New method increases supply of embryonic stem cells

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A new method allows for large-scale generation of human embryonic stem cells of high clinical quality. It also allows for production of such cells without destroying any human embryos. The discovery is a big step forward for stem cell research and for the high hopes for replacing damaged cells and thereby curing serious illnesses such as diabetes and Parkinson's disease.

Currently human embryonic stem cells are made from surplus in vitro fertilized (IVF) embryos that are not used for the generation of pregnancies. The embryos do not survive the procedure. Therefore it has been illegal in the USA to to use this method for deriving embryonic stem cell lines. Sweden's legislation has been more permissive. It has been possible to generate embryonic stem cells from excess, early IVF embryos with the permission of the persons donating their eggs and sperm.

An international research team led by Karl Tryggvason, Professor of Medical Chemistry at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and Professor at Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School in Singapore has, together with Professor Outi Hovatta at Karolinska Institutet, developed a method that makes it possible to use a single cell from an embryo of eight cells. This embryo can then be re-frozen and, theoretically, be placed in a woman's uterus. The method is already used in Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) analyses, where a genetic test is carried out on a single cell of an IVF embryo in order to detect potential hereditary diseases. If mutations are are not detected, the embryo is inserted in the woman's uterus, where it can grow into a healthy child.

"We know that an embryo can survive the removal of a single cell. This makes a great ethical difference," says Karl Tryggvason.

The single stem cell is then cultivated on a bed of a human laminin protein known as LN-521 that is normally associated with pluripotent stem cells in the embryo. This allows the stem cell to duplicate and multiply without being contaminated. Previously the cultivation of stem cells has been done on proteins from animals or on human cells, which have contaminated the stem cells through uninhibited production of thousands of proteins.

"We can cultivate the stem cells in a chemically defined, clinical quality environment. This means that one can produce stem cells on a large scale, with the precision required for pharmaceutical production," says Karl Tryggvason.

Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent and can develop into any kind of cell. This means that they can become dopamine producing cells, insulin producing cells, heart muscle cells or eye cells, to name but a few of the hopes placed on cell therapy using stem cells.

"Using this technology the supply of human embryonic stem cells is no longer a problem. It will be possible to establish a bank where stem cells can be matched by tissue type, which is important for avoiding transplants being rejected," says Karl Tryggvason.

Explore further: Stem cells on the road to specialization

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New method increases supply of embryonic stem cells

California to fund research in stem-cell genomics

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) The state of California is preparing to invest up to $40 million in a new scientific field that backers say could revolutionize medicine and lead to personalized medical treatments.

The directors of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine are meeting in Berkeley this Wednesday to create one or two research centers for stem-cell genomics, the Sacramento Bee (http://bit.ly/1mKZTRp) reported Sunday.

Scientists and biotech companies in the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego and elsewhere are competing for the research money.

Researchers believe that genomics, the study of genes and their relationships, can lead to more effective therapies that are tailored to a patient's genetic makeup.

The new research centers for stem-cell genomics could help make California a leader in the fast-moving field.

"Right now, in a lot of ways, doctors are making educated guesses as to how to treat us patients more generally," said UC Davis stem cell researcher Paul Knoepfler. "By knowing our genomic information ... they could be making far more educated choices about treatments."

The move into genomics comes as the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine struggles to fulfill the promises of the 2004 ballot initiative campaign that created the $3 billion stem-cell agency.

So far, no new therapies have emerged from the state institute, which will run out of cash for new awards in less than three years and needs some high-profile success to raise more money.

Two years ago, the stem cell agency decided to move ahead with the plan to fund research into stem-cell genomics and began accepting applications for research money.

A group headed by Stanford University's Michael Snyder, director of its Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, is expected to receive a $33 million award, based on documents posted Friday on the agency's website.

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California to fund research in stem-cell genomics

Audio-Digest Foundation Announces the Release of Oncology Volume 04, Issue 22: What’s New in Breast Cancer?

Glendale, CA (PRWEB) January 26, 2014

Audio-Digest Foundation Announces the Release of Oncology Volume 04, Issue 22: Whats New in Breast Cancer?

