StemCell Therapy

Scientists are usinghydrogen sulphide, the chemical found in stink bombs and bad breath, to strengthen the purity of stem cells, according to the Journal of Breath Research.

Though toxic in large quantities, hydrogen sulphide was shown to increase the purity level of stem cells, which keeps them from reverting to other tissues when they are implanted in a new organ.

In this study, stem cells were taken from dental pulp and converted to liver cells. Hopefully, these cells would help regenerate the liver in case the organ was damaged.

Unfortunately, there isn't a ton of dental pulp (the part in the middle of the tooth) to be harvested for this purpose. The study did not say how many stem cells were produced from the dental pulp.

It is nice to know that hydrogen sulphide which is also found in farts can be used productively, if harvested correctly.

(via WedMD)

Read the rest here:
Japanese Scientists Use A Chemical In Bad Breath To Produce Stem Cells

SALT LAKE CITY — Researchers may have found a use for the chemical that causes the stench in bad breath, stink bombs, and flatulence.

This smelly substance known as Hydrogen Sulphide has been used in helping to convert stem cells from human teeth into liver cells.

The scientists conducting the investigation and research in the Journal of Breath Research claim that the gas increased the purity of the stem cells. The goal is that the liver cells produced from the stem cells could be used for repair if the organ was damaged.

Hydrogen Sulphide is produced by bacteria, and is toxic in large amounts. A group in China has reportedly tested the gas on rats to enhance the survival of mesenchymal stem cells taken from the bone marrow.

Researchers from the Nippon Dental University were investigating stem cells from dental pulp — the material in the middle of the tooth. The dental pulp was taken from patients undergoing a routine tooth extraction.

Dr. Ken Yaegaki, the lead author of the study, told the BBC why the dental pulp was so effective. "High purity means there are less 'wrong cells' that are being differentiated to other tissues, or remaining as stem cells," said Yaegaki.

However, one of the concerns with dental pulp as a source of stem cells is the limited number that can be harvested. The study did not say how many stem cells were actually produced.

But researchers are optimistic about the results, and the safety of the procedure.

"Until now, nobody has produced the protocol to regenerate such a huge number of hepatic cells for human transplantation," said Yaegaki. "Compared to the traditional method of using fetal bovine serum to produce the cells, our method is productive and, most importantly, safe."

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Bad breath being used in Stem Cell research

ScienceDaily (Feb. 26, 2012) — Japanese scientists have found that the odorous compound responsible for halitosis -- otherwise known as bad breath -- is ideal for harvesting stem cells taken from human dental pulp.

In a study published 27 February, in IOP Publishing's Journal of Breath Research, researchers showed that hydrogen sulphide (H2S) increased the ability of adult stem cells to differentiate into hepatic (liver) cells, furthering their reputation as a reliable source for future liver-cell therapy.

This is the first time that liver cells have been produced from human dental pulp and, even more impressively, have been produced in high numbers of high purity. "High purity means there are less 'wrong cells' that are being differentiated to other tissues, or remaining as stem cells. Moreover, these facts suggest that patients undergoing transplantation with the hepatic cells may have almost no possibility of developing teratomas or cancers, as can be the case when using bone marrow stem cells," said lead author of the study Dr. Ken Yaegaki.

The remarkable transforming ability of stem cells has led to significant focus from research groups around the world and given rise to expectations of cures for numerable diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

In this study, Dr. Ken Yaegaki and his group, from Nippon Dental University, Japan, used stem cells from dental pulp -- the central part of the tooth made up of connective tissue and cells -- which were obtained from the teeth of dental patients who were undergoing routine tooth extractions.

Once the cells were sufficiently prepared, they were separated into two batches (a test and a control) and the test cells incubated in a H2S chamber. They were harvested and analysed after 3, 6 and 9 days to see if the cells had successfully transformed into liver cells. To test if the cells successfully differentiated under the influence of H2S, the researchers carried out a series of tests looking at features that were characteristic of liver cells.

In addition to physical observations under the microscope, the researchers investigated the cell's ability to store glycogen and then recorded the amount of urea contained in the cell. "Until now, nobody has produced the protocol to regenerate such a huge number of hepatic cells for human transplantation. Compared to the traditional method of using fetal bovine serum to produce the cells, our method is productive and, most importantly, safe" continued Dr. Yaegaki.

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) has the characteristic smell of rotten eggs and is produced throughout the body in the tissues. Although its exact function is unknown, researchers have been led to believe that it plays a key role in many physiological processes and disease states.

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Institute of Physics (IOP), via AlphaGalileo.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

Journal Reference:

Nikolay Ishkitiev, Bogdan Calenic, Izumi Aoyama, Hisataka Ii, Ken Yaegaki, Toshio Imai. Hydrogen sulfide increases hepatic differentiation in tooth-pulp stem cells. Journal of Breath Research, 2012; 6 (1): 017103 DOI: 10.1088/1752-7155/6/1/017103

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

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Dental pulp stem cells transformed by 'bad breath’ chemical

February 27, 2012

Japanese scientists have recently discovered that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) – the chemical responsible for such malodorous phenomena as human flatulence, bad breath and rotten eggs – can be used to efficiently convert stem cells from human teeth into liver cells.

While the fetid chemical compound is produced in small quantities by the human body for use in a variety of biological signaling mechanisms, at high concentrations it is highly poisonous and extremely flammable.

A team of researchers at the Nippon Dental University in Tokyo collected stem cells from the teeth of patients undergoing extractions. The cells were harvested from the central part of the tooth known as the pulp which is made up predominantly of connective tissue and cells.

Stem cells recovered from the pulp were then divided into two groups and incubated in sealed chambers, one filled with hydrogen sulfide and the other a control group.

