions are summarized below.

-- The Safety and Efficacy of Asymmtate - Asymmtate(TM) penetrates into human epidermis and dermis and remains active. Asymmtate in its cream vehicles is non-mutagenic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing. -- Asymmtate(TM) Analog Mitigates Photoaging Effects of UVB in Mice - An analog of Asymmtate applied topically can mitigate the subsequent visible appearance of photoaging changes in mice after exposures of their skin to UVB.

In addition to the pre-clinical/clinical information presented this week, Makucell has initiated a 100 subject Use Study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Renewnt(TM) for Hydration Day and Night Moisturizer in a real world setting. This four-week study will include 12 investigator sites across the U.S. "This large multicenter study is very important to validate aspects of clinical product performance of Asymmtate(TM) under real world conditions. The diverse geographical study sites will allow us to evaluate effects on unique skin types in different climates," said Lawrence A. Rheins, President and CEO of Makucell.

The innovative technology that resulted in the formulation of Renewnt was developed by distinguished research scientist Michael Kahn, Ph.D. and colleagues at the Eli & Edythe Broad Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine. "This is an exciting time for Makucell," said Makucell co-founder and inventor Michael Kahn, Ph.D. "This technology will be utilized for commercial topical applications to address the challenges of photoaging skin and other hair and nail conditions."

For media and investment inquiries please contact please contact Lawrence Rheins, lrheins@makucellinc.com or 1-855-MAKUCELL.

About Makucell

Makucell (www.makucell.com) is a new life science technology transfer company that utilizes an innovative proprietary regenerative medicine technology to address aging skin, hair and nail conditions in an entirely new way. Using a patent-pending new molecule, Asymmtate, Makucell has developed the Renewnt brand of non-prescription products that work with the skin's own stem cells to produce healthier, and more youthful appearing skin. This innovative technology was developed by researchers at the Eli & Edythe Broad Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. Makucell is financed through private investors and is not in receipt of government funding.

About the USC Stevens Institute for Innovation

The USC Stevens Institute for Innovation (http://stevens.usc.edu) is a university-wide resource in the Office of the Provost at the University of Southern California that helps identify, nurture, protect, and transfer to the market the most exciting innovations from USC. It also provides a central connection for industry seeking cutting-edge innovations in which to invest. As part of this role, the USC Stevens Institute manages the university's intellectual property portfolio stemming from its $560M annual research program. Furthermore, the USC Stevens Institute develops the innovator as well as innovations, through educational programs, community-building events, and showcase opportunities.

Media Contact:

Lawrence Rheinslrheins@makucellinc.com1-480-305-2061

SOURCE USC Stevens Institute for Innovation

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Makucell(TM) Announces Key Scientific Presentations and Launch of a Large, Multicenter Use Study of Asymmtate(TM)

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- E'shee Clinical Esthetic announced this week a new addition to its product line of skin serums – Elixir of Life KI Therapy Serum – designed to deliver ultimate skin rejuvenation.

This new skin care product is based on a combination of stem cell and infra-red nano technology. It is the most potent skin care formula that combines gene therapy (FGF 1 peptide) and Far Infrared Powder (FIR) to rejuvenate and restore the beauty of damaged or aging skin.

This new Elixir of Life Serum helps to activate the body's stem cells to repair damaged tissue and skin regeneration.

"Results are proven. The FGF-1 peptide – the stem cell activator – helps to increase new skin cell growth at least 10-20 times faster than with other skin care products," says Nataly Giter, founder, E'shee Clinical Esthetic.

Elixir of Life is ideal for people with circulation problems due to external factors such as pollution, and physical problems due to illness, medications or smoking. It works to repair dark circles and broken capillaries; delays the overall skin aging process through skin repair and re-growth; and also works to properly heal and repair scar tissue.

People of all ages – men and women – will see physical results within 30 days. Skin will be healthier and firmer with a smoother and more even skin tone. 

"Ultimately, this new product helps to restore blood flow; aids with toxin removal; repairs broken capillaries; and reverses skin damage. We are very excited to offer this to anyone wishing to dramatically improve their skin care," says Giter. 

About E'shee Clinical Esthetic:

E'shee was launched in 2009 by Nataly Giter, a hands-on skin care professional with more than 20 years of experience. Through research and practical experience, she learned about the most effective ingredients for advanced skin care and became associated with Dr. Chiu, a professor from Ohio University and the first global pioneer to clone the human FGF 1 gene.

Together with Dr. Chiu and their combined connections to industry professionals, they utilized FGF 1 to create an extraordinary anti-aging product line, using 99 percent pure FGF 1 peptide - the best quality available outside of the human body.

For more information on E'shee Clinical Esthetic, visit: http://www.esheeesthetic.com or http://www.esheeesthetic.com/wordpress/.

* Photo 300dpi download for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/12-0221-eshee_300dpi.jpg
* Photo Caption:  Elixir of Life Serum.

This release was issued on behalf of the above organization by Send2Press(R), a unit of Neotrope(R). http://www.Send2Press.com

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E'shee Clinical Esthetic Launches High-Tech Skin Serum

18-01-2012 23:09 NewHopeForAging.info - Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Nathan Newman reveals the truth about the Adult Stem Cell Technology...and the ONLY product on the market with it Luminesce, by Jeunesse. Order it at: NewHope.JeunesseGlobal.com or call 561.779.0000

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Dr Newman Exposes The Truth about Adult Stem Cells - Video

Posted on February 17, 2012, Friday

KUCHING: Organic solutions company Juice Beauty is introducing three new products in its Stem Cellular Repair line to the public, incorporating technology and science in delivering the new products.

“The three products, namely Stem Cellular Repair Moisturiser, Stem Cellular Repair Eye Treatment and Stem Cellular Repair Booster Serum work at the cellular level to repair damage and increase cellular proliferation,” explained Juice Beauty retail outlet manager, Shirley Ann Tan.

The products were noted to have used the brand’s own proprietary blend of organic fruit stem cells injected into its clinically validated antioxidant rich organic juice base to help decrease DNA damage and accelerate cellular proliferation.

