A team of researchers from Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital has uncovered a rare stem cell population that contributes to fibrosis, the buildup of scar tissue which causes inflammation, organ damage, and often organ failure. Found outside the blood vessels and within organ tissue, these stem cells expand and become myofibroblasts … Continue reading Rare Stem Cells Could Explain Origin of Fibrosis
Exciting Research Partnerships at USC May Unlock Cures for Kidney Disease
Exciting research partnerships at USC may unlock new treatments and cures for kidney disease. A recent USC article highlights the promising stem cell work of Andrew McMahon, Ph.D., director of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, leader of the USC Stem Cell Initiative, and member of … Continue reading Exciting Research Partnerships at USC May Unlock Cures for Kidney Disease
Fighting Kidney Failure with the Overlooked Omentum
A team of researchers from John Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County has discovered that the omentum, an often-overlooked organ and abundant source of stem cells, may be used to heal ailing kidneys. The omentum is a large fold of the peritoneum, made of fatty tissue that hangs from the stomach like an apron, covering … Continue reading Fighting Kidney Failure with the Overlooked Omentum
Researchers Generate Kidney Tubular Cells from Stem Cells
Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital have developed a chemical formula that prompts human induced pluripotent stem cells to turn on genes in the same order that they would turn on in naturally developing kidneys. Starting with human cells from the skin, the scientists were able to use this special formula to generate early kidney … Continue reading Researchers Generate Kidney Tubular Cells from Stem Cells
Mini Kidney Structures Generated from Human Stem Cells
Scientists from the Salk Institute have grown three-dimensional early kidney structures, known as uteric buds, using human induced pluripotent stem cells and mouse embryonic stem cells. These mushroom-shaped buds develop into the ureter and collecting duct system of the mature kidney. The discovery not only paves the way for advances in organ regeneration, but also … Continue reading Mini Kidney Structures Generated from Human Stem Cells
Hormones from Bone Marrow Stem Cells May One Day Treat Kidney Disease
Scientists from St. Michael’s Hospital in Canada have found that hormones secreted from bone marrow stem cells may be beneficial in treating chronic kidney disease and heart failure. These unidentified hormones have healing effects similar to adult stem cells, but present a safer alternative, given that stem cells can sometimes cause tumors to grow. Because … Continue reading Hormones from Bone Marrow Stem Cells May One Day Treat Kidney Disease