Stem Cell Clinic

City of Hope Hosts Second California Institute for Regenerative Medicine Alpha Stem Cell Clinics Symposium – Business Wire (press release)

By Stem Cell Clinic

DUARTE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The stories of patients who have benefited from stem cell therapies funded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) will be highlighted at the second symposium of the institutes Alpha Stem Cell Clinics Network on Thursday, March 23, at City of Hope.

CIRM, the states stem cell agency, has developed a network of Alpha Stem Cell Clinics that are focused on innovative stem cell-based therapies. The network, which consists of three clinics located at City of Hope, UCSD, and UCLA/UC Irvine, will showcase its most successful clinical trials at the daylong symposium.

Scientists, clinicians, patient advocates, and business and insurance experts, as well as CIRM and City of Hope representatives, are hosting the meeting to address various aspects of making more stem cell therapies a reality for patients.

CIRMs Alpha Clinics are working day in and day out to find cures for such debilitating diseases as glioblastoma, leukemia and other cancers, as well as blinding eye diseases, spinal cord injuries, HIV, hemophilia, diabetes and other catastrophic conditions for which there are no current cures, said John A. Zaia, M.D., the Aaron D. Miller and Edith Miller Chair in Gene Therapy, who is also director of the Center for Gene Therapy and principal investigator of City of Hopes Alpha Stem Cell Clinic. This symposium brings us together to share the advancements weve made in delivering stem cell treatments to patients, and to discuss how we can accelerate their development.

Highlights of Alpha Clinics: Making the Future a Reality for Stem Cell-Based Therapies

Registration starts at 7 a.m. There will be a welcome address at 8 a.m. with panels concluding at 5 p.m. View the schedule here.

About City of Hope

City of Hope is an independent research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as one of only 47 comprehensive cancer centers, the highest recognition bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, City of Hope is also a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, with research and treatment protocols that advance care throughout the world. City of Hope is located in Duarte, California, just northeast of Los Angeles, with communityclinics throughout Southern California. It is ranked as one of "America's Best Hospitals" in cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bonemarrowtransplantation, diabetes and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs based on technology developed at the institution. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram.

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City of Hope Hosts Second California Institute for Regenerative Medicine Alpha Stem Cell Clinics Symposium - Business Wire (press release)

The tip of the iceberg: A look at stem cell science at Stanford – Scope (blog)

By Stem Cell Clinic

For outsiders, its easy to get confused about the status of stem cell science. If you have questions, a recentStanford Magazine article offers a reader-friendlyentre.

The piece introduces the pioneering work of Irving Weissman, MD, who was the first researcher to isolate stem cells from adult tissue. And it highlights the amazing outcomefrom a recent clinic trial on stem cell therapy for stroke led by neurosurgeonGary Steinberg, MD, PhD. One woman who used a wheelchair often before the procedure no longer needed it following the procedure. As Steinberg saidin the article:

This was a huge surprise We thought the circuits were dead or irreversibly injured, but theyre clearly not; they can be resurrected. Were still trying to figure out exactly how we are resurrecting them.

Maria Grazia Roncarolo, MD, co-director of theInstitute of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, is one of the researchers working to bring the innovative basic science work taking place at Stanford into the clinic.

My mission is to help the university to build a brand in stem cell therapy, sheexplained. What we are now pushing into the clinic is just the tip of the iceberg But what we really want to build is a translational research program that would allow all the potential stem cell therapies to surface and be offered to patients in need.

Previously: Stem cells create faithful replicas of native tissue, according to Stanford study, Stroke of luck: Stem-cell transplants show strong signs of efficacy in clinical safety trial for strokeand Stanford scientists describe stem-cell and gene-therapy advances in scientific symposium Image by Ghanson

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The tip of the iceberg: A look at stem cell science at Stanford - Scope (blog)

US Stem Cell Inc (OTCMKTS:USRM) Finding Support After … – Street Register

By Stem Cell Clinic

Shares of US Stem Cell Inc (OTCMKTS:USRM) began to stabilize this week on the heels of a rather large consolidation that affected the stock over a period of several trading days following its huge February price explosion.

From February 1st to March 1st, USRM shares traded from a low of .0024 all the way up to .0599, which represents a dizzying increase of 2395% while volume during that same period was as high as it had ever been over the life of the stock. In the week to follow, USRM would see an unsurprising pull back off of that impressive high, and appears to have found support for the time being.

