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Babraham Institute scientists, in collaboration with colleagues at the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and the European Bioinformatics Institute, have published findings today in the journal Cell giving hope that researchers will be able to generate base-state, nave human stem cells for future medical applications. The study demonstrates that human stem cells can be reverted back to a base state, losing characteristics that mark them as belonging to a specific cell lineage and instead regaining the identify of a non-specialised cells with unrestricted potential (pluripotency) to develop into any cell type.

The study's lead researchers, based at the Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute in Cambridge, reset human stem cells back to a pluripotent state. Previous work in mice had described the characteristics of base-state mouse stem cells and the group were able to show that these characteristics were largely shared by reset human pluripotent stem cells, giving confirmation that these human cells were indeed reverted to a nave state.

Part of this analysis involved looking at the epigenetic regulation in the base-state human stem cells. This analysis was performed by Dr Gabriella Ficz, Professor Wolf Reik and their colleagues at the BBSRC-supported Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK. Epigenetics refers to the range of DNA modifications that affect gene expression but are not sequence-based. For example, chemical methyl tags on DNA can silence gene expression. Cells gain epigenetic markers as they assume a defined cell identify. Therefore, early embryo cells show a low level of methylation, corresponding to their lack of commitment to a particular cell fate. Last year, the Babraham group discovered a large-scale loss of methylation from the genome of reset mouse embryonic stem cells.

Ficz and Reik were able to show that, overall, the reset human stem cells showed a loss of methylation marks throughout the genome; they essentially had their epigenetic memories wiped clean. This low level of DNA methylation demonstrated their similarity to early embryonic cells and thus was a strong indication of their regained pluripotency.

Dr Gabriella Ficz, who undertook the epigenetic analysis of the cells as a post-doctoral researcher in Professor Reik's group, said: "This study brings us one step closer to the ultimate aim in regenerative medicine of using patient-derived cells to avoid immune rejection in cell and organ replacement therapies. It's all about finding out what the cell needs in order to survive and multiply while making sure that they have lost the memory of the tissue they came from. Both conditions need to be fulfilled for successful use of embryonic stem cells in tissue generation."

Professor Wolf Reik, Group Leader at the Babraham Institute continued: "We can liken this reprogramming to giving cells amnesia so they forget any previous developmental decisions they have made. Returning them to this state means that we can then control their cellular decisions, allowing us to generate the particular types of cells needed. This area has huge medical potential, for example, being able to provide reset stem cells back to a patient that we can be confident will develop into the correct cell type as required, for example, nerve cells."

Professor Michael Wakelam, Director of the Babraham Institute added: "This research is an enormous step forward in answering questions about whether human stem cells can be reset to a ground state and the feasibility of maintaining pluripotency. It is also an excellent demonstration of the importance of collaborative research making the most of the extensive and complementary expertise that can be found in Cambridge."

The Babraham Institute's research contribution to this study was supported by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Wellcome Trust.

Explore further: New technique maps life's effects on our DNA

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Wiping the slate clean: Erasing cellular memory and resetting human stem cells

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Dr. Aivee Teos newest clinic combines multi-faceted skin typing with essential treatments to get The Aivee Glow

August 28, 2014The Aivee Clinic officially launches at the SM Mega Fashion Hall. After five years since opening her posh clinic at the Fort, Dr. Aivee Teo elevates her passion for advanced skin care technology and anti-aging treatments with the new clinic concept, The Aivee Clinic. The beauty hub couldnt have been in a better locationstationed alongside global fashion brands. Dr. Aivee Teo, one of the countrys most sought after dermatologists, after all, has as much passion for beauty as she has for fashion. Her success in the business of skin care is widely known, and as a fashion lover, she has constantly been on best-dressed lists. Beauty and fashion truly go hand in hand.

What started out as a practice in the pursuit of beauty, one that thrived purely on word of mouth, has inevitably made Dr. Aivee as one of the major players in the industry. Getting healthy, blemish-free, and luminous skin using non-invasive or minimally invasive methods has always been her technique. And she continues to push the standards with a full integration of beauty and wellness with The Aivee Group.