The cells from each chamber were then examined at three-day intervals to look for signs of transformation into liver cells. One such indicator is the ability to store glycogen, a compound that can be converted to glucose when the body needs energy.

According to a report of their findings that appeared this week in the Journal of Breath Research, the team was able to convert the stem cells to liver cells in relatively high numbers. And what’s more, said the team, H2S appears to help produce comparatively high quality, functional liver cells.

Lead researcher Ken Yaegaki explained that “[h]igh purity means there are less ‘wrong cells’ that are being differentiated to other tissues, or remaining as stem cells … These facts suggest that patients undergoing transplantation with the hepatic cells may have almost no possibility of developing teratomas (malignant tumors) or cancers.”

For the thousands of people around the world with chronic liver disease, this is a most welcome discovery, one that Yaegaki believes could potentially revolutionize this field of medicine.

“Until now, nobody has produced the protocol to regenerate such a huge number of hepatic cells for human transplantation,” added Yaegaki.

“Compared to the traditional method or suing fetal bovine serum to produce the cells, our method is productive and, most importantly, safe.”

Yaegaki’s hope is that his team’s discovery may eventually be fine-tuned to allow scientists to produce ample liver cells in a lab for use in repairing liver damage in human patients.

Moreover, this and similar studies in recent years have also gotten researchers in other fields questioning the possibilities for using hydrogen sulfide with other types of stem cells.

A team of researchers in China, for instance, recently reported using H2S to increase the survival rate of mesenchymal stem cells extracted from the bone marrow of rats.

—

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Source: RedOrbit Staff & Wire Reports

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Researchers Use Noxious Gas To Convert Stem Cells To Liver Cells

Tokyo, Feb 27 (IANS) A compound that gives the mouth its bad breadth or halitosis, can also help tweak stem cells from human dental pulp into liver cells, a study reveals.

Researchers from Nippon Dental University, Japan, showed that hydrogen sulphide (H2S) (which smells like rotten eggs) boosted the ability of adult stem cells to differentiate into hepatic (liver) cells, furthering their reputation as a reliable source for future liver-cell therapy.

This is the first time that liver cells have been produced from human dental pulp and, even more impressively, have been produced in high numbers of high purity, the Journal of Breath Research reported.

"High purity means there are less 'wrong cells' that are being differentiated to other tissues, or remaining as stem cells," said a university statement.

"Moreover, these facts suggest that patients undergoing transplantation with the hepatic cells may have almost no possibility of developing teratomas or cancers, as can be the case when using bone marrow stem cells," said Ken Yaegaki, who led the study.

Yaegaki and his group used stem cells from dental pulp -- the central part of the tooth made up of connective tissue and cells -- which were obtained from the teeth of dental patients who were undergoing routine tooth extractions.

"Until now, nobody has produced the protocol to regenerate such a huge number of hepatic cells for human transplantation. Compared to the traditional method of using fetal bovine serum to produce the cells, our method is productive and, most importantly, safe" concluded Yaegaki.

Read more from the original source:
Bad breath chemical converts dental pulp into liver cells

Washington, Feb 27 (ANI): The odorous compound responsible for halitosis - otherwise known as bad breath - may play a key role in harvesting stem cells taken from human dental pulp, a new study has suggested.

In the study, Japanese scientists showed that hydrogen sulphide (H2S) increased the ability of adult stem cells to differentiate into hepatic (liver) cells, furthering their reputation as a reliable source for future liver-cell therapy.

This is the first time that liver cells have been produced from human dental pulp and, even more impressively, have been produced in high numbers of high purity.

"High purity means there are less 'wrong cells' that are being differentiated to other tissues, or remaining as stem cells. Moreover, these facts suggest that patients undergoing transplantation with the hepatic cells may have almost no possibility of developing teratomas or cancers, as can be the case when using bone marrow stem cells," said lead author of the study Dr. Ken Yaegaki.

The remarkable transforming ability of stem cells has led to significant focus from research groups around the world and given rise to expectations of cures for numerable diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

In this study, Dr. Yaegaki and his group, from Nippon Dental University, Japan, used stem cells from dental pulp - the central part of the tooth made up of connective tissue and cells - which were obtained from the teeth of dental patients who were undergoing routine tooth extractions.

Once the cells were sufficiently prepared, they were separated into two batches (a test and a control) and the test cells incubated in a H2S chamber.

They were harvested and analysed after 3, 6 and 9 days to see if the cells had successfully transformed into liver cells.

To test if the cells successfully differentiated under the influence of H2S, the researchers carried out a series of tests looking at features that were characteristic of liver cells.

In addition to physical observations under the microscope, the researchers investigated the cell's ability to store glycogen and then recorded the amount of urea contained in the cell.

"Until now, nobody has produced the protocol to regenerate such a huge number of hepatic cells for human transplantation. Compared to the traditional method of using fetal bovine serum to produce the cells, our method is productive and, most importantly, safe," Dr. Yaegaki added.

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) has the characteristic smell of rotten eggs and is produced throughout the body in the tissues.

Although its exact function is unknown, researchers have been led to believe that it plays a key role in many physiological processes and disease states.

The study has been published in IOP Publishing's Journal of Breath Research. (ANI)

Continued here:
'Bad breath' chemical may fuel development of dental pulp stem cells

27 February 2012 Last updated at 00:06 ET

Hydrogen sulphide, the gas famed for generating the stench in stink bombs, flatulence and bad breath, has been harnessed by stem cell researchers in Japan.

Their study, in the Journal of Breath Research, investigated using it to help convert stem cells from human teeth into liver cells.

The scientists claimed the gas increased the purity of the stem cells.

Small amounts of hydrogen sulphide are made by the body.

It is also produced by bacteria and is toxic in large quantities.

