Category Archives: Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells


Global Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Market 2019 Innovative Trends and Insights Research upto 2024 – News Adopt

Global Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Market 2018 by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2023 presents the analytical view of the industry that will enable readers to formulate and develop critical strategies for their businesses future expansion. With this report on Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells market, we are discussing a deep elaboration of several cogent factors that will play a key role in global market development over the coming years. The report studies market growth, trends, consumption figures, and industry structure, product specification, advertising level, and market income, and predicts future growth for the forecast period from 2018 to 2023.

The overall data presented in the market research report has been extracted from reliable and authentic primary and secondary sources to deliver precise and valid information to our esteemed clients. The whole knowledge is based on latest industry news, opportunities, and trends.

DOWNLOAD FREE SAMPLE REPORT: https://www.fiormarkets.com/report/global-induced-pluripotent-stem-cells-market-2018-by-333303.html#sample

Top Companies in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Market are as follows: Fujifilm Holding Corporation, Astellas Pharma Inc, Fate Therapeutics, Inc, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, ViaCyte, Inc, Celgene Corporation, Aastrom Biosciences, Inc, Acelity Holdings, Inc, StemCells, Inc, Japan Tissue Engineering Co., Ltd, Organogenesis Inc,

This report provides an evaluation, individual revenue, market share, and growth rate of this market in these Top Regions covering: North America (United States, Canada and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia etc.), Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)

Segment Types are as follows: Hepatocytes, Fibroblasts, Keratinocytes, Amniotic Cells, Others

Main applications of this Market are: Academic Research, Drug Development And Discovery, Toxicity Screening, Regenerative Medicine, ,

What is from the offering:

The report offers actionable insights to boost source-to-contract cycle performance in the market. It gives facts about the work to help stakeholders capture earnings as well as expand their company enterprise. This overall data will also help sourcing professionals enhance savings, formulate better strategies, develop sourcing best practices, know supplier and market challenges. The report will provide correct direction to enthusiastic businesses.

Advantages of Global Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Market Report:

ACCESS FULL REPORT: https://www.fiormarkets.com/report/global-induced-pluripotent-stem-cells-market-2018-by-333303.html

Moreover, the report studies the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells industry along with the import and export statistics, industry chain in the market as well as dynamics of demand and supply, product/service specifications, manufacturing capacities, productive manufacturing methods. The present scenario and the expansion likelihood of the market for 2018-2023 are covered in this report.

The report also evaluates the growth established by the market during the forecast period and research conclusions are offered. In addition, the report features innovation offerings, product diagrams, corporate plans, enterprise profile, and financial execution.

Customization of the Report:This report can be customized to meet the clients requirements. Please connect with our sales team (sales@fiormarkets.com), who will ensure that you get a report that suits your needs.

Arash is the chief editor of News Adopt. He handles the responsibility of covering Technology news. Arash has a rich experience of 15 years in covering technology news. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California.

Here is the original post:
Global Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Market 2019 Innovative Trends and Insights Research upto 2024 - News Adopt

New Rett Therapies May Stem From X-chromosome Reactivation Findings – Rett Syndrome News

Genes that are normally silenced in the X-chromosome transition from an off to an on state at different speeds, an event that is dependent on the action of certain proteins and enzymes, according to a recent study.

These findings may one day help design a targeted therapeutic strategy for Rett syndrome and other X-chromosome-linked genetic disorders.

The study, Dynamic reversal of random X-Chromosome inactivation during iPSC reprogramming, was published in the journal Genome Research.

Rett syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects girls almost exclusively and is characterized by developmental and intellectual disabilities.The condition is caused by mutations in theMECP2 gene, located on the X chromosome, that provides instructions to make a protein called MeCP2. This protein is responsible for maintaining synapses, which are the junctions between nerve cells that allow them to communicate.

Women carry two X chromosomes one from the mother and one from the father while men carry only one, inherited from the mother. To ensure that all genes in the X chromosome are expressed equally in men and women, a process known as X-chromosome inactivation takes place during embryonic development, at which time one of the two X chromosomes carried by females is randomly selected to be inactivated.

A potential way to treat Rett syndrome and other X-chromosome-linked disorders is to devise a strategy to reactivate the healthy copy of the gene on the inactive X-chromosome. This reactivation would occur at the early stages of embryonic growth.

In the study, researchers at KU LeuvenUniversity of Leuven and colleagues used a type of stem cell called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These cells are usually derived from adult skin cells (fibroblasts) and behave similarly to embryonic cells, meaning they can give rise to nearly any type of cell in the body.

The team used adult fibroblasts from female mice and reprogrammed them back into iPSCs. Of note, both X chromosomes are active in IPSCs, making these cells a valuable tool to study the mechanisms behind chromosome reactivation.

Working with iPS cells has numerous advantages. Most importantly, when you reprogram female adult cells into iPS cells, both X chromosomes become active again. In other words: X-chromosome reactivation starts happening right under your microscope, Vincent Pasque, assistant professor at KU LeuvenUniversity of Leuven and the studys lead author, said in a news release.

We monitored almost 200 different X-linked genes throughout the X-chromosome reactivation process. What we found is that reactivation happens gradually: different genes require different amounts of time to become active again, said Irene Talon, one of the studys authors.

The researchers found that some genes reactivated early (as early as day 8 after reprogramming), while others took longer. Intermediate genes were reactivated between day 8 and 10, and others between day 10 and 13 (called late genes), while some took longer than 13 days (which were called very late genes).

The reason for the different pace in reactivation, the researchers found, was that the early genes were located closer to genes that escape X-chromosome silencing.

Additionally, these early genes were richer in sites for the binding of transcription factors required for the transition of cells into iPSCs. Of note, transcription factors are proteins that help turn specific genes on or off by binding to nearby DNA.

Specifically, the researchers found that the reactivation timing was dependent on histone deacetylases, which are enzymes that label DNA to be silenced and work like barriers to gene activation.

Our findings suggest that the explanation for this speed difference is a combination of the location of the gene in 3D space on the X chromosome and the role of proteins (transcription factors), and enzymes (histone deacetylases), in particular, Talon added.

X-chromosome reactivation was accompanied by a decrease in the levels of an RNA molecule, called Xist, which is known to be involved in the silencing of the X-chromosome.

Overall, these findings suggest that reactivation of X-linked genes requires the combined action of different players information that is key for the development of possible future therapies for Rett syndrome.

