Stem Cell Clinic

Recombinant spider silk matrices for neural stem cell cultures

Neural stem cells (NSCs) have the capacity to differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Accordingly, NSCs hold great promise in drug screening and treatment of several common diseases. However, a major obstacle in applied stem cell research is the limitation of synthetic matrices for culturing stem cells. The objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of recombinant spider silk (4RepCT) matrices for growth of NSCs. NSCs isolated from the cerebral cortices of mid-gestation rat embryos were cultured on either 4RepCT matrices or conventional poly-L-ornithine and fibronectin (P + F) coated polystyrene plates. From 48 h of culture, no significant differences in cell proliferation or viability were detected in NSC cultures on 4RepCT compared to control matrices (polystyrene plates coated with P + F). The NSCs retained an undifferentiated state, displaying low or no staining for markers of differentiated cells. Upon stimulation NSCs grown on 4RepCT differentiated efficiently into neuronal and astrocytic cells to virtually the same degree as control cultures, but a slightly less efficient oligodendrocyte differentiation was noted. We suggest that recombinant spider silk matrices provide a functional microenvironment and represent a useful tool for the development of new strategies in neural stem cell research.

This paper was originally published in Biomaterials (2012) 31, 7712-7717.

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Recombinant spider silk matrices for neural stem cell cultures

ReNeuron Group wins grants for stem cell therapy development

LONDON (SHARECAST) - ReNeuron Group has won two grants worth 1.2m pounds to develop its stem cell therapy.

The grants were awarded by the UK Biomedical Catalyst, a programme of public funding jointly managed by the Technology Strategy Board and the Medical Research Council.

The first award of 0.4m will be used for ReNeurons ReN009 stem cell therapy candidate for critical limb ischaemia, a severe blockage in the arteries which markedly reduces blood-flow to the extremities including hands, feet and legs.

The second award of 0.8m relates to the company's ReN003 stem cell candidate for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa, an eye disease in which there is damage to the retina.

Michael Hunt, the Chief Executive Officer of ReNeuron, said: "We are delighted to have been successful in winning the two grants we applied for in the current round of the Biomedical Catalyst funding competition.

"This highly competitive scheme involves a rigorous peer review of applicants' technologies and commercial development plans.

"In common with other awardees, we therefore regard the grants as representing a strong independent endorsement of ReNeuron's world-class stem cell development capabilities which we hope will eventually lead to the wide-scale treatment of disease conditions where there is currently a very large unmet medical need."

Shares rose 0.86% to 2.94p at 08:52 Monday.

RD

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ReNeuron Group wins grants for stem cell therapy development

Robotic Assistants, Stem Cells, Nanotechnology: Cedars-Sinai Programs for Students and Professionals During Brain …

Newswise LOS ANGELES (March 10, 2013) Cedars-Sinai Medical Center will commemorate Brain Awareness Week, March 11-17, with educational programs featuring robotic technology that enables doctors to check on their patients from home, stem cell research that may revolutionize many medical therapies, and some of the top experts in nanotechnology including Roger Tsien, PhD, who received the 2008 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Brainworks, 10 a.m. to 1:10 p.m., March 11, Harvey Morse Auditorium

A robotic assistant will be a special guest at the Brainworks program for 130 seventh- and eighth-graders. Dependable, focused and able to perform tasks at any time, 24 hours a day, Robot-Doc has become a key member of the Neuroscience Critical Care Unit.

The InTouch Health RP-7i robot enables several doctors to teleconference, bringing them together by remote presence to collaborate in the Critical Care Unit. Students attending Brainworks part of Cedars-Sinais commemoration of Brain Awareness Week March 11 to 17 will be able to drive and interact with the RP-7i and learn more about these devices from neurointensive care experts and a representative of InTouch Health.

Brainworks came about because we wanted to expose as many young minds as possible to how exciting science is and especially how fascinating the brain is, said Keith L. Black, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Neurosurgery, who started the program in 1998.

