Category Archives: Stem Cell Research

Stem cell therapy may one day be used to cure disorders such as Fragile-X syndrome, or Cystic fibrosis and other genetic maladies.

Matthew Vella

The Maltese government wants the European Commission to abandon plans to provide funds for research activities on stem cells that involve "the destruction of human embryos".

In a declaration on the ethical principles for the Horizon 2020 programme, which is an 80 billion fund for the EU's programme for research and innovation to create new jobs, the Maltese government said it wanted more detailed guidelines on the bioethical principles that will guide research programmes.

Horizon 2020 will allow the financing of research on human stem cells - both adult and embryonic - as long as it is permitted by the national laws of member states.

The fund however will not finance human cloning, genetic modification, or the creation of human embryos intended for the purpose of research or stem cell procurement.

The European Commission does not explicitly solicit the use of human embryonic stem cells, but Horizon 2020 allows the use of human stem cells according to the objectives of the research, and only if it has the necessary approvals from the member states.

The Maltese declaration echoes previous statements by the Commission of Catholic Bishops of the EC (Comece), which said Horizon 2020 did not include greater protection of human embryos from stem cell research.

Malta says it does not want any such embryos to be used for stem cell research. The statement by the Maltese government said the Horizon 2020 programme "does not take sufficiently into account the therapeutic potential of human adult stem cells."

Malta wants Europe to commit to a reinforcement of research on human adult stem cells, and that Europe should abstain from financing matters of fundamental ethical principles, which differ among member states.

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Malta opposing EU financing for stem cell research on embryos

Research scientist Dr Paul Turner (left) and cell biologist Dr Jim Faed examine bone marrow stem cell colonies in the Spinal Cord Society Research Laboratory in Dunedin. Photo by Gerard O'Brien.

University of Otago cell biologist, haematologist and project leader Dr Jim Faed said $1.4 million was needed to trial the use of bone marrow stem cells to stimulate insulin production in type 1 diabetics.

Fundraising is being co-ordinated by the Spinal Cord Society, which had started recruiting for a related trial for spinal cord injury sufferers, to be led by Dr Faed.

That trial, which would have used cells from the person's nose, is on hold, partly for lack of funds, and partly because the diabetes trial would lay the groundwork for better-designed spinal cord research.

The diabetes study would be carried out in the Spinal Cord Society Research Laboratory at Otago University's Centre for Innovation in Dunedin, taking about two years.

Dr Faed said recent research from the United States had "electrified" interest in using stem cells to treat type 1 diabetics.

In what is known as the Chicago study, umbilical cord stem cells were shown to increase insulin production in even the most severe diabetics.

Dr Faed said he hoped the Dunedin study, with a dozen participants, would replicate and expand the Chicago study by explaining the mechanism by which the stem cells promoted insulin production.

Pharmaceutical companies stood to make no money from stem cell research, as the product was generated by the patient's own body; thus the companies could not be tapped for funds.

Dr Faed acknowledged the disappointment of the several spinal cord injury sufferers who had to wait longer for their study.

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Researchers appealing to public for funds

Public release date: 30-May-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Vanessa McMains vmcmain1@jhmi.edu 410-502-9410 Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions

This year the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund awarded 29 of 40 grants to Johns Hopkins researchers for the study of stem cell metabolism and regulation, the creation of new cell models for human diseases such as schizophrenia and Rett syndrome, which previously could be studied only in animals, and the development of new potential therapies.

Researchers whose preliminary data promised greater discoveries were awarded Investigator-Initiated grants. Jeff Bulte, Ph.D., professor of radiology, biomedical engineering and chemical and biomolecular engineering and a member of the Institute for Cell Engineering, hopes to develop a cell therapy for treatment of type 1 diabetes an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system kills the insulin-producing cells that help regulate blood sugar. By developing cloaked stem and insulin-producing cells that can evade immune system detection, Bulte and his team hope to replace damaged cells and restore insulin levels in patients.

Grants were awarded to:

Several Johns Hopkins investigators were awarded Exploratory grants for researchers either new to the stem cell field or with untested but promising new ideas. Miroslaw Janowski , M.D., Ph.D., a research associate in radiology, plans to develop a stroke treatment by guiding newly introduced brain cells with magnets through blood vessels to the site of injury.

Exploratory grants were awarded to:

Postdoctoral trainees also will receive funding for research projects. A fellow in biomedical engineering, Pinar Huri, Ph.D., will use her award to develop bone grafts with blood vessels inside made from fat tissue-derived stem cells. The grafts would be used in patients with severely damaged bone in need of reconstructive surgery.