The goal of this program is to improve the management of breast cancer. After hearing and assimilating this program, the clinician will be better able to:

1. Recognize the role of cancer stem cells and their microenvironment in the development and recurrence of breast cancer. 2. List components of the stem cell compartment and microenvironment that promote the development of breast cancer. 3. Explain a proposed mechanism by which cancer stem cells may maintain their stemness. 4. Select patients most likely to benefit from prolonged tamoxifen therapy. 5. Weigh the benefits and risks of newer breast cancer therapies.

The original programs were presented by Issam Makhoul, MD, Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Little Rock.

Audio-Digest Foundation, the largest independent publisher of Continuing Medical Education in the world, records over 10,000 hours of lectures every year in anesthesiology, emergency medicine, family practice, gastroenterology, general surgery, internal medicine, neurology, obstetrics/gynecology, oncology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, otolaryngology, pediatrics, psychology, and urology, by the leading medical researchers at the top laboratories, universities, and institutions.

Recent researchers have hailed from Harvard, Cedars-Sinai, Mayo Clinic, UCSF, The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, The University of California, San Diego, The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, The University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and many others.

Out of these cutting-edge programs, Audio-Digest then chooses the most clinically relevant, edits them for clarity, and publishes them either every week or every two weeks.

In addition, Audio-Digest publishes subscription series in conjunction with leading medical societies: DiabetesInsight with The American Diabetes Association, ACCEL with The American College of Cardiology, Continuum Audio with The American Academy of Neurology, and Journal Watch Audio General Medicine with Massachusetts Medical Society.

For 60 years, the global medical community of doctors, nurses, physician assistants, and other medical professionals around the world has subscribed to Audio-Digest specialty series in order to remain current in their specialties as well as to maintain their Continuing Education requirements with the most cutting-edge, independent, and unbiased continuing medical education (CME).

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Audio-Digest Foundation Announces the Release of Oncology Volume 04, Issue 22: What’s New in Breast Cancer?

Clinical trial studies vaccine targeting cancer stem cells in brain cancers

An early-phase clinical trial of an experimental vaccine that targets cancer stem cells in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme, the most common and aggressive malignant brain tumor, has been launched by researchers at Cedars-Sinai's Department of Neurosurgery, Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. Brain Tumor Center and Department of Neurology.

Like normal stem cells, cancer stem cells have the ability to self-renew and generate new cells, but instead of producing healthy cells, they create cancer cells. In theory, if the cancer stem cells can be destroyed, a tumor may not be able to sustain itself, but if the cancer originators are not removed or destroyed, a tumor will continue to return despite the use of existing cancer-killing therapies.

The Phase I study, which will enroll about 45 patients and last two years, evaluates safety and dosing of a vaccine created individually for each participant and designed to boost the immune system's natural ability to protect the body against foreign invaders called antigens. The drug targets a protein, CD133, found on cancer stem cells of some brain tumors and other cancers.

Immune system cells called dendritic cells will be derived from each patient's blood, combined with commercially prepared glioblastoma proteins and grown in the laboratory before being injected under the skin as a vaccine weekly for four weeks and then once every two months, according to Jeremy Rudnick, MD, neuro-oncologist in the Cedars-Sinai Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Neurology, the study's principal investigator.

Dendritic cells are the immune system's most powerful antigen-presenting cells -- those responsible for helping the immune system recognize invaders. By being loaded with specific protein fragments of CD133, the dendritic cells become "trained" to recognize the antigen as a target and stimulate an immune response when they come in contact.

The cancer stem cell study is the latest evolution in Cedars-Sinai's history of dendritic cell vaccine research, which was introduced experimentally in patient trials in 1998.

Cedars-Sinai's brain cancer stem cell study is open to patients whose glioblastoma multiforme has returned following surgical removal. Potential participants will be screened for eligibility requirements and undergo evaluations and medical tests at regular intervals. The vaccine and study-related tests and follow-up care will be provided at no cost to patients. For more information, call 1-800-CEDARS-1 or contact Cherry Sanchez by phone at 310-423-8100 or email cherry.sanchez@cshs.org.

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The above story is based on materials provided by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.

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Clinical trial studies vaccine targeting cancer stem cells in brain cancers

Cedars-Sinai clinical trial studies vaccine targeting cancer stem cells in brain cancers

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

24-Jan-2014

Contact: Sandy Van sandy@prpacific.com 808-526-1708 Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 24, 2014) An early-phase clinical trial of an experimental vaccine that targets cancer stem cells in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme, the most common and aggressive malignant brain tumor, has been launched by researchers at Cedars-Sinai's Department of Neurosurgery, Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. Brain Tumor Center and Department of Neurology.