Its important to remember that were talking about very fundamental research here. Contributing to the development of a cure for Rett syndrome and similar disorders is our long-term goal, but it will take us a while to get there, and there are many hurdles to overcome, Pasque said.

We still need to figure out how to use the mechanism for a single gene, how to do it safely in patients, and how to target the right cells in the brain. We do not yet know how to overcome these formidable challenges but we do know that gaining a fundamental understanding of how things work is the crucial first step, he added.

Thats how science works: its a slow process.

Visit link:
New Rett Therapies May Stem From X-chromosome Reactivation Findings - Rett Syndrome News

Stemming the Tide of Alzheimer’s – UCI News

Keith Swayne has a magic touch when it comes to fundraising.

I guess I could go to anyone and get them to write some kind of check just so I would go away, he says, laughing. However, thats not what I want to accomplish. I want to connect people to causes and needs that they can relate to and then help them find a way to help out.

Swayne is so adroit at soliciting donations, in fact, that a campus project he undertook has left people shaking their heads in amazement: His efforts led to a $20 million windfall for investigators at the UCI Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders.

Keiths passionate commitment to supporting our research has been tireless and nothing short of transformative, says Joshua Grill, director of UCI MIND.

It all started with a $150,000 gift the Laguna Beach philanthropist made to the research facility in honor of his late wife, Judy, whom he lost to Alzheimers disease in 2014. He also issued a challenge to the community at the time that boosted the donation to $300,000.

The UCI MIND team then leveraged that seed money to secure a total of $20 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health.

Our research is blazing new trails into understanding the genetic, molecular and cellular underpinnings of disease and is poised to lead to identification of new treatment targets and candidates, Grill says. Keiths initial challenge-gift enabled an exponential impact in terms of research support.

Weian Zhao lab at Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell center at UCI. Lab personnel: Ling Shun, Meglu Han, Michael Toledano, Aude Segaliny, Jan Zimak, Leanne Hildebrand

His late wife would have liked that, Swayne says. The fact that some good came from this terrible disease Judy would certainly want that, he says. And I wanted that too.

The couple, married 50 years, were best friends and committed partners. Judy Swayne, like her husband, was intent on making a difference in her community. Among other contributions, in 1989, she founded the Orange County Community Foundation, which became a major philanthropic institution in the region. Keith Swayne has carried on her legacy as a member of its board, stepping down in September after a stint as chairman.

In addition, Judy Swayne served on numerous nonprofit boards, acted as a role model and mentor to many throughout the philanthropic community, and was the mother of two: a daughter, Anne Keir, who lives in Hawaii, and a son, Kirk Swayne, of Orange County.

The disease was hard on my kids, Keith Swayne says. Its a tough disease.

It was also hard on Swayne himself, Grill notes: Alzheimers is an insidious disorder that robs patients of their most human characteristics language, decision making and, of course, memory.

Ultimately, it also robs patients of their independence, putting a strain on family members.

Keith was a caregiver to his beloved Judy, a costly and taxing role, Grill says. He watched her progress until she succumbed to this unrelenting disease, helpless to do anything to slow or stop its course. He decided to do what he could to prevent others from suffering her fate.

Frank M. LaFerla, dean of the UCI School of Biological Sciences, also recalls Swaynes struggles.

Alzheimers disease really impacted his family, he says. Judy was a very special woman. He wanted to make sure future generations wouldnt experience the pain his wife did.

At the time, LaFerla was director of UCI MIND and talked with Swayne about ways he could make a difference in the search for a cure. One field of research involved stem cells, which experts believe may offer great promise for new medical treatments.

My lab had started getting involved with stem cells many years ago, and about this time a new technology was created using stem cells from your skin, not embryos, LaFerla says. You could take some of a patients skin cells by biopsy and reprogram them to become pluripotent meaning they have the ability to give rise to many different types of cells found in the body, such as brain cells or more skin cells or kidney cells.

Swayne likes innovation and taking chances, LaFerla says: I told him this opportunity was high-risk but had high potential.

That was when Swayne issued his challenge to the community and set about rounding up donors. He held salons at his hillside home, inviting LaFerla and other UCI staffers to speak to local residents. They explained how pluripotent stem cell technology could be used as a tool in Alzheimers research.

I went to people who knew my wife or to people I knew who also had a vested interest in Alzheimers research because they had the disease in their own families, Swayne says.

He found many community members who were willing to contribute.

The odds are that if you live to be 85, theres a 1-in-2 chance youre going to have Alzheimers. A lot of my friends are in my age bracket, says Swayne, 79. The message was compelling.

One thing he learned was that individuals were familiar with the Alzheimers Association but not UCI MIND.

In some respects, UCI MIND is one of the best-kept secrets in Orange County, Swayne says. Many people didnt know that its one of only 30 NIH-designated Alzheimers research centers in the country.

His fundraising zeal and efforts to involve the Orange County community in the effort eventually paid off. As LaFerla says, It worked better than we could ever have dreamed.

When the time came to renew funding for the stem cell research program from the National Institute on Aging, UCI MIND won a five-year commitment to continue its research. One reason behind the NIAs decision: local philanthropic contributions.

With charitable and federal funding in place, UCI established a bank of induced pluripotent stem cells, now a valuable resource for Alzheimers researchers globally. Today, hundreds of cell samples have been provided to investigators at UCI and 10 other research universities around the world, and UCI MIND scientists and their partners have received more than $20 million in grants.

And all of that stemmed, ultimately, from the initial gift we received from Keith, LaFerla says.

Adds Swayne: We grew $150,000 to $20 million. It blows me away.

Hes not resting on his laurels, though. Swayne continues to connect more donors to UCI MIND so that research can progress.

The UCI MIND team is devoted to this cause, he says. Its reassuring to know youve got people with this talent trying to find answers to this disease.

So Swayne writes letters to business and community leaders urging their backing, chairs a panel that seeks new opportunities for philanthropic gifts, speaks on behalf of the institute at public events, and co-leads a caregiver support group for men whose spouses have Alzheimers.

Keith gives a voice to the nearly 6 million Americans with Alzheimers and the more than 15 million caregivers like him, Grill wrote earlier this year in a letter nominating Swayne for the Outstanding Philanthropist Award, which will be conferred on Nov. 14 by the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Orange County in celebration of National Philanthropy Day. UCI MIND would not be the organization it is without the leadership of Keith Swayne.