Postdoctoral grants were awarded to:

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29 Johns Hopkins stem cell researchers awarded funding

Editor's Choice Main Category: Cancer / Oncology Also Included In: Stem Cell Research Article Date: 30 May 2012 - 11:00 PDT

Current ratings for: 'Anti-Psychotic Drug For Schizophrenia May Eliminate Cancer Stem Cells'

4.5 (2 votes)

The finding, published in the journal Cell Press, was made after screening hundreds of compounds in search of those that would selectively inhibit human cancer stem cells. The discovery may be evaluated in a clinical trial in the very near future.

Leading author, Mickie Bhatia, from McMaster University declared:

Over the last three decades, cancer survival in patients has remained largely unchanged. Many scientists believe that the likelihood of finding a cure will be greater by addressing the rare and chemotherapy-resistant cancer stem cells.

In contrast to normal stem cells, cancer stem cells are resistant to changing into stable, non-dividing cells types. The researchers used this difference to simultaneously screen compounds against human cancer stem cells to normal human stem cells.

After testing hundreds of compounds, they discovered almost 20 potential cancer stem cell specific drugs, with the antipsychotic drug thioridazine being the most promising of all. Thioridazine is a schizophrenia drug that targets the brain's dopamine receptors. Although the drug does not seem to kill cancer stem cells, it encourages them to differentiate and therefore exhausts the number of self-renewing cells.

By comparing the proteins in leukemia to normal blood cells the researchers established that thioridazine kills leukemia stem cells without affecting normal blood stem cells. Unlike normal blood stem cells, the leukemia stem cells express a dopamine receptor on their surfaces, which also appear on some breast cancer stem cells.

Bhatia said: "This gives us some explanation." It also indicates that dopamine receptors could be biomarkers for rare, tumor-initiating cells.

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Anti-Psychotic Drug For Schizophrenia May Eliminate Cancer Stem Cells

Madison, Wisconsin - Breast-cancer researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have found that two related receptors in a robust signaling pathway must work together as a team to maintain normal activity in mammary stem cells.

Mammary stem cells produce various kinds of breast cell types. They may also drive the development and growth of malignant breast tumors.

Published recently in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, the research also suggests that a new signaling pathway may be involved, a development that eventually could take cancer-drug manufacturers in a new direction.

"We wanted to know if we could use this knowledge to inform us about what might be the transition that occurs to start tumor growth and maintain it," says senior author Dr. Caroline Alexander, professor of oncology at the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research at the School of Medicine and Public Health.

The paper describes new information about the Wnt signaling pathway. Wnt signaling underlies numerous activities in normal development, but when the system is unregulated, cancer often occurs.

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Breast stem cell research: Receptor teamwork required and a new pathway may be involved

LONDON, May 30,2012 /PRNewswire/ --Stem cell research is very dynamic with research trends, focus, and approaches evolving extremely rapidly. The tool market has to quickly adapt to these challenges and develop innovative tools that address and accelerate research accomplishments.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.drugdiscovery.frost.com), Strategic Analysis of the European Stem Cell Research Tools Market, finds that the market earned revenues of $148.4 million in 2011 and estimates this to reach $322.0 million in 2017. The segments covered include: bio-imaging and microscopy, cell biology tools, immunochemical, molecular biology tools, and protein biochemistry tools.

"Firms with the capacity to supply tools for stem cell research will increase as the science matures," notes Frost & Sullivan Senior Research Analyst Divyaa Ravishankar. "Soon demand and supply will achieve a degree of equilibrium."

Already, a sizeable stem cell research products market has emerged. Another positive sign for the market has been enhanced industry- academic collaboration.

A key step forward has been the stem cell regulations in a few countries allowing the use of certain cell lines. In some countries such as France, for instance, stem cell regulations are being renewed for the procurement and use of stem cells.

"Such trends indicate the potential for a regulatory climate that would be far less restrictive than the current scenario," adds Divyaa Ravishankar. "This, together with the prospect of diverse applications within the healthcare arena, is bolstering the future of the market."

However, the lack of venture capitalists (VC) poses a grave challenge. VC funding is driven by investment concerns, with companies bidding to double their money every few years in order to return revenue to the fund's investors. As a high risk venture, stem cell technology does not exactly present an attractive investment proposition.

"While these are financial concerns, from the technological standpoint, the challenge remains to understand the basic biology behind stem cells," remarks Divyaa Ravishankar. "There is an urgent need to design and develop specific technology platforms that enhance the production, genetic stability and integration of transplanted cells."