Like normal stem cells, cancer stem cells have the ability to self-renew and generate new cells, but instead of producing healthy cells, they create cancer cells. In theory, if the cancer stem cells can be destroyed, a tumor may not be able to sustain itself, but if the cancer originators are not removed or destroyed, a tumor will continue to return despite the use of existing cancer-killing therapies.

The Phase I study, which will enroll about 45 patients and last two years, evaluates safety and dosing of a vaccine created individually for each participant and designed to boost the immune system's natural ability to protect the body against foreign invaders called antigens. The drug targets a protein, CD133, found on cancer stem cells of some brain tumors and other cancers.

Immune system cells called dendritic cells will be derived from each patient's blood, combined with commercially prepared glioblastoma proteins and grown in the laboratory before being injected under the skin as a vaccine weekly for four weeks and then once every two months, according to Jeremy Rudnick, MD, neuro-oncologist in the Cedars-Sinai Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Neurology, the study's principal investigator.

Dendritic cells are the immune system's most powerful antigen-presenting cells those responsible for helping the immune system recognize invaders. By being loaded with specific protein fragments of CD133, the dendritic cells become "trained" to recognize the antigen as a target and stimulate an immune response when they come in contact.

The cancer stem cell study is the latest evolution in Cedars-Sinai's history of dendritic cell vaccine research, which was introduced experimentally in patient trials in 1998.

Cedars-Sinai's brain cancer stem cell study is open to patients whose glioblastoma multiforme has returned following surgical removal. Potential participants will be screened for eligibility requirements and undergo evaluations and medical tests at regular intervals. The vaccine and study-related tests and follow-up care will be provided at no cost to patients. For more information, call 1-800-CEDARS-1 or contact Cherry Sanchez by phone at 310-423-8100 or email cherry.sanchez@cshs.org.

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Cedars-Sinai clinical trial studies vaccine targeting cancer stem cells in brain cancers

Insulin-producing beta cells from stem cells

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

23-Jan-2014

Contact: Heiko Lickert heiko.lickert@helmholtz-muenchen.de 49-893-187-3760 Helmholtz Zentrum Mnchen - German Research Center for Environmental Health

The findings of the scientists of the Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research (IDR) at Helmholtz Zentrum Mnchen (HMGU) provide new insights into the molecular regulation of stem cell differentiation. These results reveal important target structures for regenerative therapy approaches to chronic diseases such as diabetes.

During embryonic development, organ-specific cell types are formed from pluripotent stem cells, which can differentiate into all cell types of the human body. The pluripotent cells of the embryo organize themselves at an early stage in germ layers: the endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm. From these three cell populations different functional tissue cells arise, such as skin cells, muscle cells, and specific organ cells.

Various signaling pathways are important for this germ layer organization, including the Wnt/-catenin signaling pathway. The cells of the pancreas, such as the beta cells, originate from the endoderm, the germ layer from which the gastrointestinal tract, the liver and the lungs also arise. Professor Heiko Lickert, director of the IDR, in collaboration with Professor Gunnar Schotta of LMU Mnchen, showed that the Wnt/-catenin signaling pathway regulates Sox17, which in turn regulates molecular programs that assign pluripotent cells to the endoderm, thus inducing an initial differentiation of the stem cells.

In another project Professor Lickert and his colleague Professor Fabian Theis, director of the Institute of Computational Biology (ICB) at Helmholtz Zentrum Mnchen, discovered an additional mechanism that influences the progenitor cells. miRNA-335, a messenger nucleic acid, regulates the endodermal transcription factors Sox17 and Foxa2 and is essential for the differentiation of cells within this germ layer and their demarcation from the adjacent mesoderm. The concentrations of the transcription factors determine here whether these cells develop into lung, liver or pancreas cells. To achieve these results, the scientists combined their expertise in experimental research with mathematical modeling.

"Our findings represent two key processes of stem cell differentiation," said Lickert. "With an improved understanding of cell formation we can succeed in generating functional specialized cells from stem cells. These could be used for a variety of therapeutic approaches. In diabetes, we may be able to replace the defective beta cells, but regenerative medicine also offers new therapeutic options for other organ defects and diseases."

