An argument made in the popular media is that adult stem cells are healing people "today", whereas embryonic stem cells are a thing of the future. In priniciple this is correct, however, my stomach turns when the proponents of adult stem cells use the example of "bone marrow transplantation". Bone marrow transplantation, while it is a sort of "stem cell...
This patent teaches the identification of stem cells by virtue of expression of the gene known as KIAA0918. Specifically, the claims are aimed at hematopoietic stem cells and detection by hybridization. It will be interesting to identify the protein and function of the protein encoded by the gene KIAA0918.
Stem cells are increasingly seen as a source for the generation of new neurons. In this patent, ways of protecting neurons and stimulating axon regrowth are thought. Specifically, the patent deals with two GTPases called Rho and Rac. Rac activation causes axon spreading, while Rho activation causes axon retraction. In many neurodegenerative diseases, axons are...
Hepatic fibrosis is associated with overproduction of collagen by stellate cells, as well as killing of hepatocytes by these cells.
In some situations stem cells have demonstrated positive effects in clinical liver failure, both bone marrow stem cells, as well as mobilized peripheral blood stem cells.
One mechanism...
Cancer vaccines have had a checkered past. This is primarily because numerous experimental approaches that demonstrated animal efficacy could not be translated into humans. Since numerous animal models are in-bred and involve carcinogenesis that is unnaturally “fast” (e.g. either a cell line is injected or huge amounts of carcinogens are administered) it is likely that these models do not...
This patent covers the use of stem cells and products of stem cells as "biological pacemakers" so as to ensure that the electrical pulses of the heart are appropriately coordinated.
This patent teaches the use of retinoids to stimulate olfactory stem cells in order to restore the sense of smell to an animal in need thereof. The use of retinoids for stimulation of stem cell differentiation is well known and is actually therapeutic in various types of cancer, in which the malignant cell is subjected to "differentiation therapy" such that it loses its malignancy.
This patent covers a novel method of treating wounds through "spraying" allogeneic cells, together with fibrinogen and thrombin, in order to secrete various growth factors, including factors that stimulate stem cells, so as to accelerate wound healing. Systems for inducing tissue regeneration, as well as kits are provided. Basically, the independent claim covers a two part administration of...
This is a very important patent for the clinical trials ongoing right now that are administering bone marrow autolous stem cells into the heart of patients in order to stimulate angiogenesis. This paten is definately worthy of detailed reading and understanding in light of existing clinical research in this area.
Repair of cartilage is an area of active investigation using a wide variety of approaches, including bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and various progenitor cell types. In this patent, methods of inducing cartilage regeneration are disclosed through administration of a solution that contains a mixture of various blood components and polymers. In certain embodiments the polymers are liquid...