Patrick D. Lyden, MD, chair of the Department of Neurology, will be the keynote speaker. Lyden, director of the Stroke Program and the Carmen and Louis Warschaw Chair in Neurology, is widely known for his leadership in stroke research and treatment.

Brainworks attendees will get hands-on experience as they visit interactive areas such as: a virtual surgery station with 3-D imaging and microscope with phantom skull; a surgical instrumentation station with tools used in the operating room; a neuropathology station with real sheep brains and microscope slides of various tumor types; a rehabilitation and healing station where students learn what its like to apply and receive therapy; a suture station that gives students the chance to mend wounds; a brain and spine instrumentation station showing some of the hardware used in treatment; and a research station where students can see and participate in DNA, tumor and laser experiments.

Introduction to the World of Stem Cells, 5 to 7 p.m., March 14, Harvey Morse Auditorium

As many as 130 high school students, parents and teachers will learn from research scientists and clinicians the basics of stem cells, which may revolutionize many medical therapies in coming years. Sessions will include: An introduction to stem cells and issues related to different types; differing scientific opinions, ethical issues and how scientists are working to resolve conflicts; adult stem cells versus embryonic stem cells for therapy; careers related to stem cells; and a stem cell Jeopardy! game.

The program will be led by John S. Yu, MD, vice chair of the Department of Neurosurgery and director of surgical neuro-oncology, and Dwain Morris-Irvin, PhD, neural stem cell research scientist and principal investigator with the Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute at Cedars-Sinai. Ahmed Ibrahim, who has a masters degree in public health and is in Cedars-Sinais Graduate Program in Biomedical Science and Translational Medicine, also will speak. As a high school student, Ibrahim participated in a summer research project at Cedars-Sinai. He now conducts stem cell research at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute.

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Robotic Assistants, Stem Cells, Nanotechnology: Cedars-Sinai Programs for Students and Professionals During Brain ...

Okyanos Heart Institute Sponsors Stem Cell Resource Center on The American Journal of Cardiology Website

Stem Cell Therapy for Heart Disease Experts Launch Educational Resource for Cardiologists with Questions Answered by Dr. Howard Walpole

FREEPORT, The Bahamas (PRWEB) March 11, 2013

I believe we have created a much needed go-to resource that will be of great use to cardiologists and other healthcare providers, said Brian Jenkins, Executive Multimedia Editor of Elsevier Multimedia Publishing in New York, NY, which runs the site for the AJC. The stem cell resource center provides a wealth of information on a burgeoning area in cardiology. Readers will find multiple educational opportunities: a thought leader roundtable video that allows you to select questions and get answers on topics of greatest interest; open access article content; news feeds on stem cell therapy; and the ability to submit questions to a leading expert, Dr. Walpole.

The AJC wanted to do this resource center because cell therapy is an entirely new approach to treating serious cardiac diseases for which we have no good treatment in their advanced stages, said Vincent Friedewald, MD, FACC, an Associate Editor of the AJC, as well as Clinical Professor of Medicine at University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, TX, and Adjunct Senior Research Professor at Indiana University School of Medicine, South Bend, IN.

The resource center plays an important role by being an easily accessible and comprehensive source of news, scientific papers, and presentations on advancement and innovation in cardiac stem cell therapy, said Feshbach. It facilitates physician education of the science and application of different forms of cardiac stem cell therapy in order to provide the most potential benefit to the greatest number of patients.

The majority of clinical cardiologists really dont know very much about the science of stem cell therapy because it has been embedded in the research literature and not the clinical literature, said Walpole. This is the first step in bringing the data from those research studies to the clinical arena. At this point, we believe that medicine is heading in this direction and the information should now be available. With heart disease holding such a huge position in the cost of healthcare and the severity of illness, finding new ways to mitigate patient symptoms and morbidities is an important focus for cardiologists.

