Category Archives: Nebraska Stem Cells

In the aftermath of the release of the Center for Medical Progresss hidden-camera video showing a Planned Parenthood official, Dr. Deborah Nucatola, touting the ability and willingness of the abortion provider to harvest fetal tissue hearts, lungs, and always as many intact livers as possible two questions come to mind: What kinds of research requirethe fetal body parts that Planned Parenthood is supplying? And are these tissues harvested from aborted fetuses actually necessary for the advancement of the research?

Some scientists are especially interested in doing research with fetal liver because its a rich source of stem cells, which can have important therapeutic applications, says Dr. David Prentice, research director for the Charlotte Lozier Institute, a pro-life group, and Indiana University stem-cell specialist. At that point in your life while youre in the womb, from about eight weeks after conception up to about 20 to 24 weeks, the fetal liver is very rich in stem cells. Theyre the kinds of stem cells that you would find in bone marrow, Prentice says.

But, he says, the dubiously ethical practice isnt nearly as important or useful as it used to be. Frankly, he says, there is no advantage, nowadays, in fetal stem cells over adult cells. The science has matured.

Fetal stem cells can be used in fields ranging from Parkinsons disease treatments to diabetes research, but Prentice says the focus on fetal stem cells is based on an older idea that they will tend to grow more.

Its a holdover from, frankly, the 1960s and 70s when people were just learning how to grow cells in the lab and it was easier at that stage to grow fetal tissue, he says.

In fact, the fetal cells, because they tend to grow more, tend to be more dangerous, Prentice tells NR. Theres the possibility of producing tumors, which have been seen in some patients. Theres the possibility of producing random tissues instead of a desired tissue. So its not as good as a stem-cell source as adult [stem cells].

If the state of the science says stem cells harvested from fetal tissue are unnecessary, why is there so much demand?

Dr. Samuel Cohen, a University of Nebraska microbiologist, testified before Congress in 2009 that obtaining cells from legally obtained abortions for potentially life-saving purposes is ethically permissible and indeed ethically necessary.

The study of fetal tissue has already led to major discoveries in human health and has the potential to continue to benefit mankind, Cohen said, before concluding that he was confident that we can protect against abuses in the fetal tissue supply arena while also protecting promising life-saving research.

Brendan Foht, assistant editor at the New Atlantis, a conservative science and technology journal, whos covered the stem-cell debate for years, suggests to NR that there doesnt seem to be an ethical necessity here. There are many alternative sources of stem cells that hold comparable promise to fetal and embryonic tissue without raising the same ethical problems, he says.

For instance, umbilical-cord blood is a rich source of stem cells that can be stored and cultured for extended periods, and can be used for a wide variety of therapeutic purposes, Foht says.

Prentice sees two reasons for the continued focus on fetal stem cells among some in the research community: Ideologically they dont see any problem with using tissue harvested from abortion, he says, although the ethical concerns about using aborted fetal tissue are widespread, and not just confined to passionate pro-lifers.

The other part of it, he says, is that I dont think they have caught on with the more recent science. They are still working off this mindset of easier growing tissue, faster growing tissue and thats why theyre looking for fetal rather than adult stem cells.

If you look at the published results, whether its adult stem cells and then comparing to fetal stem cells or to embryonic stem cells, when we talk about treating patients, adult stem cells are the gold standard, Prentice continues. And virtually all success over a million patients now is due to adult stem cells.

Is it possible the researchers using fetal stem cells dont know the likely provenance of the tissuethat theyre just trying to use stem cells, period?

Dr. Theresa Deisher, president of Sound Choice Pharmaceutical Institute, a group dedicated to investigating the use of fetal tissue, finds that unlikely.

They would be aware of the source and this type of research requires ongoing delivery of fresh tissue, Deisher tells NR.

Prentice agrees: I think it would be very unlikely for them not to know the source of the tissue. In most cases they are specifically after fetal cells thats what theyre requesting from these companies. They see this as an ongoing need for fresh cells and fresh tissue and thats when they then turn to suppliers like StemExpress, [which] was mentioned in the video.

And so we had a conversation, and said you know, what do you think, well just go out and find out all the people that are doing this and present everybody with a menu, Nucatola continued.

The menu being, of course, a reference to the litany of body parts ready for harvesting from aborted fetus.

