Category Archives: Stem Cells

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

4-Sep-2014

Contact: Russell Rian russell.rian@utsouthwestern.edu 214-648-3404 UT Southwestern Medical Center

DALLAS Sept. 4, 2014 Rare stem cells in testis that produce a biomarker protein called PAX7 help give rise to new sperm cells and may hold a key to restoring fertility, research by scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center suggests.

Researchers studying infertility in mouse models found that, unlike similar types of cells that develop into sperm, the stem cells that express PAX7 can survive treatment with toxic drugs and radiation. If the findings hold true in people, they eventually could lead to new strategies to restore or protect fertility in men undergoing cancer treatment.

"Unfortunately, many cancer treatments negatively impact fertility, and men who receive such treatments are at high risk of losing their fertility. This is of great concern among cancer patients," said Dr. Diego H. Castrillon, Associate Professor of Pathology and Director of Investigative Pathology. "The PAX7 stem cells we identified proved highly resistant to cancer treatments, suggesting that they may be the cells responsible for the recovery of fertility following such treatments."

Infertility, which the Centers for Disease Control estimates affects as many as 4.7 million men in the United States, is a key complication of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

The new findings, presented in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, provide valuable insight into the process of sperm development. Known as spermatogenesis, sperm development is driven by a population of "immature" stem cells called progenitors in the testes. These cells gradually "mature" into fully differentiated sperm cells. Dr. Castrillon and his team tracked progenitor cells that express the protein PAX7 in mouse testes, and found that these cells gradually give rise to mature sperm.

"We have long known that male fertility is driven by rare stem cells within the testes, but the precise identity of these stem cells has been disputed," said Dr. Castrillon, who holds the John H. Childers, M.D. Professorship in Pathology. "Our findings suggest that these rare PAX7 cells are the key cells within the testes that are ultimately responsible for male fertility." Importantly, even after exposure to toxic chemotherapy or radiation treatments, the PAX7-expressing cells continued to divide and thus could contribute to restoring sperm development.

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Original post:
Scientists identify rare stem cells that hold potential for infertility treatments

Rare stem cells in testis that produce a biomarker protein called PAX7 help give rise to new sperm cells -- and may hold a key to restoring fertility, research by scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center suggests.

Researchers studying infertility in mouse models found that, unlike similar types of cells that develop into sperm, the stem cells that express PAX7 can survive treatment with toxic drugs and radiation. If the findings hold true in people, they eventually could lead to new strategies to restore or protect fertility in men undergoing cancer treatment.

"Unfortunately, many cancer treatments negatively impact fertility, and men who receive such treatments are at high risk of losing their fertility. This is of great concern among cancer patients," said Dr. Diego H. Castrillon, Associate Professor of Pathology and Director of Investigative Pathology. "The PAX7 stem cells we identified proved highly resistant to cancer treatments, suggesting that they may be the cells responsible for the recovery of fertility following such treatments."

Infertility, which the Centers for Disease Control estimates affects as many as 4.7 million men in the United States, is a key complication of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

The new findings, presented in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, provide valuable insight into the process of sperm development. Known as spermatogenesis, sperm development is driven by a population of "immature" stem cells called progenitors in the testes. These cells gradually "mature" into fully differentiated sperm cells. Dr. Castrillon and his team tracked progenitor cells that express the protein PAX7 in mouse testes, and found that these cells gradually give rise to mature sperm.

"We have long known that male fertility is driven by rare stem cells within the testes, but the precise identity of these stem cells has been disputed," said Dr. Castrillon, who holds the John H. Childers, M.D. Professorship in Pathology. "Our findings suggest that these rare PAX7 cells are the key cells within the testes that are ultimately responsible for male fertility."

Importantly, even after exposure to toxic chemotherapy or radiation treatments, the PAX7-expressing cells continued to divide and thus could contribute to restoring sperm development.

Story Source:

The above story is based on materials provided by UT Southwestern Medical Center. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.

