Harvard Stem Cell researchers create cells that line blood vessels

Public release date: 22-Aug-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: B. D. Colen bd_colen@harvard.edu 617-413-1224 Harvard University

In a scientific first, Harvard Stem Cell Institute scientists have successfully grown the cells that line the blood vesselscalled vascular endothelial cellsfrom human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), revealing new details about how these cells function. Using a unique approach, the researchers induced the differentiation of specific cell types by generating mechanical forces on the surface of the iPSC-derived endothelium mimicking the flow of blood. For example, cells that felt a stronger "flow" became artery cells, while those that felt a weaker "flow" became vein cells.

"It was especially exciting to us to discover that these cells are basically responding to biomechanical cues," research leader Guillermo Garca-Cardena, PhD, an HSCI Affiliated Faculty member, said. "By exposing cells to 'atheroprone flow,' we can direct differentiation of these cells into cells that are present in areas of the circulatory system that we know are affected by diseases like atherosclerosis." Garca-Cardena is now working on modeling the formation of arterial plaques using human iPSC-derived vascular endothelial cells and identifying potential drugs that might prevent plaque formation.

Garca-Cardena's team, which included Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences graduate student William Adams, found that the iPS-derived human endothelial cells display three critical functions carried out by mature endothelium in the body: mounting inflammatory responses, keeping blood from leaking out of the blood vessel, and preventing blood clots.

Based on this information, Garca-Cardena's work, published this month in the journal Stem Cell Reports, has another exciting implicationit could potentially reduce, or even eliminate the need for heparin use during kidney dialysis and lung failure treatmentmaking both markedly safer.

Traditionally, patients undergoing dialysis are treated with heparin, a powerful drug, which prevents the blood from clotting as it's routed through the dialysis machine. While heparin is quite effective in preventing clotting, because it considerably thins the blood, it can also cause loss of blood, internal bleeding, and interfere with the healing process.

"The iPSC-derived endothelial cells cells beautifully function as an anticoagulant surface," said Garca-Cardena, an Associate Professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital. "In the future, we may take a tissue sample from a patient, generate iPSCs, and then cover an extracorporeal device with the patient's own endothelial cellsso the patient can go home with the device without the need for regular heparin shots."

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The National Institutes of Health funded this research.

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Harvard Stem Cell researchers create cells that line blood vessels

Probe stem cell practice — Koko

Press Release August 19, 2013

PROBE STEM CELL PRACTICE -- KOKO

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, PDP Laban President, has filed a resolution seeking an inquiry into the conduct of stem cell procedures in the Philippines, with the view of having the practice regulated to ensure the protection of the health and welfare of our people.

Pimentel filed the resolution amidst growing concerns over the reported proliferation of stem cell procedures being conducted in the country.

Worse, Pimentel noted, stem cell procedures are reported to be performed by unaccredited foreign doctors in five-star hotels.

Pimentel warned these uncontrolled practices are not only posing serious safety issues to unknowing clients, but also claiming the lives of our people.

He emphasized, it is the duty of Congress to protect and uphold the right to health, and especially the right to life of our people.

He cited the state policy, as declared in Article 2, Section 15 of the Constitution, to protect and promote the right to health of the people.

Stem Cell Therapy (the "Procedure") is a type of intervention strategy that introduces adult stem cells into damaged tissues to be able to treat a disease or injury.

The Procedure has been proven beneficial in some medical conditions such as cancers of the blood and bone marrow, but is considered highly experimental in the treatment of other diseases, Pimentel noted in his resolution.

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Probe stem cell practice -- Koko

Fetal stem cell transplantation favorably impacts radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction

Public release date: 22-Aug-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Bob Miranda cogcomm@aol.com Cell Transplantation Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair

Putnam Valley, NY. (Aug. 22, 2013) Patients receiving cranial irradiation treatment for brain cancer may find the treatment life-saving, but often suffer progressive and debilitating cognitive detriments, including spatial learning and memory deficits. The cognitive deficits are a contributing factor to the often significant adverse impacts on the surviving patients' quality of life after radiation therapy. In an effort to improve post-irradiation cognitive impairment, scientists at the University of California, Irvine, and colleagues at Neuralstem, Inc. (Rockville, MD), have transplanted fetal stem cells into laboratory animals with radiation-induced cognitive impairments and found that this led to a number of cognitive improvements. The study appears as an early e-publication for the journal Cell Transplantation, and is now freely available on-line at http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/cog/ct/pre-prints/ct1048acharya.