Therapy

A group in China has already reported using the gas to enhance the survival of mesenchymal stem cells taken from the bone marrow of rats.

Researchers at the Nippon Dental University were investigating stem cells from dental pulp - the bit in the middle of the tooth.

They said using the gas increased the proportion of stem cells which were converted to liver cells when used alongside other chemicals. The idea is that liver cells produced from stem cells could be used to repair the organ if it was damaged.

Dr Ken Yaegaki, from Nippon Dental University in Japan, said: "High purity means there are less 'wrong cells' that are being differentiated to other tissues, or remaining as stem cells."

One of the concerns with dental pulp as a source of stem cells is the number that can be harvested.

However, the study did not say how many cells were actually produced.

Prof Chris Mason, a specialist in regenerative medicine at University College London, said: "It would be interesting to see how hydrogen sulphide works with other cells types."

See the original post here:
Bad breath used as stem cell tool

Public release date: 26-Feb-2012
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Contact: Joe Winters
joseph.winters@iop.org
44-794-632-1473
Institute of Physics

Japanese scientists have found that the odorous compound responsible for halitosis ? otherwise known as bad breath ? is ideal for harvesting stem cells taken from human dental pulp.

In a study published today, Monday 27 February, in IOP Publishing's Journal of Breath Research, researchers showed that hydrogen sulphide (H2S) increased the ability of adult stem cells to differentiate into hepatic (liver) cells, furthering their reputation as a reliable source for future liver-cell therapy.

This is the first time that liver cells have been produced from human dental pulp and, even more impressively, have been produced in high numbers of high purity.

"High purity means there are less 'wrong cells' that are being differentiated to other tissues, or remaining as stem cells. Moreover, these facts suggest that patients undergoing transplantation with the hepatic cells may have almost no possibility of developing teratomas or cancers, as can be the case when using bone marrow stem cells," said lead author of the study Dr. Ken Yaegaki.

The remarkable transforming ability of stem cells has led to significant focus from research groups around the world and given rise to expectations of cures for numerable diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

In this study, Dr. Ken Yaegaki and his group, from Nippon Dental University, Japan, used stem cells from dental pulp ? the central part of the tooth made up of connective tissue and cells ? which were obtained from the teeth of dental patients who were undergoing routine tooth extractions.

Once the cells were sufficiently prepared, they were separated into two batches (a test and a control) and the test cells incubated in a H2S chamber. They were harvested and analysed after 3, 6 and 9 days to see if the cells had successfully transformed into liver cells.

To test if the cells successfully differentiated under the influence of H2S, the researchers carried out a series of tests looking at features that were characteristic of liver cells. In addition to physical observations under the microscope, the researchers investigated the cell's ability to store glycogen and then recorded the amount of urea contained in the cell.

"Until now, nobody has produced the protocol to regenerate such a huge number of hepatic cells for human transplantation. Compared to the traditional method of using fetal bovine serum to produce the cells, our method is productive and, most importantly, safe" continued Dr. Yaegaki.

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) has the characteristic smell of rotten eggs and is produced throughout the body in the tissues. Although its exact function is unknown, researchers have been led to believe that it plays a key role in many physiological processes and disease states.

###

From Monday 27 February, this paper can be downloaded from http://iopscience.org/1752-7163/6/1/017103

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AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

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Dental pulp stem cells transformed by 'bad breath' chemical

The compound that causes bad breath could help fuel the development of stem cells from dental pulp, according to a study.

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) - which has the characteristic smell of rotten eggs - appears to help teeth stem cells transform into liver cells, which could prove a valuable treatment for patients, researchers found.

H2S is a major cause of halitosis or bad breath, which is of concern to millions of people worldwide.

A team of experts took stem cells from dental pulp - the central part of the tooth made up of connective tissue and cells - obtained from the teeth of dental patients undergoing routine tooth extractions.

The cells were separated into two groups, with one group incubated in a H2S chamber and the other group acting as a control. The cells were analysed after three, six and nine days to see if they had transformed into liver cells. Their ability to function as liver cells was also tested, including the ability to store glycogen and collect urea.

The study, published in the Journal of Breath Research, from the Institute of Physics, suggested liver cells could be produced in high numbers of high purity.

Lead author of the study, Dr Ken Yaegaki, from Nippon Dental University in Japan, said: "High purity means there are less 'wrong cells' that are being differentiated to other tissues, or remaining as stem cells. Moreover, these facts suggest that patients undergoing transplantation with the hepatic (liver) cells may have almost no possibility of developing teratomas (tumours) or cancers.

"Until now, nobody has produced the protocol to regenerate such a huge number of hepatic cells for human transplantation. Compared to the traditional method of using fetal bovine serum to produce the cells, our method is productive and, most importantly, safe."

Professor Anthony Hollander, head of cellular and molecular medicine at Bristol University, said much more research was needed.

He said: "This is interesting work in a new direction but there's a long way to go to see if it is usable therapeutically. This is potential evidence but the real test of the liver cell is whether it metabolises specific toxins," he said, adding that that requires enzyme function tests."

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Teeth 'transform into liver cells'

New market research report “Tissue Engineering: The Combination of Cells & Engineering - A Global Market Overview” developed by Industry Experts has been recently published by Market Publishers Ltd. The report reveals that the global market for tissue engineering is projected to touch USD 27 billion by 2018 from an estimated USD 6.6 billion in 2008, witnessing a healthy CAGR of 15%.

London, UK (PRWEB) February 22, 2012

The global market for tissue engineering is projected to touch USD 27 billion by 2018 from an estimated USD 6.6 billion in 2008, witnessing a healthy CAGR of 15%. Factors that are expected to influence this market and its explosive growth include political forces, government funding, clinical trial results, fluctuating industry investment and an increasing awareness among both physicians and the general public of the accessibility of cell therapies for medical applications.