AIVEE LEAGUE

What is The Aivee Glow? Its a signature look defined as a luminous, radiant, and natural beauty that transcends external perfection. With the new clinic, Dr. Aivee strengthens the four pillars of The Aivee Group: The Aivee Institute (first class center for advanced dermatology, cosmetic surgery, hair restoration, and aesthetic stem cell therapy), Stemcare Institute (premiere center for pain and regenerative medicine using fat stem cells), Aivee Skin Science (research center for developing cosmeceutical and nutriceutical products) and now, The Aivee Clinic (skin-focused approach for no-downtime treatments). The Aivee Group is one well-oiled machine, with all its parts complementing each other toward a holistic beauty goal.

GRADE A

Its no secret that the husband and wife partnership of Dr. Z and Aivee Teo, their love and commitment for each other and their field, has brought them happiness and success. From surviving a long-distance relationship, shuffling back and forth Manila and Singapore to attend to their respective clinics, and always pursuing new ways to rejuvenate skin and provide a sense of well-being. All this while keeping their children close by and rarely being separate from each other. And if youve ever had the privilege of interviewing them together, they really finish each others sentences. Whether thats about their practice or about how they commit to make everything work for their family and business.

This dynamic duo established their anti-aging institute over a decade ago, utilizing maintenance procedures, non-invasive lasers, cutting edge technology such as stem cell therapy and liquid face lifts, and cosmetic surgery. The awareness of the growing needs of their patients and their recent travels to the US and Europe brought them to a new realization. With patients requesting for dramatic makeover programs, twice-a-year rejuvenation therapies and innovative treatments with the least amount or no downtime, SmartSkin became the clear answer as the way to move forward.

The SmartSkin Typing concept is a multi-faceted system with a digital tailor-made evaluation of the skin. By assessing and categorizing skin as oily or dry, sensitive or resistant, pigmented or non-pigmented, wrinkled or tight, you come up with a very specific skin type. From this, a highly customized skin treatment can easily be made. In keeping with the holistic approach, skin experts at The Aivee Clinic can then set the appropriate treatment programprocedures, health supplements, and skin careto achieve that healthy glow.

SKIN TECH

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Newswise Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, in partnership with ViaCyte, Inc., a San Diego-based biotechnology firm specializing in regenerative medicine, have launched the first-ever human Phase I/II clinical trial of a stem cell-derived therapy for patients with Type 1 diabetes.

The trial will assess the safety and efficacy of a new investigational drug called VC-01, which was recently approved for testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The 2-year trial will involve four to six testing sites, the first being at UC San Diego, and will recruit approximately 40 study participants.

The goal, first and foremost, of this unprecedented human trial is to evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of various doses of VC-01 among patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, said principal investigator Robert R. Henry, MD, professor of medicine in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at UC San Diego and chief of the Section of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Diabetes at the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System. We will be implanting specially encapsulated stem cell-derived cells under the skin of patients where its believed they will mature into pancreatic beta cells able to produce a continuous supply of needed insulin. Previous tests in animals showed promising results. We now need to determine that this approach is safe in people.

Development and testing of VC-01 is funded, in part, by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, the states stem cell agency, the UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center and JDRF, the leading research and advocacy organization funding type 1 diabetes research.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a life-threatening chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone needed to allow glucose to enter cells to produce energy. It is typically diagnosed during childhood or adolescence, though it can also begin in adults. Though far less common than Type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin, Type 1 may affect up to 3 million Americans, according to the JDRF. Among Americans age 20 and younger, prevalence rose 23 percent between 2000 and 2009 and continues to rise. Currently, there is no cure. Standard treatment involves daily injections of insulin and rigorous management of diet and lifestyle.

Phase I/II clinical trials are designed to assess basic safety and efficacy of therapies never before tested in humans, uncovering unforeseen risks or complications. Unpredictable outcomes are possible. Such testing is essential to ensure that the new therapy is developed responsibly with appropriate management of risks that all medical treatments may present.

This is not yet a cure for diabetes, said Henry. The hope, nonetheless, is that this approach will ultimately transform the way individuals with Type 1 diabetes manage their disease by providing an alternative source of insulin-producing cells, potentially freeing them from daily insulin injections or external pumps.

This clinical trial at UC San Diego Health System was launched and supported by the UC San Diego Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center. The Center was recently created to advance leading-edge stem cell medicine and science, protect and counsel patients, and accelerate innovative stem cell research into patient diagnostics and therapy.