US Stem Cell Inc (OTCMKTS:USRM) published a PR earlier in the week alluding to the appointment of a new board member- one who had a preexisting relationship with the company. You can read more about that appointment further down the page.

About US Stem Cell

US Stem Cell, Inc. is an emerging enterprise in the regenerative medicine / cellular therapy industry. It is focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of cell based therapeutics that prevent, treat or cure disease by repairing and replacing damaged or aged tissue, cells and organs and restoring their normal function. The companys business, which includes three operating divisions (US Stem Cell Training, Vetbiologics and US Stem Cell Clinic) includes the development of proprietary cell therapy products as well as revenue generating physician and patient based regenerative medicine / cell therapy training services, cell collection and cell storage services, and the operation of a cell therapy clinic. Management maintains that revenues and their associated cash in-flows generated from the businesses will, over time, provide funds to support clinical development activities. The company believes the combination of its own therapeutics pipeline combined with its revenue generating capabilities provides a unique opportunity for growth and a pathway to profitability.

US Stem Cell Appoints New Board Member

This week, the US Stem Cell announced that Greg Knutson, the Manager of NorthStar Biotech, LLC, has joined the Board of Directors of U.S. Stem Cell, Inc.

We are very pleased that Greg Knutson, a longtime supporter of the U.S. Stem Cell family of companies, has agreed to join our Board and assist us to continue with our recent technological advances and financial accomplishments, said Mike Tomas, President and CEO of U.S. Stem Cell, Inc.

A longtime U.S. Stem Cell shareholder and supporter, Knutson brings more than 30 years of business and financial experience to the organization. During his entrepreneurial career, Knutson founded Concrete Specialists, Inc. and continues to serve as its President; is the founder and current President of Sunwood Properties; and is the founder and Managing Partner of G&G Land Development, LLC.

Demonstrating a progressive step forward, Knutson joins the Board of Directors just as the two companies amicably settled a legal dispute related to NorthStars preferred shares. (Source: Accesswire)

On a clear downside, USRM has a miniscule market value of just $1.6 million at current pricing. That being said, the sheer intensity of the mega-run we witnessed in February and the fact that the PPS appears to be stabilizing after a large consolidation, is enough to keep our interest. At whatever point the stock ultimately launches a solid recovery, there will almost certainly be opportunities opening up for traders. Were going to continue to track USRM and its progress on the chart, and keep a sharp eye out for new updates. Stay up to date on USRM right here on Street Register. We encourage you to sign up for our 100% free penny stock newsletter, by simply submitting your active email address in the box

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US Stem Cell Inc (OTCMKTS:USRM) Finding Support After ... - Street Register

Stem Cells Used to Create Artificial Embryo for the First Time Ever – TrendinTech

By Embryonic Stem Cells

A team of scientists from the University of Cambridge has made revolutionary news because for the first time ever an artificial mouse embryo has been grown using stem cells. This is fantastic news for the researchers as understanding the beginning stages of embryo formation could prove essential in understanding what two thirds of all human pregnancies fail at this time.

While attempting to grow embryos is not a new feat, its one thats had very limited success over the years. This is mainly due to the fact that early embryo development needs different cell types to work closely with one another. However, the new study demonstrates how embryos can actually be grown using a combination of genetically-modified mouse ESCs and TSCs along with an extracellular matrix.

Both the embryonic and extra-embryonic cells start to talk to each other and become organized into a structure that looks like and behaves like an embryo, said Professor Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz, leader of the research. She continues, It has anatomically correct regions that develop in the right place and at the right time. We knew that interactions between the different types of stem cell are important for development, but the striking thing that our new work illustrates is that this is a real partnership these cells truly guide each other. Without this partnership, the correct development of shape and form and the timely activity of key biological mechanisms doesnt take place properly.

As part of the research the team was able to show how stem cells are organized, with ESCs and TSCs at separate ends, and followed the same pattern of development to that of a human embryo. But, without the third form of stem cell, the one that would allow development of the yolk sac, its unlikely the embryo would ever develop into a healthy fetus. Also the actual system itself is not yet designed to be able to develop placenta.

Zernicka-Goetz believes that one of her recently developed techniques will enable researchers to for the first time ever gain a real insight into the first initial stages if human embryo development. She says, We think that it will be possible to mimic a lot of the developmental events occurring before 14 days using human embryonic and extra-embryonic stem cells using a similar approach to our technique using mouse stem cells. We are very optimistic that this will allow us to study key events of this critical stage of human development without actually having to work on embryos. Knowing how development normally occurs will allow us to understand why it often goes wrong.