"Multiple mechanisms contribute to disrupted cognition following irradiation for patients with central nervous system malignancies. These include the depletion of radiosensitive populations of stem and progenitor cells in the hippocampus," said study co-author Dr. Charles L. Limoli of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of California, Irvine. "Interventions to combat long-term brain damage resulting from toxic radiation and chemotherapies therapies have yet to be developed. However, stem cell replacement strategies may provide a much needed intervention."

The researchers explored the potential beneficial impact of intra-hippocampal transplantation of fetal-derived human neural stem cells by transplanting the cells into laboratory rats a month after the animals were subjected to cranial irradiation with resulting cognitive deficits. The stem cells were FDA-approved human, fetal-derived neural stem cells provided by Neuralstem, Inc.

"Engrafted stem cells underwent extensive neuronal differentiation, formed new synaptic contacts, released neurotrophic factors, and showed an advanced degree of structural integration into the motor circuitry," reported the research team.

They found that the test animals showed improved hippocampal spatial memory and hippocampal-related "fear conditioning performance" when compared to a control group of irradiated animals that did not receive stem cell transplantation. The engrafted cells also migrated and differentiated into neural and glial subtypes in areas of the hippocampus.

"The engrafted stem cells survived and differentiated throughout an area of the hippocampus and significantly ameliorated cognitive dysfunction as shown at a one-month follow-up on the irradiated animals," said Dr. Limoli. "While it is premature to presume efficacy in the absence of human data, our efforts to thwart cognitive dysfunction by cell replacement therapy with fetal stem cell transplantation may provide an experimental backdrop for a potential treatment for cranially irradiated patients who developed cognitive dysfunctions."

"Cognitive dysfunction is an unfortunate side effect of the therapeutic use of radiation therapy for brain cancer and the identification of ways to ameliorate the dysfunction, such as the application of stem cell transplantation, is a significant area of research" said Dr. Paul R. Sanberg, distinguished professor at the Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.

"This study is an important step towards the development of a clinical therapy, though further research is still required."

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Fetal stem cell transplantation favorably impacts radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction

Understanding the basics of stem cell therapy (First Part)

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Understanding the basics of stem cell therapy (First Part)

DOH 11 conducts surveillance on stem cell facilities in Davao Region

DAVAO CITY The Department of Health is set to conduct a surveillance of all establishments in the Davao Region that are offering stem cell treatments without the proper authorization.

At present there are no facilities in the Region that have been authorized by DOH to perform stem cell treatments, DOH 11 Licensing Officer Alex F. Daba said.

He said so far two clinics located in the city have applied for authorization.

The move is in accordance with Administrative Order 2013-0012 providing the Rules and Regulations Governing the Accreditation of Health Facilities Engaging in Human Stem Cell and Cell-Based or Cellular Therapies in the Philippines which was released by Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona on March 18, 2013.

As with any new technology there is a need to regulate stem cell treatment in order to protect the public from unscrupulous people who might not be properly trained and authorized to conduct the procedure, he said.

Daba said they have received reports that even here in the region, there are facilities including hospitals and clinics conducting the stem cell therapy.

However, he added, they still have to verify those reports through the conduct of the surveillance.

As of now all we can do is to comply with the surveillance and then create a master list of these facilities. They are set to meet with the different hospitals and clinics in Davao next week to inform these facilities about the new guidelines so that they will discontinue providing the said treatments, he said.

With the issuance of Onas order, he said, all unauthorized facilities providing stem cell treatment are advised to stop.

The primary goal of the AO is to prevent the introduction, transmission and spread of communicable disease by ensuring a minimum quality of service rendered by hospitals and other health facilities in human stem cell therapies, he said.

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DOH 11 conducts surveillance on stem cell facilities in Davao Region

International Stem Cell Corporation Enters Into Clinical Research Agreement for Parkinson's Disease Program

CARLSBAD, CA--(Marketwired - Aug 21, 2013) - International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCQB: ISCO) (www.internationalstemcell.com) a California-based biotechnology company developing novel stem cell-based therapies, announced today that it has entered into a master clinical research agreement with Duke University to conduct clinical trials research in Parkinson's disease using ISCO's innovative neural stem cell product.

Mark Stacy, M.D., Vice Dean for Clinical Research, Neurology at Duke University School of Medicine and an internationally recognized leader in the field of Movement Disorders, including Parkinson's disease, will be the study's principal investigator. The research will be coordinated by the Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI), the world's largest academic clinical research organization, which is internationally recognized for conducting groundbreaking clinical trials.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to conduct the clinical trials related to ISCO's investigational stem cell therapy in Parkinson's disease patients," said Stacy. "Duke has an exceptional clinical trials team and we look forward to characterizing and understanding the safety and efficacy profile of this agent in the clinical trials setting."