New market research report “Tissue Engineering: The Combination of Cells & Engineering - A Global Market Overview” developed by Industry Experts has been recently published by Market Publishers Ltd.

Report Details:

Title: Tissue Engineering: The Combination of Cells & Engineering - A Global Market Overview

Published: February, 2012

Pages: 153

Price: US$ 3,600

http://marketpublishers.com/report/medicine_pharmaceuticals_biotechnology/healthcare_equipment_services/tissue_engineering_combination_of_cells_engineering_a_global_market_overview.html

The report provides a thorough examination of the market for tissue engineering globally and across individual regions including the United States, Europe, Asia-Pacific and ROW. The study features statistical data for the market and provides profiles of 60 major tissue engineering market players. Future forecasts are also reviewed in detail.

Report Contents:

1. Introduction

2. Product Outline

2.1 Biomaterials

2.2 Cells

2.3 Biomolecules

2.4 Aspects of Engineering Design

2.5 Biomechanical Design Aspects

2.6 Informatics to Support Tissue Engineering

2.7 Stem Cell Research

2.8 Therapeutic Applications of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

2.8.1 Orthopedic Applications

    2.8.1.1 Bone Regeneration Using Orthopedic Tissue Engineering

    2.8.1.2 Articular Cartilage Degeneration and Osteoarthritis, Repair, Regeneration and Transplantation

     2.8.1.2.1 Cartilage Repair

     2.8.1.2.2 Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation

2.8.2 Skin/Integumentary Applications

    2.8.2.1 Burns

    2.8.2.2 Diabetic Ulcers

    2.8.2.3 Venous Ulcers

    2.8.2.4 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

2.8.3 Oncology Applications

    2.8.3.1 Cancer

    2.8.3.2 Cancer Biology from Tissue Engineering’s Perspective

    2.8.3.3 Tissue Engineering Technology Platforms’ Translation into Cancer Research

2.8.4 Cardiovascular Applications

    2.8.4.1 Cardiac Tissue Engineering: An Overview

    2.8.4.2 Identification of Basic Cell Responses

     2.8.4.2.1 Materials and Degradation

     2.8.4.2.2 Attachment

     2.8.4.2.3 Stiffness

     2.8.4.2.4 Diffusion and Porosity

     2.8.4.2.5 Forces

    2.8.4.3 3-Dimensional Tissue Engineering

    2.8.4.4 Further 3-D Approaches and Considerations

    2.8.4.5 Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering and Bioreactor Technology

    2.8.4.6 Limiting Cells or Materials

2.8.5 Dental

    2.8.5.1 Dental Tissue Regeneration through Tissue Engineering Strategy

    2.8.5.2 Harvesting Teeth Created by Tissue Engineering

    2.8.5.3 Research Goals Currently Targeted

    2.8.5.4 Process of Tissue Engineering for Tooth Replacement: What Future Trends Indicate

2.8.6 Neurology Applications

    2.8.6.1 Neural Tissue Engineering or Neuroregeneration

    2.8.6.2 Biomaterial Scaffold Development for Nerve Tissue Engineering: Biomaterial Mediated Neural Regeneration

     2.8.6.2.1 Response to Injury and Repair

     2.8.6.2.2 Neural Cells’ Regeneration Potential

     2.8.6.2.3 Regeneration Promoted through Growth Factor Delivery

     2.8.6.2.4 Biomaterials in Nerve Regeneration

     2.8.6.2.5 Polymeric Scaffolds as Extracellular Matrix Analogues

     2.8.6.2.6 Geometric Indicators: Structure of Scaffolds

     2.8.6.2.7 Nanofiber Properties and Electrospinning Technology

     2.8.6.2.8 Alternate Approaches

     2.8.6.2.9 Electrical Cues

...

More new market research reports by the publisher can be found at Industry Experts page.

###

Tanya Rezler
The Market Publishers, Ltd
+44 208 144 6009
Email Information

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Global Tissue Engineering Market Review Recently Published at MarketPublishers.com

Dr. Todd Flower, Director of Research and Laboratory Operations at GeneCell International, has been invited to speak at the Jorge Mas Canosa Middle School on career day to a group of students about the science behind adult stem cells.

Miami, FL. (PRWEB) February 22, 2012

Dr. Todd Flower, Director of Research and Laboratory Operations at GeneCell International, has been invited to speak at the Jorge Mas Canosa Middle School on career day to a group of students about the science behind adult stem cells.

Dr. Todd R. Flower will be set to speak on Friday, March 9, 2012, from 9:40am to 1:30pm, to 4 different groups of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. The talk will be centered on the science of adult stem cells, its potential medical uses, as well as the use of liquid nitrogen and cryogenic procedures. “As a scientific institution, we need to educate the public and give back to our community, therefore, I look forward to meeting with this group of young bright individuals who we can hopefully inspire to become scientists”, said Dr. Todd R. Flower.    

Adult stem cells can be found and isolated from several different adult tissue types including but not limited to: bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, dental pulp tissue, adipose (fat) tissue, menstrual blood, synovial fluid etc. The stem cells isolated from these adult tissues have the ability to differentiate (mature into) numerous other cell types giving them the potential to treat a variety of different disease states.

GeneCell International is the only cutting-edge laboratory in Miami that specializes in the collection, transport, processing and cryogenic storage of adult stem cells from various sources including; umbilical cord blood, dental pulp and adipose (fat) tissue that can later be used to treat a variety of diseases. The laboratory is also involved in scientific research and development with a range of stem cells from various adult tissues.

“This opportunity allows us to further educate our community to ensure that everyone is given the best and most current information on preserving stem cells that can potentially save a life of a family member,” added GeneCell’s Operation’s Director, Jose Cirino.