Read this article:
Stemming the Tide of Alzheimer's - UCI News

Skin-Derived Heart Cells Help Uncover the Genetic Foundations of Cardiac Function – Technology Networks

Genome-wide association studies have uncovered more than 500 genetic variants linked to heart function, everything from heart rate to irregular rhythms that can lead to stroke, heart failure or other complications. But since most of these variations fall into areas of the genome that dont encode proteins, exactly how they influence heart function has remained unclear.

By examining heart cells derived from the skin samples of seven family members, researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have now discovered that many of these genetic variations influence heart function because they affect the binding of a protein called NKX2-5.

NKX2-5 is a transcription factor, meaning it helps turn on and off genes in this case, genes involved in heart development. To do this, NKX2-5 must bind to non-coding regions of the genome. Thats where genetic variation comes in.

NKX2-5 binds to many different places in the genome near heart genes, so it makes sense that variation in the factor itself or the DNA to which it binds would affect that function, said senior author Kelly A. Frazer, PhD, professor of pediatrics and director of the Institute for Genomic Medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine. As a result, we are finding that multiple heart-related traits can share a common mechanism in this case, differential binding of NKX2-5 due to DNA variants.

The study started with skin samples from seven people from three generations of a single family. The researchers converted the skin cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as an intermediary. Like all stem cells, iPSCs can both self-renew, making more iPSCs, and differentiate into a specialized cell type. With the right cocktail of molecules and growth factors, the researchers directed iPSCs into becoming heart cells.

These heart cells actually beat in the laboratory dish, and still bear the genetic and molecular features of the individuals from which they were derived.

Frazer and team conducted a genome-wide analysis of these patient-derived heart cells. They determined that NKX2-5 can bind approximately 38,000 sites in the genome. Of those, 1,941 genetic variants affected NKX2-5 binding. The researchers investigated the role of those variants in heart gene function and heart-related traits. One of the genetic variants was associated with the SCN5A gene, which encodes the main channel through which sodium is transported in heart cells.

Since related individuals tend to share similar genetic variants, the team was able to validate their findings by analyzing the same variants in multiple samples.

People typically need a large number of samples to detect the effects of common DNA variants, so we were surprised that we were able to identify with high confidence these effects on NKX2-5 binding at so many sites across the genome with just few people, said first author Paola Benaglio, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in Frazers lab.

Yet, she said, this finding may just be the tip of the iceberg.

There are probably a lot more genetic variants in the genome involved with NKX2-5 as well as with other important cardiac transcription factors, Frazer said. We identified almost 2,000 in this study, but thats probably only a fraction of what really exists because we were only looking at seven people in a single family and only at one transcription factor. There are probably many more variants in gene regulation sites across the entire population.

Not only does the team plan to further investigate cardiovascular genetics, but they also have their sights set on other organ systems.

We are now expanding this same model system to look at many different transcription factors, across different tissue types, such as pancreas and retina epithelia, and scaling it up to include more families, Benaglio said.

Reference

Benalgio, P. et al. (2019)Allele-specific NKX2-5 binding underlies multiple genetic associations with human electrocardiographic traits. Nature Genetics. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-019-0499-3

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.

Read more from the original source:
Skin-Derived Heart Cells Help Uncover the Genetic Foundations of Cardiac Function - Technology Networks

IGIB finds a protein with better precision in gene-editing – The Hindu

Researchers at the Delhi-based Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB) have discovered a protein variant from a different species of bacteria that can edit the DNA with very high precision. In the tool now commonly used for editing disease-causing mutations in DNA (CRISPR-Cas9), the Cas9 protein behaves like a molecular scissors that cuts the DNA at a specific location and inserts a foreign piece of DNA to correct the mutation that causes the disease.

In addition to binding to the intended target on the DNA, the commonly used Cas9 protein from Strepotococcus pyogenes bacteria (SpCas9) and its engineered derivative tend to potentially bind to DNA at multiple unintended sites thereby leading to unnecessary alterations in the DNA.

The researchers found their new Cas9 protein, which binds and cuts the DNA, was able to correct sickle cell anaemia mutation in patient-derived stem cells. The protein (FnCas9) used by the researchers to edit the DNA is derived from a bacterium Francisella novicida.

The Cas9 protein is supposed to bind to the DNA only when there is a perfect match between the DNA and the protein, thus reducing the chances of the protein binding at non-target sites on the DNA. But even when three mismatches exist between the protein and the DNA, the currently used SpCas9 protein binds and cleaves the DNA. In contrast, the team led by Debojyoti Chakraborty from IGIB found the new FnCas9 protein showed negligible binding when there exists more than one mismatch in the target DNA. The results were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

The high specificity of the new FnCas9 protein arises due to reduced affinity to bind to DNA when there is even a single mismatch. And when there is more than one mismatch, complete absence of binding of the protein to the DNA is seen in many cases, says Dr. Chakraborty.

If the Cas9 protein remains bound to DNA at mismatched locations for a long time, there is a possibility that it might cut the DNA at these locations. Also, if it remains bound to DNA, the protein might block the transcription (which is the first step in gene expression) at that location. And if Cas9 is bound at multiple unintended sites then the transcription machinery gets stalled and the expression of genes at these locations might be altered, Dr. Chakraborty explains.

In nature, DNA often gets damaged and is routinely repaired through one of the two pathways. In the case of the homology-directed repair (HDR) pathway, which is relatively less error-prone, matching sequences are used to repair the DNA. The FnCas9 protein was found to increase the HDR repair rate fourfold compared to the widely used SpCas9, says Deepanjan Paul from CSIR-IGIB and one of the first authors of the paper.

The researchers tested the precision of binding and cleavage at the desired sites on the DNA using mouse cell lines (embryonic stem cells and brain cells), human kidney cell lines and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSc). In the case of human iPS cells, the FnCas9 protein was found to bind to the DNA at the specific site, cut and repair the sickle cell anaemia mutation.

The correction process is the same for any disease-causing mutation and so our FnCas9 protein should theoretically correct any mutation in the DNA. The efficiency might vary, so we must test it for each disorder, says Dr. Chakraborty.

The efficiency of any Cas9 protein delivery as well the ability to correct mutations is generally low in the case of iPS cells. The efficiency of correction is about 1.6%. Though the efficiency to correct mutations is low in iPS cells, the corrected cells can be isolated, multiplied and converted (differentiated) into haematopoietic stem cells. Once differentiated into haematopoietic stem cells, they can be transfused into patients.