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Clinical Trial to Test Safety of Stem Cell-Derived Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes

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Melbourne, Florida (PRWEB) September 11, 2014

Central Florida board-certified veterinary surgeon, Jeffrey S. Christiansen is proud to announce his partnerships with several Brevard County animal hospitals to bring regenerative veterinary medicine to pets. Dr. Christiansen has been working in the area since January 2006, credentialed to do stem cell therapy on small animals since 2008, and is happy to now offer his expertise through five different locations.

Over the years Dr. Christiansen has used stem cell therapy with Vet-Stem, Inc. on cruciate ligament and meniscus injuries, as well as osteoarthritis of the hips and other joints. Once Dr. Christiansen has identified a patient as a good stem cell therapy candidate, the pet undergoes a simple surgery to collect fat that is sent overnight to Vet-Stems lab in California. The day after the collection the fat is processed so stem cells can be extracted and put into concentrated, injectable doses. These doses are shipped back overnight to Dr. Christiansen and he is able to place them in the affected areas of the patient to encourage healing and regeneration.

Even if a pet is not an immediate candidate for stem cell therapy, but is undergoing an orthopedic or other type of surgery with Dr. Christiansen, he offers the ability to collect a small sample of fat for future stem cell use with Vet-Stem. Vet-Stem has the ability to cryo-bank stem cells and grow them in the future to provide doses when needed. This service is called StemInsure for dogs, and provides the insurance of a pet having a lifetime of stem cell therapy available from a single sample collection.

Stem cell therapy can be an alternative for pets that are unable to take anti-inflammatories or have digestive issues, as well as pets that are looking at long-term pain management. Because the stem cells come directly from the patient risk is low, and the procedure is natural.

As part of Superior Veterinary Surgical (and less-invasive) Solutions, Dr. Christiansen will be offering stem cell therapy at the following clinics beginning in September: Island Animal Hospital in Merritt Island, Brevard Animal Emergency Hospital in Malabar, Aloha Pet and Bird Hospital in Indian Harbour, Maybeck Animal Hospital in West Melbourne, and the Animal Emergency and Referral Center in Fort Pierce. He is bringing nearly 20 years of veterinary medicine experience with him, and takes pride in specializing in soft tissue, orthopedic, and spinal surgery.

About Dr. Christiansen and Superior Veterinary Surgical Solutions Jeffrey S. Christiansen, DVM, DACVS graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in 1996. He completed his surgical residency in 2001, following an internship, and in 2002 he became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Dr. Christiansen has been practicing in Brevard County since the beginning of 2006 and runs Superior Veterinary Surgical Solutions. In addition to stem cell therapy, some special areas of interest to Dr. Christiansen include artificial urethral sphincter (for incontinence), juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (for prevention of arthritis secondary to hip dysplasia), prophylactic gastropexy (for prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus, commonly referred to as bloat), subcutaneous ureteral bypass (for obstructions between the kidney and bladder in cats), ureteral stenting (for obstruction between the kidney and bladder in dogs), and urethral stenting (for urethral obstruction), tibial tuberosity advancement (for tears of the cranial cruciate ligament; ACL in people) and tracheal stenting (for tracheal collapse).

About Vet-Stem, Inc. Since its formation in 2002, Vet-Stem, Inc. has endeavored to improve the lives of animals through regenerative medicine. As the first company in the United States to provide an adipose-derived stem cell service to veterinarians for their patients, Vet-Stem pioneered the use of regenerative stem cells for horses, dogs, cats, and some exotics. In 2004 the first horse was treated with Vet-Stem Regenerative Cell Therapy for a tendon injury that would normally have been career ending. Ten years later Vet-Stem celebrated its 10,000th animal treated, and the success of establishing stem cell therapy as a regenerative medicine for certain inflammatory, degenerative, and arthritic diseases. As animal advocates, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and cell biologists, the team at Vet-Stem tasks themselves with the responsibility of discovering, refining, and bringing to market innovative medical therapies that utilize the bodys own healing and regenerative cells. For more information about Vet-Stem and Regenerative Veterinary Medicine visit http://www.vet-stem.com or call 858-748-2004.

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Dr. Jeff Christiansen is Now Offering Stem Cell Therapy for Pets at Five Brevard County Animal Hospitals and Beyond

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San Antonio, TX (PRWEB) September 11, 2014

The Stem Cell Institute, located in Panama City, Panama, will present an informational seminar about umbilical cord stem cell therapy on Saturday, September 20, 2014 in San Antonio, Texas at the La Cantera Hill Country Resort from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Stem Cell Institute Speakers include:

Neil Riordan PhD Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Clinical Trials for MS and Autism: Rationale and Clinical Protocols

Dr. Riordan is the founder of the Stem Cell Institute and Medistem Panama Inc.