Tan stated that Juice Beauty products were antioxidant-rich and made from 100 per cent organic juices. The formulations were protected from environmental contamination with high tech airtight pump jars.

The manager added, “The reason we are so intent in creating organic products is that we want people to avoid using harmful chemicals in their skin care range for health purposes. People with eczema, skin problems and allergies could feel free to try out our organic products.”

Juice Beauty’s boasts its patent-pending juice base which does not have any drying effect on the skin or suffocate the skin as alcohol- or petroleum-based products do.

“Using an organic juice base provides the benefit of having every drop of the product feed your skin,” she highlighted.

The new products are currently available at Juice Beauty’s outlet at tHe Spring Mall.

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Juice Beauty’s to boost organic skin care further with Stem Cellular Repair line

Public release date: 16-Feb-2012
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Contact: Tara Womersley
tara.womersley@ed.ac.uk
44-131-650-9836
University of Edinburgh

Scientists have found a way to generate and maintain stem cells much more efficiently by amplifying the effect of an essential protein.

Researchers from Denmark, Scotland and the USA have created synthetic versions of a protein, which manipulates adult cells ? such as skin cells ? so that they can subsequently revert to an earlier, embryonic like state. These reverted cells have the potential to become any cell in the body.

As well as reverting adult cells to this state ? known as induced pluripotent stem cells , the protein also plays a key role in maintaining embryonic stem cells in a pure form. If the protein ? Oct4 ? is not present, the embryonic stem cells will start to differentiate into specific cells.

In order to reprogamme adult cells to have stem cell properties viruses need to be added to cell cultures to trigger production of significant quantities of Oct4.

Oct4 plays a powerful role in regulating stem cell genes. However, while large quantities of Oct4 are needed too much of it can ruin the properties of stem cells.

Scientists, whose work is published in the journal Cell Reports, were able to overcome this by producing a synthetic version of Oct4 that amplified the effect of the protein in its natural form.

The synthetic version of Oct4 was much more efficient in turning on genes that instruct cells on how to be stem cells and, as a result, the cells did not need as much Oct4 for either reprogramming or to remain as stem cells ? thereby eliminating problems caused by too much Oct4.

In fact, the synthetic Oct4 could support stem cells under conditions that they do not normally grow. These findings could also help scientists find new ways generate stem cells in the laboratory.

The study showed that Oct4 was mainly responsible for turning on genes that instruct cells on how to become stem cells, rather than turning off genes that encourage the cells to differentiate.

"Our discovery is an important step towards generating and maintaining stem cells much more effectively," says Professor Joshua Brickman, affiliated with both The Danish Stem Cell Center (DanStem), University of Copenhagen and Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Edinburgh.

"Embryonic stem cells are characterized, among other things, by their ability to perpetuate themselves indefinitely and differentiate into all the cell types in the body ? a trait called pluripotency. But to be able to use them medically, we need to be able to maintain them in a pure state, until they're needed. When we want to turn a stem cell into a specific cell, such as insulin producing beta cell, or a nerve cell in the brain, we'd like this process to occur accurately and efficiently. This will not be possible if we don't understand how to maintain stem cells as stem cells. As well as maintaining embryonic stem cells in their pure state more effectively, the artificially created Oct4 was also more effective at reprogramming adult cells into so-called induced Pluripotent Stem cells, which have many of the same traits and characteristics as embryonic stem cells but can derived from the patients to both help study degenerative disease and eventually treat them.."

Oct4 is a so-called transcription factor ? a protein that binds to specific DNA sequences, thereby controlling the flow (or transcription) of genetic information from DNA to mRNA. The synthetic version of Oct4 was created by using recombinant DNA technology whereby a gene was modified to produce new and more active protein. The modified gene was either introduced into stem cells or used to reprogram adult skin cells.

If scientists can exploit this programming of stem cell programs, it will improve the ability to generate stem cells directly from a patient. These cells could in turn potentially be used for individualised studies and for developing individualized therapies for degenerative diseases such as type 1 diabetes and neuro-degenerative diseases.

###

The paper "Transcriptional Activation by Oct4 Is Sufficient for the Maintenance and Induction of Pluripotency", is published in Cell Reports on February 16, 2012, 12:00 EST US time/18:00 Danish time/17:00 UK time. The study involved mouse embryonic stem cells, early embryonic progenitors cells in frogs as well as iPS cells from both mouse and human sources. The research was supported by grants from the Novo Nordisk Foundation (DK), the Medical Reseach Council and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (MRC and BBSRC, UK).

Contact: Tara Womersley, Press and PR Officer, University of Edinburgh, 44-131-650-9836 or 44-7791-355-804

Link to Cell Report: http://cellreports.cell.com/

Embargo: Until February 16 at 12:00 EST US time/18:00 Danish time/17:00 UK time

About DanStem

The Danish Stem Cell Center opened in the Summer 2011 as a hub for international basic, translational and early clinical stem cell research. Professor Brickman and his group joined DanStem in October 2011 to partake in the build-up the center.

DanStem address basic questions in stem cell and developmental biology, and develop novel stem cell based therapeutic approaches for diabetes and cancer. It is supported by two major grants from Novo Nordisk Foundation (DKK 350 million (? 47 million)) and the Danish Research Council for Strategic Research (DKK 64.8 million (? 8,7 million)), respectively. More information about DanStem at: http://danstem.ku.dk

About Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine

The MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine (CRM) is a world leading research centre based at the University of Edinburgh. Together we study stem cells, disease and tissue repair to advance human health. Our research is aimed at developing new treatments for major diseases including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease, and liver failure. http://www.crm.ed.ac.uk

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AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

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Synthetic protein amplifies genes needed for stem cells

February 13, 2012

Researchers at the University of Cambridge report that they created cerebral cortex cells from a small sample of human skin.

The new development could pave the way for techniques to explore a wide range of diseases such as autism and Alzheimer’s.

The findings could also enable scientists to study how the human cerebral cortex develops — and how it “wires up” and how that can go wrong.

“This approach gives us the ability to study human brain development and disease in ways that were unimaginable even five years ago,” Dr Rick Livesey of the Gurdon Institute and Department of Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge said in a statement.

