Featured Articles


Primary Salivary Human Stem/Progenitor Cells Undergo Microenvironment-Driven Acinar-Like Differentiation in Hyaluronate Hydrogel Culture

An ex vivo culture system used to isolate scalable quantities of hS/PCs with consistent expression of progenitor markers is reported here. These hS/PCs can be maintained in long-term culture in 2D or in 3D, without loss of stem/progenitor markers. Incorporation of bioactive basement membrane-derived peptides in the 3D hyaluronate (HA) hydrogel culture system enhances progenitor expansion. Stimulation of hS/PC spheroids with neurotransmitter agonists leads to differentiation toward an acinar lineage.



CPGE2/EP4 Signaling Controls the Transfer of the Mammary Stem Cell State by Lipid Rafts in Extracellular Vesicles

Recent studies have demonstrated that PGE2-initiated signaling contributes to stem cell (SC) homeostasis and regeneration; but how? Our study identifies a previously unknown mechanism by which PGE2/EP4 signaling regulates both multiple signaling pathways (e.g., PI3K/Akt signaling, TGFß signaling, Wnt signaling, EGFR signaling), which maintain stem cell homeostasis. PGE2/EP4 signaling controls homeostasis of mammary epithelial stem cells through regulating extracellular vesicle/exosome release. Reprogramming of mammary epithelial cells can result from EP4-mediated stem cell property transfer by extracellular vesicles/exosomes containing caveolae-associated proteins, between mammary basal and luminal epithelial cells.

 

Journal Club Discussions

September 11, 2016
A MicroRNA with a Large Role in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

Researchers describe how a microRNA can affect both pluripotency and cell cycle progression in human pluripotent stem cells

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Article Scans

September 25, 2016
Pomegranate-derived Compound Reverses Signs of Aging in Mice
A new study finds that a pomegranate-derived compound may be represent an effective means to fight the aging process
September 25, 2016
How Mesenchymal Progenitors Promote Bone Healing
A new study describes how hypoxia and mesenchymal progenitors control the bone fracture healing process
September 18, 2016
Combinatorial Stem Cell Strategy for the Treatment of Liver Fibrosis
Mesenchymal stem cells expressing the Decorin protein may be effective in the treatment of liver damage

Video Summary

Fascin is Critical for the Maintenance of Breast Cancer Stem Cell Pool Predominantly via the Activation of the Notch Self-Renewal Pathway

Video abstract from Drs. Barnawi, Al-Khaldi, Sleiman, Sarkar, Al-Dhfyan, Al-Mohanna, Ghebeh, and Al-Alwan on their recently published STEM CELLS paper entitled, "Fascin is Critical for the Maintenance of Breast Cancer Stem Cell Pool Predominantly via the Activation of the Notch Self-Renewal Pathway" Read the Paper here.

Angiopellosis as an Alternative Mechanism of Cell Extravasation

Video abstract from Dr. Allen on his recently published STEM CELLS paper entitled, "Angiopellosis as an Alternative Mechanism of Cell Extravasation" Read the Paper here.

Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Alters the Immune Properties of Human Adipose Derived Stem Cells

Video abstract from Drs. Serena, Keiran, Ceperuelo-Mallafre, Ejarque, Fradera, Roche, Nuñez-Roa, Vendrell, and Férnandez-Veledo on their recently published STEM CELLS paper entitled, "Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Alters the Immune Properties of Human Adipose Derived Stem Cells" Read the Paper here.

Graphical Abstracts

Generation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Bona Fide Neural Stem Cells for Ex Vivo Gene Therapy of Metachromatic Leukodystrophy

Confocal picture showing the myelinogenic potential of hiPS-NSCs engrafted at the border between the striatum and the corpus callosum of immunodeficient MLD mice at 3 months post-transplantation(green, human cells labeled with anti-human mitochondria; red, myelin basic protein; blue, nuclei counterstained with ToPro3). Scale bar: 100µm.

Primary Salivary Human Stem/Progenitor Cells Undergo Microenvironment-Driven Acinar-Like Differentiation in Hyaluronate Hydrogel Culture

An ex vivo culture system used to isolate scalable quantities of hS/PCs with consistent expression of progenitor markers, is reported here. These hS/PCs can be maintained in long-term culture in 2D or in 3D, without loss of stem/progenitor markers.  Incorporation of bioactive basement membrane-derived peptides in the 3D hyaluronate (HA) hydrogel culture system enhances progenitor expansion.  Stimulation of hS/PC spheroids with neurotransmitter agonists leads to differentiation toward an acinar lineage.

Concise Review: Stem Cell Interventions for People With Cerebral Palsy: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

Stem cells are emerging as a scientifically plausible treatment and possible cure for cerebral palsy, but are not yet proven. The lack of valid animal models has significantly hampered the scope of clinical trials. Despite the state of current treatment evidence, parents remain optimistic about the potential improvements from stem cell intervention and feel compelled to exhaust all therapeutic options, including stem cell tourism. Receiving unproven therapies from unvalidated sources is potentially dangerous. Thus it is essential that researchers and clinicians stay up to date. A systematic review and meta-analysis summarizing and aggregating current research data may provide more conclusive evidence to inform treatment decision making and help direct future research.