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Rare stem cells hold potential for infertility treatments

By Daniella Walsh on September 04th, 2014

By Daniella Walsh | LB Indy

Leslies stem cell

Janet Dreyer earned a doctorate in molecular biology, but in her 50s enrolled at the Pasadena College of Art and Design and became hooked on art. After a hiatus from both science and art for travel, shes back to art, creating a work that combines her training in both fields, The Stem Cell Scientist.

Dreyers computer generated work came to life at the request of Laguna Beach glass and multi-media artist Leslie Davis, who organized The Art of Stem Cells. The show features conceptual works by 29 artists. Their themes address debilitating diseases and injuries and the work of scientists trying to find cures. The month-long exhibition opens Saturday, Sept. 6, at the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art in Santa Ana.

Dreyer delved into history when she built a mosaic for the show. The work includes references to the regenerating powers of the Egyptian scarab god Khepri, showing him rolling a cell instead of the sun, among other images. I chose the mosaic format because the tiles create a sense of motion reminding me of developing cells, Dreyer said.

The exhibitions opening and closing receptions will not only showcase what results when artists interact with 23 scientists, but also introduce art patrons to researchers and examples of their state-of-the art stem cell pursuits. Half of all proceeds will benefit research at the center, led for the past eight years by Dr. Peter Donovan, to whom the show is dedicated.

With a keen interest in science and particularly stem cell therapy, Davis has forged a connection to UC Irvines Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center. But since 2005, Davis twin interests have yielded three other medical related art exhibitions, including one for Mission Hospital.

It was her brainpower that led to pairing center researchers with artists selected on the strength and nature of their work.

Read more from the original source:
Stem Cells Star in Marriage of Art and Science

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(PRWEB) September 04, 2014

Local veterinarian, Dr. Kim Carlson, and her team at VCA Bay Area Veterinary Specialty in San Leandro, California are seeking candidates to participate in an investigational study of donor stem cells for dogs with osteoarthritis. The goal of this study is to determine if a single injection of donor stem cells into one or two arthritically affected joints can help reduce pain and inflammation in the treated joints.

The most common type of canine arthritis is degenerative joint disease, or osteoarthritis, affecting one out of five adult dogs in the United Sates (Canine Health Foundation, 2011). Because it is a degenerative disease, osteoarthritis continues to get worse as time goes on. The veterinary industry suggests the number of dogs being diagnosed increases each year, with many of their owners turning to anti-inflammatory and pain medications as an answer. Dr. Carlson and her team at VCA Bay Area Veterinary Specialty believe a regenerative alternative method for dogs with osteoarthritis might be of great value to many patients.

Candidates for the current investigational study must be older than nine months, weigh more than five and a half pounds, have osteoarthritis of only one or two leg joints, have had pain or lameness for at least three months, and must not have cancer. Joints that will be included in the study and injected under anesthesia include hips, stifles, shoulders, and elbows. Dogs that may be considered must be in good health and undergo a full diagnostic work up before qualifying for the study. Dogs that qualify for the study may not have had previous stem cell therapy of any kind.

Dr. Carlsons clinical interests are in utilizing minimally invasive surgical techniques to treat her patients using state-of-the-art technology. Stem cell therapy with a patients own stem cells is used extensively in her practice. For information about the study, Dr. Carlson or Sandy Tang can be reached at 510-483-7387.

About Vet-Stem, Inc. Since its formation in 2002, Vet-Stem, Inc. has endeavored to improve the lives of animals through regenerative medicine. As the first company in the United States to provide an adipose-derived stem cell service to veterinarians for their patients, Vet-Stem pioneered the use of regenerative stem cells for horses, dogs, and cats. In 2004 the first horse was treated with Vet-Stem Regenerative Cell Therapy. Ten years later Vet-Stem celebrated its 10,000th animal treated. As animal advocates, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and cell biologists, the team at Vet-Stem tasks themselves with the responsibility of discovering, refining, and bringing to market innovative medical therapies that utilize the bodys own healing and regenerative cells.