Just how far down the path toward complete dehumanization of fetal tissue for research purposes have we gone? Plenty far, says Deisher.

There are simply too many ethical problems raised by the use of fetal tissue for therapy or research, Deisher says. We need to shut that box again.

Thankfully, if researchers like Prentice are right, new science may mean we can do so without imperiling much important work at all.

Mark Antonio Wright is an intern at National Review.

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Planned Parenthood -- Are Fetal Stem Cells Needed for ...

Stem cells are unique cells located in bone marrow or peripheral blood that can develop into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The goal of cancer treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy is to destroy cancer cells. Unfortunately bone marrow and other healthy cells are damaged in the process. In an autologous stem cell transplant, bone marrow stem cells are removed from the patient's own body prior to cancer treatment in order to protect them.

Stem cells can be collected in two ways. The primary method involves collection of stem cells from the peripheral blood. For this procedure, medication is given a few days prior to collection to encourage stem cells to leave the bone marrow and enter the blood. Blood is then withdrawn from one arm and circulated through an apheresis machine, or a "cell separator," where the stem cells are removed. The remaining blood components are returned through the catheter in the other arm.

If this method does not provide enough stem cells, they may be taken directly from bone marrow. To harvest stem cells from bone marrow, the physician will use a special syringe to retrieve the bone marrow from the hip bone. Once removed, the bone marrow is processed to remove the stem cells.

After being removed from the blood, stem cells are frozen. Following cancer treatment, the stem cells are thawed and then drawn into a syringe so they can be returned or "transplanted" back into the body through a central line. In the first two weeks following the procedure, the immune system will be compromised and transfusions of platelets and red blood cells will be necessary. During this time, the stem cells begin producing new blood cells and restoring bone marrow. Close monitoring is necessary to ensure the bone marrow and immune system are functioning effectively.

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Autologous Stem Cell Transplant - Nebraska Med

"We are constantly looking for the best therapy for treating each patient and his or her particular disease. We monitor each patients treatment to see how he or she is responding to the treatment. Depending on how the patient responds, we may modify the treatment to find the one that optimizes that patients chances for eliminating the disease."

-Dr. Istvan Redei, Chief, Division of Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Medical Oncology

The Hematologic Oncology Department at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) provides advanced medical therapies, including stem cell transplantation, for patients with blood-related diseases, including leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma.

Our hematologic oncology team has expertise in treating hematologic diseases using advanced technology and a personalized approach. We use state-of-the-art diagnostic tests to develop an individualized treatment plan that's tailored to your needs.

A stem cell transplant can be used to infuse healthy stem cells into the body to stimulate new bone marrow growth, suppress the disease and reduce the possibility of a relapse. Stem cells can be found in the bone marrow, circulating blood (peripheral blood stem cells) and umbilical cord blood.

For patients who need a stem cell transplant, our Stem Cell Unit includes an outpatient clinic, infusion center and inpatient rooms. When you first visit the hospital, youll meet with the hematologic oncology team. Your doctor will review your medical records and determine if you need additional diagnostic testing, such as lab work or imaging tests.

Once youve completed any necessary testing, your doctor will present you with treatment options, which may include autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplants.

The hematologic oncology team will care for you throughout your treatment. Youll stay in one of our private, inpatient rooms and receive around-the-clock monitoring and care. We'll do everything possible to see that you and your family are comfortable throughout your stay.

Recovery from treatments like stem cell transplantation can take several months. Our hematology oncology team will work with the rest of your care team to support you throughout the entire process.

For example, your dietitian may recommend a healthy diet to nutritionally fortify your body, and your naturopathic clincian may recommend natural therapies to help reduce side effects, such as neuropathy. Your rehabilitation therapist may recommend safe levels of physical activity to help you stay active and independent.

Additionally, your pain management practitioner may use various techniques to help alleviate discomfort and control bone and neuropathic pain, while your mind-body therapist may provide counseling and relaxation techniques.

Dr. Istvan Redei serves as Director of the Stem Cell Transplant and Cell Therapy Program at CTCA at Midwestern Regional Medical Center (Midwestern).

Dr. Redei and his team, including Dr. Syed Abutalib, are dedicated to fighting hematologic malignancies with advanced and innovative medicine. They use leading treatment protocols and think "outside the box" to provide promising options and individualized care for each patient.