Alongside its commitment to educating the public on the benefits of cord blood, dental pulp and adipose tissue preservation, GeneCell is committed to being on the forefront of stem cell research.

About GeneCell International

GeneCell International, LLC is a trusted provider in the collection, processing and storage of adult stem cells from various sources which have the potential to treat a variety of diseases and disorders. Headquartered in Miami, Florida and with local offices in Central Florida, Colombia, Rhode Island, the Dominican Republic, Panama and Venezuela, GeneCell operates state of the art laboratories and storage facilities for the cord blood of thousands of clients. For more information and to learn more about cord blood banking visit http://www.GeneCell.com

###

Lourdes Balestena, Public Relations
GeneCell International, LLC
305-300-0845
Email Information

Originally posted here:
GeneCell International’s Director of Research and Laboratory Operations is Invited to Speak at a Local Middle School ...

ScienceDaily (Feb. 19, 2012) — Researchers from King's College London have provided the first experimental evidence confirming a great British mathematician's theory of how biological patterns such as tiger stripes or leopard spots are formed.

The study, funded by the Medical Research Council and published online in Nature Genetics, not only demonstrates a mechanism which is likely to be widely relevant in vertebrate development, but also provides confidence that chemicals called morphogens, which control these patterns, can be used in regenerative medicine to differentiate stem cells into tissue.

The findings provide evidence to support a theory first suggested in the 1950s by famous code-breaker and mathematician Alan Turing, whose centenary falls this year. He put forward the idea that regular repeating patterns in biological systems are generated by a pair of morphogens that work together as an 'activator' and 'inhibitor'.

To test the theory the researchers studied the development of the regularly spaced ridges found in the roof of the mouth in mice. Carrying out experiments in mouse embryos, the team identified the pair of morphogens working together to influence where each ridge will be formed. These chemicals controlled each other's expression, activating and inhibiting production and therefore controlling the generation of the ridge pattern.

The researchers were able to identify the specific morphogens involved in this process -- FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factor) and Shh (Sonic Hedgehog -- so-called because laboratory fruit flies lacking the fly version have extra bristles on their bodies). They showed that when these morphogens' activity is increased or decreased, the pattern of the ridges in the mouth palate are affected in ways predicted by Turing's equations. For the first time the actual morphogens involved in this process have been identified and the team were able to see exactly the effects predicted by Turing's 60-year-old speculative theory.

Dr Jeremy Green from the Department of Craniofacial Development at King's Dental Institute said: 'Regularly spaced structures, from vertebrae and hair follicles to the stripes on a tiger or zebrafish, are a fundamental motif in biology. There are several theories about how patterns in nature are formed, but until now there was only circumstantial evidence for Turing's mechanism. Our study provides the first experimental identification of an activator-inhibitor system at work in the generation of stripes -- in this case, in the ridges of the mouth palate.

'Although important in feeling and tasting food, ridges in the mouth are not of great medical significance. However, they have proven extremely valuable here in validating an old theory of the activator-inhibitor model first put forward by Alan Turing in the 50s.

'Not only does this show us how patterns such as stripes are formed, but it provides confidence that these morphogens (chemicals) can be used in future regenerative medicine to regenerate structure and pattern when differentiating stem cells into other tissues.

'As this year marks Turing's centenary, it is a fitting tribute to this great mathematician and computer scientist that we should now be able to prove that his theory was right all along!'

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Journal Reference:

Andrew D Economou, Atsushi Ohazama, Thantrira Porntaveetus, Paul T Sharpe, Shigeru Kondo, M Albert Basson, Amel Gritli-Linde, Martyn T Cobourne, Jeremy B A Green. Periodic stripe formation by a Turing mechanism operating at growth zones in the mammalian palate. Nature Genetics, 2012; DOI: 10.1038/ng.1090

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

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Turing's tiger stripe theory demonstrated

(CBS News) 

How did the tiger get its stripes? Scientists in England say they've figured out the biological mechanisms behind the big cat's trademark look - and it's a bit more complicated than one of Kipling's Just So Stories.

According to researchers at King's College London, their findings, published in the journal Nature Genetics, confirm a theory put forth in the 1950s by mathematician and code-breaker Alan Turing, the man considered the father of the computer. 

Turing theorized that a pair of morphogens, substances that govern how cells develop into tissues, work together as an "activator" and "inhibitor" causing regular repeating patterns in biological systems. 

According to the Telegraph, "One of the chemicals, [Turing] suggested, triggered cell activity, while the other hindered it. The way in which they interact would dictate where cells grow, creating familiar patterns on the fur of animals."

To test this theory, the researchers tested a spot on another animal that shows such patterns - the evenly spaced ridges in the mouths of mice.

According to a post by King's College London:

Carrying out experiments in mouse embryos, the team identified the pair of morphogens working together to influence where each ridge will be formed. These chemicals controlled each other's expression, activating and inhibiting production and therefore controlling the generation of the ridge pattern...They showed that when these morphogens' activity is increased or decreased, the pattern of the ridges in the mouth palate are affected in ways predicted by Turing's equations.

Dr. Jeremy Green from the Department of Craniofacial Development at King's Dental Institute says that this is the "first experimental identification of an activator-inhibitor system at work in the generation of stripes" and better understanding of this process could, in future, be used "to regenerate structure and pattern when differentiating stem cells into other tissues."

Green also notes that, fittingly, this confirmation comes during Turing's centenary: he would have turned 100 this June.

See more here:
Alan Turing's tiger-stripe theory confirmed, say researchers

16-01-2012 19:46 Korea Tooth Stem Cell Bank, Inc. aired on TV media.

