PHATED to be: Yale researchers give shape to big data – Yale News

Scientists now have the ability to collect massive amounts of data on lifes most fundamental processes, such as the intricate choreography whereby a handful of embryonic stem cells give rise to trillions of specialized cells throughout the human body. But data doesnt always translate into knowledge unless the relationship of recorded data points can be presented in accurate, meaningful and visible ways.

The lab of Yales Smita Krishnaswamy, associate professor of genetics and computer science, has developed a new algorithm called PHATE that overcomes many of the shortcomings of existing data visualization tools, which are more susceptible to noise and distortion in the relationship of data points.

The panel above shows how PHATE visualizes the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into neuronal cells, neural stem cells, cardiac cells, and endothelial cells, as compared to the visualizations created by three other technologies.A cleaner, more detailed representation is helpful, for example, for generating promising new hypotheses.

The researchers work is described Dec. 3 in the journal Nature Biotechnology.

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PHATED to be: Yale researchers give shape to big data - Yale News

Cell Harvesting Market a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.3% for the period of 2018-2023 – Crypto News Byte

Theglobal market for cell harvestingshould grow from $885 million in 2018 to reach $1.5 billion by 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.3% for the period of 2018-2023.

Report Scope:

The scope of the report encompasses the major types of cell harvesting that have been used and the cell harvesting technologies that are being developed by industry, government agencies and nonprofits. It analyzes current market status, examines drivers on future markets and presents forecasts of growth over the next five years.

The report provides a summary of the market, including a market snapshot and profiles of key players in the cell harvesting market. It provides an exhaustive segmentation analysis of the market with in-depth information about each segment. The overview section of the report provides a description of market trends and market dynamics, including drivers, restraints and opportunities. it provides information about market developments and future trends that can be useful for organizations, including wholesalers and exporters. It provides market positionings of key players using yardsticks of revenue, product portfolio, and recent activities. It further includes strategies adopted by emerging market players with strategic recommendations for new market entrants. Readers will also find historical and current market sizes and a discussion of the markets future potential. The report will help market players and new entrants make informed decisions about the production and exports of goods and services.

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Report Includes:

41 data tables and 22 additional tables Description of segments and dynamics of the cell harvesting market Analyses of global market trends with data from 2017, 2018, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2023 Characterization and quantification of market potential for cell harvesting by type of harvesting, procedure, end user, component/equipment and region A brief study and intact information about the market development, and future trends that can be useful for the organizations involved in Elaboration on the influence of government regulations, current technology, and the economic factors that will shape the future marketplace Key patents analysis and new product developments in cell harvesting market Detailed profiles of major companies of the industry, including Becton, Dickinson and Co., Corning, Inc., Fluidigm Corp., General Electric Co., Perkinelmer, Inc., and Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

Summary

Stem cells are unspecialized cells that have the ability to divide indefinitely and produce specialized cells. The appropriate physiological and experimental conditions provided to the unspecialized cells give rise to certain specialized cells, including nerve cells, heart muscle cells and blood cells. Stem cells can divide and renew themselves over long periods of time. These cells are extensively found in multicellular organisms, wherein mammals, there are two types of stem cells embryonic stem cells and adult stemcells. Embryonic stem cells are derived from a human embryo four or five days old that is in the blastocyst phase of development. Adult stem cells grow after the development of the embryo and are found in tissues such as bone marrow, brain, blood vessels, blood, skin, skeletal muscles and liver. Stemcell culture is the process of harvesting the exosomes and molecules released by the stem cells for the development of therapeuticsfor chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes. The process is widely used in biomedical applications such as therapy, diagnosis and biological drug production. The global cell harvesting market is likely to witness a growth rate of REDACTED during the forecast period of 2018-2023.The value of global cell harvesting market was REDACTED in 2017 and is projected to reach REDACTED by 2023. Market growth is attributed to factors such as increasing R&D spending in cell-based research,the introduction of 3D cell culture technology, increasing government funding, and the growing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

The growing incidence and prevalence of cancer is seen as one of the major factors contributing to the growth of the global cell harvesting market. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second-leading cause of mortality globally and was responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Therefore, there is an increasing need for effective cancer treatment solutions globally. Cell harvesting is the preferred method used in cancer cell-related studies including cancer cell databases (cancer cell lines), and other analyses and drug discovery in a microenvironment. The rising prevalence of such chronic diseases has led governments to provide R&D funding to research institutes and biotechnology companies to develop advanced therapeutics. Various 3D cell culture technologies have been developed by researchers and biotechnology companies such as Lonza Group and Thermo Fischer Scientific for research applications such as cancer drug discovery. The application of cell culture in cancer research is leading to more predictive models for research, drug discovery and regenerative medicine applications.

