Biopeer

Alternative to stem cell therapy discovered for treating chronic brain diseases

Scientists in Korea have reported the first successful use of a drug-like molecule to transform early-forming human muscle cells into nerve cells. The researchers exposed immature mouse muscle cells called myoblasts to neurodazine, a synthetic small molecule. They observed that after a week, about 45% of the myoblasts transformed into cells that resembled both the structure and function of nerve cells, including expression of neuron-specific proteins. "In conclusion, we have developed the first small molecule that can induce neurogenesis of non-pluripotent myoblasts and the cells derived from mature, human skeletal muscle," the study authors wrote. "These studies build upon recent research illustrating the value of chemical approaches for providing tools that differentiate lineage-committed cells into other cell types." The results of this study may lead to potential treatments for stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders. A fully developed treatment like this would be a breakthrough for chronic brain disease treatment and would provide an alternative to stem cell therapies.

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison have shown that cell-based therapies can rescue the dying neurons characteristic of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neuromuscular disorder also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The study, reported in the August 1 issue of PLoS ONE, showed that stem cells engineered to secrete a key growth factor can protect the motor neurons that waste away as a result of ALS. "At the early stages of disease, we saw almost 100% protection of motor neurons," explained Clive Svendsen, neuroscientist and lead author of the study. "But when we looked at the function of these animals, we saw no improvement: the muscles aren't responding." The researchers implanted embryonic stem cells which were engineered to secrete a chemical known as glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), an agent that has been shown to protect neurons. "The (GDNF secreting) cells survive beautifully. In 80 percent of the animals, we saw nice maturing transplants," said Svendsen.

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Nuclear receptors to control heart’s energy supply

A study published in the journal ‘Cell Metabolism’ by researchers at McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) discusses about the detection of two nuclear receptors–ERRa and ERRg–that supply energy to heart and prevent various cardiovascular diseases. Research provides that ERRa and ERRg co-ordinate signals from different parts of the body, to ensure a balanced flow of proteins required for pumping energy into heart. “Because the ERRa and ERRg receptors are so important to heart function, drugs that influence their activity might offer a novel approach to managing diseases of the heart muscle,” said Vincent Gigure, a MUHC researcher.

Massachusetts-based Advanced Cell Technology claims to have developed blood vessel precursor cells - hemangioblasts from embryonic stem cells and use them to repair damaged human organs. The study involved partial differentiation of embryonic stem cells, leading them to grow into hemangioblasts, blood vessel precursor cells, and then injecting the hemangioblasts into the damaged retina of mice and rats. Results showed the reparative effect of hemangioblasts in repairing the vasculature. Researchers are working on expanding the use of hemangioblasts for preventing excessive damage in different parts of human body.

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have invented a device to improve cell therapy for diabetic patients. The device is described as a protective pouch, designed to fit inside the portal vein, which feeds into the liver. The purpose of this pouch is to keep microcapsules of transplanted therapeutic cells in one place, allowing them to thrive and produce insulin. Researchers claim that this pouch could be used in cell therapy for treating liver diseases and other ailments. However, the usage of device for surgical purpose can be possible only after animal tests and a patent.

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Possible breakthrough in cancer research

Separate researches by scientists from two countries have thrown up interesting possibilities in the treatment of cancer.

Italian scientists have discovered that the plant woad is rich in a compound that can fight breast cancer. Glucobrassicin is a compound that has anti-cancer properties and is commonly found in broccoli. But the researchers from Bologna University have now found that the amount of glucobrassicin in woad is 20 times greater than in broccoli. Also, they could increase the concentration of the compound when they damaged the plant as any damage causes the plant to release the compound as a defense mechanism. The findings came as a surprise as woad was known only as the plant from which the ancient warriors derived blue war paint.

Across the globe, American scientists tried to understand why post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) occurs only in some transplant patients and not all. Since the cancer occurs due to the suppression of the immune system during the transplant procedure, Ohio State University scientists concentrated on two types of immune cells: antigen-presenting cells that act as scouts and memory T cells. If the scout cells stimulate the T cells properly, then they can kill the cancerous cells before PTLD develops. However, study leader Anne M VanBuskirk and her team believe that an immune system substance transforming growth factor-beta (TGFb) causes changes in the scout cells and hampers their ability to stimulate the T cells. The researchers hope that a better understanding of the mechanism may help in the discovery of a way to prevent such cancer.

Meanwhile, scientists from the Dundee University, UK, are trying ways to enhance the effectiveness of keyhole surgery and cancer treatment by magnetising the tissue operated on.

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Stem cell research in India gaining momentum

Stem cell research in India is gaining momentum as many institutions are planning to set up research centers for this purpose. Asia Cryo-Cell is expected to tie-up with a Chennai-based hospital to start a stem cell therapy centre. It has taken a move towards cell therapy as a complement to its present business of cord blood stem cells.

The infrastructure for the cell therapy centre will be provided by the Chennai-based hospital, where as the doctors and consultants who will work at the centre will be sent by Asia Cryo-Cell. The company has enrolled 1,000 expectant women for banking cord blood stem cells at this facility in the first year of operation and expects to enroll at least 8,000 such women by the end of next year. The company is also in talks with various health care centers for a tie-up for the promotion of the concept of banking cord blood. The company has currently invested Rs 14 crore at this facility.

The Christian Medical College (CMC) at Vellore has recently been sanctioned Rs 30 crore by the Union Government to undertake a research project on stem cells. The project will undertake research on how stem cells can be used to develop heart muscles and on nerve cells and will also study how primary cells can grow into specialised cells. Such initiatives by public and private companies will surely help boost the stem cell research facility in India.

 

 

Whither the pharma blockbuster?

From Corante this week commenting on a NYT article—Pharmaceutical companies reconsider the future of blockbuster drugs.  Are the days of the mega blockbuster over?  The drug that everyone must have?  Is the future the custom compound?  With improvements in biotech I certainly think so.  Profit?  The profit is in reduced timelines and less distribution.

 

Perhaps this will a benefit of years genomics research.

 

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Tristram Hussey, M.S. was the webmaster for Glaxo Wellcome and GlaxoSmithKline.  Now he is a professional blogger and blog consultant, the Chief Blogging Officer for Qumana Software, and Managing Director of Qumana Services.  He can be reached at tris AT qumana DOT com or tris AT trishussey DOT com.

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