Original post:
Korea Tooth Stem Cell Bank, Inc. - Video

14-02-2012 08:13 STEM CELLS The dance of life Recent developments in regenerative medicine and modern biology are going to have an enormous impact on our lives. Also the way itself we face the problem of sickness, aging and death changes as the hope (or the illusion?) grows that we always can fight and delay them. Stem cell research is in fact changing our knowledge of the fundamental mechanisms of life and feeding the idea that we can increasingly contrast the cruel natural selection rules which make us fall ill, grow old and die. A new frontier opens and unpredictable changes in our culture are taking place. People's hopes and fears grow at the same time. The general properties of the stem cells is presented, namely the ability to proliferate and, under certain conditions, to differentiate in other types of cells. In this way they can generate a new tissue replacing a damaged one, and also a new organ (like blood, thrachea, liver, heart, skin, cornea and very recently retina). A stamp is shown, which was emitted by the Japanese government to celebrate the discovery of a university team, which was able to regenerate a cornea and giving the opportunity to a patient to see again. Then the innovative results is presented in applications of the stem cells to orthopedy, muscular dystrophy, cardiology and dentistry. Finally the etherogeneus perspectives is presented offered by stem cell research to treat degenerative disorders, like Alzheimer, Parkinson diseases and Multiple Sclerosis. www ...

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Stem cells - ISWA project - Video

February 20, 2012

A team of UK researchers claims to have put forth the first ever experimental evidence in support of a long-standing theory about how biological patterns such as a leopard’s spots or a tiger’s stripes are formed.

The study was the work of experts from King’s College London, and according to a February 19 press release from the school, “The findings provide evidence to support a theory first suggested in the 1950s by famous code-breaker and mathematician Alan Turing,” who championed the idea that “regular repeating patterns in biological systems are generated by a pair of morphogens that work together as an ‘activator’ and ‘inhibitor’.”

Their work “not only demonstrates a mechanism which is likely to be widely relevant in vertebrate development, but also provides confidence that chemicals called morphogens, which control these patterns, can be used in regenerative medicine to differentiate stem cells into tissue,” the college added.

In order to test their theory, the King’s College London researchers analyzed the development of regularly-spaced ridges that can be found in the mouths of mice.

By conducting experiments using embryos of the rodents, they were able to discover the pair of morphogens that work together to help determine where each of the ridges will be formed. Each chemical influenced the other, the university said, alternately activating or inhibiting production in order to control the creation of the ridge pattern on the roof of a mouse’s mouth.

The morphogens involved in the process were identified by the scientists as Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), and by studying them, they learned that when each chemical’s activity is increased or decreased, it affected the pattern of the ridges in the mouth in the same way that Turing’s equations had predicted they would.

“For the first time the actual morphogens involved in this process have been identified and the team were able to see exactly the effects predicted by Turing’s 60-year-old speculative theory,” the college press release stated.

“Regularly spaced structures, from vertebrae and hair follicles to the stripes on a tiger or zebrafish, are a fundamental motif in biology. There are several theories about how patterns in nature are formed, but until now there was only circumstantial evidence for Turing’s mechanism. Our study provides the first experimental identification of an activator-inhibitor system at work in the generation of stripes – in this case, in the ridges of the mouth palate,” Dr. Jeremy Green from the Department of Craniofacial Development at King’s Dental Institute added in a statement.

While Green admitted that the discovery was “not of great medical significance,” he said that they are “extremely valuable” in validating Turing’s theories from the 1950s. He also says that their discovery has made them confident that these morphogen chemicals could be used in the future to create regenerative medicine to heal or recreate structures and/or patterns when turning stem cells into other types of tissues.

The research was funded by the Medical Research Council and is published online in the journal Nature Genetics.

Turing, who was born on June 23, 1912 and would have turned 100 this year, has been referred to by some as the father of computer science and artificial intelligence. During World War II, he served as a member of the Government Code and Cypher School (GCCS) at Bletchley Park in the field of naval cryptanalysis.

Turing later went on to join the National Physical Laboratory, where he created one of the very first stored-program computer designs, in 1948 he assisted in the development of computers at Manchester University. His paper “The Chemical Basis of Morphogenesis,” in which he first put forth his theory of pattern formation, was published by Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London in August 1952.

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Evidence Discovered To Support Turing's Morphogen Theory

To: HEALTH AND NATIONAL EDITORS

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Feb. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rony Thomas, President and CEO of LifeNet Health, is presenting at the 7th Annual Stem Cell Summit in New York City on February 21, 2012. Mr. Thomas will be presenting on LifeNet Health's broad offerings of current and future regenerative biologic-based products. Mr. Thomas will also focus on the multiple new capabilities and technology platforms of the LifeNet Health Institute of Regenerative Medicine.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120220/DC55479)

"The use of a variety of forms of donated tissues has worked for decades to save lives and restore health in many surgical disciplines. Now we are on the cusp of developing cellular therapies, tissue engineering and new medical applications for allografts to treat disease and assist in the development of lifesaving drugs. The opening of the LifeNet Health Institute of Regenerative Medicine this year will signal our commitment to future development in the cellular therapies arena," stated Mr. Thomas. Thomas will further focus on two new areas of development; Human Basement Membranes in zeno-free culture of consented Human mRNA Reprogrammed Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSc) derived using non-integrating mRNA reprogramming technology from fully consented queryable human donor banked system.

Mr. Thomas was also recently invited to and attended a White House Summit to discuss ways in which technology and innovation can drive employment opportunities for Virginia, where LifeNet Health and the Institute are located. The meeting of key CEOs with the Obama Administration was to gain insight and input on the job market and technology as a driver to local, state, and national economies. Thomas stated, "Our foray into regenerative medicine should not only impact our state and local economy, but provide medical benefits to patients and drug companies across the globe."