We are constantly looking for the best therapy for treating each patient and his or her particular disease, says Dr. Redei. We monitor each patients treatment to see how he or she is responding to the treatment. Depending on how the patient responds, we may modify the treatment to find the one that optimizes that patients chances for eliminating the disease.

FACT accreditation

In 2014, Midwestern was recognized by theFoundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center for demonstrating compliance with the FACT-JACIE International Standards for Cellular Therapy Product Collection, Processing and Administration.

FACT, an internationally recognized accrediting body for hospitals and medical institutions offering stem cell transplant, awarded Midwestern with the prestigious accreditation for meeting rigorous standards in a variety of stem cell therapies, including clinical care, donor management, cell collection, processing, storage, transportation, administration and cell release.

FACT accreditation is attained through evaluation of detailed clinical documentation and an on-site inspection to determine if an organization is in compliance with current FACT standards and the United States Food and Drug Administration's rules for Good Tissue Practice. Since 2007, FACT accreditation has been used in determining the U.S. News & World Report rankings of transplant centers for the "America's Best Hospitals" list.

Dr. Redei says, "Receiving FACT accreditation is a great honor and demonstrates to patients they are in good hands."

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Hematologic Oncology Chicago, IL - MRMC | CTCA

March - Native Bees

Barb Ogg, University of Nebraska - Extension Educator, shares her knowledge and expertise on insects that often are pest problems. This month, with help from Mary Jane Frogge and Soni Cochran, UNL Extension, she describes an insect that we shouldn't consider a pest.

Encouraging Native Bee Pollinators

In the US, about 4,000 species of native bee pollinators have been identified. Because most of these bees do not live in a hive or colony, they often are overlooked. These bees collect pollen from flowering plants to feed their offspring and, in doing so, pollinate the plants they visit. They are more important pollinators today than ever before.

Native bees range in size from about 1/8- to more than 1-inch long. Coloration varies from dark brown or black to metallic green or blue; they may have stripes of red, white, orange, or yellow. Their names often reflect their nest building behaviors: plasterer bees, leafcutter bees, mason bees, digger bees, and carpenter bees.

Lifestyles. Bees can be divided into two groups by their lifestyles: solitary or social. The stereotypical image of a bee is one living in a hive, but only a few species of bees are social. Social bees share a nest and divide the work of building the nest, caring for the offspring, and foraging for pollen and nectar. The primary social bees are the honey bee (not native to the US) and the bumble bees (about 45 species in the US).

In contrast, most native pollinating bees - nearly 4,000 species in the U.S. - are solitary nesting bees. Each female creates and provisions her own nest, without cooperation with other bees. Although they may nest together in large numbers, the bees are only sharing a good nesting site. The photo to the left is of a leaf cutter bee that emerged from a stack of brood cells that were brought to the Lancaster County extension office last summer. The bee is about the same width as the brood cells. Females that emerge will find a deep hole about the width of their body, form a brood cell with a cut leaf circle and pack the cell with a pollen ball. After she lays an egg on the pollen ball, she seals off each cell and makes a new one.

Solitary bees are either stingless or very unlikely to sting.

Life Cycles Solitary bees. The life cycle of a solitary bee consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Adult bees build a brood cell, then collect pollen and form a pollen ball. The female lays an egg on the pollen ball and seals off the cell. The egg, which resembles a tiny white sausage, incubates for 1-3 weeks, then hatches into a white, soft-bodied, grub-like larva. The larva feeds on the pollen ball left in the cell by the mother bee. After feeding and growing quickly, the larva changes into a pupa. Within the pupal stage - which may last many months - the larva transforms into its adult bee form. When the adult bee emerges, it is ready to feed, mate, and continue the cycle.

About 30 percent of native bee species are wood-nesters. These species use the soft pithy centers of twigs or reeds, or holes in wood tunneled by wood-boring beetles. In the case of carpenter bees, the bees themselves create the tunnel in wood. Some other bee species tunnel into soft, above-ground rotting logs and stumps.

The other 70% of native bees nest underground. These bees tunnel into the soil and create small chambers - brood cells - under the surface.

Social bees. Bumble bees are important pollinators and are only native bees which are truly social. They live in colonies, share the work, and have overlapping generations throughout the spring, summer, and fall. However, unlike the non-native honey bee - which survives through the winter - the bumble bee colony is seasonal. At the end of the summer only the fertilized queens survive to hibernate through the winter. In the spring, she does not use the nest she grew up in, but searches for a new nest.