Differentiating iPS cells into haematopoietic stem cells is not trivial. Plenty of experimental work is under way to make it efficient for clinical translation, says Dr. Chakraborty.

Recalling how he started working on FnCas9 protein for genome editing, Dr. Chakraborty recalls that he was looking for a Cas9 protein which can target RNA instead of DNA. There was one study that reported that FnCas9 could potentially target viral RNA. We were not able to target RNA using FnCas9 proteins. So we started to investigate whether it can target DNA as well since it was not known if FnCas9 can be used for precise gene correction. We found that not only does it target the DNA but does so with very high specificity, he says.

We are now proceeding for preclinical studies to establish the efficacy of FnCas9 protein for genome-wide binding and targeting using patient-derived cells and mouse models, he says.

You have reached your limit for free articles this month.

Register to The Hindu for free and get unlimited access for 30 days.

Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.

Enjoy reading our articles without intrusion from advertisements.

A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.

Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.

A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.

We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.

*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.

More here:
IGIB finds a protein with better precision in gene-editing - The Hindu

Novel Cell Sorting and Separation Market: Focus on Acoustophoresis, Buoyancy-activated, Dielectrophoresis, Magnetophoretics, Microfluidics,…

NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

INTRODUCTIONAdvances in the fields of cell biology and regenerative medicine have led to the development of various cell-based therapies, which, developers claim, possess the potential to treat a variety of clinical conditions. In 2018, it was reported that there were more than 1,000 clinical trials of such therapies, being conducted across the globe by over 900 industry players. Moreover, the total investment in the aforementioned clinical research efforts was estimated to be around USD 13 billion. Given the recent breakthroughs in clinical testing and the discovery of a variety of diagnostic biomarkers, the isolation of one or multiple cell types from a heterogenous population has not only become simpler, but also an integral part of modern clinical R&D. The applications of cell separation technologies are vast, starting from basic research to biological therapy development and manufacturing. However, conventional cell sorting techniques, including adherence-based sorting, membrane filtration-based sorting, and fluorescence- and magnetic-based sorting, are limited by exorbitant operational costs, time-consuming procedures, and the need for complex biochemical labels. As a result, the use of such techniques has, so far, been restricted in the more niche and emerging application areas.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05817189/?utm_source=PRN

Over the years, extensive research in the field of flow cytometry has enabled the development of a variety of novel technologies that are capable of efficiently isolating cells from tissue samples and / or heterogenous cell populations. In fact, since 2014, over 3,000 patents were reported to have been filed / granted related to such advanced techniques, indicating the rapid pace of innovation in this domain. Developers of the aforementioned technologies claim that these new techniques offer numerous benefits, including fast and precise cell sorting, reduced sample requirement, improved portability, reduced risk to cell viability, and negligible need for expensive biochemical / magnetic labels. Moreover, they have been shown to be compatible for use across a myriad of applications, including research studies (bacteriology, immunology, stem cell research, and viral titering and infectivity), biomedical diagnostics (circulating tumor cell detection, in vitro fertilization, and non-invasive prenatal diagnosis), biological therapy-related process operations (bio-banking, drug discovery, sample preparation, single cell sequencing, and tumor cell characterization), and cell-based therapeutics (B- or T-cell immunotherapies). Consequently, these techniques have captured the interest of several stakeholders in the biopharmaceutical industry. It is also worth highlighting that stakeholders in this domain have received significant support from both private and public investors.

SCOPE OF THE REPORTThe 'Novel Cell Sorting and Separation Market: Focus on Acoustophoresis, Buoyancy-activated, Dielectrophoresis, Magnetophoretics, Microfluidics, Optoelectronics, Photoacoustics, Traceless Affinity and Other Technologies, 2019-2030' report features an extensive study of the current landscape and future outlook of the growing market for novel cell sorting and separation technologies (beyond conventional methods). The study presents detailed analyses of cell sorters, cell isolation kits, and affiliated consumables and reagents, that are based on the aforementioned technologies.

Amongst other elements, the report features: A detailed assessment of the current market landscape, featuring a comprehensive list of over 220 innovative cell sorters, cell isolation kits, and affiliated consumables and reagents, along with information on their respective specifications (such as size, weight, cell flow rate, cell sort rate, cell analysis rate, cell purity and viability, process time, and operating temperature and pressure), cell sorting technology (acoustophoresis, buoyancy-activated, dielectrophoresis, magnetophoretics, microfluidics, optoelectronics, photoacoustics, traceless affinity, and others), type of cell (animal cells, cancer cells, immune cells, microbial cells, red blood cells / platelets, stem cells, and others), cell separation approach (positive selection, negative selection and depletion), basis for separation (cell morphology and physiology, cell size and density, surface biomarkers, surface charge and adhesion, and others), and end use / application (research studies, biomedical diagnostics, biological therapy-related process operations, and cell-based therapeutics). An insightful company competitiveness analysis, taking into consideration the supplier power (based on size of employee base and experience in this segment of the industry) and portfolio-related parameters, such as number of products offered, number of target cells, end use(s) / application(s), and key product specification(s). Comprehensive profiles of key industry players (shortlisted on the basis of company competitiveness analysis scores) that are currently offering novel cell sorters / consumables and cell isolation kits, featuring an overview of the company, its financial information (if available), and a detailed description of its proprietary product(s). Each profile also includes a list of recent developments, highlighting the key achievements, partnership activity, and the likely strategies that may be adopted by these players to fuel growth in the foreseen future. An in-depth analysis of the patents that have been filed / granted related to novel cell sorting and separation technologies, since 2014. It highlights the key trends associated with these patents, across patent type, regional applicability, CPC classification, emerging focus areas, leading industry players (in terms of number of patents filed / granted), and current intellectual property-related benchmarks and valuation. A detailed publication analysis of more than 200 peer-reviewed, scientific articles that have been published since 2014, highlighting the research focus within the industry. It also highlights the key trends observed across the publications, including information on innovative technologies, potential application areas, target disease indications, type of cell, and analysis based on various relevant parameters, such as year of publication, and most popular journals (in terms of number of articles published in the given time period) within this domain. An analysis of the partnerships that have been established in the domain, in the period 2014-Q1 2019, covering R&D collaborations, licensing agreements, distribution agreements, mergers / acquisitions, asset purchase agreements, product development agreements, product utilization agreements, and other relevant deals. An analysis of the investments made at various stages of development, such as seed financing, venture capital financing, debt financing, grants / awards, capital raised from IPOs and subsequent offerings, by companies that are engaged in this field. An analysis to estimate the likely demand for novel cell sorting products and solutions across key application areas, including research studies, clinical diagnostics, cell-based therapeutics, and other applications, in different global regions for the period 2019-2030.