Continue reading here:
VCA Bay Area Veterinary Specialty Seeks Candidates for an Investigational Study of Stem Cells for Dogs with Arthritis

Dubai: Stem cells harvested from the umbilical cord blood can save lives.

Of the 3,377 stem cells collected so far at the Dubai Cord Blood and Research Centre (DCRC), nine have been used for life-saving transplants in children in cases of leukaemia and other blood diseases.

Advocating the importance of public donation of cord blood stem cells to help form a substantial registry of stem cells for the UAE, Kareema Salim Al Arrayed, head of DCRC, said: Since the inception of this centre in 2006, we have seen an increase in the awareness levels about cord blood banking and this has directly attributed to an increase in the number of people who save their cord blood at our cord blood bank. However, we need to raise awareness that cord blood stem cells can be donated. Presently, more than 80 diseases can be cured with the help of stem cells and this includes leukaemia, and treatment of genetic disorders such as thalassaemia.

She added: The DCRC encourages families to donate cord blood stem cells so that we have a strong UAE public registry to help people in need. Stem cells are the future of medicine and public banking is a trend that is catching on globally due to the several diseases stem cells can cure.

Many women today opt for cord blood collection at the time of birth and DCRC provides pregnant women and their families a guided tour of the centre and its facilities to engender their interest in preserving stem cells for their families or for the purpose of donation.

The DCRC was established in 2006 and the prime objective of the centre is to retrieve a newborns umbilical cord blood at birth and extract the haemopoietic stem cells and carry out its cryopreservation. The DCRC spokesperson explained that the umbilical cord blood is what remains in the placenta following birth. The placenta is the temporary organ that transfers oxygen and nutrients to the baby via the umbilical cord while in the mothers uterus. Until recently, in most cases, the umbilical cord and the placenta were discarded after birth. In the last decade, scientists and researchers have discovered that the umbilical cord blood could supply stem cells, the hidden treasure of life. These stem cells can be used to replace blood-forming cells in a person being treated for cancer or other life-threatening diseases such as haemoglobinopathies, leukaemia, immune system deficiencies and numerous genetic diseases and it holds out hope for incurable diseases.

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Cord blood stem cells a life saviour

Sep 01, 2014 The biobank comprises three cryotanks, equipped with cooled protective hoods, and a transfer station from which the sample containers are transported via a rail system. There is enough space for approximately 60,000 samples. Credit: Fraunhofer IBMT

For the development of new drugs it is crucial to work with stem cells, as these allow scientists to study the effects of new active pharmaceutical ingredients. But it has always been difficult to derive enough stem cells of the right quality and in the right timeframe. A central biobank is about to remedy the situation.

Human stem cells allow scientists to assess how patients are likely to respond to new drugs and to examine how illnesses come about. For a few years now, it has been possible to take tissue samples from adults and use reverse programming to artificially produce stem cells, which have the potential to create any kind of cell found in the human body. Before this discovery, pharmaceutical researchers had to use adult stem cells or primary cells, which have a more limited potential. Another option is to use stem cells derived from human embryos, but quite apart from the ethical considerations these cells are available only in limited diversity. The new technique makes it possible for instance to reprogram adult skin or blood cells so that they behave in a similar way to embryonic stem cells and can become any type of cell. "These are known as induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells for short," says Dr. Julia Neubauer from the Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT in St. Ingbert, Germany. Although an increasing number of local biobanks have emerged in recent years, none of them fulfills the requirements of the pharmaceutical industry and research institutions. What is needed is a supply of 'ready-to-use' stem cells, which means large numbers of consistently characterized, systematically catalogued cells of suitable quality.