During the research, the scientists biopsied skin from patients and then reprogrammed the cells from the skin samples back into stem cells.

These stem cells, along with human embryonic stem cells, were used to generate cerebral cortex cells.

Livesey said they are using this system to help recreate Alzheimer’s disease in the lab, which primarily affects the type of nerve cell the researchers made.

“Dementia is the greatest medical challenge of our time – we urgently need to understand more about the condition and how to stop it,” Dr Simon Ridley, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said in a press release. “We hope these findings can move us closer towards this goal.”

Brain cells developed this way could help researchers gain a better understanding of how the brain develops and what goes wrong when it is affected by disease.

Scientists hope the cells could be used to provide healthy tissues, which can be implanted into patients to treat neurodegenerative diseases and brain damage.

The findings were published in the journal Nature Neuroscience.

—

On the Net:

Source: RedOrbit Staff & Wire Reports

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Researchers Develop Cerebral Cortex Cells From Skin

LONDON: British scientists are claiming a breakthrough after creating brain tissue from human skin.

The researchers have for the first time generated a crucial type of brain cells in the laboratory by reprogramming skin cells.

They say it could speed up the hunt for new treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and stroke.

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Until now it has only been possible to generate tissue from the cerebral cortex, the area of the brain where most serious neurological diseases occur, by using controversial embryonic stem cells, obtained by the destruction of an embryo. This has meant the supply of brain tissue available for research has been limited due to ethical concerns and limited availability.

Scientists at the University of Cambridge say that they have overcome this problem, showing for the first time that it is possible to re-program adult human skin cells so that they develop into neurons found in the cerebral cortex.

Initially, brain cells grown in this way could be used to help researchers gain a better understanding of how the brain develops and what goes wrong when it is affected by disease. They could also be used for screening new drug treatments.

Eventually, they hope the cells could be used to provide healthy tissue that can be implanted into patients to treat neurodegenerative diseases and brain damage.

Dr Rick Livesey, who led the research at the university's Gurdon Institute, said: ''The cerebral cortex makes up 75 per cent of the human brain. It is where all the important processes that make us human take place. It is, however, also the major place where disease can occur.

''We have been able to take reprogrammed skin cells so they develop into brain stem cells and then essentially replay brain development in the laboratory.

''We can study brain development and what goes wrong when it is affected by disease in a way we haven't been able to before. We see it as a major breakthrough in what will now be possible,'' said Dr Livesey, whose findings are published in the journal Nature Neuroscience.

The cerebral cortex is the part of the brain that is responsible for most of the high-level thought processes such as memory, language and consciousness.

Telegraph, London

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Scientists grow brain cells from human skin

London, Feb 12 (ANI): British scientists have for the first time generated crucial types of human brain cells in the laboratory by reprogramming skin cells, which they say could speed up the hunt for new treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and stroke.

Until now it has only been possible to generate tissue from the cerebral cortex, the area of the brain where most major neurological diseases occur, by using controversial embryonic stem cells, obtained by the destruction of an embryo.

This has meant the supply of brain tissue available for research has been limited due to the ethical concerns around embryonic stem cells and shortages in their availability.

However, scientists at the University of Cambridge now insist they have overcome this problem after showing for the first time that it is possible to re-programme adult human skin cells so that they develop into neurons found in the cerebral cortex, the Telegraph reported.

Initially brain cells grown in this way could be used to help researchers gain a better understanding of how the brain develops, what goes wrong when it is affected by disease and it could also be used for screening new drug treatments.

Eventually they hope the cells could also be used to provide healthy tissue that can be implanted into patients to treat neurodegenerative diseases and brain damage.

The cerebral cortex is the part of the brain that is responsible for most of the major high-level thought processes such as memory, language and consciousness.

"The cerebral cortex makes up 75 percent of the human brain, is where all the important processes that make us human take place. It is, however, also the major place where disease can occur," said Dr Rick Livesey, who led the research at the University of Cambridge's Gurdon [corr] Institute.

"We have been able to take reprogrammed skin cells so they develop into brain stem cells and then essentially replay brain development in the laboratory.

"We can study brain development and what goes wrong when it is affected by disease in a way we haven't been able to before. We see it as a major breakthrough in what will now be possible," he added.

Dr Livesey and his colleagues were able to create the two major types of neuron that form the cerebral cortex from reprogrammed skin cells and show that they were identical to those created from the more controversial embryonic stem cells.

He said this may eventually lead to new treatments for patients where damaged tissue could be replaced by brain cells grown in the laboratory from a sample of their skin.

"You don't need to rebuild damage to recover function as the brain is quite good at recovering itself - it does this after stroke for example. However, it may be possible to give it some extra real estate that it can use to do this," Dr Livesey said.

"We can make large numbers of cerebral cortex neurons by taking a sample of skin from anybody, so in principal it should be possible to put these back into the patients," he added.

Dr Simon Ridley, head of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, which funded the study alongside the Wellcome Trust, said: "Turning stem cells into networks of fully functional nerve cells in the lab holds great promise for unravelling complex brain diseases such as Alzheimer's."

The findings were published in the journal Nature Neuroscience. (ANI)

More here:
Brain cells created from human skin

Eventually they hope the cells could also be used to provide healthy tissue that can be implanted into patients to treat neurodegenerative diseases and brain damage.

Dr Rick Livesey, who led the research at the University of Cambridge's Gurdon [corr] Institute, said: "The cerebral cortex makes up 75% of the human brain, is where all the important processes that make us human take place. It is, however, also the major place where disease can occur.

"We have been able to take reprogrammed skin cells so they develop into brain stem cells and then essentially replay brain development in the laboratory.

"We can study brain development and what goes wrong when it is affected by disease in a way we haven't been able to before. We see it as a major breakthrough in what will now be possible."

The cerebral cortex is the part of the brain that is responsible for most of the major high-level thought processes such as memory, language and consciousness.

While human brain cells have been created from stem cells before, this has relied upon embryonic stem cells. Attempts to make them from skin cells have produced neurons that are not found in the cerebral cortex.