One of the key objectives of the report was to understand the primary growth drivers and estimate the future size of the novel cell sorting and separation market. Based on multiple parameters, such as potential application areas, likely adoption rate and expected pricing, we have provided an informed estimate on the likely evolution of the market, over the period 2019-2030. In addition, we have provided the likely distribution of the current and forecasted opportunity across [A] potential application areas (research studies, clinical diagnostics, cell-based therapeutics, and other applications), [B] end users (academic institutes, clinical testing labs, hospitals, and commercial organizations), [C] type of offering (cell sorters, and consumables and isolation kits), [D] cell sorting technology (buoyancy-activated, magnetophoretics, microfluidics, optoelectronics, and other advanced technologies), [E] type of cell (adult stem cells, CAR-T cells, circulating fetal cells, circulating tumor cells, dendritic cells, embryonic stem cells, insect cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, microbial cells, sperm cells, TCR cells, TILs, and tumor cells / cancer cells), [F] size of cell (< 5 m, 5-10 m, 10-15 m, 15-25 m, and > 25 m), and [G] key geographical regions (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific). In order to account for the uncertainties associated with some of the key parameters and to add robustness to our model, we have provided three market forecast scenarios portraying the conservative, base and optimistic tracks of the industry's evolution.

The opinions and insights presented in this study were also influenced by discussions conducted with multiple stakeholders in this domain. The report features detailed transcripts of interviews held with the following individuals (in alphabetical order of organization names): John Younger (Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Akadeum Life Sciences) Sean Hart (Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer, LumaCyte) Soohee Cho (Product Manager, Namocell)

All actual figures have been sourced and analyzed from publicly available information forums and primary research discussions. Financial figures mentioned in this report are in USD, unless otherwise specified.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGYThe data presented in this report has been gathered via secondary and primary research. For all our projects, we conduct interviews with experts in the area (academia, industry and other associations) to solicit their opinions on emerging trends in the market. This is primarily useful for us to draw out our own opinion on how the market will evolve across different regions and technology segments. Where possible, the available data has been checked for accuracy from multiple sources of information.

The secondary sources of information include Annual reports Investor presentations SEC filings Industry databases News releases from company websites Government policy documents Industry analysts' views

While the focus has been on forecasting the market till 2030, the report also provides our independent view on various non-commercial trends emerging in the industry. This opinion is solely based on our knowledge, research and understanding of the relevant market gathered from various secondary and primary sources of information.

CHAPTER OUTLINESChapter 2 is an executive summary of the insights captured in our research. It offers a high-level view on the likely evolution of novel cell sorting and separation market in the mid-long term.

Chapter 3 is an introductory chapter that presents a general overview of cell sorting and separation, including a brief history of development, and information on the basic components and principle of operation of a cell sorter. Further, it features a detailed discussion on conventional cell separation techniques and the various challenges associated with their use across different application areas. The chapter also includes detailed sections on the novel cell sorting and separation technologies (such as acoustophoresis, buoyancy-activated, dielectrophoresis, magnetophoretics, microfluidics, optoelectronics, photoacoustics, traceless affinity, and others), highlighting their advantages and challenges. Further, it features a discussion on the key growth drivers and roadblocks related to modern cell sorting technologies, as well as upcoming trends that the field is expected to witness in the coming years.

Chapter 4 includes information on more than 220 innovative cell sorters, cell isolation kits, and affiliated consumables and reagents, along with details on their respective specifications (such as size, weight, cell flow rate, cell sort rate, cell analysis rate, cell purity and viability, process time, and operating temperature and pressure), cell sorting technology (acoustophoresis, buoyancy-activated, dielectrophoresis, magnetophoretics, microfluidics, optoelectronics, photoacoustics, traceless affinity, and others), type of cell (animal cells, cancer cells, microbial cells, red blood cells / platelets, stem cells, and others), cell separation approach (positive selection, negative selection and depletion), basis for separation (cell morphology and physiology, cell size and density, surface biomarkers, surface charge and adhesion, and others), and end use / application (research studies, biomedical diagnostics, biological therapy-related process operations, and cell-based therapeutics). The chapter also highlights the contributions of various companies engaged in this domain, presenting detailed analyses, based on their year of establishment, size of employee base, geographical presence, and type of offering.

Chapter 5 features an insightful competitiveness analysis of the companies engaged in novel cell sorting and separation domain, based on various parameters, such as number of products offered, number of target cells, end use(s) / application(s), and key product specification(s). In the chapter, stakeholder entities have been plotted on a 2X2 matrix, featuring a company's Supplier Power (based on size of employee base and experience in this segment of the industry) and Company Competitiveness as the two axes.

Chapter 6 includes elaborate profiles of key industry players (shortlisted on the basis of company competitiveness analysis scores) that are offering novel cell sorters / sorting technologies; each profile features an overview of the company, its financial information (if available), and a detailed description of its proprietary product(s). Each profile also includes a list of recent developments, highlighting the key achievements, partnership activity, and the likely strategies that may be adopted by these players to fuel growth, in the foreseen future.

Chapter 7 includes detailed profiles of key industry players (shortlisted on the basis of company competitiveness analysis scores) that are offering novel consumables and cell isolation kits; each profile features an overview of the company, its financial information (if available), and a detailed description of its proprietary product(s). Each profile also includes a list of recent developments, highlighting the key achievements, partnership activity, and the likely strategies that may be adopted by these players to fuel growth, in the foreseen future.

Chapter 8 provides an in-depth patent analysis to provide an overview of how the industry is evolving from the R&D perspective. For this analysis, we considered those patents that have been filed / granted related to novel cell sorting and separation technologies, since 2014. The analysis also highlights the key trends associated with these patents, across patent type, regional applicability, CPC classification, emerging focus areas, leading industry players (in terms of number of patents filed / granted), and current intellectual property-related benchmarks and valuation.