Bumble bees usually nest in the soil - an abandoned rodent burrow is a favorite location. The queen creates the first few brood cells out of wax she produces, and then provisions these cells with pollen and nectar and lays eggs. Bumble bees differ from solitary bees when feeding their larvae. They provide food gradually, adding it to the brood cells as the larvae need it - called progressive provisioning - rather than leaving all the food in the cell before laying the egg. In addition, bumble bees make a small amount of honey, just enough to feed the colony for a few days during bad weather.

It takes about a month for the queen to raise the first brood. When they emerge, these bees become workers - foraging and tending the growing number of brood cells. The queen will continue to lay eggs, so the colony will grow steadily through the summer. At the end of summer, new queens and drones will emerge and mate. As temperatures drop, the old bees, including the old queen, will die, leaving only the new, mated queens to overwinter.

Increase Pollinators in Your Landscape.

Pollinators require somewhere to nest and flowers from which to gather nectar and pollen. Three things you can do to enhance pollinators in your garden are: provide a range of native flowering plants that bloom throughout the growing season, create nest sites for native bees, and avoid using pesticides.

Plants for Food.

You can increase the number of pollinators in your area with a few simple additions to your landscape. Native plants are the best source of food for native pollinators, because plants and their pollinators have co-evolved, but many varieties of garden plants are also good.

Plant flowers in groups or mass plantings to increase pollination efficiency. Consider the bloom season to provide food from early spring to late fall. Many herbs and annuals, although not native, are very good for pollinators. Mint, dill, oregano, chives, and parsley are a few herbs you can plant. Zinnia, cosmos, and sunflowers are excellent annual flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Even weeds like common milkweed can be a source of food for pollinators. Consider plants that are suitable for the larval stages of pollinators, like butterflies. Here's a table of plants to consider for attracting native bees to your Nebraska acreage.

Wood-Nesting and Cavity Nesting Bees.

Nesting blocks. You can make a bee block by drilling nesting holes between 3/32" and 3/8" in diameter, at approximate 3/4" centers, into the side of a block of preservative-free lumber. A variety of hole sizes will attract different-sized pollinators. The holes must be very smooth inside and closed at one end. The height of the nest block isn't terribly important - 8" or more is good - but the depth of the holes is. Holes less than 1/4" diameter should be about 3 - 4" deep. Holes 1/4" or larger should be 5 - 6" deep. Nesting blocks should be placed in the landscape early to make sure it is there when the bee needs it. If you have a bee-filled block from last year, don't clean it out until after the bees have emerged. You might want to add a second clean block for this year's brood, leaving the old one until all the bees are emerged.

Logs and snags. Get some logs or old stumps and place them in sunny areas. Those with beetle tunnels are ideal. Plant a few upright, like dead trees to ensure some deadwood habitat stays dry. On the southeast side of each log, drill a range of holes, as outlined above.

Stem or tube bundles. Some plants, like bamboo and reeds have naturally hollow stems. Cut the stems into 6-8" lengths. Be careful to cut the stems close to a stem not to create a tube with one end closed. Fifteen to twenty stem pieces tied into a bundle with all the stem ends closed on the same end makes a good nest. You can also make a wooden frame to hold as many stems as you fit inside.

Nest Location. The location of the nest is important. Nests should be placed in a sheltered location to protect them against severe weather, with the entrance holes facing east or southeast to get morning sun. Any height will work, but 3-6 feet is convenient. With stem bundles, make sure the stems are horizontal. Place them on a building, fence, stake, or in a tree. Make sure you fix them firmly so they don't shake in the wind.

Ground Nesting Bees. If you have a large acreage you may be able to provide bare or patchy soil for ground-nesting bees. Simply clear the vegetation from some small patches of level or sloping ground and gently compact the soil surface. A south-facing slope is good. Different ground conditions - from sloping banks to flat ground - will draw different bee species.

Water. A clean reliable source of water is essential for pollinators. Water features such as bird baths and small ponds provide drinking and bathing opportunities for pollinators. Water sources should be shallow or have sloping sides so pollinators can easily approach the water without drowning.

No Pesticides. To protect pollinators, pesticide use must be avoided. This can be difficult for gardeners who have well manicured landscapes. Here are some tips to help you ease into a pesticide-free environment. * For natural pest control provide a diverse garden habitat with a variety of plant sizes, heights and types to encourage beneficial insects. * Lower expectations and accept a little bit of pest activity. * Remove garden pests by hand.