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Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, a new biotechnology solution that has a heightened interest among researchers in tissue engineering and cell-based therapies, has various applications in the treatment of tissue healing in tendinopathy, osteoarthritis and muscle injury. It has been conventionally employed in orthopedics, maxillofacial surgery, periodontal therapy and sports medicines. PRP therapy can be used in the treatment of fat grafting, acne scars, and hair regrowth.

Major factors driving market growth include increasing healthcare costs and the high rate of adoption for modern medicines in emerging economies such as China and India. It has been estimated that India will witness a CAGR of REDACTED in the cell harvesting market during the forecast period. The active participation of foreign pharmaceutical companies has tapped the Indian healthcare sector with a series of partnerships and mergers and acquisitions, which in turn is positively impacting the growth of the market in this region. Consistent development and clinical trials for stem cell therapies, plus contribution from the government and private sectors through investments and cohesive reimbursement policies in the development of cancer biomarkers, is further fueling market growth. InSweden, a research team at Lund University has developed a device to collect fluid and harvest stem mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The device is developed with 3D-printed bio-inert plastics which, when used by doctors, can result in the safe extraction of fluids (medical waste) from the patients body. The liquid is then passed through a gauze filter for purifying thoroughly and MSCs are separated from the fluid by centrifugation and are grown in culture.

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Cell Harvesting Market a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.3% for the period of 2018-2023 - Crypto News Byte

Modulating the expression and activity of the potassium-chloride cotransporter KCC2 – SFARI News

The proper regulation of neural excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance has been a subject of intense study in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders. One particular focus has been the progressive increase in chloride ion extrusion from neurons as development proceeds, which is critical for the developmental switch in GABA function from excitatory to inhibitory. Three new studies with potential therapeutic implications shed new light on how the expression and function of KCC2 (a neuron-specific K+/Cl cotransporter that plays an important role in this process) is regulated.

Previous in vitro studies have shown that KCC2 activity is substantially modulated by phosphorylation at two particular threonine residues. In two new papers partly supported by a SFARI Pilot Award, SFARI Investigator Kristopher Kahle and Igor Medina developed a knockin mouse model of constitute phosphorylation at these two key threonine residues. Mice that were homozygous for these mutations died within 12 hours after birth, highlighting that precise phosphoregulation of these sites is essential for postnatal survival. By contrast, heterozygous mice were viable, allowing for an examination of subsequent neurodevelopmental effects. Among the findings was that this constitutively phosphorylated version of KCC2 prevented the normal increase in its activity during development. They associated this reduced KCC2 activity with reduced GABAergic inhibition, an enhanced E/I ratio, reduced seizure threshold, impaired social interaction and additional effects on respiration and locomotion.

In a separate study, SFARI Bridge to Independence awardee Xin Tang, together with SFARI Investigators Rudolf Jaenisch and Mriganka Sur, carried out a high-throughput screen for Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs that might act to boost KCC2 expression in neurons derived from human embryonic stem cells. Several such compounds were identified, including those that are inhibitors of the tyrosine kinase FLT3 and the GSK-3 pathway. Of note, a few of these compounds were able to rescue phenotypes associated with Rett syndrome in both MECP2-null human neurons and Mecp2 mutant mice, including respiratory and locomotion phenotypes in the latter.

These findings give investigators new tools with which to explore KCC2 function during brain development and potentially to manipulate its activity for therapeutic benefit.

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Modulating the expression and activity of the potassium-chloride cotransporter KCC2 - SFARI News

Stem cells’ role in medicine and research – The Medium

What are stem cells and what role can they play in medicine andresearch? Stem cell research offers exciting possibilities in terms ofregenerative medicine. However, there are ethical controversies and challengesimpeding the fields advancement. In this article, The Medium presents a briefoverview of the unique abilities, applications, and challenges of stem cells.