The annual Stem Cell Summit brings key leaders in the medical, scientific and business innovators in this growing space of technology and regenerative medicine. LifeNet Health is pleased to be joining the Summit for the first time in 2012 as they look for key partnerships and collaboration in the discovery of cell-based therapies for a broad spectrum of medical applications in orthopedics, trauma, dental, craniomaxillofacial (CMF), plastics, and cardiovascular surgery.

LifeNet Health helps to save lives and restore health for thousands of patients each year. We are the world's most trusted provider of transplant solutions, from organ procurement to new innovations in bio-implant technologies and cellular therapies--a leader in the field of regenerative medicine, while always honoring the donors and healthcare professionals that allow the healing process.

The LifeNet Health Institute of Regenerative Medicine is a division of LifeNet Health located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The Institute's labs will be expanding as new facilities are under construction and planned to be completed in the fall of 2012. Once completed and fully functional, the Institute will house over 50 medical, scientific, and research staff members. The focus will be on the science of developing regenerative medicine products for patients all over the world, and will serve as a global center of excellence for research and development focused on cellular therapies, tissue engineering, and new medical applications for allografts to maximize the gift of donation.

SOURCE LifeNet Health

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Originally posted here:
LifeNet Health is Presenting at the 7th Annual Stem Cell Summit in New York on February 21, 2012

London, Feb 20 (ANI): Providing the first experimental evidence, King's College London scientists have confirmed a great British mathematician's theory of how biological patterns, such as tiger stripes or leopard spots, are formed.

Their study not only demonstrates a mechanism, which is likely to be widely relevant in vertebrate development, but also provides confidence that chemicals called morphogens, which control these patterns, can be used in regenerative medicine to differentiate stem cells into tissue.

The findings provide evidence to support a theory first suggested in the 1950s by famous code-breaker and mathematician Alan Turing, whose centenary falls this year.

He put forward the idea that regular repeating patterns in biological systems are generated by a pair of morphogens that work together as an 'activator' and 'inhibitor'.

To test the theory the researchers studied the development of the regularly spaced ridges found in the roof of the mouth in mice. Carrying out experiments in mouse embryos, the team identified the pair of morphogens working together to influence where each ridge will be formed.

These chemicals controlled each other's expression, activating and inhibiting production and therefore controlling the generation of the ridge pattern.

The researchers were able to identify the specific morphogens involved in this process - FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factor) and Shh (Sonic Hedgehog - so-called because laboratory fruit flies lacking the fly version have extra bristles on their bodies).

They showed that when these morphogens' activity is increased or decreased, the pattern of the ridges in the mouth palate are affected in ways predicted by Turing's equations.

For the first time the actual morphogens involved in this process have been identified and the team were able to see exactly the effects predicted by Turing's 60-year-old speculative theory.

"Regularly spaced structures, from vertebrae and hair follicles to the stripes on a tiger or zebrafish, are a fundamental motif in biology. There are several theories about how patterns in nature are formed, but until now there was only circumstantial evidence for Turing's mechanism," said Dr Jeremy Green from the Department of Craniofacial Development at King's Dental Institute.

"Our study provides the first experimental identification of an activator-inhibitor system at work in the generation of stripes - in this case, in the ridges of the mouth palate.

"Although important in feeling and tasting food, ridges in the mouth are not of great medical significance. However, they have proven extremely valuable here in validating an old theory of the activator-inhibitor model first put forward by Alan Turing in the 50s.

"Not only does this show us how patterns such as stripes are formed, but it provides confidence that these morphogens (chemicals) can be used in future regenerative medicine to regenerate structure and pattern when differentiating stem cells into other tissues.

"As this year marks Turing's centenary, it is a fitting tribute to this great mathematician and computer scientist that we should now be able to prove that his theory was right all along!" Dr Green added.

The study will be published online in Nature Genetics. (ANI)

Here is the original post:
Turing's 'Tiger stripes' theory proved right

The study, funded by the Medical Research Council and to be published online in Nature Genetics, not only demonstrates a mechanism which is likely to be widely relevant in vertebrate development, but also provides confidence that chemicals called morphogens, which control these patterns, can be used in regenerative medicine to differentiate stem cells into tissue.

The findings provide evidence to support a theory first suggested in the 1950s by famous code-breaker and mathematician Alan Turing, whose centenary falls this year. He put forward the idea that regular repeating patterns in biological systems are generated by a pair of morphogens that work together as an 'activator' and 'inhibitor'.

To test the theory the researchers studied the development of the regularly spaced ridges found in the roof of the mouth in mice. Carrying out experiments in mouse embryos, the team identified the pair of morphogens working together to influence where each ridge will be formed. These chemicals controlled each other's expression, activating and inhibiting production and therefore controlling the generation of the ridge pattern.

The researchers were able to identify the specific morphogens involved in this process – FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factor) and Shh (Sonic Hedgehog – so-called because laboratory fruit flies lacking the fly version have extra bristles on their bodies). They showed that when these morphogens' activity is increased or decreased, the pattern of the ridges in the mouth palate are affected in ways predicted by Turing's equations. For the first time the actual morphogens involved in this process have been identified and the team were able to see exactly the effects predicted by Turing's 60-year-old speculative theory.

Dr Jeremy Green from the Department of Craniofacial Development at King's Dental Institute said: 'Regularly spaced structures, from vertebrae and hair follicles to the stripes on a tiger or zebrafish, are a fundamental motif in biology. There are several theories about how patterns in nature are formed, but until now there was only circumstantial evidence for Turing's mechanism. Our study provides the first experimental identification of an activator-inhibitor system at work in the generation of stripes – in this case, in the ridges of the mouth palate.