"We're tremendously excited to be working with such a world-class clinical research organization as Duke University," commented Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, Vice President of Research and Development at International Stem Cell Corporation. "Dr. Stacy and his team have made numerous significant contributions in the field of Parkinson's disease research which together with Duke's extensive clinical expertise in cell therapy clinical trials and the extensive patient population, gives us an outstanding opportunity to evaluate our revolutionary stem cell therapy."

Stacy has extensive clinical trials experience, primarily involving neuro-protective and neuro-regenerative therapies and developing biomarkers for early diagnosis in Parkinson's disease. He has published more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific papers in the field and has served as an advisor to a number of companies. He has participated in more than 100 clinical trials.

ISCO's Parkinson's disease program uses human parthenogenetic neural stem cells (hPNSC), a novel therapeutic cellular product derived from the company's proprietary histocompatible human pluripotent stem cells. The hPNSC are self-renewing mulitpotent cells that are precursors for the major cells of the central nervous system. The ability of hPNSC to (1) differentiate into dopaminergic neurons and (2) express neurotrophic factors such as glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to protect the nigrostriatal system, offers a new and revolutionary opportunity for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, especially in cases where current dopamine-replacement approaches fail to adequately control the symptoms.

About International Stem Cell Corporation

International Stem Cell Corporation is focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSCs) and the development and commercialization of cell-based research and cosmetic products.ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs) hence avoiding ethical issues associated with the use or destruction of viable human embryos.ISCO scientists have created the first parthenogenetic, homozygous stem cell line that can be a source of therapeutic cells for hundreds of millions of individuals of differing genders, ages and racial background with minimal immune rejection after transplantation. hpSCs offer the potential to create the first true stem cell bank, UniStemCell. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology (www.lifelinecelltech.com), and stem cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care (www.lifelineskincare.com). More information is available at http://www.internationalstemcell.com.

Forward-looking Statements

Statements pertaining to anticipated developments, the potential benefits of research programs and products, and other opportunities for the company and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates,") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, application of capital resources among competing uses, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the company's business, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements.

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International Stem Cell Corporation Enters Into Clinical Research Agreement for Parkinson's Disease Program

U of L explores stem cell treatment for chronic heart pain

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) --It's cutting edge research happening in Louisville that could make a world of difference for people suffering from chronic heart pain.

On a mild Monday morning Harry Dennery walked a steady pace on a treadmill inside the Rudd Heart and Lung Center at Jewish Hospital in Downtown Louisville. Dennery said, "I've had heart issues for the last 22 years. I had open heart surgery and then had a triple bypass and three of the four of them closed up. Then I had a couple more stints put in and the last two time I was in the cath lab both of then were blocked 100 percent." After ten minutes on the treadmill at a steady pace and a slow incline the 68 year old could take no more. He said he experienced, "Shortness of breath, discomfort in the chest and tightening in the throat." This is exactly what his doctors wanted to see.

Dr. Michael Flaherty said, " Angina is chest pan coming from the heat and so we're trying to provoke angina to find out at which level that occurs with him now and compare that to later to see if there's an improvement." Dennery is one of the first people being screened for the third phase of clinical trials on the University of Louisville's Renew study. Dr. Flaherty and Dr. Roberto Bolli are researching whether stem cells harvested from a person's own blood can treat chronic heart pain - when injected directly into the heart muscle. Flaherty said, "These chest pain syndromes come from blockages in the top of the heart called the coronary arteries. There's a hope that this change in microenvironment will be able to reconstitute blood vessels where they're not able to deliver blood efficiently."

Reports say Angina affects approximately ten million people in the United States. It is most often caused by stress and physical exertion. This is the only study of its type in Kentucky and one of 50 in North America.

Dennery doesn't yet know if he'll receive the stem cells, a placebo, or standard care but after dealing with a troublesome heart over the better part of two decades and says the idea of a forever fix is enough to make him try. "Because my theory is as long as medical science advances faster than my heart deteriorates, I got a shot."

For more information on being screen for participation in the study contact Tina Collins, brcoll01@louisville.edu, clinical research coordinator, at 502-587-4106.

Copyright 2013 WDRB News. All rights reserved.

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U of L explores stem cell treatment for chronic heart pain

Stem cell mobilization now a reality

Inside Out By Cory Quirino Philippine Daily Inquirer

Stem cell therapy is the star of cutting-edge medical technology. Weve read about stem cell therapy but are confused about how it really works and why this special therapy should be considered for future use.

Every time the body is exposed to stress (i.e., a body part is injured), stem cells are automatically released to respond to the problem. Their mission is to repair and regenerate damaged cells. This is a biological event that alerts stem cells found in the blood, bone marrow adipose fat, brain, to take immediate action.

