Wide variety of genetic splicing in embryonic stem cells identified
Sun, 21 Mar 2010 05:00:00 EDT
Like tuning in to an elusive radio frequency in a busy city, human embryonic stem cells must sort through a seemingly endless number of options to settle on the specific genetic message, or station, that instructs them to become more-specialized cells in the body. Now researchers have shown that this tuning process is accomplished in part by restricting the number of messages, called transcripts, produced from each gene.

Newly identified growth factor promotes stem cell growth, regeneration
Sun, 21 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EDT
Scientists have identified a new growth factor that stimulates the expansion and regeneration of hematopoietic (blood-forming) stem cells in culture and in laboratory animals. The discovery, may help researchers overcome one of the most frustrating barriers to cellular therapy: the fact that stem cells are so few in number and so stubbornly resistant to expansion.

Stem cells used to model infant birth defect
Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EDT
Researchers recently discovered that infantile hemangiomas originate from stem cells, and have used these stem cells to better understand this tumor in the laboratory. They show that steroids target hemangioma stem cells specifically, reveal their mechanism of their action and suggest other possible ways to halt and shrink hemangiomas.

Tool to measure severity of chronic graft-vs.-host disease symptoms
Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EDT
Researchers have developed a new assessment tool to measure the severity of symptoms that can complicate stem cell transplantation. The tool assesses symptoms resulting from chronic graft-vs.-host disease (cGVHD).

Vitamin A: Key mechanism that guides cells to form heart tissue
Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EDT
Researchers have identified a key cellular mechanism that guides embryonic heart tissue formation -- a process which, if disrupted, can lead to a number of common congenital heart defects.