ABOUT OKYANOS HEART INSTITUTE

Based in Freeport, The Bahamas, Okyanos Heart Institute adheres to U.S. surgical center standards and is led by Chief Medical Officer Howard T. Walpole Jr., MD, MBA, FACC, FACAI, and a leader of the American College of Cardiology for many years. The mission of Okyanos Heart Institute is to bring a new standard of care and a better quality of life to patients with chronic coronary artery disease using cardiac stem cell therapy. Okyanos Treatment utilizes cardiac stem cell therapy, a unique blend of stem and regenerative cells to support the growth of new blood vessels and to assist the heart in repairing tissue damaged by heart attack and disease. The Greek god of rivers, Okyanos symbolizes the primary mechanism of action that these adult stem cells have on ischemic (lack of blood flow) heart tissue, the result of the plaque deposits in the coronary arteries. The stem cells, derived from a persons adipose (fat) tissue, create new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. The treatment helps to facilitate blood flow in the heart and intake and use of oxygen, as measured by a rigorous clinical trial known as the PRECISE trial, as well as cardiac cell therapy trials at leading research institutions. For more information, log on to http://www.okyanos.com/.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY

The American Journal of Cardiology (http://www.ajconline.org), published by Elsevier (http://www.elsevier.com), is one of the oldest and most prestigious general cardiology journals published in the world.

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Okyanos Heart Institute Sponsors Stem Cell Resource Center on The American Journal of Cardiology Website

Stem Cell Therapy Now In Davao

With its growing popularity in the country, the so-called stem cell therapy, which was recently approved by the Department of Health (DOH), is now available in Davao City.

Dr. Luz Acosta, a Davao-born physician specializing in Ophthalmology, Oculoplastic Reconstructive Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery and recently Stem Cell Treatment, conducts the procedure after acquiring equipment from Australia and the USA. She is supported by a team that includes cardiologists, internists, and anesthesiologists who administer the laboratory tests and cardiopulmonary clearance to determine if an individual can safely undergo stem cell therapy. Having trained in this discipline abroad, she recently decided to offer this treatment after it was approved by the DoH.

As a founding member of the Philippine Society for Stem Cell Medicine that was only established last January 18, 2013 with DOH Sec. Dr. Enrique Ona as its honorary chair, Acosta is joined by doctors Jose Sabili, Melchor Santos, Christian Mancao, Leo Olarte, Bu Castro, Oscar Tinio, and Almond Derla as well as Mr. Rico Colayco as organizers of the society.

"This means that the Philippine Society for Stem Cell Medicine is the regulating body for the practice of stem cell treatment in the country," Acosta says. "Stem cell therapy is legal and safe for every medically cleared patient who wants to undergo such treatment to be rejuvenated and treated of his/her illnesses and diseases."

Acosta said that based on what was stipulated in the approved directions for stem cell therapy, the stem cell could just come from the person himself and not from the other sources like black sheep or aborted fetus, adding that sources of stem cells are fats, blood, bone marrow and umbilical cord.

"It could take five to six hours for one to undergo stem cell therapy. Harvesting is done in the first two hours, then another one to two hours for stem cell processing and activation, and the last one to two hours for treatment of stem cells back to the same patient," she said.

Popular personalities who have already publicly admitted that they had undergone stem cell therapy are former President Joseph Estrada, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and former Senator Ernesto Maceda, who said that they spent millions to pay for the treatment.

But Acosta said that it could be a lot cheaper here than abroad, as the cost of treatment will be in accordance to the guidelines of the Phil. Society for Stem Cell Medicine.

She said there have been very good clinical outcomes from stem cell treatments on autism, auto-immune diseases, cerebral palsy, diabetes, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, macular degeneration, multiple sclerosis, nerve damage, osteoarthritis, spinal cord injury and stroke.

"But we have to clarify here that we are not claiming stem cell therapy as a cure for cancer, though it can alleviate pain and improve patients' wellbeing while undergoing cancer therapy," she said.

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Stem Cell Therapy Now In Davao

BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Presents at the 11th International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease

NEW YORK, NY and PETACH TIKVAH, ISRAEL--(Marketwire - Mar 8, 2013) - BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics ( OTCQB : BCLI ), a leading developer of adult stem cell technologies for neurodegenerative diseases, announced today a poster presentation of clinical and scientific data at the 11th International Conference on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases (AD/PD 2013) this week in Florence, Italy (http://www2.kenes.com/adpd/Pages/Home.aspx).