According tothe National Institute of Health, stem cells are able to develop into manydifferent cell types in the body during early life and growth. When stem cellsdivide, the new cell can become another stem cell or it can become aspecialized cell such as a muscle cell or a brain cell. Stem cells provide newcells for the body as it grows and replaces damaged or lost specialized cells.The two unique properties of stem cells are that the stem cells can dividemultiple times to produce new cells, and as they divide, the stem cells cangenerate other types of cells found in the body.

In organs suchas the gut and the bone marrow (the soft tissue inside most bones), stem cellsroutinely divide to replace damaged tissue. However, in other organs such asthe heart, stem cells require certain physiological conditions to facilitate celldivision.

Stem cells canbe divided into two categories: embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells.Embryonic stem cells are derived from a blastocystan early stage of embryodevelopment. The blastocyst contains the trophectoderm, which will eventuallyform the placenta, and the inner cell mass, which will develop into the embryo,and later into the organism. Stem cells taken from the inner cell mass arepluripotentthey can develop into any cell type in the body. The embryonic stemcells used in research are sourced from unused embryos that were a result of anin vitro fertilization procedure and were donated for scientific research.

Adult stemcells also have the ability to divide into more than one cell type; however,they are often restricted to certain types of cells. For example, an adult stemcell found in the liver will only divide into more liver cells. In 2006, ShinyaYamanaka, a Japanese stem cell researcher, discovered how to program inducedpluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). iPSCs are adult cells which have beengenetically reprogrammed into a pluripotent embryonic stem cell-like state.Yamanaka won the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine alongside Englishdevelopmental biologist Sir John Gurdon in 2012 for this important discovery.

There arenumerous ways in which stem cells can be used. Firstly, human embryonic stemcells can provide information as to how cells divide into tissues and organs.Abnormal cell division can cause cancer and birth defects, and therefore, amore comprehensive understanding of the processes underlying cell division maysuggest new therapy strategies. Another beneficial avenue involves drug testingas new medications could be tested on cells developed from stem cells in thelab. However, a challenge for researchers is to create an environment identicalto the conditions found in the human body.

Finally, stemcells present exciting possibilities in cell-based therapies and regenerativemedicine. Instead of relying on a limited supply of donated organs and tissuesto replace damaged and destroyed ones, stem cells could be directed to developinto the desired cell type and treat diseases such as heart disease, diabetes,and spinal cord injuries. For example, healthy heart muscle cells could begenerated from stem cells in a laboratory and transplanted into an individualwith heart disease. However, there is still research and testing which needs tobe conducted before researchers can confirm how to effectively and safely usestem cells to treat serious disease.

As explainedby the University of Rochesters medical centre, there are several challengesassociated with stem cells. Researchers first need to learn about how embryonicstem cells develop so that they can control the type of cells generated fromstem cells. Scientists also need to determine how to ensure that the cellsdeveloped from stem cells in the lab are not rejected by the human body. Adultpluripotent stem cells are found in small amounts in the human body and arehard to grow in the lab. There are also numerous ethical issues surrounding theuse of embryonic stem cells as some individuals believe that using cells froman unused blastocyst and consequently, rendering it incapable to develop intoan organism, is similar to destroying an unborn child. Others argue that theblastocyst is not a child yet as it needs to be imbedded into the mothersuterus wall before it has the chance to develop into a fetus. Supporters ofembryonic stem cell research also say that many surplus blastocysts aredestroyed in fertility clinics and can be better used to research medicaltreatments which could save peoples lives.

Students canlearn more about stem cells in BIO380H5: Human Development. Furthermore, Dr.Ted Erlicks lab at UTM is researching how complex neural circuits developfrom an initial population of stem cells. Stem cell research offers promisingavenues of treating diseases and understanding how humans develop. However,there is still a substantial amount of research which needs to be conducted andethical concerns which need to be appropriately addressed and resolved.

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Stem Cell Assay Market Demand with Leading Key Players and New Investment Opportunities Emerge To Augment Segments in Sector By 2025 – The Denton…

Stem Cell Assay Market: Snapshot

Stem cell assay refers to the procedure of measuring the potency of antineoplastic drugs, on the basis of their capability of retarding the growth of human tumor cells. The assay consists of qualitative or quantitative analysis or testing of affected tissues and tumors, wherein their toxicity, impurity, and other aspects are studied.