Dr Livesey and his colleagues were able to create the two major types of neuron that form the cerebral cortex from reprogrammed skin cells and show that they were identical to those created from the more controversial embryonic stem cells.

Dr Livesey, whose findings are published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, said this may eventually lead to new treatments for patients where damaged tissue could be replaced by brain cells grown in the laboratory from a sample of their skin.

He said: "You don't need to rebuild damage to recover function as the brain is quite good at recovering itself – it does this after stroke for example. However, it may be possible to give it some extra real estate that it can use to do this.

"We can make large numbers of cerebral cortex neurons by taking a sample of skin from anybody, so in principal it should be possible to put these back into the patients."

Dr Simon Ridley, head of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, which funded the study alongside the Wellcome Trust, added: "Turning stem cells into networks of fully functional nerve cells in the lab holds great promise for unravelling complex brain diseases such as Alzheimer's."

See more here:
Human brain cells created from skin

18-01-2012 15:53 Dr. Phillip Levy explains the science behind the revolutionary new Dr.Levy Switzerland anti-aging brand WORLD-RENOWNED ESTHETIC DERMATOLOGY PIONEER LEADING FACIAL REJUVENATION EXPERT // Number 1 Botox private doctor in Switzerland In today's world, nobody wants to look their age anymore, and many people seek to restore their skin's natural beauty. So what is so unique and new about your products? Dr. LEVY Switzerland®'s revolutionary Booster Cream and Booster Serum, are the world's first cosmetics, scientifically proven in vitro, to activate and vitalize both Dermal and Epidermal stem cells. Skin stem cells, it's important to remember, have unique anti-aging properties since they renew themselves as well as repair, replace and regenerate damaged skin. What are the extraordinary scientific advances behind the development of these special products ? In the last 2 years there have been 3 major discoveries involving advanced stem cell technology. One, in Montpellier, France, researchers were able to regenerate 101 year-old skin cells. They proved that not only did skin cells retain the memory of their youth, but that old cells could actually become young again ! Two, cardiologists in the United States published a study showing that the heart could be repaired by stem cells, even after a severe heart attack. And finally, researchers in Toronto Canada discovered the exact location of dermal stem cells, the very cells which are at the source of the skin's natural anti-wrinkle system. So ...

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Dr. Levy Switzerland - Video

SACRAMENTO — A research team led by UC Davis Health System scientists has developed a novel technique to enhance bone growth by using a molecule which, when injected into the bloodstream, directs the body's stem cells to travel to the surface of bones. Once these cells are guided to the bone surface by this molecule, the stem cells differentiate into bone-forming cells and synthesize proteins to enhance bone growth. The study, which was published online today in Nature Medicine, used a mouse model of osteoporosis to demonstrate a unique treatment approach that increases bone density and prevents bone loss associated with aging and estrogen deficiency.

"There are many stem cells, even in elderly people, but they do not readily migrate to bone," said Wei Yao, the principal investigator and lead author of the study. "Finding a molecule that attaches to stem cells and guides them to the targets we need is a real breakthrough."

Researchers are exploring stem cells as possible treatments for a wide variety of conditions and injuries, ranging from peripheral artery disease and macular degeneration to blood disorders, skin wounds and diseased organs. Directing stem cells to travel and adhere to the surface of bone for bone formation has been among the elusive goals in regenerative medicine.

The researchers made use of a unique hybrid molecule, LLP2A-alendronate, developed by a research team led by Kit Lam, professor and chair of the UC Davis Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine. The researchers' hybrid molecule consists of two parts: the LLP2A part that attaches to mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow, and a second part that consists of the bone-homing drug alendronate. After the hybrid molecule was injected into the bloodstream, it picked up mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow and directed those cells to the surfaces of bone, where the stem cells carried out their natural bone-formation and repair functions.

"Our study confirms that stem-cell-binding molecules can be exploited to direct stem cells to therapeutic sites inside an animal," said Lam, who also is an author of the article. "It represents a very important step in making this type of stem cell therapy a reality."

Twelve weeks after the hybrid molecule was injected into mice, bone mass in the femur (thigh bone) and vertebrae (in the spine) increased and bone strength improved compared to control mice who did not receive the hybrid molecule. Treated mice that were normally of an age when bone loss would occur also had improved bone formation, as did those that were models for menopause.

Alendronate, also known by the brand name Fosamax, is commonly taken by women with osteoporosis to reduce the risk of fracture. The research team incorporated alendronate into the hybrid molecules because once in the bloodstream, it goes directly to the bone surface, where it slows the rate of bone breakdown. According to Nancy Lane, a co-investigator on the study and director of the UC Davis Musculoskeletal Diseases of Aging Research Group, the dose of alendronate in the hybrid compound was low and unlikely to have inhibited the compound's therapeutic effect.

"For the first time, we may have potentially found a way to direct a person's own stem cells to the bone surface where they can regenerate bone," said Lane, who is an Endowed Professor of Medicine and Rheumatology and an expert on osteoporosis. "This technique could become a revolutionary new therapy for osteoporosis as well as for other conditions that require new bone formation."

Osteoporosis is a major public health problem for 44 million Americans. One in two women will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis in their lifetime. Although effective medications are available to help prevent fracture risk, including alendronate, their use is limited by potential harmful effects of long-term use.

The major causes for osteoporosis in women include estrogen deficiency, aging and steroid excess from treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Generally, the osteoporosis generated by these metabolic conditions results from change in the bone remodeling cycle that weakens the bone's architecture and increases fracture risk.

Mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow induce new bone remodeling, which thicken and strengthen bone.

The authors noted that the potential use of this stem cell therapy is not limited to treating osteoporosis. They said it may prove invaluable for other disorders and conditions that could benefit from enhanced bone rebuilding, such as bone fractures, bone infections or cancer treatments.

"These results are very promising for translating into human therapy," said Jan Nolta, professor of internal medicine, an author of the study and director of the UC Davis Institute for Regenerative Cures. "We have shown this potential therapy is effective in rodents, and our goal now is to move it into clinical trials."

Funding for the study came from the Endowment on Healthy Aging and the National Institutes of Health. The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has given the team a planning grant to develop a proposal for human clinical trials.