"We are excited to be presenting our NurOwn technology at this important meeting," said Alon Natanson, Chief Executive Officer of BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics. "The AD/PD Conference brings international medical professionals together for a dynamic scientific program revealing cutting-edge research and discoveries diagnosing, preventing, and treating neurodegenerative diseases.We believe that our groundbreaking data on NurOwn will be well received by the attendees."

In the coming months BrainStorm will be making a number of presentations at various international medical and research conferences as the scientific communities in Europe and the US are closely following the company's progress with its clinical development program.

About NurOwnNurOwn is an autologous, adult stem cell therapy technology that differentiates bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) into specialized, neuron-supporting cells.These neuron-supporting cells (known as "MSC-NTF" cells) secrete neurotrophic, or nerve-growth, factors for PROTECTION of existing motor neurons, PROMOTION of motor neuron growth, and RE-ESTABLISHMENT of nerve-muscle interaction.The ability to differentiate mesenchymal stem cells into MSC-NTF cells, and confirmation of their activity and potency before transplantation, makes NurOwn a first-of-its-kind approach for treating neurodegenerative diseases.More information about NurOwn can be found at http://brainstorm-cell.com/index.php/science-a-technology/-nurown.

About BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics, Inc.BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company engaged in the development of first-of-its-kind adult stem cell therapies derived from autologous bone marrow cells for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The Company holds the rights to develop and commercialize its NurOwn technology through an exclusive, worldwide licensing agreement with Ramot, the technology transfer company of Tel Aviv University. For more information, visit the company's website at http://www.brainstorm-cell.com.

Safe Harbor Statement - Statements in this announcement other than historical data and information constitute "forward-looking statements" and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.'s actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements. Terms and phrases such as "may", "should", "would", "could", "will", "expect", "likely", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "predict", "potential", and similar terms and phrases are intended to identify these forward-looking statements.The potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks associated with BrainStorm's limited operating history, history of losses; minimal working capital, dependence on its license to Ramot's technology; ability to adequately protect the technology; dependence on key executives and on its scientific consultants; ability to obtain required regulatory approvals; and other factors detailed in BrainStorm's annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q available at http://www.sec.gov.These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on BrainStorm's forward-looking statements.The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this press release. We do not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or assumptions if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, unless otherwise required by law. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

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BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics Presents at the 11th International Conference on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease

Type 1 diabetes wreaks havoc, cure would be welcome

Re "Can stem cell treatment cure Type 1 diabetes?" (Forum, March 3): As someone who has survived for 47 years with Type 1 diabete,s I've seen just about everything go wrong that possibly could including retinopathy, neuropathy and acute hypoglycemic unawareness. I read with great interest the article regarding a potential cure through the device being set for testing by ViaCyte using cloned beta cells to produce insulin normally.

I survived as a child in the early 1960s through the efforts of a mother who sacrificed greatly to provide me with an as normal as possible childhood. It wasn't until the birth of my daughter that I realized just how great her level of anxiety must have truly been.

Type 1 diabetes is an insidious disease that can wreak havoc on even those who do everything right in caring for themselves. It demands full time vigilance of those who live with it and a cure is a dream of mine.

-- James D.Taylor, Elk Grove

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Type 1 diabetes wreaks havoc, cure would be welcome

Adult Stem Cell Treatment for Toddler with Cerebral Palsy – Video

Adult Stem Cell Treatment for Toddler with Cerebral Palsy
A WCBS news report by health correspondent, Dr. Max Gomez. Dr. Gomez tells the story of little Chloe, who suffers from cerebral palsy and could barely crawl as a symptom of a stroke. Adult stem cells banked at her birth from her cord blood were turned into a treatment for this debilitating disease. Chloe showed remarkable improvement, now being able to stand, run and dance around the house.

By: StemForLife

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Adult Stem Cell Treatment for Toddler with Cerebral Palsy - Video