Chapter 9 presents a detailed publication analysis of more than 200 peer-reviewed, scientific articles that have been published since 2014, highlighting the research focus within the industry. It also highlights the key trends observed across the publications, including information on innovative technologies, potential application areas, target disease indications, type of cell, and analyses based on various relevant parameters, such as year of publication, and most popular journals (in terms of number of articles published in the given time period) within this domain.

Chapter 10 features an elaborate analysis and discussion of partnerships / collaborations that have been established in this domain in the period 2014-Q1 2019. It includes a brief description of various types of partnership models (such as R&D collaborations, licensing agreements, distribution agreements, mergers / acquisitions, asset purchase agreements, product development agreements, product utilization agreements, and others) that have been employed by stakeholders within this domain. It also consists of a schematic representation showcasing the players that have established the maximum number of alliances related to novel cell sorting and separation technologies. Furthermore, we have provided a world map representation of all the deals inked in this field, highlighting those that have been established within and across different continents.

Chapter 11 provides information on funding instances and investments that have been made within the novel cell sorting and separation domain. The chapter includes details on various types of investments (such as seed financing, venture capital financing, debt financing, grants, capital raised from IPOs and subsequent offerings) received by companies in the period 2014-Q1 2019, highlighting the growing interest of the venture capital community and other strategic investors in this domain.

Chapter 12 provides an overview of the demand for novel cell sorting products and solutions across key application areas, including research studies, clinical diagnostics, cell-based therapeutics, and other applications, in the contemporary market. In order to estimate the aforementioned demand, we considered the number of ongoing / completed research studies, diagnostic tests and cell-based therapies under development across different geographies. We also estimated the likely adoption of such products and solutions across key application areas, over the period 2019-2030.

Chapter 13 features a comprehensive market forecast, highlighting the future potential of novel cell sorting and separation market till 2030, based on multiple parameters, such as potential application areas, likely adoption rate and expected pricing. In addition, we estimated the likely distribution of the current and forecasted opportunity across [A] potential application areas (research studies, clinical diagnostics, cell-based therapeutics, and other applications), [B] end users (academic institutes, clinical testing labs, hospitals, and commercial organizations), [C] type of offering (cell sorters, and consumables and isolation kits), [D] cell sorting technology (buoyancy-activated, magnetophoretics, microfluidics, optoelectronics, and other advanced technologies), [E] type of cell (adult stem cells, CAR-T cells, circulating fetal cells, circulating tumor cells, dendritic cells, embryonic stem cells, insect cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, microbial cells, sperm cells, TCR cells, TILs, and tumor cells / cancer cells), [F] size of cell (< 5 m, 5-10 m, 10-15 m, 15-25 m, and > 25 m), and [G] key geographical regions (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific). We adopted a combination of top-down and bottom up approaches, backed by robust data and credible inputs from primary research, to estimate the likely size of the market, both in terms of value (USD billion) and volume (number of products).

Chapter 14 is a collection of executive insights of the discussions that were held with various key stakeholders in this market. The chapter provides a brief overview of the companies and details of interviews held with John Younger (Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Akadeum Life Sciences), Sean Hart (Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer, LumaCyte), and Soohee Cho (Product Manager, Namocell).

Chapter 15 is a summary of the overall report. In this chapter, we have provided a list of key takeaways from the report, and expressed our independent opinion related to the research and analysis described in the previous chapters.

Chapter 16 is an appendix, which provides tabulated data and numbers for all the figures provided in the report.

Chapter 17 is an appendix, which contains the list of companies and organizations mentioned in the report.

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05817189/?utm_source=PRN

About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.

__________________________ Contact Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

http://www.reportlinker.com

Read this article:
Novel Cell Sorting and Separation Market: Focus on Acoustophoresis, Buoyancy-activated, Dielectrophoresis, Magnetophoretics, Microfluidics,...

Fabry Heart Cells Grown in Lab Dish Give Hints to Cardiac Complications – Fabry Disease News

Heart cells derived from patients stem cells and grown in a lab dish can reveal important clues about the development of heart ailments associated with Fabry disease.

The study, A Human Stem Cell Model of Fabry Disease Implicates LIMP-2 Accumulation in Cardiomyocyte Pathology, was published in Stem Cell Reports.

Fabry is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the GLA gene. Located on the X chromosome, the gene provides instructions for the production of an enzyme called alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-GAL A).

These mutations typically affect the activity of alpha-GAL A, leading to the accumulation of a type of fat called globotriaosylceramide (GL-3) in different tissues and organs, including the heart, kidneys and nervous system, gradually compromising their normal function.

For this reason, most Fabry patients develop heart disease over the course of their lives, which may progress to heart failure, the most common cause of death among people living with the disorder.

A major obstacle for advancing therapy for patients with [Fabry disease] is the knowledge gap between the direct molecular consequences of alpha-GAL A deficiency in CMs [cardiomyocytes, or heart cells] and the cascade of events driving disease in the heart; the inaccessibility of CMs from patients precludes adequate investigation of these events, especially at early stages, the investigators wrote.

In a previous study, researchers describe the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from Fabry patients carrying nonsense mutations in the GLA gene. This gave them the possibility, for the first time, to study the impact of alpha-GAL A deficiency on heart cells derived from patients iPSCs grown in a lab dish.

(iPSCs are fully matured cells that are reprogrammed back to a stem cell state, where they are able to grow into any type of cell. A nonsense mutation is a mutation in which the alteration of a single nucleotide (the building blocks of DNA) makes proteins shorter.)

Investigators from Sanofi, in collaboration with researchers at the University of Manchester, further investigated the properties of heart cells derived from patients iPSCs. Their aim was to discover more clues about the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of heart disease linked to Fabry.

Functional and structural characterization experiments revealed that heart cells from Fabry patients had higher levels of GL-3, and showed a series of abnormalities in the way they responded to electrical stimuli and in how they regulated their calcium usage, compared to heart cells from healthy people serving as controls. Calcium is essential to coordinate the hearts function by contributing to the electrical signals involved in heart muscle contraction.

When researchers analyzed the protein contents of heart cells grown in a lab dish, they found these cells produced more than 5,500 different proteins. This analysis also showed that compared to controls, heart cells from Fabry patients produced large amounts of lysosomal membrane protein 2 (LIMP-2) and heat shock-related 70 kDa protein 2 (HSPA2/HSP70-2).