"This research was a collaboration of stem cell biologists, biochemists, translational scientists, a bone biologist and clinicians," said Lane. "It was a truly fruitful team effort with remarkable results."

The Nature Medicine article is titled "Directing mesenchymal stem cells to bone to augment bone formation and increase bone mass." Min Guan, who is affiliated with the UC Davis Department of Internal Medicine, was co-lead author of the paper. Other UC Davis authors were Ruiwu Liu, Junjing Jia, Liping Meng, Ping Zhou and Mohammad Shahnazari, from the departments of Internal Medicine, and Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, as well as the UC Davis Institute for Regenerative Cures. Authors Brian Panganiban and Robert O. Ritchie are with the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at UC Berkeley.

UC Davis is playing a leading role in regenerative medicine, with nearly 150 scientists working on a variety of stem cell-related research projects at campus locations in both Davis and Sacramento. The UC Davis Institute for Regenerative Cures, a facility supported by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), opened in 2010 on the Sacramento campus. This $62 million facility is the university's hub for stem cell science. It includes Northern California's largest academic Good Manufacturing Practice laboratory, with state-of-the-art equipment and manufacturing rooms for cellular and gene therapies. UC Davis also has a Translational Human Embryonic Stem Cell Shared Research Facility in Davis and a collaborative partnership with the Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine at Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California. All of the programs and facilities complement the university's Clinical and Translational Science Center, and focus on turning stem cells into cures. For more information, visit http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/stemcellresearch.

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Directing stem cells to boost bone formation, strength

Public release date: 6-Feb-2012
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Contact: Jeff Falk
jfalk@umn.edu
612-626-1720
University of Minnesota

A University of Minnesota-led research team has proposed a mechanism for the control of whether embryonic stem cells continue to proliferate and stay stem cells, or differentiate into adult cells like brain, liver or skin.

The work has implications in two areas. In cancer treatment, it is desirable to inhibit cell proliferation. But to grow adult stem cells for transplantation to victims of injury or disease, it would be desirable to sustain proliferation until a sufficient number of cells have been produced to make a usable organ or tissue.

The study gives researchers a handle on how those two competing processes might be controlled. It was performed at the university's Hormel Institute in Austin, Minn., using mouse stem cells. The researchers, led by Hormel Institute Executive Director Zigang Dong and Associate Director Ann M. Bode, have published a report in the journal Nature Structure and Molecular Biology.

"This is breakthrough research and provides the molecular basis for development of regenerative medicine," said Dong. "This research will aid in the development of the next generation of drugs that make repairs and regeneration within the body possible following damage by such factors as cancer, aging, heart disease, diabetes, or paralysis caused by traumatic injury."

The mechanism centers on a protein called Klf4, which is found in embryonic stem cells and whose activities include keeping those cells dividing and proliferating rather than differentiating. That is, Klf4 maintains the character of the stem cells; this process is called self-renewal. The researchers discovered that two enzymes, called ERK1 and ERK2, inactivate Klf; this allows the cells to begin differentiating into adult cells.

The two enzymes are part of a "bucket brigade" of signals that starts when a chemical messenger arrives from outside the embryonic stem cells. Chemical messages are passed to inside the cells, resulting in, among other things, the two enzymes swinging into action.

The researchers also discovered how the enzymes control Klf4. They attach a small molecule--phosphate, consisting of phosphorus and oxygen--to Klf4. This "tag" marks it for destruction by the cellular machinery that recycles proteins.

Further, they found that suppressing the activity of the two enzymes allows the stem cells to maintain their self-renewal and resist differentiation. Taken together, their findings paint a picture of the ERK1 and ERK2 enzymes as major players in deciding the future of embryonic stem cells--and potentially cancer cells, whose rapid growth mirrors the behavior of the stem cells.

Klf4 is one of several factors used to reprogram certain adult skin cells to become a form of stem cells called iPS (induced pluripotent stem) cells, which behave similarly to embryonic stem cells. Also, many studies have shown that Klf4 can either activate or repress the functioning of genes and, in certain contexts, act as either an oncogene (that promotes cancer) or a tumor suppressor. Given these and their own findings reported here, the Hormel Institute researchers suggest that the self-renewal program of cancer cells might resemble that of embryonic stem cells.

"Although the functions of Klf4 in cancer are controversial, several reports suggest Klf4 is involved in human cancer development," Bode said.

###

Established in 1942, the Hormel Institute is a world-renowned medical research center specializing in research leading to cancer prevention and control. It is a research unit of the University of Minnesota and a collaborative cancer research partner with Mayo Clinic.

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Hormel Institute study makes key finding in stem cell self-renewal

The work has implications in two areas. In cancer treatment, it is desirable to inhibit cell proliferation. But to grow adult stem cells for transplantation to victims of injury or disease, it would be desirable to sustain proliferation until a sufficient number of cells have been produced to make a usable organ or tissue.

The study gives researchers a handle on how those two competing processes might be controlled. It was performed at the university's Hormel Institute in Austin, Minn., using mouse stem cells. The researchers, led by Hormel Institute Executive Director Zigang Dong and Associate Director Ann M. Bode, have published a report in the journal Nature Structure and Molecular Biology.

"This is breakthrough research and provides the molecular basis for development of regenerative medicine," said Dong. "This research will aid in the development of the next generation of drugs that make repairs and regeneration within the body possible following damage by such factors as cancer, aging, heart disease, diabetes, or paralysis caused by traumatic injury."

The mechanism centers on a protein called Klf4, which is found in embryonic stem cells and whose activities include keeping those cells dividing and proliferating rather than differentiating. That is, Klf4 maintains the character of the stem cells; this process is called self-renewal. The researchers discovered that two enzymes, called ERK1 and ERK2, inactivate Klf; this allows the cells to begin differentiating into adult cells.

The two enzymes are part of a "bucket brigade" of signals that starts when a chemical messenger arrives from outside the embryonic stem cells. Chemical messages are passed to inside the cells, resulting in, among other things, the two enzymes swinging into action.

The researchers also discovered how the enzymes control Klf4. They attach a small molecule--phosphate, consisting of phosphorus and oxygen--to Klf4. This "tag" marks it for destruction by the cellular machinery that recycles proteins.