Sources: The Xerces Society, a nonprofit organization that protects wildlife through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitat.

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NativeBees | Nebraska Extension: Acreage Insights ...

The latest Techniques in Stem Cell Research

Stem cells offer exciting therapeutic potential....

Since its establishment in 1880, UNMC has instituted a history of monumental discoveries that have altered the fields of medicine and saved thousands of lives. UNMCs mission to improve the health of Nebraska through premier educational programs, innovative research, the highest quality patient care, and outreach to underserved populations has inherently forged the development of an institute that offers innovative therapies and extraordinary care.

Faculty and staff at the University of Nebraska Medical Center are committed to the development of their programs to continue to pioneer leadership in areas such as research, education, transplant, cancer therapy, and many others. UNMC also has a distinguished national and international reputation in stem cell transplantation for a variety of diseases. One area in particular, developed by UNMCs own faculty, has helped the university to become a world leader in leukemia and lymphoma therapy. Following some 20 years of basic science research around the world and gradual refinement of clinically applied transplantation, the first patients at UNMC were transplanted with bone marrow cells in 1983. Techniques pioneered at UNMC using peripheral blood derived stem cells have also become an important part of the clinical care and treatment at the university.

Learn more about Stem Cell work at UNMC

Link:

Home | Stem Cells | University of Nebraska Medical Center

We celebrated 40th anniversary of Kidney Transplant Program by performing over 5,000 transplants. We also completed 25 years for our Liver Transplant Program, completing more than 2,600 transplants. We are one of the first centers and pioneers in Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplants. We are only one of the four US institutions for pediatric and adult Intestinal and Small Bowel Transplants. We have been recognized for Outstanding Stroke and Cardiovascular Care in 2011 for a second consecutive year.

International Patients

Our patients best available treatment outcome is our only goal and responsibility. We assure that the patients as well as their families are most comfortable during their stay with us and that all of their needs are met while they are receiving the best healthcare services available in the world. Our services include, but are not limited to, helping with visa, arranging appointments, greeting and welcoming patients at the airport, local transportation, scheduling and escorting to appointments, medical interpretation, most convenient housing, updating referring physicians and all patient-related matters. We do this with utmost cultural, religious and personal sensitivities. We offer prompt appointments and discounted rates.

Tele-Pathologyand Second Opinion

We offer Electronic Tele-Pathology and Second Opinion consultation services. These services allow healthcare colleagues to utilize over 50 sub-specialties at our world renowned pathology and genetics facilities.

Training, Education and Research Programs for Hospitals and Healthcare Institutions

Hundreds of healthcare professionals from around the world have participated in our customized training, education and research programs. These programs offer dynamic multi-faceted, no-cost and extended for-fee programs. Our programs offer the opportunity to train here in the United States at The Nebraska Medical Center side by side with our renowned specialists in over 50 specialties. The programs are open to doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, as well as healthcare administrators.

Excerpt from:
UNMC International Healthcare Services

The 2014World Stem Cell Reportreflects how stem cell research, while beginning as a local initiative, is indeed a global endeavor. With the transversal theme of regional developments, we focus on complex regulatory, socioethical, and legal issues; meanwhile, we also highlight emerging trends. In addition, the report features novel scientific developments that are paving the path toward clinical translation.

The report benefits from the contribution of a wide range of multidisciplinary and international experts in the field. We seek to bring their knowledge together to look prospectively at new scientific, commercial, ethical, and policy developments. To this end, the Summit provides a unique picture of the international stem cell and regenerative medicine environments.

The 2014World Stem Cell Reportis aligned with the vision of the World Stem Cell Summit and REGMED Capital Conference (Atlanta, Georgia, December 1012, 2015), the flagship events of the Genetics Policy Institute (GPI). The World Stem Cell Summit is a three-day showcase of innovation, insight, and inspiration. By uniting stem cell and regenerative medicine stakeholders, the Summit represents the largest interdisciplinary and networking meeting of this kind. The REGMED Capital Conference expands access to financing to advance the commercialization opportunities for companies seeking capital.

Our 2014World Stem Cell Reportis a supplement to the peer-reviewed journalStem Cells and Development.