(LIMP-2 is a protein normally found on the membrane of lysosomes small structures within cells that accumulate, digest, and recycle materials that regulates their transport within cells; HSPA2/HSP70-2 is a protein involved in cellular quality control, participating in the folding of other proteins and targeting abnormal proteins for degradation.)

Heart cells from Fabry patients released high amounts of cathepsin F, a protein that helps breakdown materials being transported inside lysosomes, as well as HSPA2/HSP70-2. As expected, when researchers corrected the genetic mutation associated with Fabry in heart cells derived from patients iPSCs, all these defects were reversed.

To confirm the validity of these proteins as Fabry biomarkers, researchers then forced healthy heart cells to produce high amounts of LIMP-2. They discovered this also triggered the release of large amounts of cathepsin F and HSPA2/HSP70-2, resulting in a massive accumulation of vacuoles (enclosed compartments filled with water and other substances) inside cells.

In summary, our study has shown the power of the iPSC model to reveal early functional changes and the development of a distinctive biomarker expression profile in [Fabry disease] CMs. These biomarkers may be of utility in drug screening and in elucidating the earliest pathological events and cascades in [Fabry disease] cells. Quantification in patient plasma and urine samples will be an important next step toward validating their relevance in patients, the researchers wrote.

A better understanding of these mechanisms will no doubt accelerate the development of more effective and increasingly personalized therapies for patients, they added.

Joana is currently completing her PhD in Biomedicine and Clinical Research at Universidade de Lisboa. She also holds a BSc in Biology and an MSc in Evolutionary and Developmental Biology from Universidade de Lisboa. Her work has been focused on the impact of non-canonical Wnt signaling in the collective behavior of endothelial cells cells that make up the lining of blood vessels found in the umbilical cord of newborns.

Read more:
Fabry Heart Cells Grown in Lab Dish Give Hints to Cardiac Complications - Fabry Disease News

Global Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) Market 2019 Analysis & Forecast Report 2024 – Analytics News

According to this study, over the next five years the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) market will register a 12.7% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach US$ 13910 million by 2024, from US$ 11320 million in 2019. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) business, shared in Chapter 3.

This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) market by product type, application, key manufacturers and key regions and countries.

Research report is delivering the complete study of different factors for market growth and various factors are showing the significant responsibility in the growth of market during the forecast period. Hence, report is competently delivering the comprehensive study about the revenue considering share, production and price. Thus offering the outline of different segmentations about region, taking into the consideration the production details and revenue impacting the growth.

Request a sample report here: https://www.orbisresearch.com/contacts/request-sample/3685986

This study considers the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) value and volume generated from the sales of the following segments:

Segmentation by product type: breakdown data from 2014 to 2019, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2024

Human iPSCsMouse iPSCs

Human iPSCs had a market share of 89% in 2018, followed by Mouse iPSCs.

Segmentation by application: breakdown data from 2014 to 2019, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2024

Academic ResearchDrug Development and DiscoveryToxicity ScreeningRegenerative Medicine

Academic Research is the largest segment of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) application,with a share of 32% in 2018.

This report also splits the market by region: Breakdown data in Chapter 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

AmericasUnited StatesCanadaMexicoBrazilAPACChinaJapanKoreaSoutheast AsiaIndiaAustraliaEuropeGermanyFranceUKItalyRussiaSpainMiddle East & AfricaEgyptSouth AfricaIsraelTurkeyGCC Countries

Enquire here: https://www.orbisresearch.com/contacts/enquiry-before-buying/3685986

The report also presents the market competition landscape and a corresponding detailed analysis of the major vendor/manufacturers in the market. The key manufacturers covered in this report: Breakdown data in in Chapter 3.

Fujifilm Holding Corporation (CDI)NcardiaAstellas Pharma IncFate Therapeutics, IncSumitomo Dainippon PharmaReproCELLPluricell BiotechCell Inspire Biotechnology

In addition, this report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, the challenges and the risks faced by key manufacturers and the market as a whole. It also analyzes key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development.

Research objectives

To study and analyze the global Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) consumption (value & volume) by key regions/countries, product type and application, history data from 2014 to 2018, and forecast to 2024.

To understand the structure of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) market by identifying its various subsegments.

Focuses on the key global Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the sales volume, value, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis and development plans in next few years.

To analyze the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) with respect to individual growth trends, future prospects, and their contribution to the total market.

To share detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (growth potential, opportunities, drivers, industry-specific challenges and risks).

To project the consumption of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) submarkets, with respect to key regions (along with their respective key countries).

To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.

To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.

Table of Contents

1 Scope of the Report1.1 Market Introduction1.2 Research Objectives1.3 Years Considered1.4 Market Research Methodology1.5 Economic Indicators1.6 Currency ConsideredContinued

Access full report at: https://www.orbisresearch.com/reports/index/global-induced-pluripotent-stem-cells-ipscs-market-growth-status-and-outlook-2019-2024

About Us:

Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.

Contact Us:Hector CostelloSenior Manager Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: USA: +1 (972)-362-8199 | IND: +91 895 659 5155Email ID: [emailprotected]

Follow this link:
Global Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) Market 2019 Analysis & Forecast Report 2024 - Analytics News

Blood Pressure and Prostate Treatment May Prevent or Slow Parkinson’s, Early Study Suggests – Parkinson’s News Today

People taking Hytrin (terazosin)or similar medications to treat high blood pressure and benign prostatic hyperplasiamay be less likely to develop Parkinsons disease, an early study suggests.

Parkinsons patients who use these medications may also see their disease progress more slowly and with fewer complications, its researchers report.

The study, Enhancing glycolysis attenuates Parkinsons disease progression in models and clinical databases, was published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Hytrin is indicated for the treatment of non-cancerous prostate enlargement and high blood pressure (hypertension). The medication, available as a generic (terazosin), acts on the alpha-1 adrenergic receptor to block adrenalines action, relaxing smooth muscle in both the blood vessels and the prostate, allowing blood and urine, respectively, to flow more easily.

Experts agree that energy metabolism plays a central role in the molecular mechanism of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinsons. In fact, problems in energy metabolism and low levels of cellular energy are common features of this disorder.

Hytrin has been shown to enhance the activity of a protein called phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1), which is involved in a critical energy-producing process known as glycolysis, where the simple sugar glucose is broken down by cells to produce energy. Boosting PGK1 activity increases the number of energy molecules, also known as ATP, within a cell.