With the growing number of successful stem cell therapy treatment cases, the global market for stem cell assays will gain substantial momentum. A number of research and development projects are lending a hand to the growth of the market. For instance, the University of Washingtons Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM) has attempted to manipulate stem cells to heal eye, kidney, and heart injuries. A number of diseases such as Alzheimers, spinal cord injury, Parkinsons, diabetes, stroke, retinal disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and neurological diseases can be successfully treated via stem cell therapy. Therefore, stem cell assays will exhibit growing demand.

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Another key development in the stem cell assay market is the development of innovative stem cell therapies. In April 2017, for instance, the first participant in an innovative clinical trial at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health was successfully treated with stem cell therapy. CardiAMP, the investigational therapy, has been designed to direct a large dose of the patients own bone-marrow cells to the point of cardiac injury, stimulating the natural healing response of the body.

Newer areas of application in medicine are being explored constantly. Consequently, stem cell assays are likely to play a key role in the formulation of treatments of a number of diseases.

Global Stem Cell Assay Market: Overview

The increasing investment in research and development of novel therapeutics owing to the rising incidence of chronic diseases has led to immense growth in the global stem cell assay market. In the next couple of years, the market is expected to spawn into a multi-billion dollar industry as healthcare sector and governments around the world increase their research spending.

The report analyzes the prevalent opportunities for the markets growth and those that companies should capitalize in the near future to strengthen their position in the market. It presents insights into the growth drivers and lists down the major restraints. Additionally, the report gauges the effect of Porters five forces on the overall stem cell assay market.

Global Stem Cell Assay Market: Key Market Segments

For the purpose of the study, the report segments the global stem cell assay market based on various parameters. For instance, in terms of assay type, the market can be segmented into isolation and purification, viability, cell identification, differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and function. By kit, the market can be bifurcated into human embryonic stem cell kits and adult stem cell kits. Based on instruments, flow cytometer, cell imaging systems, automated cell counter, and micro electrode arrays could be the key market segments.

In terms of application, the market can be segmented into drug discovery and development, clinical research, and regenerative medicine and therapy. The growth witnessed across the aforementioned application segments will be influenced by the increasing incidence of chronic ailments which will translate into the rising demand for regenerative medicines. Finally, based on end users, research institutes and industry research constitute the key market segments.

The report includes a detailed assessment of the various factors influencing the markets expansion across its key segments. The ones holding the most lucrative prospects are analyzed, and the factors restraining its trajectory across key segments are also discussed at length.

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Global Stem Cell Assay Market: Regional Analysis

Regionally, the market is expected to witness heightened demand in the developed countries across Europe and North America. The increasing incidence of chronic ailments and the subsequently expanding patient population are the chief drivers of the stem cell assay market in North America. Besides this, the market is also expected to witness lucrative opportunities in Asia Pacific and Rest of the World.

Global Stem Cell Assay Market: Vendor Landscape

A major inclusion in the report is the detailed assessment of the markets vendor landscape. For the purpose of the study the report therefore profiles some of the leading players having influence on the overall market dynamics. It also conducts SWOT analysis to study the strengths and weaknesses of the companies profiled and identify threats and opportunities that these enterprises are forecast to witness over the course of the reports forecast period.

Some of the most prominent enterprises operating in the global stem cell assay market are Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc (U.S.), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (U.S.), GE Healthcare (U.K.), Hemogenix Inc. (U.S.), Promega Corporation (U.S.), Bio-Techne Corporation (U.S.), Merck KGaA (Germany), STEMCELL Technologies Inc. (CA), Cell Biolabs, Inc. (U.S.), and Cellular Dynamics International, Inc. (U.S.).

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Stem Cell Assay Market Demand with Leading Key Players and New Investment Opportunities Emerge To Augment Segments in Sector By 2025 - The Denton...

Human Embryonic Stem Cells (HESC) Market with Future Prospects, Key Player SWOT Analysis and Forecast To 2024 – Chronicles 360

The Global Human Embryonic Stem Cells (HESC) Market Outlook Report is a comprehensive study of the Human Embryonic Stem Cells (HESC) industry and its future prospects.. A comprehensive research report created through extensive primary research (inputs from industry experts, companies, stakeholders) and secondary research, the report aims to present the analysis of Human Embryonic Stem Cells (HESC) Market.