Contact Alan Fernandez to learn more: alan@genpol.org or call (650) 847-1640.

An Interview with Norio Nakatsuji Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences Kyoto University, Japan

An Interview with Katie Jackson She founded advocacy group Help 4 HD International

An Interview with Marion Riggs on the Student Society for Stem Cell Research Riggs, Marion J. Student Society for Stem Cell Research 1511 SeaRobbin Dr. , Bradenton, Florida 34202 United States

Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine at King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC) Abumaree, Mohamed Hassan King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences College of Science and Health Professions Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, P.O. Box 22490, Riyadh 11426, Mail Code 1515, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , Riyadh 11426 Saudi Arabia

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World Stem Cell Report

LONDON, England (CNN) -- As well as their potential for creating effective therapies for debilitating diseases, embryonic stem cells could open the door to improved pharmaceutical drug testing, according to a leading British stem cell researcher.

Embryonic stem cells seen pictured through a microscope viewfinder in a laboratory.

Speaking at a recent meeting of the British Pharmacological Society in Brighton, UK, Christine Mummery described how using embryonic stem cells to create human heart cells could be a viable and scientifically exciting alternative to animal testing.

Mummery, a Professor of Developmental Biology at Leiden University Medical Center in The Netherlands told CNN: "It could save a lot of time and effort of taking the wrong drugs through, or it may allow drugs through which are lost at an early stage, because they affect the animal cells but don't have an effect on human cells.

"It may also allow more and better drugs to come through the first tests or flag up safety issues at an earlier stage."

Drug development is an incredibly expensive and protracted process. Typically, it costs around $1 billion to bring a new drug to market and the whole process usually takes about ten years.

Vital Signs

Each month CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta brings viewers health stories from around the world.

Before new drugs can go forward for clinical trials, it's necessary for the chemical compounds which make up a drug to undergo thousands of tests for toxicity before beginning trials on animals -- initially on rodents and then often on dogs.

It's here, at this ethically sensitive stage, that Professor Mummery believes stem cell research could transform drug development.

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Scientist: Stem cells could end animal testing - CNN.com

12 hours ago A comparison between an image of the nucleus of a cell obtained with the STORM technique (left yellow image) and one obtained with conventional microscopes (right blue image). The STORM technique shows its power to resolve the genome structure at the nano-scale. Credit: CRG/ICFO

A study using Super-resolution microscopy reveals that our genome is not regularly packaged and links these packaging differences to stem cell state. A multidisciplinary approach allowed scientists to view and even count, for the first time, the smallest units for packaging our genome. This study has brought together biologists and physicists from the Centre for Genomic Regulation and the Institute of Photonic Sciences, both in Barcelona.

In 1953 Watson and Crick first published the discovery of the double helix structure of the DNA. They were able to visualize the DNA structure by means of X-Ray diffraction. Techniques, such as electron microscopy, allowed scientists to identify nucleosomes, the first and most basic level of chromosome organisation. Until now it was known that our DNA is packaged by regular repeating units of those nucleosomes throughout the genome giving rise to chromatin. However, due to the lack of suitable techniques and instruments, the chromatin organisation inside a cell nucleus could not be observed in a non-invasive way with the sufficient resolution. Now, for the first time, a group of scientists at the CRG and ICFO in Barcelona, have been able to visualise and even count the smallest units which, packaged together, form our genome. This study was possible thanks to the use of super-resolution microscopy, a new cutting-edge optical technique that received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2014. In combination with innovative quantitative approaches and numerical simulations, they were also able to define the genome architecture at the nano-scale. Most importantly, they found that the nucleosomes are assembled in irregular groups across the chromatin and nucleosome-free-DNA regions separate these groups.

Biologists and physicists have been working together to take a step forward in chromatin fibre observations and studies. "By using the STORM technique, a new super-resolution microscopy method, we have been able to view and even count nucleosomes across the chromatin fibers and determine their organisation. STORM overcomes the diffraction limit that normally restricts the spatial resolution of conventional microscopes and enables us to precisely define the chromatin fibre structure", states Prof. Melike Lakadamyali, group leader at ICFO.