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Stem Cells Used to Create Artificial Embryo for the First Time Ever - TrendinTech

The First 3D Structure of Active DNA could advance Stem Cell Therapies – Labiotech.eu (blog)

By Uncategorized

Scientists from the University of Cambridge have determined the first 3D structures of mammalian genomes from individual cells.

For the first time, researchers from the University of Cambridge were able to determine the 3D structure of an active mouse genome in embryonic stem cells. Tim Stevens and his colleagues used a combination of imaging and measurements that reveal DNA interactionsto unravel how the DNA is folded together.This could lead tonew insights into the regulation of gene expression in health and disease.

Every cell in our body contains the same DNA molecules and thusthe same set of genes. Still,our blood cells differ fundamentally from our skin cells. The basis for this isgene regulation, meaning that different cells will not express every gene encoded on our DNA but only a specific subset.

An exciting new avenue for our understanding of gene regulation is the importance of the 3D DNA structure. Regulatory regions within our DNA play a major role in regulating gene expression, but arequirement is that the regions come into spatial contact with the associated genes.

It is well known today, that the way the DNA is folded within the cell is tightlyregulated and determines the contact between different regulatory regions with different genes and thereby determines which genes areswitched on or off.

By looking at individual stem cells, the researchers willnow be able to better understandhowthese master cells are able to differentiate into different cell types of our body, which could revolutionize regenerative medicine.

Knowing where all the genes and control elements are at a given moment will help us understand the molecular mechanisms that control and maintain their expression. () Currently, these mechanisms are poorly understood and understanding them may be key to realizingthe potential of stem cells in medicine.says Prof Ernest Laue, who supervised the study.

A better understanding of how the genome structure determines whether genes are switched on or off could also be important to understand what happens in cancer. Abnormal genomes might cause changes in DNA folding and thereby lead to abnormal gene expression.

Changes in gene expression which are not based on the DNA sequence are calledepigenetic modifications. Epigenetics is definitely one of the recent hypes within the cancer field.The folding of DNA is only one aspect of epigenetic gene regulation, while direct modifications of the DNA or DNA-associated proteins provide another. Cancer cells often make use of the epigenetic machinery to change gene regulation and support their survival.

A recent study,for example, unveiled the role of epigenetic changes in driving pancreatic cancer metastasis. By understanding what happens on the gene regulatorylevel, the researchers were able to find a compound, which specifically inhibits these epigenetic changes and therebycancer cell progression.

Epigenetic mechanisms definitely play a key role not only to advance our understanding of stem cell commitment and regenerative medicine, but also in disease areas such as cancer research. You can findthe identified 3D structures of the DNA below.

Images via shutterstock.com /Iaremenko Sergii

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The First 3D Structure of Active DNA could advance Stem Cell Therapies - Labiotech.eu (blog)

RepliCel’s autologous cell therapy candidate to treat hair loss safe in long-term study; shares ease 5% on long … – Seeking Alpha

By Uncategorized

Thinly traded nano cap ReliCel Life Sciences (OTCQB:REPCF -5.1%) slips after it announced data from a five-year Phase 1 study assessing the safety of its autologous cell therapy for the treatment of androgenic alopecia (pattern baldness), RCH-01. The results were fine, but the timeline for the next study has apparently dampened investors' enthusiasm.

The 19-subject trial met its endpoints thereby confirming the complete safety profile of a high dose of dermal sheath cup cells, administered via injection, for patients with pattern baldness.

Although not powered for efficacy, a treatment effect was observed. The seven best responders experienced at least a 10% increase versus baseline in hair density six months after injection. At month 24, the average hair density increase in the same seven subjects was 8.3%. The top responder showed a 21% increase in hair density at month 24.

The company intends to advance RCH-01 into a Phase 2 study in 160 healthy men with mild-to-moderate pattern baldness. Dermal sheath cup cells will be isolated from a small punch biopsy taken from the back of the subject's scalp. The cells will be replicated and then reintroduced into balding areas. Participants will remain on study for ~39 months.