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List of key players profiled in the report:

ESI BIOThermo FisherBioTimeMilliporeSigmaBD BiosciencesAstellas Institute of Regenerative MedicineAsterias BiotherapeuticsCell Cure NeurosciencesPerkinElmerTakara BioCellular Dynamics InternationalReliance Life SciencesResearch & Diagnostics SystemsSABiosciencesSTEMCELL TechnologiesStemina Biomarker DiscoveryTakara BioTATAA BiocenterUK Stem Cell BankViaCyteVitrolife

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TheHuman Embryonic Stem Cells (HESC)Market Segmentation:

Product Product Type Segmentation SegmentationTotipotent Stem CellsPluripotent Stem CellsUnipotent Stem Cells

Industry SegmentationResearchClinical Trials

The report analyses the Human Embryonic Stem Cells (HESC) Market By Type and By Country for the historical period of 2017-2018 and the forecast period of 2019-2024.

Region Segmentation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells (HESC) Market

North America Country (United States, Canada)

South America

Asia Country (China, Japan, India, Korea)

Europe Country (Germany, UK, France, Italy)

Other Country (Middle East, Africa, GCC)

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The report has covered and analyzed the potential of Human Embryonic Stem Cells (HESC) market and provides statistics and information on market size, shares and growth factors. The report intends to provide cutting-edge market intelligence and help decision makers take sound investment evaluation. Besides, the Human Embryonic Stem Cells (HESC) market report also identifies and analyses the emerging trends along with major drivers, challenges and opportunities. Additionally, the report also highlights market entry strategies for various companies.

Scope of the Human Embryonic Stem Cells (HESC) Market Report

Human Embryonic Stem Cells (HESC) Market (Actual Period: 2017-2018, Forecast Period: 2019-2024)Human Embryonic Stem Cells (HESC) Market Size, Growth, ForecastAnalysis By Type:

Regional Analysis Actual Period: 2017-2018, Forecast Period: 2019-2024Human Embryonic Stem Cells (HESC) Market Size, Growth, ForecastHuman Embryonic Stem Cells (HESC) Market Analysis By Type

Report HighlightsCompetitive Landscape: Company Share AnalysisMarket Dynamics Drivers and Restraints.Market TrendsPorter Five Forces Analysis.SWOT Analysis.Company Analysis

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Human Embryonic Stem Cells (HESC) Market with Future Prospects, Key Player SWOT Analysis and Forecast To 2024 - Chronicles 360

Growing Organs in the Lab: One Step Closer to Reality – BioSpace

Researchers these days routinely use pluripotent stem cells to develop into specific tissue cells, and a variety of methods to coax those tissues to grow in Petri dishes into simple organoids. The goal, in many cases, is to grow realistic, complex organs that are not only excellent models for research but have the possibility of use for full-blown organ transplants. For example, in April 2019, researchers at Tel Aviv University successfully bioprinted the first 3D human heart using the patients own cells and various biological materials such as collagen and glycoprotein.

Now this has moved a step further. To date, these grown or bioprinted organoids are incomplete, lacking some of the vasculature and infrastructure of organs. But researchers at the University of Wrzburg in Germany took their research one step further.

We used a trick to achieve our goal, said Philipp Wrsdrfer with the Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology at Wrzburg. First we created so-called mesodermal progenitor cells from pluripotent stem cells.

Under specific conditions, these progenitor cells can produce blood vessels, immune cells and connective tissue cells. The researchers mixed the progenitor cells with cancer cells as well as brain stem cells that had earlier been developed from human iPS cells.

The mixture of cells grew and formed complex three-dimensional tumor or brain organoids in a petri dish. The organoids had functional blood vessels and connective tissue. In the brain tissue, microglia cells were developed, which are brain-specific immune cells.

The research was published in the journal Scientific Reports.

In the future, the miniature organ models generated with this new technique can help scientists shed light on the processes involved in the genesis of diseases and analyze the effect of therapeutic substances in more detail using them on animals and human patients, said Sleyman Ergn, who conducted the work with Wrsdrfer. This would allow the number of animal experiments to be reduced. Moreover, the organ models could contribute to gaining a better understanding of embryonic development processes and grow tissue that can be transplanted efficiently since they already have a functional vascular system.