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This enabling technique allowed the researchers to go deeper and, by comparing stem cells to differentiated cells (specialised cells that have already acquired their role), they observed key differences in the chromatin fibre architectures of both cells. Pia Cosma, group leader and ICREA research professor at the CRG explains, "We found that stem cells have a different chromatin structure than somatic (specialised) cells. At the same time, this difference correlates with the level of pluripotency. The more pluripotent a cell is, the less dense is its packaging. It gives us new clues to understand the stem cells functioning and their genomic structure, which will be helpful for example, in studying cell reprogramming".

What scientists have found is that DNA is not regularly packaged with nucleosomes, instead nucleosomes are assembled in groups of varying sizes, called "nucleosome clutches" -because of their similarity to egg clutches-. They found that pluripotent stem cells have, on average, clutches with less density of nucleosomes. In addition, clutch size is related to the pluripotency potential of stem cells, meaning that the more pluripotent a cell is, the less nucleosomes are included in its clutches.

Even though all the cells in our body have the same genetic information, they are not expressing all the genes at the same time. So, when a cell specialises, some of the DNA regions are silenced or less accessible to the molecule that reads the genome: the RNA polymerase. Depending on the specialisation of the cells, different levels of DNA packaging will occur. This new work published in the prestigious journal Cell, establishes a new understanding of how the chromatin fibre is assembled and packaged forming a specific DNA structure in every cell.

This research definitively contributes to the understanding of a novel feature of stem cells and their DNA structure, which is important for maintaining an induced pluripotent state. A joint patent has been filed by ICFO and CRG, who are now exploring business opportunities for marketing the classification of "stemness" state of cells, ie, their degree of pluripotency. This technique could determine with single cell sensitivity the pluripotency potential of stem cells, thus having the capacity of becoming a standard method of quality control of stem or pluripotent cells before their use in cell therapy or research in biomedicine.

Explore further: New protagonist in cell reprogramming discovered

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Super-resolution microscopes reveal the link between genome packaging and cell pluripotency

The units of umbilical cord blood are stored in liquid nitrogen at minus 196 degrees :: SUR

The umbilical cord blood bank of Andaluca, which is situated at the Hospital Civil in Malaga, is the most powerful in Europe and the third best in the world after those in the American cities of New York and Durham. It holds this impressive position thanks to the large number of umbilical cord stem cell units which are stored there, ready to be used in bone marrow transplants for patients, children and adults, who suffer from leukemia or lymphoproliferative disorders.

At present, the bank at the Hospital Civil contains 24,565 units. Since this centre began operating in 1995, 435 bone marrow transplants have been carried out, 79 of which were in 2013. Each year, the centre incorporates more than 1,300 samples of umbilical cord and this is something which has made it an international benchmark in this field.

The stem cells of the umbilical cord are highly effective in a complete regeneration of bone marrow. The banks which store these units are a crucial part of this type of transplant. Quality umbilical cord blood has been part of the success of many bone marrow transplant cases. There is one patient compatible with every 200 units of cord which are stored in the banks.

Encouraging women who give birth to donate their babys umbilical cord is a vital part of the service provided by hospital gynaeology and obstetrics departments and the midwives who prepare the pregnant women for the birth, explains the director of the umbilical cord bank of Andaluca, Isidro Prat.

The samples of cord blood are preserved in tanks of liquid nitrogen at a temperature of minus 196 degrees. One of the advantages for the patients is that the stem cells of the cord are very young and this enables bone marrow transplants to be carried out even if the receiver is not 100 per cent compatible, says Dr Prat.

Patients all over the world

Units from the bank in Malaga have been transplanted into patients from all over the world, including the USA, Australia, France, Germany, Sweden, Jordan, Israel and Spain, among others. When a patient needs a bone marrow transplant you look internationally to find the highest level of compatability, says Isidro Prat. The samples are transported by plane and are preserved in nitrogen.

The umbilical cord bank of Andaluca recently received international accreditation from the Foundation For The Accreditations of Cellular Therapy (FATC NetCord), which is based at the University of Nebraska, in the USA. Since 2010 the Andalusian bank has been one of the elite medical centres which have successfully met the demanding standards which are necessary to be awarded this distincion. Only 21 institutions related with the transplant of stem cells from umbilical cords in the world have been granted this FATC accreditation.

The samples of umbilical cord which are processed and stored at the bank come from the maternity departments of different state-run and private hospitals. The technician who is responisble for the umbilical cord blood bank of Andaluca, Carmen Hernndez, has confimred that at present 24,565 units are being stored there ready for transplants. In 2013, there were 4,751 donations.

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