'Although important in feeling and tasting food, ridges in the mouth are not of great medical significance. However, they have proven extremely valuable here in validating an old theory of the activator-inhibitor model first put forward by Alan Turing in the 50s.

'Not only does this show us how patterns such as stripes are formed, but it provides confidence that these morphogens (chemicals) can be used in future regenerative medicine to regenerate structure and pattern when differentiating stem cells into other tissues.

'As this year marks Turing's centenary, it is a fitting tribute to this great mathematician and computer scientist that we should now be able to prove that his theory was right all along!'

Provided by King's College London (news : web)

See more here:
Alan Turing's 1950s tiger stripe theory proved

Public release date: 19-Feb-2012
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Contact: Katherine Barnes
katherine.barnes@kcl.ac.uk
44-020-784-83076
King's College London

Researchers from King's College London have provided the first experimental evidence confirming a great British mathematician's theory of how biological patterns such as tiger stripes or leopard spots are formed.

The study, funded by the Medical Research Council and to be published online in Nature Genetics, not only demonstrates a mechanism which is likely to be widely relevant in vertebrate development, but also provides confidence that chemicals called morphogens, which control these patterns, can be used in regenerative medicine to differentiate stem cells into tissue.

The findings provide evidence to support a theory first suggested in the 1950s by famous code-breaker and mathematician Alan Turing, whose centenary falls this year. He put forward the idea that regular repeating patterns in biological systems are generated by a pair of morphogens that work together as an 'activator' and 'inhibitor'.

To test the theory the researchers studied the development of the regularly spaced ridges found in the roof of the mouth in mice. Carrying out experiments in mouse embryos, the team identified the pair of morphogens working together to influence where each ridge will be formed. These chemicals controlled each other's expression, activating and inhibiting production and therefore controlling the generation of the ridge pattern.

The researchers were able to identify the specific morphogens involved in this process ? FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factor) and Shh (Sonic Hedgehog ? so-called because laboratory fruit flies lacking the fly version have extra bristles on their bodies). They showed that when these morphogens' activity is increased or decreased, the pattern of the ridges in the mouth palate are affected in ways predicted by Turing's equations. For the first time the actual morphogens involved in this process have been identified and the team were able to see exactly the effects predicted by Turing's 60-year-old speculative theory.

Dr Jeremy Green from the Department of Craniofacial Development at King's Dental Institute said: 'Regularly spaced structures, from vertebrae and hair follicles to the stripes on a tiger or zebrafish, are a fundamental motif in biology. There are several theories about how patterns in nature are formed, but until now there was only circumstantial evidence for Turing's mechanism. Our study provides the first experimental identification of an activator-inhibitor system at work in the generation of stripes ? in this case, in the ridges of the mouth palate.

'Although important in feeling and tasting food, ridges in the mouth are not of great medical significance. However, they have proven extremely valuable here in validating an old theory of the activator-inhibitor model first put forward by Alan Turing in the 50s.

'Not only does this show us how patterns such as stripes are formed, but it provides confidence that these morphogens (chemicals) can be used in future regenerative medicine to regenerate structure and pattern when differentiating stem cells into other tissues.

'As this year marks Turing's centenary, it is a fitting tribute to this great mathematician and computer scientist that we should now be able to prove that his theory was right all along!'

###

CONTACT
Katherine Barnes
International Press Officer
King's College London
Tel: 44-207-848-3076
Email: katherine.barnes@kcl.ac.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

Copies of the paper available on request ? please contact press@nature.com

About King's College London (www.kcl.ac.uk)

King's College London is one of the top 30 universities in the world (2011/12 QS World University Rankings), and the fourth oldest in England. A research-led university based in the heart of London, King's has nearly 23,500 students (of whom more than 9,000 are graduate students) from nearly 140 countries, and some 6,000 employees. King's is in the second phase of a ?1 billion redevelopment programme which is transforming its estate.

King's has an outstanding reputation for providing world-class teaching and cutting-edge research. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise for British universities, 23 departments were ranked in the top quartile of British universities; over half of our academic staff work in departments that are in the top 10 per cent in the UK in their field and can thus be classed as world leading. The College is in the top seven UK universities for research earnings and has an overall annual income of nearly ?450 million.

King's has a particularly distinguished reputation in the humanities, law, the sciences (including a wide range of health areas such as psychiatry, medicine, nursing and dentistry) and social sciences including international affairs. It has played a major role in many of the advances that have shaped modern life, such as the discovery of the structure of DNA and research that led to the development of radio, television, mobile phones and radar. It is the largest centre for the education of healthcare professionals in Europe; no university has more Medical Research Council Centres.

King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas', King's College Hospital and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trusts are part of King's Health Partners. King's Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre (AHSC) is a pioneering global collaboration between one of the world's leading research-led universities and three of London's most successful NHS Foundation Trusts, including leading teaching hospitals and comprehensive mental health services. For more information, visit: http://www.kingshealthpartners.org.

The College is in the midst of a five-year, ?500 million fundraising campaign ? World questions|King's answers ? created to address some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity as quickly as feasible. The campaign's three priority areas are neuroscience and mental health, leadership and society, and cancer. More information about the campaign is available at http://www.kcl.ac.uk/kingsanswers.

About Medical Research Council (http://www.mrc.ac.uk)

For almost 100 years the Medical Research Council has improved the health of people in the UK and around the world by supporting the highest quality science. The MRC invests in world-class scientists. It has produced 29 Nobel Prize winners and sustains a flourishing environment for internationally recognised research. The MRC focuses on making an impact and provides the financial muscle and scientific expertise behind medical breakthroughs, including one of the first antibiotics penicillin, the structure of DNA and the lethal link between smoking and cancer. Today MRC funded scientists tackle research into the major health challenges of the 21st century.

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Scientists prove Turing's tiger stripe theory