Jorge Paz-Rodriguez MD Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritis, Inflammation and Sports Injuries

Dr. Paz is the Medical Director at the Stem Cell Institute. He practiced internal medicine in the United States for over a decade before joining the Stem Cell Institute in Panama.

Special Guest Speaker:

Janet Vaughan, DDS, MS, Professional Dancer- Successful Stem Cell Therapy in Panama: A Patients Perspective

Dr. Vaughan is Board Certified in Orthodontics (Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics) and she is a Fellow in the International College of Dentistry.

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Stem Cell Institute Public Seminar on Adult Stem Cell Therapy Clinical Trials in San Antonio, Texas September 20th, 2014

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Life Science 012: Genetic Engineering
Life Science 012: Genetic Engineering Lesson objectives: Explaining the concept and process of genetic engineering.

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Life Science 012: Genetic Engineering - Video

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" ": How University of Belgrade shake
Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade Serbia http://www.abtek.ru/home/news/161-novosti-kompanii/286-the-art-of-shaking http://vk.com/abtek...

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Genetic engineering was one of the greatest breakthroughs in recent history that has immensely helped mankind, according to Harikrishna Ramaprasad Saripalli, Associate Professor at Aksum University in Ethiopia.

Sri Durga Malleswara Siddhartha Mahila Kalasala Department of Zoology organised a lecture on Genetic Engineering and Cell Culturing-Animal Science Perspectives here on Wednesday.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Harikrishna said that there were many advantages of genetic engineering. Diseases could be prevented by detecting people or animals that were genetically prone to certain hereditary diseases and preparing for the inevitable.

Genetic engineering, a technique used to manipulate genes, makes human bodies better, and has the capacity to make disease a history, he said.

Animals and plants can be tailor made to show desirable characteristics. The genetic engineering would bring novelty. Another advantage of genetic engineering is that animals and plants can be made to have desirable characteristics which could help solve some of the worlds problems. The underlining principle behind every research and novelty should be aimed at solving the problem faced by the people, he said.

All these techniques and technologies should be used for the betterment of society. If a vaccine for diseases like polio was found, it should be used for the community. Otherwise there was a danger that commercial motives behind research may bring an end to community itself, he felt.

Mr. Harikrishna said that the students would excel in the field of life sciences only if they love their subject. There were plenty of job and research opportunities in the field of genetic engineering. Every country, including India, was focusing on research and development in genetic engineering. The only quality that a student should have was determination, dedication and love to the subject, he added.

College Principal T. Vijaya Lakshmi and Department of Zoology Head Uma also spoke.

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Genetic engineering can prevent diseases, says expert

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10-Sep-2014

Contact: Melanie Scharler 917-340-6492 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News @LiebertOnline

(New Rochelle, New York) September 10, 2014 - Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., leading publisher of over 80 science, technology, and medical publications, announced today the launch of first time hard cover title Inevitable Collision: The Inspiring Story that Brought Stem Cell Research to Conservative America, in an effort to bring awareness to the growing conversation and debate surrounding stem cell research and regenerative medicine.

Written by Tory Williams, author, advocate, mom, and co-founder of the Alabama Institute of Medicine (AIM), Inevitable Collision is a human-interest story that details the controversial Geron Trial, the first human embryonic stem cell trial for patients with paralysis, and thoughtfully documents the first and fifth patients, TJ Atchison and Katie Sharify. The book features provocative conversations with doctors, medical researchers, and scientists including Dr. Hans Keirstead, the famous scientist whose groundbreaking research helped rats to overcome paralysis through stem cell treatments and introduced the therapy to humans, and helps inform the public conversation by presenting the facts and opportunities surrounding stem cell research and therapy.

"Tory's personal journey of advocacy, perseverance, and commitment to the advance-ment of stem cell research and its application is an important and relevant testament to the stem cell conversation at large," said Mary Ann Liebert, president and CEO of the company that bears her name. "Inevitable Collision will strongly resonate with the six million Americans suffering from paralysis, a quarter of which are the result of a spinal cord injury. In a very readable and compelling style, Williams has brought the much needed human voice to the oftentimes controversial and misunderstood topic of stem cell technology. It is an important read for the public, legislators, and patients and their families, as well as for researchers and members of the health care community. This book will make a difference!"