If you are interested in more information on this study, please send an e-mail with your contact details to Janique Morvan, Corporate Communications, at janique.morvan@frost.com.

Strategic Analysis of the European Stem Cell Research Tools Market is part of the Clinical Diagnostics Growth Partnership Services programme, which also includes research in the following markets: European PCR Reagent Market for Research and Clinical Diagnostics and European Next Generation Sequencing Market. All research included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

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Rapidly Evolving Stem Cells Market Opens Up Doors for Related Research Tools, Says Frost & Sullivan

Public release date: 30-May-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Dian Land dj.land@hosp.wisc.edu 608-261-1034 University of Wisconsin-Madison

MADISON Breast-cancer researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have found that two related receptors in a robust signaling pathway must work together as a team to maintain normal activity in mammary stem cells.

Mammary stem cells produce various kinds of breast cell types. They may also drive the development and growth of malignant breast tumors.

Published recently in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, the research also suggests that a new signaling pathway may be involved, a development that eventually could take cancer-drug manufacturers in a new direction.

"We wanted to know if we could use this knowledge to inform us about what might be the transition that occurs to start tumor growth and maintain it," says senior author Dr. Caroline Alexander, professor of oncology at the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research at the School of Medicine and Public Health.

The paper describes new information about the Wnt signaling pathway. Wnt signaling underlies numerous activities in normal development, but when the system is unregulated, cancer often occurs.

"Wnt signaling is very important for both stem cells and tumor growth. We need to know the details of the signaling process so that we can use the positive aspects of Wnt signaling for regenerative medicine, and eliminate the negative cancer-causing aspects," says Alexander, a member of the UW Carbone Cancer Center (CCC).

Regenerative biologists typically add Wnt proteins together with other agents to guide the differentiation of lung, bone and heart stem cells, she notes.

The UW researchers zeroed in on two related Wnt receptors on the cell surface--LRP5 and LRP6. The receptors normally respond to Wnt ligands that approach cells to initiate a signaling cascade inside.

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Breast stem-cell research: Receptor teamwork is required and a new pathway may be involved

SUNRISE, Fla., May 29, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bioheart, Inc. (OTCBB:BHRT.OB - News) announced today that it will offer another laboratory training course in partnership with the Ageless Regenerative Institute, an organization dedicated to the standardization of cell regenerative medicine, on Saturday/Sunday June 23-24, 2012. Attendees will participate in hands on, in depth training in laboratory practices in stem cell science at Bioheart, Inc.'s corporate headquarters and clean room in Sunrise, Florida. The course was designed for Laboratory technicians, Students, Physicians and Physician Assistants.

"Attendees will graduate from this one-of-a-kind course with an extensive understanding of stem cell science laboratory practices," said Kristin Comella, Chief Scientific Officer, Bioheart, Inc. "Previous attendees described the course as incredibly well orchestrated providing comprehensive know how for laboratory start up."

An emerging field with tremendous opportunities, adult stem cell research has been shown to regenerate and repair injured or diseased structures via the release of bioactive tissue growth factors and cytokines. This is the second time that The Ageless Regenerative Institute has partnered with Bioheart, Inc. to provide hands-on training in a stem cell laboratory. This course provides instruction regarding how to grow stem cells and perform quality control testing in an actual cGMP facility following FDA regulations.

The course goals and objectives include reviewing stem cell types and characteristics; learning cell culture including plating, trypsinization and harvesting, and cryopreservation; learning quality control tests including cell count, viability, flow cytometry, endotoxin, mycoplasma, sterility; and learning and performing cGMP functions including clean room maintenance, gowning and environmental monitoring.

For information on costs and to register, visit http://www.agelessregen.com or email: info@agelessregen.com.

About Bioheart, Inc.

Bioheart is committed to maintaining its leading position within the cardiovascular sector of the cell technology industry delivering cell therapies and biologics that help address congestive heart failure, lower limb ischemia, chronic heart ischemia, acute myocardial infarctions and other issues. Bioheart's goals are to cause damaged tissue to be regenerated, when possible, and to improve a patient's quality of life and reduce health care costs and hospitalizations.

Specific to biotechnology, Bioheart is focused on the discovery, development and, subject to regulatory approval, commercialization of autologous cell therapies for the treatment of chronic and acute heart damage and peripheral vascular disease. Its leading product, MyoCell, is a clinical muscle-derived cell therapy designed to populate regions of scar tissue within a patient's heart with new living cells for the purpose of improving cardiac function in chronic heart failure patients. For more information on Bioheart, visit http://www.bioheartinc.com.