At the beginning of 2014, the IBMT teamed up with 26 industry and research partners to launch a project aimed at establishing a central biobank the European Bank for induced pluripotent Stem Cells (EBiSC) to generate iPS cells from patients with specific diseases or genetic mutations (http://ebisc.org/). Six months into the project and the first cells are available for use in the development of new drugs. By its three-year mark, it is hoped the project will be in a position to offer over 1000 defined and characterized cell lines comprising a hundred million cells. Such quantities are needed because a single drug screening involves testing several million cells. The main biobank facility is being built in the English city of Cambridge and an identical "mirror site" will be set up at the IBMT's Sulzbach location in Germany.

Gently freezing cells

The IBMT was brought on board for EBiSC by virtue of the comprehensive expertise it gained through participation in the EU's "Hyperlab" and "CRYSTAL" projects. For EBiSC, IBMT scientists are responsible for freezing the cells and for automating cell cultivation and the biobank itself. For an efficient long-term storage of functional stem cells, they have to be cooled down to temperatures of below 130 degrees Celsius in a controlled way. The scientists have to prepare the cells so they can survive the cold shock of nitrogen gas. The IBMT has, for instance, developed technologies that allow cells to be frozen in an extremely gentle way. "Cells don't like being removed from the surface they are grown on, but that's what people used to do in order to freeze them. Our method allows the cells to stay adherent," explains Neubauer.

Just as with foodstuffs, stem cells depend on an unbroken cold chain to preserve their functionality and viability. The scientists store the cells in special containers or cryotanks each measuring one by two meters. To remove a particular sample, the scientists have to open the cryotank. The problem is that this exposes all the other samples to warmer ambient air, causing them to begin to thaw out. "It's just like when you go to your refrigerator at home it's not a good idea to leave the door open too long," says Neubauer. She and her colleagues at the IBMT and industry partner Askion GmbH have together developed a stem cell biobank complete with protective hoods that protect the other samples whenever the cryotank is opened. In addition to maintaining the temperature, the hoods help keep another key shelf-life criterion, humidity, at a constant level.

Flawless freezing is important, but it is just as important to automate the whole process. "That not only guarantees consistency, it's what makes it possible to provide large quantities of cells of the required quality in the first place," says Neubauer. And the scientists' cooling process already boasts a finished technology. In their automated biobank, each cell sample is labelled with barcodes to allow them to be tracked. The samples travel along a conveyor belt to the individual cyrotanks, and a computer monitors the entire freezing and storage process.

Now the scientists are working on automating cell cultivation or the multiplying of the cells. There are essentially two possible approaches. One is to use robots that translate each preparation step into a mechanical one. The other is to use stirred bioreactors that provide free-moving cells with the ideal supply of nutrients and oxygen. Both technologies feature in the IBMT's portfolio. "By the time the project is completed, we'll know which is the better method for what we're trying to do," says Neubauer.

Explore further: Animal-free reprogramming of adult cells improves safety

Continue reading here:
Central biobank for drug research

Researchers have recently found a method to expand blood stem cells that could lead to new and better cancer treatment, it has been reported.

Scientists from the University Of Colorado School Of Medicine have reported the breakthrough discovery of a process to expand production of stem cells used to treat cancer patients. These findings could have implications that extend beyond cancer, including treatments for inborn immunodeficiency and metabolic conditions and autoimmune diseases.

Researchers from the Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology and Taiga Biotechnologies, Inc. said they have uncovered the keys to the molecular code that appear to regulate the ability of blood stem cells to reproduce and retain their stem-like characteristics.

The team developed protein products that can be directly administered to blood stem cells to encourage them to multiply without permanent genetic modifications. The technology described in the article has worked with blood stem cells obtained from cord blood, adult bone marrow or peripheral blood from adults.

Taiga Biotechnologies are now in the process of setting up first-in-human clinical trials with the blood stem cell expansion approaches described in the article. The clinical applications for expanded human blood stem cells vary from inborn immunodeficiency conditions, like SCID and sickle cell anemia, to metabolic conditions, like Hurler's disease or Gaucher syndrome.