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RepliCel's autologous cell therapy candidate to treat hair loss safe in long-term study; shares ease 5% on long ... - Seeking Alpha

Stem Cell Therapy | Runner’s World – Runner’s World

By Stem Cell Treatment

Runner's World
Stem Cell Therapy | Runner's World
Runner's World
They're harvested and then injected into an injured area to stimulate tissue healing.
Has stem cell therapy helped the Boden's poster girl say her first words? Cerebral palsy patient Holly, 11, shows ...Daily Mail
'Stem cell treatment can cure blood platelet problems'Daijiworld.com
There's a cure for blood platelet problems - ReadZee News
Lab Manager Magazine -Yahoo Finance
all 19 news articles »

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Stem Cell Therapy | Runner's World - Runner's World

Some Genetic Variations Difficult to Evaluate Using Current Stem Cell Modeling Techniques – Bioscience Technology

By Stell Cell Research

Some heritable but unstable genetic mutations that are passed from parent to affected offspring may not be easy to investigate using current human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) modeling techniques, according to research conducted at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and published March 14, in the journalStem Cell Reports. The study serves to caution stem cell biologists that certain rare mutations, like the ones described in the study, are difficult to recreate in laboratory-produced stem cells.

Stem cell-based disease modeling involves taking cells from patients, such as skin cells, and introducing genes that reprogram the cells into human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). These "master cells" are unspecialized, meaning they can be pushed to become any type of mature cell needed for research, such as skin, liver or brain. The hiPSCs are capable of renewing themselves over a long period of time, and this emerging stem cell modeling technique is helping elucidate the genetic and cellular mechanisms of many different disorders.

"Our study describes how a complex chromosomal rearrangement genetically passed by a patient with psychosis to her affected son was not well recreated in laboratory-produced stem cells," says Kristen Brennand, Ph.D, Associate Professor of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Neuroscience, and Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine, and the study's senior investigator. "As stem cell biologists dive into studying brain disorders, we all need to know that this type of rare mutation is very hard to model with induced stem cells."

To investigate the genetic underpinnings of psychosis, the research team used hiPSCs from a mother diagnosed with bipolar disease with psychosis, and her son, diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. In addition to the normal 46 chromosomes (23 pairs), the cells in mother and son had a very small extra chromosome, less than 1/10th normal size. This microduplication of genes is increasingly being linked to schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, and the extra chromosomal bit, known as a marker (mar) element, falls into the category of abnormally duplicated genes.

For the first time, the Mount Sinai research team tried to make stem cells from adult cells with this type of mar defect. Through the process, they discovered that the mar element was frequently lost during the reprogramming process.

While mar elements in the general population are rare (less than .05 percent in newborn infants), more than 30 percent of individuals with these defects are clinically abnormal, and mar elements are also significantly more likely to be found in patients with developmental delays.

The study found that the mother's cells were mosaic, meaning some cells were normal while others were not, and the hiPSCs the team created accurately replicated that condition: some were normal and some had the extra mar chromosome. But the technique did not work well with the son's cells. While all of his cells should have had the mar element, as with his mother, some of the reprogrammed stem cells did not contain the extra bit of chromosome.

"We realized we kept losing the mutation in the stem cells we made, and the inability to recreate cells with mar elements may hamper some neuropsychiatric research," says Dr. Brennand. "The bottom line is that it is essential that stem cell biologists look for existing mar elements in the cells they study, in order to check that they are retained in the new stem cells."

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Some Genetic Variations Difficult to Evaluate Using Current Stem Cell Modeling Techniques - Bioscience Technology

Celltex autologous stem cell case study published in Stem Cells and … – PR Newswire (press release)

By Stem Cell Medical Center

"The favorable clinical response in these two young patient warrants further clinical trials using either autologous or allogenic mesenchymal stem cells," the authors wrote in their conclusion.

Dr. Young has extensive academic experience in cell biology, molecular biology, protein science, biochemistry and animal models. Dr. Young is responsible for supervising the production of Celltex's mesenchymal stem cells; evaluating Celltex's stem cells' quality, identity, properties and clinical applications; and she is heavily involved in designing Celltex research, clinical studies and trials, along with physicians in multiple medical centers.

"We are very encouraged by the clinical data obtained in this study, which showed favorable clinical response to Celltex's proprietary stem cell technology in dysautonomia patients," states Dr.Young. "This study is a great representation of Celltex's commitment to leading the United States into the future of regenerative medicine through adult stem cells."

Celltex uses its proprietary technology which isolates, multiplies and banks autologous (one's own) adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to be used for regenerative therapy for injuries and chronic pain as well as a number of conditions, including vascular, degenerative and autoimmune diseases.

