Chaos in the cell's command center
Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:53:53 EST
Researchers have determined the critical role one enzyme, lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1), plays as mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) differentiate. This research may provide targets for developing drugs to push cells with dysfunctional gene expression programs back to a more normal, healthier state.

Stem cells could drive hepatitis research forward
Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:07:07 EST
Researchers have produced liver-like cells from induced pluripotent stem cells. By creating liver-like cells, scientists can study why people respond differently to Hepatitis C.

Encouraging results with stem cell transplant for brain injury
Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:45:45 EST
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.

Skin cells turned into neural precusors, bypassing stem-cell stage
Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:19:19 EST
Mouse skin cells can be converted directly into cells that become the three main parts of the nervous system, according to researchers. The finding is an extension of a previous study by the same group showing that mouse and human skin cells can be directly converted into functional neurons.

Need muscle for a tough spot? Turn to fat stem cells
Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:43:43 EST
Stem cells derived from fat have a surprising trick up their sleeves: Encouraged to develop on a stiff surface, they undergo a remarkable transformation toward becoming mature muscle cells. The new cells remain intact and fused together even when transferred to an extremely stiff, bone-like surface, which has bioengineers intrigued. These cells, they suggest, could hint at new therapeutic possibilities for muscular dystrophy.