The authors wrote, Organoids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are state of the art cell culture models to study mechanisms of development and disease. The establishment of different tissue models such as intestinal, liver, cerebral, kidney and lung organoids was published within the last years. These organoids recapitulate the development of epithelial structures in a fascinating manner. However, they remain incomplete as vasculature, stromal components and tissue resident immune cells are mostly lacking.

About a year ago, researchers at Johns Hopkins University, the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and the National Institute of Mental Health grew retinas in Petri dishes. The retina is the part of the eye that collects light and translates it into the signals that the brain interprets as vision. The cells grew into 20 to 60 tiny balls of cells, called retinal organoids. The tiny human retinas responded to light and were used in their research to better understand how color vision develops.

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Growing Organs in the Lab: One Step Closer to Reality - BioSpace

Major step taken in creating complex organs in the lab – Drug Target Review

A major step has been taken towards developing functional miniature versions of human organs in a Petri dish which can be used to shed light on the processes involved in the genesis of diseases.

Scientists from the University of Wrzburg, Germany have taken a major step towards developing functional miniature versions of human organs, known as complex organoids.

Japanese researchers had previously developed a way of creating pluripotent stem cells through epigenetic reprogramming of connective tissue cells, which has yielded a highly valuable cell type that can be used to grow all cells of the human body in a Petri dish.

When culturing these so-called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) as three-dimensional (3D) cell aggregates, the organoids can be created by selectively adding growth factors.

Such organoid models are often similar to real embryonic tissues. However, most remained incomplete because they lacked stromal cells and structures, the supportive framework of an organ composed of connective tissue.

This new development was part of a project led by Dr Philipp Wrsdrfer and Professor Sleyman Ergn, the head of the Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, which has resulted in organoids that have complexity similar to that of normal tissue and are far superior to previous structures.

Organoid models are often surprisingly similar to real embryonic tissues. Shown here (from left): 3D reconstruction of the vascular network within an organoid, brain organoid with blood vessels (red) and brain stem cells (green) and a tumour organoid with blood vessels (red) and tumour cells (green) (credit: Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology).

We used a trick to achieve our goal, explained Philipp Wrsdrfer. First we created so-called mesodermal progenitor cells from pluripotent stem cells. Under the right conditions, such progenitor cells are capable of producing blood vessels, immune cells and connective tissue cells.

To demonstrate the potential of the mesodermal progenitor cells, the scientists mixed these cells with tumour cells and brain stem cells that had previously been generated from human iPS cells. This mixture grew to form complex 3D tumour or brain organoids in the Petri dish featuring functional blood vessels, connective tissue, and in the case of the brain tissue, brain-specific immune cells.

In the future, the miniature organ models generated with this new technique can help scientists shed light on the processes involved in the genesis of diseases and to analyse the effect of therapeutic substances in more detail before using them on animals and human patients, added Sleyman Ergn.

This would allow the number of animal experiments to be reduced. Moreover, the organ models could contribute to gaining a better understanding of embryonic development processes and grow tissue that can be transplanted efficiently.

The project was published Scientific Reports.

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Major step taken in creating complex organs in the lab - Drug Target Review

Cell Therapy Aims To Improve Memory and Prevent Seizures Following Traumatic Brain Injury – Technology Networks

Researchers from the University of California, Irvine developed a breakthrough cell therapy to improve memory and prevent seizures in mice following traumatic brain injury. The study, titled Transplanted interneurons improve memory precision after traumatic brain injury, was published today inNature Communications.

Traumatic brain injuries affect 2 million Americans each year and cause cell death and inflammation in the brain. People who experience a head injury often suffer from lifelong memory loss and can develop epilepsy.

In the study, the UCI team transplanted embryonic progenitor cells capable of generating inhibitory interneurons, a specific type of nerve cell that controls the activity of brain circuits, into the brains of mice with traumatic brain injury. They targeted the hippocampus, a brain region responsible for learning and memory.

The researchers discovered that the transplanted neurons migrated into the injury where they formed new connections with the injured brain cells and thrived long term. Within a month after treatment, the mice showed signs of memory improvement, such as being able to tell the difference between a box where they had an unpleasant experience from one where they did not. They were able to do this just as well as mice that never had a brain injury. The cell transplants also prevented the mice from developing epilepsy, which affected more than half of the mice who were not treated with new interneurons.