Autoimmune diseases that could be affected include severe multiple sclerosis and lupus. And the types of cancer that could be treated as a result of this research include leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other types of solid tumors.

The article is published in PLOS ONE. (ANI)

Link:
Scientists' new approach can provide better treatment for cancer

Burnt Hills, NY (PRWEB) August 29, 2014

Local veterinarian, Dr. Keith Clement, and his team at Burnt Hills Veterinary Hospital are seeking candidates to participate in an investigational study of donor stem cells for dogs with osteoarthritis. The ultimate goal of this study is to determine if a single injection of donor stem cells into one or two arthritically affected joints can help reduce pain and inflammation in the treated joints.

Candidates for the current investigational study must be older than nine months, weigh more than five and a half pounds, have osteoarthritis of only one or two leg joints, have had pain or lameness for at least three months, and must not have cancer. Joints that will be included in the study and injected under anesthesia include hips, stifles, shoulders, and elbows. Dogs that may be considered must be in good health and undergo a diagnostic work up before qualifying for the study. Dogs that qualify for the study may not have had previous stem cell therapy of any kind.

In 2008, Dr. Clement was credentialed with Vet-Stem, Inc. in Regenerative Veterinary Medicine for arthritis, ligament and tendon injuries, and joint issues with stem cell therapy. To date he has treated over 80 patients. In May 2011 Dr. Clement presented a paper at the 2nd Annual North American Veterinary Regenerative Medicine Association Conference and November 2011 he spoke on stem cell therapy at the Illinois Veterinary Medical Association Conference.

For information about the study, Dr. Clement can be reached at 518-399-5213.

About Vet-Stem, Inc. Since its formation in 2002, Vet-Stem, Inc. has endeavored to improve the lives of animals through regenerative medicine. As the first company in the United States to provide an adipose-derived stem cell service to veterinarians for their patients, Vet-Stem pioneered the use of regenerative stem cells for horses, dogs, and cats. In 2004 the first horse was treated with Vet-Stem Regenerative Cell Therapy. Ten years later Vet-Stem celebrated its 10,000th animal treated. As animal advocates, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and cell biologists, the team at Vet-Stem tasks themselves with the responsibility of discovering, refining, and bringing to market innovative medical therapies that utilize the bodys own healing and regenerative cells.

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Burnt Hills Veterinary Hospital Seeks Candidates for an Investigational Study of Stem Cells for Dogs with Arthritis

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

29-Aug-2014

Contact: Kris Kitto kris@morethanpr.com 303-320-7790 The Bawmann Group

AURORA, Colo. (Sept. 2, 2014) A team of scientists from the University of Colorado School of Medicine has reported the breakthrough discovery of a process to expand production of stem cells used to treat cancer patients. These findings could have implications that extend beyond cancer, including treatments for inborn immunodeficiency and metabolic conditions and autoimmune diseases.

In an article published Aug. 29 in PLOS ONE, researchers from the Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology and Taiga Biotechnologies, Inc. said they have uncovered the keys to the molecular code that appear to regulate the ability of blood stem cells to reproduce and retain their stem-like characteristics.

The team developed protein products that can be directly administered to blood stem cells to encourage them to multiply without permanent genetic modifications.

"Use of stem cells to treat cancer patients who face bone marrow transplants has been a common practice for four decades," said Yosef Refaeli, Ph.D., an associate dermatology professor and one of the study's lead scientists. "The biggest challenge, however, has been finding adequate supplies of stem cells that help patients fight infection after the procedure."

Gates Stem Cell Center Director Dennis Roop, Ph.D., recognized the magnitude of the team's work.

"Researchers have long attempted to increase the number of blood stem cells in a lab," Roop said. "Most of those approaches have been limited by the nature of the resulting cells or the inadequate number of cells produced."

The technology described in the PLOS ONE article has worked with blood stem cells obtained from cord blood, adult bone marrow or peripheral blood from adults.

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CU scientists' discovery could lead to new cancer treatment