Further, they found that suppressing the activity of the two enzymes allows the stem cells to maintain their self-renewal and resist differentiation. Taken together, their findings paint a picture of the ERK1 and ERK2 enzymes as major players in deciding the future of embryonic stem cells--and potentially cancer cells, whose rapid growth mirrors the behavior of the stem cells.

Klf4 is one of several factors used to reprogram certain adult skin cells to become a form of stem cells called iPS (induced pluripotent stem) cells, which behave similarly to embryonic stem cells. Also, many studies have shown that Klf4 can either activate or repress the functioning of genes and, in certain contexts, act as either an oncogene (that promotes cancer) or a tumor suppressor. Given these and their own findings reported here, the Hormel Institute researchers suggest that the self-renewal program of cancer cells might resemble that of embryonic stem cells.

"Although the functions of Klf4 in cancer are controversial, several reports suggest Klf4 is involved in human cancer development," Bode said.

Provided by University of Minnesota (news : web)

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New study makes key finding in stem cell self-renewal

Public release date: 5-Feb-2012
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Contact: Charles Casey
charles.casey@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu
916-734-9048
University of California - Davis Health System

A research team led by UC Davis Health System scientists has developed a novel technique to enhance bone growth by using a molecule which, when injected into the bloodstream, directs the body's stem cells to travel to the surface of bones. Once these cells are guided to the bone surface by this molecule, the stem cells differentiate into bone-forming cells and synthesize proteins to enhance bone growth. The study, which was published online today in Nature Medicine, used a mouse model of osteoporosis to demonstrate a unique treatment approach that increases bone density and prevents bone loss associated with aging and estrogen deficiency.

"There are many stem cells, even in elderly people, but they do not readily migrate to bone," said Wei Yao, the principal investigator and lead author of the study. "Finding a molecule that attaches to stem cells and guides them to the targets we need is a real breakthrough."

Researchers are exploring stem cells as possible treatments for a wide variety of conditions and injuries, ranging from peripheral artery disease and macular degeneration to blood disorders, skin wounds and diseased organs. Directing stem cells to travel and adhere to the surface of bone for bone formation has been among the elusive goals in regenerative medicine.

The researchers made use of a unique hybrid molecule, LLP2A-alendronate, developed by a research team led by Kit Lam, professor and chair of the UC Davis Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine. The researchers' hybrid molecule consists of two parts: the LLP2A part that attaches to mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow, and a second part that consists of the bone-homing drug alendronate. After the hybrid molecule was injected into the bloodstream, it picked up mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow and directed those cells to the surfaces of bone, where the stem cells carried out their natural bone-formation and repair functions.

"Our study confirms that stem-cell-binding molecules can be exploited to direct stem cells to therapeutic sites inside an animal," said Lam, who also is an author of the article. "It represents a very important step in making this type of stem cell therapy a reality."

Twelve weeks after the hybrid molecule was injected into mice, bone mass in the femur (thigh bone) and vertebrae (in the spine) increased and bone strength improved compared to control mice who did not receive the hybrid molecule. Treated mice that were normally of an age when bone loss would occur also had improved bone formation, as did those that were models for menopause.

Alendronate, also known by the brand name Fosamax, is commonly taken by women with osteoporosis to reduce the risk of fracture. The research team incorporated alendronate into the hybrid molecules because once in the bloodstream, it goes directly to the bone surface, where it slows the rate of bone breakdown. According to Nancy Lane, a co-investigator on the study and director of the UC Davis Musculoskeletal Diseases of Aging Research Group, the dose of alendronate in the hybrid compound was low and unlikely to have inhibited the compound's therapeutic effect.

"For the first time, we may have potentially found a way to direct a person's own stem cells to the bone surface where they can regenerate bone," said Lane, who is an Endowed Professor of Medicine and Rheumatology and an expert on osteoporosis. "This technique could become a revolutionary new therapy for osteoporosis as well as for other conditions that require new bone formation."

Osteoporosis is a major public health problem for 44 million Americans. One in two women will suffer a fracture due to osteoporosis in their lifetime. Although effective medications are available to help prevent fracture risk, including alendronate, their use is limited by potential harmful effects of long-term use.

The major causes for osteoporosis in women include estrogen deficiency, aging and steroid excess from treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Generally, the osteoporosis generated by these metabolic conditions results from change in the bone remodeling cycle that weakens the bone's architecture and increases fracture risk.

Mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow induce new bone remodeling, which thicken and strengthen bone.

The authors noted that the potential use of this stem cell therapy is not limited to treating osteoporosis. They said it may prove invaluable for other disorders and conditions that could benefit from enhanced bone rebuilding, such as bone fractures, bone infections or cancer treatments.

"These results are very promising for translating into human therapy," said Jan Nolta, professor of internal medicine, an author of the study and director of the UC Davis Institute for Regenerative Cures. "We have shown this potential therapy is effective in rodents, and our goal now is to move it into clinical trials."

Funding for the study came from the Endowment on Healthy Aging and the National Institutes of Health. The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has given the team a planning grant to develop a proposal for human clinical trials.

"This research was a collaboration of stem cell biologists, biochemists, translational scientists, a bone biologist and clinicians," said Lane. "It was a truly fruitful team effort with remarkable results."

###

The Nature Medicine article is titled "Directing mesenchymal stem cells to bone to augment bone formation and increase bone mass." Min Guan, who is affiliated with the UC Davis Department of Internal Medicine, was co-lead author of the paper. Other UC Davis authors were Ruiwu Liu, Junjing Jia, Liping Meng, Ping Zhou and Mohammad Shahnazari, from the departments of Internal Medicine, and Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, as well as the UC Davis Institute for Regenerative Cures. Authors Brian Panganiban and Robert O. Ritchie are with the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at UC Berkeley.