Because low levels of ATP have been observed in Parkinsons, increasing the breakdown of glucose and hence cellular energy, in theory, may slow down or prevent the neurodegenerative processes underlying this disease.

Researchers at Capital Medical University in Beijing, decided to test this hypothesis and investigate whether increasing PGK1 activity levels would change the course of Parkinsons disease.

Hytrin was found to increase brain ATP levels and slow or prevent nerve cell loss in several models of Parkinsons (MPTP, rotenone and 6-OHDA-induced or genetic models): mice, rats, flies, and induced pluripotent stem cells. MPTP, rotenone and 6-OHDA are all neurotoxins that induce death of dopamine-producing neurons and mimic Parkinsons symptoms.

Treatment with this medication increased brain dopamine levels the chemical messenger that is present in low levels in the brains of Parkinsons patients and partially restored motor function in both mice and flies.

Importantly, boosting PGK1 activity was beneficial even when treatment was initiated after the onset of neurodegeneration, suggesting the modulation of this proteins function could help to slow Parkinsons progression.

Because Hytrin is prescribed for other diseases, scientists also studied two human databases the Parkinsons Progression Markers Initiative and the IBM Watson/Truven database looking for a possible Hytrin effect in relation to Parkinsons disease.

These two data sets included a total of 4,072 individuals on Hytrin, doxazosin, or alfuzosin. The latter two medications produce effects similar to those of Hytrin.

A retrospective analysis on both databases revealed that use of Hytrin and related agents slowed Parkinsons disease progression, reduced the number of neurodegeneration-related complications, and lessened the risk of a Parkinsons diagnosis, compared to people not using these medications.

These findings identify a protein and a pathway that might be targeted to slow or prevent neurodegeneration in PD [Parkinsons disease] and potentially other neurodegenerative diseases with altered energy balance, the researchers concluded.

Terazosin, available only by prescription, can cause dizziness and fainting because it lowers blood pressure.

With over three years of experience in the medical communications business, Catarina holds a BSc. in Biomedical Sciences and a MSc. in Neurosciences. Apart from writing, she has been involved in patient-oriented translational and clinical research.

View post:
Blood Pressure and Prostate Treatment May Prevent or Slow Parkinson's, Early Study Suggests - Parkinson's News Today

Gene regulators work together for oversized impact on schizophrenia risk – National Institutes of Health

News Release

Monday, September 23, 2019

Modeled gene expression changes match those found in patients brains.

Researchers have discovered that gene expression regulators work together to raise an individuals risk of developing schizophrenia. Schizophrenia-like gene expression changes modeled in human neurons matched changes found in patients brains. The researchers, led by Kristen Brennand, of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, report on their findings in Nature Genetics. The work was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), part of the National Institutes of Health.

Genome-wide association studies have revealed at least 143 chromosomal sites associated with risk for schizophrenia. However, individually, each of these sites can explain only a small fraction of the risk. Even when the effects of disease-linked rare genetic variants are factored in, most of schizophrenias known high inheritance remains unexplained. One possible clue: more than 40% of the suspect chromosomal sites contain regulators, called expression quantitative trait loci, or eQTLs, that govern the expression of multiple genes.

Individually, these gene regulators have a modest effect on the brain. Working in concert, they exert different and more significant effects on the brain effects that boost schizophrenia risk, explained David Panchision, chief of the Developmental Neurobiology Program at NIMH. Learning more about the downstream cellular and molecular effects of such synergy holds hope for advances in precision psychiatry and more personalized medicine.

To explore the role of these regulators, Brennand and colleagues studied them in induced neurons using a molecular modeling technology. This induced pluripotent stem cell method makes it possible to grow a persons unique neurons in a petri dish using stem cells derived from their skin cells. The researchers used the model to take a closer look at the downstream molecular consequences of gene expression changes known to occur in schizophrenia, and compared them with changes seen in postmortem brains and similarly modeled neurons of people with the illness.

The researchers experimentally mimicked the interaction of multiple risk genes thought to contribute to schizophrenia. They used the gene editing tool CRISPR to simultaneously increase or decrease expression of four schizophrenia-implicated genes known to harbor eQTLs. The genes were selected because they were deemed most likely to confer disease risk by regulating gene expression. To trigger changes in the direction predicted to heighten risk for schizophrenia, expression was increased for three of the genes and decreased for one.

Manipulating expression of the four genes altered expression of 1,261 other genes 665 increased and 596 decreased. This was many more than would be expected if the genes had been merely acting individually, suggesting an underlying mechanism that is synergistic rather than additive.

This unexpected synergy between gene variants demonstrated how even subtle genetic variations can impact neuronal function, said Brennand. These interactions emphasize the importance of considering the complex nature of schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders, where a combination of gene variants contributes to disease.

Many of the genes affected downstream contained variants that had been linked to autism spectrum disorder or bipolar disorder, in addition to schizophrenia consistent with other research suggesting genetic overlap across mental disorders.

The experimentally induced gene expression changes mirrored those seen in postmortem brains of people with the three mental illnesses. The same changes were also seen in induced pluripotent stem cell neurons from people with childhood-onset schizophrenia, a rare form of the illness thought to be more genetic in origin.

Notably, all of these gene changes resulted in loss-of-brain-function effects when screened one-at-a-time in a zebrafish model, said Brennand. We have added several of them to a list of genes worthy of further study for possible involvement in schizophrenia. There is an overwhelming need for future studies to similarly model such multi-gene interactions in complex cells and circuits.

GRANTS: MH101454,MH106056,MH109897

About the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH):The mission of theNIMHis to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery and cure. For more information, visit theNIMH website.

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH):NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit http://www.nih.gov.

NIHTurning Discovery Into Health

Schrode N, Ho S-M, Yamamuro K, Dobbyn A, Huckins L, Matos MR. Cheng E, Deans PJM, Flaherty E, Barretto N, Topol A, Alganem K, Abadali S, Gregory J, Hoelzli E, Phatnani H, Singh V, Girish D, Aronow B, Mccullumsmith R, Hoffman GE, Stahl EA, Morishita H, Sklar P, Brennand KJ. Synergistic effects of common schizophrenia risk variants. Nature Genetics, September 23, 2019.DOI: 10.1038/s41588-019-0497-5

###

View original post here:
Gene regulators work together for oversized impact on schizophrenia risk - National Institutes of Health