CHOP Researchers Improve Fitness of Cells Used in Cell Transplants

A readily available, inexpensive small molecule drug can improve the fitness of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) that are modified outside of the body, potentially improving the success of procedures like ex vivo gene therapy, according to a new study by researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

Mitochondrial Changes Linked to High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy

A new study provides evidence for the possibility that mitochondrial dysregulation could be a contributing factor in the development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The study is published in Physiological Genomics. It was chosen as an APSselect article for July.

Protein Alters Expression of Extracellular Vesicle Pathway in Colorectal Cancer, Could Serve as Diagnostic Tool

Article title: IMP1/IGF2BP1 in human colorectal cancer extracellular vesicles Authors: Madeline Kuhn, Yang Zhang, John Favate, Mayu Morita, Aurora Blucher, Sukanya Das, Shun Liang, Ranjan Preet, Louis R. Parham, Kathy N. Williams, Sudheer Molugu, Randall J. Armstrong, Wei Zhang, Jiegang…

Extracellular Vesicles in Lung Fluid May Point to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Severity

Article title: CD14-positive extracellular vesicles in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid as a new biomarker of acute respiratory distress syndrome Authors: Rahul Y. Mahida, Joshua Price, Sebastian T. Lugg, Hui Li, Dhruv Parekh, Aaron Scott, Paul Harrison, Michael A. Matthay, David R.…

Bacterial Extracellular Vesicles from Poultry Farm Dust Causes Lung Inflammation in Mice

Article title: Bacterial extracellular vesicles isolated from organic dust induce neutrophilic inflammation in the lung Authors: Velmurugan Meganathan, Regina Moyana, Kartiga Natarajan, Weshely Kujur, Shilpa Kusampudi, Sachin Mulik, Vijay Boggaram From the authors: “In summary, our studies have found that…

Scientists uncover a novel approach to treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Rome have shown that pharmacological (drug) correction of the content of extracellular vesicles released within dystrophic muscles can restore their ability to regenerate muscle and prevent muscle scarring. The study, published in EMBO Reports, reveals a promising new therapeutic approach for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), an incurable muscle-wasting condition.

Communication between Skeletal Muscle Stem Cells and Fibers Supports Muscle Growth in Mice

A new study suggests that communication between skeletal muscle cells and muscle fibers promotes muscle growth. Adult muscle stem cells, called satellite cells, release extracellular vesicles that are delivered to muscle fibers responsible for contraction, to promote this muscle growth. The first-of-its-kind study is published ahead of print in the journal Function.

Study Explores Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Tissue Repair after Heart Attack

Article title: CDC-derived extracellular vesicles reprogram inflammatory macrophages to an arginase 1-dependent pro-angiogenic phenotype Authors: Kyle I. Mentkowski, Asma Mursleen, Jonathan D. Snitzer, Lindsey M. Euscher, Jennifer K. Lang From the authors: “Our study was designed to gain mechanistic insight into the…

Engineers develop skin rejuvenation method using stem cells

BINGHAMTON, NY — Vesicles derived from human stem cells can be used to rejuvenate skin, according to a research team including faculty at Binghamton University, State University of New York. The use of stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) as a cell-free…

Research on Cellular ‘Packages’ Receives $900k in Federal Funding

Scientists from Johns Hopkins and elsewhere have been selected to receive more than $940,000 to study cellular “packages” that can be used to diagnose disease, track disease status and potentially deliver therapies. The packages, called extracellular vesicles, are ubiquitous among all types of human cells and are being studied for their use in cancer, neurocognitive disorders and other conditions.