Contact Information Available for logged-in reporters only Newswise A molecular study at Upstate Medical University that could have broad implications for stem cell research, developmental biology and the study of human diseases has received $161,000 in funding from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The two-year study is led by Francesca Pignoni, Ph.D., associate professor of ophthalmology, biochemistry and molecular biology and neuroscience and physiology, in her laboratory at Upstates Neuroscience Research Building. Using the Drosophila fly model, Pignoni is studying how a new protein discovered in her laboratory to be necessary and sufficient for the self-renewal of the germ-line stem cell in the fly ovaryfunctions at the molecular level. During reproduction, the germ-line stem cell allows genetic material to be passed to progeny. The information gained from this portion of the study will advance our understanding of stem cell maintenance over an organisms lifetime and lead to a longer-term project, said Pignoni. Our discovery will influence future stem cell research, and may have implications for fertility studies, but a fun part of discovering the function of a new factor is that we get to name it, and we have chosen Lilipod, or Lili … Continue reading →

8 hours ago Now you see it, now you don't: the epigenetic mark, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), does a disappearing act in culture.Mouse skin cells before and after cell culture show major loss of 5hmC, one of the many rapid molecular changes observed in cell cultures, reported by Nestor and colleagues in Genome Biology. Images depict the loss of red immunostaining for 5hmC in nuclei from cells grown in culture, but not green immunofluorescence (5-methylcytosine) and blue DAPI staining (DNA). Scale bar5 microns. Credit: S. Pennings lab. Cell cultures used in biology and medical research may not act as a faithful mimic of real tissue, according to research published in Genome Biology. The study finds that laboratory-grown cells experience altered cell states within three days as they adapt to their new environment. Studies of human disease, including cancer, rely on the use of cell cultures that have often been grown for decades. The findings could therefore affect the interpretation of past studies and provide important clues for improving cell cultures in the future. Scientists typically use models to study the basics of human biology. The most common model system is cultured cells, which are taken from the body and coaxed into growing … Continue reading →

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE (PRWEB) February 04, 2015 Grace Centurys portfolio firm, Provia Laboratories, LLC, is pleased to announce the provisional approval of Provia Laboratories Bahamas Ltd., Provia s sister entity, to conduct stem cell storage and research. The approval also represents the next step of Provias international expansion to include certain markets in South and Central America. The announcement comes within weeks, though partnership, of entrance into Europe. "This an incredible chance to work with entities at the highest level, who recognize the importance of stem cells, and the opportunity to contribute to one of the first sovereign efforts in the field, Scott Wolf, CEO of Grace Century commented. Wolf added, The commonwealth has demonstrated a true desire to improve the healthcare advancements for their people, and simultaneously establish the Bahamas as a true force in medical therapies using stem cells. In conclusion, this will enable Provia to open and service the Caribbean market plus certain markets in South and Central America. We are delighted to receive provisional approval and plan to work together with local investors, the government, and the local healthcare community to bring our technologies to this market, Dr. James A. Manganello, Board member of Provia … Continue reading →