UC Davis is playing a leading role in regenerative medicine, with nearly 150 scientists working on a variety of stem cell-related research projects at campus locations in both Davis and Sacramento. The UC Davis Institute for Regenerative Cures, a facility supported by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), opened in 2010 on the Sacramento campus. This $62 million facility is the university's hub for stem cell science. It includes Northern California's largest academic Good Manufacturing Practice laboratory, with state-of-the-art equipment and manufacturing rooms for cellular and gene therapies. UC Davis also has a Translational Human Embryonic Stem Cell Shared Research Facility in Davis and a collaborative partnership with the Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine at Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California. All of the programs and facilities complement the university's Clinical and Translational Science Center, and focus on turning stem cells into cures. For more information, visit http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/stemcellresearch.

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AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

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Researchers develop method of directing stem cells to increase bone formation and bone strength

Q. What are human stem cells?

A. Stem cells are the blank slates of the body that are used as the building blocks for growth, repair and replacement. As blank slates, these cells can be triggered to develop into the specific types of cells that make up tissues.

There are two different kinds of stem cells, based on their development potential. One category is known as pluripotent stem cells, meaning they have the ability to develop into any type of tissue in the body. Pluripotent stem cells can be broken into two subcategories: those that are derived from human embryos, and those that are created from human skin cells, based on pioneering research conducted at McMaster University.

The second category are adult, or somatic, stem cells, which are found in the various organs and tissues of the body. These, too, are blank slates that can be triggered to differentiate, but they can only be transformed into the cell types that are specific to that particular tissue.

“When you talk about adult stem cells, they come in different flavours and they’re very specific in their role but they don’t have the broad potential that pluripotent stem cells have,” said Dr. Mick Bhatia, director of the McMaster Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute.

Q. Why are they considered important in medical research?

A. Somatic stem cells are important because not only can they be triggered to develop into specific cell types, they can also make copies of themselves, so there’s always a reservoir. Maintaining a fine-tuned balance is critical. “It’s analogous to an accelerator and a brake,” said Bhatia. “They have to know when to accelerate to produce new cells … and you have to know when to stop. So what are those signals and how they are orchestrated is part and parcel of understanding stem cells.” Understanding how stem cells work could help researchers better understand certain disease conditions, such as cancer.

But it’s also possible that stem cells can be used as treatments, to repair or replace damaged tissues. The trick is to trigger them to differentiate into the proper types of cells in the right places and getting them to work in harmony with the rest of the team. One advantage is that the body’s own cells are being used, so they won’t be rejected as foreign objects by the immune system.

Q. What types of conditions could potentially benefit from stem cell interventions?

A. Diabetes (replacement of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas), Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, spinal cord trauma, leukemia, strokes (replacement of damaged brain tissue) and other forms of cardiovascular disease.

“By understanding the stem cells, we at least have some potential to deal with these diseases,” said Bhatia. “Right now, we’re simply managing chronic disease. There are no cures.

“I think the hope with stem cells is really to fix or cure things.”

Q. Why has the issue of embryonic stem cells raised controversy, particularly in the U.S.?

A. Embryonic stem cells are derived from human embryos created through in vitro fertilization. However, the creation of a line of embryonic stem cells requires the destruction of the embryo. For religious, cultural or even philosophical reasons, some people believe human life begins when an egg is fertilized, so they believe the destruction of an embryo is equal to the destruction of a human life.

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Stem cell Q and A

ScienceDaily (Feb. 1, 2012) — Hepatitis C, an infectious disease that can cause inflammation and organ failure, has different effects on different people. But no one is sure why some people are very susceptible to the infection, while others are resistant.

Scientists believe that if they could study liver cells from different people in the lab, they could determine how genetic differences produce these varying responses. However, liver cells are difficult to obtain and notoriously difficult to grow in a lab dish because they tend to lose their normal structure and function when removed from the body.

Now, researchers from MIT, Rockefeller University and the Medical College of Wisconsin have come up with a way to produce liver-like cells from induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPSCs, which are made from body tissues rather than embryos; the liver-like cells can then be infected with hepatitis C. Such cells could enable scientists to study why people respond differently to the infection.

This is the first time that scientists have been able to establish an infection in cells derived from iPSCs -- a feat many research teams have been trying to achieve. The new technique, described this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could also eventually enable "personalized medicine": Doctors could test the effectiveness of different drugs on tissues derived from the patient being treated, and thereby customize therapy for that patient.

The new study is a collaboration between Sangeeta Bhatia, the John and Dorothy Wilson Professor of Health Sciences and Technology and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT; Charles Rice, a professor of virology at Rockefeller; and Stephen Duncan, a professor of human and molecular genetics at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Stem cells to liver cells

Last year, Bhatia and Rice reported that they could induce liver cells to grow outside the body by growing them on special micropatterned plates that direct their organization. These liver cells can be infected with hepatitis C, but they cannot be used to proactively study the role of genetic variation in viral responses because they come from organs that have been donated for transplantation and represent only a small population.

To make cells with more genetic variation, Bhatia and Rice decided to team up with Duncan, who had shown that he could transform iPSCs into liver-like cells.

Such iPSCs are derived from normal body cells, often skin cells. By turning on certain genes in those cells, scientists can revert them to an immature state that is identical to embryonic stem cells, which can differentiate into any cell type. Once the cells become pluripotent, they can be directed to become liver-like cells by turning on genes that control liver development.

In the current paper, MIT postdoc Robert Schwartz and graduate student Kartik Trehan took those liver-like cells and infected them with hepatitis C. To confirm that infection had occurred, the researchers engineered the viruses to secrete a light-producing protein every time they went through their life cycle.

"This is a very valuable paper because it has never been shown that viral infection is possible" in cells derived from iPSCs, says Karl-Dimiter Bissig, an assistant professor of molecular and cellular biology at Baylor College of Medicine. Bissig, who was not involved in this study, adds that the next step is to show that the cells can become infected with hepatitis C strains other than the one used in this study, which is a rare strain found in Japan. Bhatia's team is now working toward that goal.

Genetic differences

The researchers' ultimate goal is to take cells from patients who had unusual reactions to hepatitis C infection, transform those cells into liver cells and study their genetics to see why they responded the way they did. "Hepatitis C virus causes an unusually robust infection in some people, while others are very good at clearing it. It's not yet known why those differences exist," Bhatia says.