Diabetes is characterized by a dysfunction of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. Regenerative treatment approaches aim to renew or replace these cells. An EU-funded research project ('HumEn'), in which Lickert and his team are participating, shall provide further insights in the field of beta-cell replacement therapy.

The aim of research at Helmholtz Zentrum Mnchen, a partner in the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), is to develop new approaches for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of major common diseases such as diabetes mellitus.

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Insulin-producing beta cells from stem cells

Number of cancer stem cells might not predict outcome in HPV-related oral cancers

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

22-Jan-2014

Contact: Amanda J. Harper amanda.harper2@osumc.edu 614-685-5420 Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

COLUMBUS, Ohio New research from The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC James) suggests that it may be the quality of cancer stem cells rather than their quantity that leads to better survival in certain patients with oral cancer.

The researchers investigated cancer stem cell numbers in oral cancers associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) and in oral cancers not associated with the virus. Typically, patients with HPV-positive oral cancer respond better to therapy and have a more promising prognosis than patients with HPV-negative tumors. The latter are usually associated with tobacco and alcohol use.

The OSUCCC James team's findings, published in the journal Cancer, suggest that relying on the number of cancer stem cells in a tumor might inaccurately estimate the potential for the tumor's recurrence or progression.

"We show that high levels of cancer stem cells are not necessarily associated with a worse prognosis in head and neck cancer, a finding that could have far-reaching implications for patient care," says principal investigator Quintin Pan, PhD, associate professor of otolaryngology and scientist with the OSUCCC James Experimental Therapeutics Program.

Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, with an estimated 600,000 cases diagnosed annually. Although the disease is often linked to alcohol and tobacco use, cancer-causing types of HPV are a major risk factor for the malignancy, and cases of HPV-associated oral cancers have tripled in the past 30 years.

Cancer stem cells make up only a small percent of the malignant cells within a tumor. When these cells divide, they can produce either more cancer stem cells or the nondividing malignant cells that constitute the bulk of a tumor.

Research has shown that cancer stem cells are highly resistant to chemotherapy and radiation and those cancer stem cells that survive treatment cause tumor recurrence. For these reasons, it is thought that tumors with high numbers of cancer stem cells are more likely to recur.

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Number of cancer stem cells might not predict outcome in HPV-related oral cancers

January Tipsheet From Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

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World Health Organization Study: Atrial Fibrillation is a Growing Global Health Concern Atrial fibrillation, long considered the most common condition leading to an irregular heartbeat, is a growing and serious global health problem, according to the first study ever to estimate the conditions worldwide prevalence, death rates and societal costs. The World Health Organization data analysis, led by Sumeet Chugh, MD, shows that 33.5 million people worldwide or .5% of the worlds population have the condition. CONTACT: Sally Stewart, 310-248-6566; Email sally.stewart@cshs.org

Clinical Trial Aims to Identify Why Some Breast Cancer Patients Are at High Risk for Post-Treatment Fatigue Although the prevalence and impact of cancer-related fatigue has been well established, very little is known about its predictors, mechanisms for development, and persistence post-treatment. A new research study at the Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, in partnership with UCLA, is aimed at identifying breast cancer patients most susceptible to post-treatment fatigue by measuring biological, behavioral and social risk factors. CONTACT: Cara Martinez, 310-423-7798; Email cara.martinez@cshs.org

Rose Parade Offers Kidney Donor Opportunity to Honor Her Brother-In-Law Terie Cota, an elementary school administrator from Santa Maria, Calif., describes herself as an average 56-year-old woman. She has been married 34 years, is the mother of four sons and grandmother of two little girls. But there is nothing average about Terie Cota because she chose to do something few others would think to do: She donated one of her healthy kidneys to a total stranger. CONTACT: Laura Coverson, 310-423-5215; Email laura.coverson@cshs.org

Cedars-Sinai Researchers Target Cancer Stem Cells in Malignant Brain Tumors Researchers at the Cedars-Sinai Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute identified immune system targets on cancer stem cells cells from which malignant brain tumors are believed to originate and regenerate and created an experimental vaccine to attack them. Results of laboratory and animal studies are published in the online edition of Stem Cells Translational Medicine, and will appear in the March 2014 print edition. CONTACT: Sandy Van, 808-526-1708; Email sandy@prpacific.com