And whether one is sick (as in down with flu) or emotionally traumatized, stem cells still do their job of neutralizing and fixing the imbalances within the body.

However, when a person has a serious medical challenge, there may not be enough stem cells available to do the serious job of healing.

In short, available stem cell supply may not be effective to create a life-changing/saving impact.

The question is: How does one get enough stem cells in generous quantities to cause major healing?

There are methods used by clinics here and abroad to mobilize an army of stem cells. A chat with Dr. Samuel Bernal (tel. no. 9881000 loc. 6307/6551) proved enlightening as he said that stem cell mobilization is now no longer an impossibility, but a reality.

Daily habits matter

What you do every day can stimulate or delay stem cell activity.

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Stem cell mobilization now a reality

Stem Cells Market Will Reach USD 119.51 Billion in 2018: Transparency Market Research

Albany, NY (PRWEB) August 19, 2013

According to a new market report published by Transparency Market Research, Stem Cells Market (Adult, Human Embryonic , Induced Pluripotent, Rat-Neural, Umbilical Cord, Cell Production, Cell Acquisition, Expansion, Sub-Culture)- Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2012 - 2018, the market for stem cells was valued at USD 26.23 billion in 2011 and is expected to reach an estimated value of USD 119.51 billion in 2018, growing at a CAGR of 24.2% from 2012 to 2018.

Related Report: Microscopy Devices Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/microscopy-market.html

The market growth is majorly attributed to therapeutic research activities led by government support worldwide owing to the growing number of patients with chronic diseases across the globe. In addition, rising awareness of regenerative treatment options and growing importance of stem cell banking services are also fostering the growth of the market. Apart from these, development of medical tourism hubs in developing nations such as India and China and in turn migration of patients from developed nations such as the U.S. and Europe for quality treatment at significantly lower prices will also serve the market as a driver especially for the Asian stem cells market.

Related Report: Microscopes Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/microscopes-market.html

The stem cells market will be driven by rising proportion of patients with neurological and other chronic conditions and rising disposable incomes of patients induced by economic growth of Asian regions in the next five years In addition, increasing dependence on stem cells for drug discovery and screening will boost the growth of the market in the future. Increased outsourcing of contract research and clinical trials to developing Asian regions will further encourage growth of the stem cells market.

Browse: http://udallas.academia.edu/transparencymarketresearch/Papers

Adult stem cells held majority share of the overall stem cells market in 2011 at over 80%. This is due to less laborious procedure of harvesting, and less probability of contamination during expansion and sub-culture of adult stem cells. However, fewer post-transplant complications and lesser risk of graft vs. host reaction from the recently introduced induced pluripotent stem cells will lead to its rapid inclusion in research activities and help the global induced pluripotent stem cells market to grow at a relatively faster CAGR during the forecast period.

Regenerative medicine dominated the stem cells market by applications in 2011, and is expected to maintain its leading position till 2018. Considerable research activities and the resultant developed therapies in neurology will drive the stem cells market in the forecast period.

Browse the full report with TOC at http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/stem-cells-market.html/.

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Stem Cells Market Will Reach USD 119.51 Billion in 2018: Transparency Market Research

Stem Cell Markets

NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

Stem Cell Markets http://www.reportlinker.com/p090979/Stem-Cell-Markets.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=Biological_Therapy

A stem cell is an extraordinary type of cell that has the ability to self-renew for long periods of time and to differentiate into specialized cells under appropriate physiological or experimental conditions. Traditionally, stem cells have been classified as either embryonic, adult (tissue-specific or cord blood) stem cells. Recent understanding of stem cell biology may provide new approaches for the treatment of a number of diseases as well as tissue/organ injuries, including cardiovascular disease, neurological disease, musculoskeletal disease, diabetes and hematopoietic disorders. Stem cell fate is determined by both intrinsic regulators and the extra-cellular environment (niche), and their expansion and differentiation ex vivo are generally controlled by growing them in a specific configuration (monolayer or three-dimensional culture).

This process, which is vital to enable stem cells to be used for therapeutic purposes, is called differentiation. Differentiation is a process involving unspecialized cells progressing to become specialized cells with restricted developmental potential. The purpose of this TriMark Publications report is to describe the specific market segments of the medical research space using stem cells for research and development (R&D) purposes.

This study reviews all of the generally accepted analytical methods that are currently in use today for preparing and using stem cells. It examines the use of stem cells in developing new therapies for disease.

1. Overview 14

1.1 Statement of the Report 14 1.2 Scope of This Report 15 1.3 Methodology 15 1.4 Executive Summary 16

2. Biology of Stem Cells 20

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Stem Cell Markets