Celltex is registered with the United States Food and Drug Administration as a Human Cell and Tissue Products (HCT/P) establishment that multiplies human cells and cellular products. The company operates in a state-of-the-art laboratory compliant with Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) standards as recommended by the FDA for the manufacturing of biological products.

To learn more about Celltex, visit http://www.celltexbank.com

About Celltex Therapeutics Corporation Celltex is a Houston-based biotechnology company that is leading the United States into the future of adult stem cell therapy with its proprietary technology. Celltex is committed to expanding the use of adult stem cell therapy by licensed physicians, with the goal of securing the future of regenerative medicine in the United States. For more information about Celltex Therapeutics Corporation, please visit http://www.celltexbank.com.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/celltex-autologous-stem-cell-case-study-published-in-stem-cells-and-development-demonstrates-favorable-response-in-pediatric-patients-300422155.html

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Celltex autologous stem cell case study published in Stem Cells and ... - PR Newswire (press release)

Kansas stem cell center success inspires lawmaker change of heart – National Right to Life News

By Stem Cell Medical Center

By Kathy Ostrowski, Legislative Director, Kansans for Life

Kansas Democrat State Rep. John Wilson expressed regret to MSCTC conferees Dr. David Prentice and Dr. Buddhadeb Dawn for not voting with the majority in 2013 to create the successful stem cell center

Once in a blue moon, a lawmaker publicly admits he regrets how he voted. Those of us present at Tuesdays hearing in the Kansas House Health & Human Services committee witnessed such a concession.

The focus of the hearing was the status report on the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center (MSCTC), given primarily by Board advisor, Dr. David Prentice and the Director, Dr. Buddhadeb Dawn. The room was packed and the presentation was positively uplifting.

Gov. Sam Brownback, along with the Kansas Legislature, had approved the formation of the MSCTC in 2013 to be housed at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City. The Center is designed to serve as a regional hub of stem cell therapy, research, and education as well as an engine for increased processing of ethically-derived, adult stem cells (ASCs) for patient use.

There are numerous kinds of ASCs derived from different human tissues (see graphic). The point is that no ASCs require the destruction of human embryos.

In 2013, those paying careful attention to the stem cell issue realized the overblown expectations about the usefulness of stem cells derived from human embryos. Yet state Rep. John Wilson (D-Lawrence) was still unconvinced of the need to fund a patient-centered medical center using only non-embryonic stem cells. He voted against the measure, although the MSCTC passed.

On Tuesday, during the Q&A period, Wilson congratulated the Center for its success and acknowledged that he regretted voting against its creation. KFL later thanked Wilson for his remarks and joined him in his enthusiasm for the Center.

ADULT STEM CELL PROJECTS

Dr. David Prentice

Dr. Prentice, a native Kansan and frequent expert testifying on bioethical issues at the Kansas Statehouse, described ASC therapies as the gold standard in regenerative medicine, with over 1.5 million people having been treated to date, world-wide. His presentation examined the real patients who are benefitting from the current therapies offered at the MSCTC, such as 300 patients annually receiving stem cells in collaboration with the KU Cancer Center.

Prentice detailed some specific projects already underway, some in pre-clinical research phase, and others in planning stages. They include numerous new and innovative uses for ASCs targeting the brain, heart, spinal cord, liver, and joints.

Of particular interest is the groundbreaking direction MSCTC is taking on graft-versus-host disease, which can be a serious complication for some bone marrow adult stem cell transplants. Graft-versus-host is a problem in which stem cells not derived from the patient are introduced into the patient to replace those lost through chemo/radiation, but the cells begin to attack the new host as foreign.

Dr. Buddhadeb Dawn

MSCTCs director, cardiologist Dr. Dawn, is described by Prentice as one of the world leaders in cardiac repair technologies. With Dr. Dawn and other specialists at the Center, patients with severe heart ailments formerly without hope are given hope with adult stem cells.

Director Dawn pointed proudly to the Centers accomplishments in a mere 3 years, and described continuing efforts to collaborate with other scientists and private companies as well as develop methods and products that can be patented.

The fifth MSCTC annual conference is scheduled for September 15-16. Details about it and the Center can be found at http://www.kumc.edu/msctc.html.

The Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center, committed to advancing the use of ethical science, is proving itself to be everything we hoped for.

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Kansas stem cell center success inspires lawmaker change of heart - National Right to Life News

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