The steps of the virus growth cycle that can be targeted with therapies: The virus enters a host cell (1), the virus's genetic instructions are released, taking over cellular machinery (2), the virus is replicated within the cell (3) and copies of the virus exit the cell in search of new host cells to infect … Continue reading CIRM funding helps identify potential COVID-19 treatment
Cell Reports
De-stressing stem cells and the Bonnie & Clyde of stem cells
Dr. John Cashman The cells in our body are constantly signalling with each other, it's a critical process by which cells communicate not just with other cells but also with elements within themselves. One of the most important signalling pathways is called Wnt. This plays a key role in early embryonic and later development. But … Continue reading De-stressing stem cells and the Bonnie & Clyde of stem cells
“Mini” human liver made of stem cells successfully transplanted in rats
Miniature liver made from human skin cells turned stem cells turned specialized liver cells Photo Credit: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine According to the American Liver Foundation website, almost 14,000 patients are on the waiting list for a liver transplant. But what if there was a way to generate a liver using your own … Continue reading “Mini” human liver made of stem cells successfully transplanted in rats
How quitting smoking helps your lungs regenerate; a discovery could lead to new ways to repair damaged lungs; and encouraging news in a stroke recovery trial
Photo courtesy Lindsay Fox Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death not just in the US, but worldwide. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tobacco causes an estimated seven million deaths around the world, every single year. And for every person who dies, another 30 live with a … Continue reading How quitting smoking helps your lungs regenerate; a discovery could lead to new ways to repair damaged lungs; and encouraging news in a stroke recovery trial
CIRM supported study finds that a gene associated with autism influences brain stem cells
Dr. Bennett Novitch, UCLA Broad Stem Cell Research CenterImage Credit: UCLA Broad Stem Cell Research Center In a previous blog post, we discussed new findings in a CIRM supported study at the Salk Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a developmental disorder that comes in broad ranges and primarily affects communication and behavior. This week, … Continue reading CIRM supported study finds that a gene associated with autism influences brain stem cells
Genetic defect leads to slower production of brain cells linked to one form of autism
Child with Fragile X syndrome Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetic disorder that is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability in children, and has also been linked to a form of autism. Uncovering the cause of FXS could help lead to a deeper understanding of autism, what causes it and ultimately, it’s … Continue reading Genetic defect leads to slower production of brain cells linked to one form of autism
New study points to potential treatment for balance disorders
Alan Cheng and his colleagues were able to regenerate hair cells inside the ears of mice — a first in mature mammals. Photo Courtesy of Steve Fisch A sense of balance is important for a wide range of activities, from simple ones such as walking, running, and driving, to more intricate ones such as dancing, … Continue reading New study points to potential treatment for balance disorders
Of Mice and Men, and Women Too; Stem cell stories you might have missed
Mice brains can teach us a lot Last week’s news headlines were dominated by one big story, the use of a stem cell transplant to effectively cure a person of HIV. But there were other stories that, while not quite as striking, did also highlight how the field is advancing. A new way to boost … Continue reading Of Mice and Men, and Women Too; Stem cell stories you might have missed
Coming up with a stem cell FIX for a life-threatening blood disorder
A promising new treatment option for hemophiliacs is in the works at the Salk Institute for Biological Sciences. Patients with Hemophilia B experience uncontrolled, and sometimes life threatening, bleeding due to loss or improper function of Factor IX (FIX), a protein involved in blood clotting. There is no cure for the disease and patients rely … Continue reading Coming up with a stem cell FIX for a life-threatening blood disorder
The Stem Cellar 