Physicians Now Analyze Mothers Milk to Determine if Premature Babies Are Getting Correct Dosages of Nutrients Physicians in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the Maxine Dunitz Childrens Health Center launched a pilot study in which mothers breast milk is analyzed to determine whether premature infants are receiving the correct amounts of nutrients they need to thrive. The study could lead to a new innovation in personalized medicine: individually optimized nutrition for the smallest patients. CONTACT: Soshea Leibler, 213-215-8000; Email Soshea.leibler@cshs.org

Researchers Identify Key Proteins Responsible for Electrical Communication in the Heart Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute researchers have found that six proteins five more than previously thought are responsible for cell-to-cell communication that regulates the heart and plays a role in limiting the size of heart attacks and strokes. The smallest of these proteins directs the largest in performing its role of coordinating billions of heart cells during each heartbeat. Together, the proteins synchronize the beating heart, the researchers determined. CONTACT: Sally Stewart, 310-248-6566; Email sally.stewart@cshs.org

Research Advancements Made in Diabetes-Induced Blindness Investigators at the Cedars-Sinai Regenerative Medicine Institute have identified new molecular abnormalities in the diabetic cornea that could contribute to eye problems in affected patients. With this new knowledge, investigators aim to accelerate the process of healing and repair in damaged corneas to ultimately reverse the effects of diabetes-induced eye complications. CONTACT: Cara Martinez, 310-423-7798; Email cara.martinez@cshs.org

Research for Her TM, an Online Clinical Research Registry, Honored With Distinguished National Award Research for HerTM , a Cedars-Sinai online medical research database aimed at increasing womens participation in clinical studies, received the 2013 Award for Excellence from the Health Improvement Institute for its user-friendly electronic consent form. The Research for Her registry allows women to register for potential participation in clinical trials through an online, verified consent process that is just two pages long and written in nontechnical, easy-to-understand language. In comparison, a typical clinical trial consent form, even for low-risk clinical trials, is a printed document ranging from eight to 15 pages and includes complex medical and legal terminology. CONTACT: Cara Martinez, 310-423-7798; Email cara.martinez@cshs.org

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January Tipsheet From Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Wu Stem Cells Medical Center – A Leading Medical Center …

2.(June 6, 2010)

3.(January21, 2010)

4.(December19, 2013)

5.(December11, 2013)

6.(October10, 2013)

Wu Stem Cells Medical Center (WSCMC) was named after Dr. Like Wu, the co-Founder, Chief Neurologist and Managing Director of the center. Using the unique stem cell technologies innovated by Dr. Wu, since 2005, he and his medical team have successfully treated over 2,000 patients from all over the world suffering from various neurological diseases, disorders, and injuries including Parkinson's disease, post-stroke, Batten's disease, ALS, MS, MSA, PSP, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, etc. This has laid a solid foundation for the application of stem cell technologies to treat these previously untreatable neurological diseases.

To make a world of difference in the lives of patients and their families by integrating new medical technologies, care, education and research to provide the highest quality care and service to our diverse community.

WSCMC will be one of the best stem cells medical centers in the world, known for advancing research and providing definitive diagnosis and treatment for our diverse community of patients with complex neurological diseases.

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Cerebral palsy

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Wu Stem Cells Medical Center - A Leading Medical Center ...

Lady’s own stem cells heal knee

Drought prompts rain dances in California Drought prompts rain dances in California

Updated: Tuesday, January 21 2014 12:03 AM EST2014-01-21 05:03:34 GMT

Updated: Monday, January 20 2014 2:36 AM EST2014-01-20 07:36:02 GMT

Updated: Sunday, January 19 2014 5:00 PM EST2014-01-19 22:00:19 GMT

Updated: Sunday, January 19 2014 9:00 AM EST2014-01-19 14:00:13 GMT

Updated: Saturday, January 18 2014 11:00 AM EST2014-01-18 16:00:12 GMT

CLEARWATER, FL (WFLA/NBC) - When Judy Loar, 68, could not bear to walk any longer due to excruciating pain in both of her knees from degenerative joint disease, she did what most people in her condition do, she went in for a surgical knee replacement.

After being released, Loar found out her knee cap had been set incorrectly.

Going through surgery again to fix her other knee was not an option, so Loar started researching other alternatives to ease the agony of bone-on-bone friction caused by her condition.

"I really did my research, because I knew I could go through another major surgery," said Loar, who became a patient of Dr. Dennis Lox.

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Lady's own stem cells heal knee