About Ageless Regenerative Institute, LLC

The Ageless Regenerative Institute (ARI) is an organization dedicated to the standardization of cell regenerative medicine. The Institute promotes the development of evidence-based standards of excellence in the therapeutic use of adipose-derived stem cells through education, advocacy, and research. ARI has a highly experienced management team with experience in setting up full scale cGMP stem cell manufacturing facilities, stem cell product development & enhancement, developing point-of-care cell production systems, developing culture expanded stem cell production systems, FDA compliance, directing clinical & preclinical studies with multiple cell types for multiple indications, and more. ARI has successfully treated hundreds of patients utilizing these cellular therapies demonstrating both safety and efficacy. For more information about regenerative medicine please visit http://www.agelessregen.com.

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Bioheart and Ageless Regenerative Partner to Advance Stem Cell Field With New Laboratory Training Program on June 23 ...

ORANGE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

A CHOC Childrens research project, under the direction of Philip H. Schwartz, Ph.D., senior scientist at the CHOC Childrens Research Institute and managing director of the facilitys National Human Neural Stem Cell Resource, has been awarded a $5.5 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). The grant will be used to develop a stem cell-based therapy for the treatment of mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS I), a fatal metabolic disease that causes neurodegeneration, as well as defects in other major organ systems.

Based on a number of medical and experimental observations, children with inherited degenerative diseases of the brain are expected to be among the first to benefit from novel approaches based on stem cell therapy (SCT).

Dr. Schwartz explains, While uncommon, pediatric genetic neurodegenerative diseases account for a large burden of mortality and morbidity in young children. Hematopoietic (bone marrow) stem cell transplant (HSCT) can improve some non-neural symptoms of these diseases, but does not treat the deadly neurodegenerative process. Our approach targeting the effects of the disease on organs besides the brain with HSCT and neurodegeneration with a second stem cell therapy specifically designed to treat the brain is a strategy for whole-body treatment of MPS I. Our approach is also designed to avoid the need for immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection of the transplanted cells.

This research is designed to lead to experimental therapy, based on stem cells, by addressing two critical issues: early intervention is required and possible in this patient population; and teaching the immune system not to reject the transplanted cells is required. This research also sets the stage for efficient translation of this technology into clinical practice, by adapting transplant techniques that are standard in clinical practice or in clinical trials, and using laboratory cell biology methods that are easily transferrable to clinical cell manufacturing.

Nationally recognized for his work in the stem cell field, Dr. Schwartz research focuses on the use of stem cells to understand the neurobiological causes of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Named one of the best childrens hospitals by U.S. News & World Report (2011-2012) and a 2011 Leapfrog Top Hospital, CHOC Children's is exclusively committed to the health and well-being of children through clinical expertise, advocacy, outreach and research that brings advanced treatment to pediatric patients.

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CHOC Children’s Research Project Awarded $5.5 Million Grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine

A UC Irvine stem cell researcher won a $4.8-million grant to fund research toward a treatment for multiple sclerosis.

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine awarded immunologist Thomas Lane, of the campus' Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, an Early Transitional Award last week to create a new line of neural stem cells to treat multiple sclerosis, according to a UCI press release.

"I am delighted that [the California Institute] has chosen to support our efforts to advance a novel stem cell-based therapy for multiple sclerosis," Peter Donovan, director of the research center, said in the release.

Lane is collaborating with Jeanne Loring, director of the Center for Regenerative Medicine at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, and Claude Bernard, a multiple sclerosis researcher at Monash University in Australia.

The research project "really embodies what [the California Institute] is all about, which is bringing science together to treat horrible diseases like multiple sclerosis," said Lane, who is a professor of molecular biology and biochemistry.

Multiple sclerosis is a central nervous system disease that causes inflammation and a loss of myelin, a fatty tissue that insulates and protects nerve cells.

The three are working on a stem cell treatment that will stop myelin loss while promoting the growth of new myelin to mend damaged nerves.

Loring creates the neural stem cells, said Lane, while he is testing the therapeutic effects the cells have on multiple sclerosis cells in animals.

The stem cells are already having a positive effect and the scientists are trying to understand why. They hope to identify the cells that have the most promise before going to clinical trials.

"I really want to thank the [California Institute] for allowing, and for funding, us," Lane said.

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UCI researcher wins large research grant