Inhibitory neurons are critically involved in many aspects of memory, and they are extremely vulnerable to dying after a brain injury, saidRobert Hunt, PhD, assistant professor of anatomy and neurobiology at UCI School of Medicine who led the study. While we cannot stop interneurons from dying, it was exciting to find that we can replace them and rebuild their circuits.

This is not the first time Hunt and his team has used interneuron transplantation therapy to restore memory in mice. In 2018, the UCI team used asimilar approach, delivered the same way but to newborn mice, to improve memory of mice with a genetic disorder.

Still, this was an exciting advance for the researchers. The idea to regrow neurons that die off after a brain injury is something that neuroscientists have been trying to do for a long time, Hunt said. But often, the transplanted cells dont survive, or they arent able to migrate or develop into functional neurons.

To further test their observations, Hunt and his team silenced the transplanted neurons with a drug, which caused the memory problems to return.

"It was exciting to see the animals memory problems come back after we silenced the transplanted cells, because it showed that the new neurons really were the reason for the memory improvement, said Bingyao Zhu, a junior specialist and first author of the study.

Currently, there are no treatments for people who experience a head injury. If the results in mice can be replicated in humans, it could have a tremendous impact for patients. The next step is to create interneurons from human stem cells.

So far, nobody has been able to convincingly create the same types of interneurons from human pluripotent stem cells, Hunt said. But I think were close to being able to do this.

Jisu Eom, an undergraduate researcher, also contributed to this study. Funding was provided by the National Institutes of Health.

Reference: Zhu, et al. (2019) Transplanted interneurons improve memory precision after traumatic brain injury. Nature Communications. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-13170-w

This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.

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Cell Therapy Aims To Improve Memory and Prevent Seizures Following Traumatic Brain Injury - Technology Networks

WCM-Q explores law and ethics of stem cells and AI in medicine – The Peninsula Qatar

18 Nov 2019 - 8:02

Speakers at WCM-Qs Law and Medicine event taking part in a panel discussion on the law and ethics of stem cell science.

The legal and ethical implications of using stem cells and artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine were discussed at the latest instalment of Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatars (WCM-Q) Intersection of Law & Medicine series.Expert speakers at the event discussed the impact of recent advances in stem cell science and AI on the practice of medicine in Qatar and explored how new legal frameworks could be developed to protect the rights and safety of patients in the MENA region. The day-long event was organized by WCM-Q in collaboration with Hamad Bin Khalifa University and the University of Malaya of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Stem cells are an exciting area for medical researchers because they have the potential to repair damaged or diseased tissues in people with conditions such as Parkinsons disease, type 1 diabetes, stroke, cancer, and Alzheimers disease, among many others. Stem cells can also be used by researchers to test new drugs for safety and effectiveness.WCM-Qs Dr. Amal Robay, WCM-Q assistant professor in genetic medicine and director of research compliance, said: Stem cells have the capacity for unlimited or prolonged self-renewal, and they can differentiate themselves into many different cell types to become tissue- or organ-specific cells with special functions. The central ethical dilemma of stem cell science arises from the fact that embryonic stem cells are derived from human embryos or by cloning, she explained.Visiting bioethics expert Dr. Jeremy Sugarman of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, US said that the public image of stem cell research had been damaged by a small number of high-profile cases in which scientists had behaved unethically. The field had also been hampered by different countries applying different laws to stem cell research, making international collaboration problematic, he said.Meanwhile, the use of AI in healthcare has the potential to leverage analysis of large amounts of data to improve patient outcomes, but poses ethical concerns regarding privacy, the diversity of data sources, biases and relying on non-human entities for potentially life-changing decisions.Dr. Barry Solaiman, assistant professor of law in the College of Law and Public Policy at HBKU said: Its very important that we bridge that gap between the professions of law and medicine, and that we understand the fundamental importance of ethicists to the advance of science. We need to consider how lawyers can help to develop laws to ensure that science advances and that it does so in ways that protect everyone involved.The event, which was co-directed by Dr. Solaiman and Dr. Thurayya Arayssi, professor of clinical medicine and senior associate dean for medical education and continuing professional development at WCM-Q, also featured other expert speakers.The event was accredited locally by the Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners-Accreditation Department (QCHP-AD) and internationally by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).

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WCM-Q explores law and ethics of stem cells and AI in medicine - The Peninsula Qatar