One potential explanation is genetic differences in the expression of immune molecules such as interleukin-28, a protein that has been shown to play an important role in the response to hepatitis infection. Other possible factors include cells' expression of surface proteins that enable the virus to enter the cells, and cells' susceptibility to having viruses take over their replication machinery and other cellular structures.

The liver-like cells produced in this study are comparable to "late fetal" liver cells, Bhatia says; the researchers are now working on generating more mature liver cells.

As a long-term goal, the researchers are aiming for personalized treatments for hepatitis patients. Bhatia says one could imagine taking cells from a patient, making iPSCs, reprogramming them into liver cells and infecting them with the same strain of hepatitis that the patient has. Doctors could then test different drugs on the cells to see which ones are best able to clear the infection.

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

Journal Reference:

R. E. Schwartz, K. Trehan, L. Andrus, T. P. Sheahan, A. Ploss, S. A. Duncan, C. M. Rice, S. N. Bhatia. Modeling hepatitis C virus infection using human induced pluripotent stem cells. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2012; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1121400109

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

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Stem cells could drive hepatitis research forward

Imaging Technology Tracks Stem Cells to Brain after Carotid Artery Injection in Animals

Newswise — Philadelphia, Pa. (February 1, 2012) – Experiments in brain-injured rats show that stem cells injected via the carotid artery travel directly to the brain, where they greatly enhance functional recovery, reports a study in the February issue of Neurosurgery, official journal of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health.

The carotid artery injection technique—along with some form of in vivo optical imaging to track the stem cells after transplantation—may be part of emerging approaches to stem cell transplantation for traumatic brain injury (TBI) in humans, according to the new research, led by Dr Toshiya Osanai of Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.

Advanced Imaging Technology Lets Researchers Track Stem Cells
The researchers evaluated a new "intra-arterial" technique of stem cell transplantation in rats. Within seven days after induced TBI, stem cells created from the rats' bone marrow were injected into the carotid artery. The goal was to deliver the stem cells directly to the brain, without having them travel through the general circulation.

Before injection, the stem cells were labeled with "quantum dots"—a biocompatible, fluorescent semiconductor created using nanotechnology. The quantum dots emit near-infrared light, with much longer wavelengths that penetrate bone and skin. This allowed the researchers to noninvasively monitor the stem cells for four weeks after transplantation.

Using this in vivo optical imaging technique, Dr Osanai and colleagues were able to see that the injected stem cells entered the brain on the "first pass," without entering the general circulation. Within three hours, the stem cells began to migrate from the smallest brain blood vessels (capillaries) into the area of brain injury.

After four weeks, rats treated with stem cells had significant recovery of motor function (movement), while untreated rats had no recovery. Examination of the treated brains confirmed that the stem cells had transformed into different types of brain cells and participated in healing of the injured brain area.

Further Progress toward Stem Cell Therapy for Brain Injury in Humans
Stem cells are likely to become an important new treatment for patients with brain injuries, including TBI and stroke. Bone marrow stem cells, like the ones used in the new study, are a promising source of donor cells. However, many questions remain about the optimal timing, dose, and route of stem cell delivery.

In the new animal experiments, stem cell transplantation was performed one week after TBI—a "clinically relevant" time, as it takes at least that long to develop stem cells from bone marrow. Injecting stem cells into the carotid artery is a relatively simple procedure that delivers the cells directly to the brain.

The experiments also add to the evidence that stem cell treatment can promote healing after TBI, with significant recovery of function. With the use of in vivo optical imaging, "The present study was the first to successfully track donor cells that were intra-arterially transplanted into the brain of living animals over four weeks," Dr Osanai and colleagues write.

Some similar form of imaging technology might be useful in monitoring the effects of stem cell transplantation in humans. However, tracking stem cells in human patients will pose challenges, as the skull and scalp are much thicker in humans than in rats. "Further studies are warranted to apply in vivo optical imaging clinically," the researchers add.

###

About Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery, the Official Journal of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, is your most complete window to the contemporary field of neurosurgery. Members of the Congress and non-member subscribers receive 3,000 pages per year packed with the very latest science, technology, and medicine, not to mention full-text online access to the world's most complete, up-to-the-minute neurosurgery resource. For professionals aware of the rapid pace of developments in the field, Neurosurgery is nothing short of indispensable.

About Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (LWW) is a leading international publisher for healthcare professionals and students with nearly 300 periodicals and 1,500 books in more than 100 disciplines publishing under the LWW brand, as well as content-based sites and online corporate and customer services.

LWW is part of Wolters Kluwer Health, a leading global provider of information, business intelligence and point-of-care solutions for the healthcare industry. Wolters Kluwer Health is part of Wolters Kluwer, a market-leading global information services company with 2010 annual revenues of €3.6 billion ($4.7 billion).

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Encouraging Results with Stem Cell Transplant for Brain Injury

Washington, Feb 1 (IANS) Scientists have successfully converted mouse skin cells directly into cells that become the three main parts of the nervous system, bypassing the stem cell stage, throwing up many new possibilities in the medical world.

This new study is a substantial advance over the previous paper in that it transforms the skin cells into neural precursor cells, as opposed to neurons.

While neural precursor cells can differentiate into neurons, they can also become the two other main cell types in the nervous system: astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.

The finding is an extension of a previous study by the same group from the Stanford University School of Medicine, showing that mouse and human skin cells can be turned into functional neurons or brain cells.

The multiple successes of the direct conversion method overrides the idea that pluripotency (the ability of stem cells to become nearly any cell) is necessary for a cell to transform from one type to another, the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reports.

"We are thrilled about the prospects for potential medical use of these cells," said Marius Wernig, study co-author and assistant professor of pathology and member, Stanford's Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, according to a Stanford statement.

Beside their greater versatility, the newly derived neural precursor cells offer another advantage over neurons because they can be cultivated in large numbers in the lab, a feature critical for their long-term usefulness in transplantation or drug screening.

"We've shown the cells can integrate into a mouse brain and produce a missing protein important for the conduction of electrical signal by the neurons," said Wernig, who co-authored the study with graduate student Ernesto Lujan.

-Indo-Asian News Service

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Some nerve! Now bypass stem cells