Acting and reacting in life science biotechnologies
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and influence numerous cellular functions. Together with mature RNAs and small molecules, mature miRNAs can induce forced reprogramming of somatic cells. They are considered as key regulators in stem cell development. (1, 2)
But what if you want to profile the expression of human IPS (stem cell) related miRNAs?
Angiogenesis refers to new vessel formation from the pre-existing ones. This process is essential during development, wound healing, as well as the transition of malignant tumors. VEGF family has been identified as a major contributor to angiogenesis, while families of Angiopoietin, PDGF, and FGF govern the process as well.
The most important member of VEGF family is VEGF-A, which couples with its receptor VEGFR2 to stimulate signals in endothelial cells for survival, proliferation, adhesion, migration, and tubular formation. This signaling also mediates vessel permeability and stimulates inflammatory response.
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mRNAs are expression factors that mimic fully processed mRNA. Being the substrate for translation by ribosomes, mRNA expression factors are often preferred over viral vectors for cell reprogramming and iPS cell generation because of the absent risk of integration into the genome. Such RNA-induced pluripotent stem cells (RiPSCs described in 2010 by Warren et al.) are becoming more and more popular. 3 reasons might illustrate RiPSCs’ attractivty.
In 2010, a method for integration-free reprogramming by transfecting modified mRNA reprogramming factors was published (1, 2). The use of mRNA to induce reprogramming of somatic cells overcomes the inherent problems incurred by introducing viral vectors and/or integrating DNA to target cells. mRNA reprogramming factors are titratable and controllable with regards to the ratios, concentrations, and timing of factor expression. The mRNA reprogramming system also poses none of the biosafety risks surrounding viral and DNA-based systems. [Read more…]
Very often primary cell cultures are jeopardized by the outgrowth of contaminating fibroblasts. The population of the target primary cells is directly affected since fibroblasts usually grow at much faster rates than other cell types. [Read more…]
It is widely accepted that data obtained from primary cells is not only desired, but, most relevant when trying to study physiological interactions. Experimentation in primary cells allows a deeper and more physiologically relevant view into the cellular function of proteins and enzymes that will allow the design of more specific drugs with meaningful and specific targets.
Chipman et al. (Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada) have developed a new cell-based system “mimicking” in vitro Mature Neuromuscular Junction (NMJs). (1)
Chipman et al. PLOSOne (2014) DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091643
Their dysfunction is seen in the early stages of various Motor Neuron Diseases (MNDs) like the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS), Progressive Muscular Atrophy (PMA)…
To meet these needs, Chipman et al. have created a clever co-culture system using Embryonic Stem Cell-derived Motor Neurons (ESCMNs) with primary myotubes. They also reported that NCAM-/- ESCMN/myofiber co-cultures exhibit the same phenotypes observed in NCAM-/- mice.
This work give hopes to study MNDs in vitro by using motor neurons differentiated from induced Pluripotent Stem cells (iPS) derived from individuals with ALS and SMA.
(1) Chipman et al. “A Stem-Cell Based Bioassay to Critically Assess the Pathology of Dysfunctional Neuromuscular Junctions” (2014) PLOSone, March 13. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091643
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Resveratrol, a phenolic antioxidant with anti-ageing effects and properties in cancer therapy
Resveratrol (RSV) is a bioactive small molecule known to have antioxidant properties. RSV is a SIRT1 activator and ameliorates ageing-related phenotypes through cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibition. [Read more…]