Compared to the narrative and journalistic writing style of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Inevitable Collision explains in reader-friendly terms how stem cells work, and why they are considered important tools in finding a cure for paralysis and other disabilities. The book also details author Tory Williams' physical and emotional struggles while raising funding and public awareness surrounding embryonic stem cell research across the nation.

"Through this book I hope to bridge the gap between science and religion and raise awareness of the importance and power of stem cell research," said Tory Williams. "This book is intended not only for patients who suffer from paralysis and diseases such as cancer and Parkinson's, but for everyone affected by these afflictions, directly and indirectly."

The launch comes on the heels of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine's (CIRM) recent announcement green lighting the follow-up phase to the Geron clinical trial as approved by the FDA.

Inevitable Collision's 208 pages plus 8-page photo spread retails at $21.95 for the hard-back and $9.99 for the e-book and includes an afterword written by Roman Reed, a tire-less patient advocate who was paralyzed from a sports injury 20 years ago. Roman is the Founder of the Roman Reed Foundation and Roman's Law, which was the impetus for California's groundbreaking stem cell program.

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Tory Williams combats controversy surrounding stem cell therapy with new book

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Federal authorities have been slow to answer questions about genetic engineering regulations asked by an Oregon task force assembled by Gov. John Kitzhaber.

Kitzhaber launched the task force early this year to write a report framing the controversy on genetically modified organisms and how theyre regulated in Oregon.

Task force members held a teleconference in early June with representatives from the USDA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which jointly regulate biotechnology.

Task force members followed up with two sets of questions to clarify such issues as how the government increases tolerance levels of pesticides on biotech crops. They requested a response by mid-August. As of the task forces latest meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 3, only the FDA provided responses to the questions, according to state officials at the meeting.

I personally am disappointed they have not been able to come back to us with concrete responses, says Ivan Maluski, director of Friends of Family Farmers, a group thats critical of federal oversight of biotechnology.

Stephanie Page of the Oregon Department of Agriculture says representatives from USDA and EPA have apologized for the delay, citing the absences of key officials.

It appears that some of the FDAs responses left task force members underwhelmed.

Specifically, the task force asked FDA whether the agency is enforcing laws against misleading labeling of genetically modified organisms in food.

Agency officials told the task force that the agency doesnt consider the presence of GMO ingredients a material fact that must be disclosed to consumers, but supports voluntary labeling.

What struck me by their answer is that they didnt really answer the question, says Connie Kirby, vice president of scientific and technical affairs for the Northwest Food Processors Association, an industry group that opposes mandatory labeling.

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Feds slow to respond to state GMO task force

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Cotton research institute to write to GEAC for allowing refuge in bag cottonseeds

Chennai, September 10:

Nagpur-based Central Institute for Cotton Research will soon write to the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) to allow sale of refuge in bag (RIB) cottonseeds that will have Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) variety along with non-Bt.

A process such as RIB will ensure that pests present on a farm growing genetically modified crop like cotton and corn do not develop resistance to the Bt gene that destroys them.

We have conducted tests of RIB seeds for the last three years and the results are promising. We are now preparing the data on the results. Once we prepare them, we will write to GEAC, said KR Kranthi, director of the research institute. While the Bt variety will make up 95 per cent of the RIB cottonseeds, the non-Bt one will comprise the rest.

While cultivating genetically-modified crops, it is mandatory for farmers to grow refuge or a non-GM trait of the same crop in five per cent of the area. In India, while selling Bt cottonseeds, seed companies provide the non-Bt refuge seeds along with them in a separate packet.

The objective of the RIB concept is to make growers comply with norms for growing genetically modified crop and, in turn, make the process simpler.

Growing a refuge crop in the field of a Bt crop is based on the law of genetics. If a pest develops resistance to the Bt gene, then the non-Bt plant grown on the same farm will help tackle the problem. The principle is simple: the pest from the Bt plant will mate with a similar one from the non-Bt plant and develop a progeny that will not be resistant to the Bt gene.

Since farmers are oblivious to the dangers of growing just Bt cotton, they throw away the non-Bt seeds. Some farmers do it to get returns from the Bt variety as it will fetch them more money, said an official with a seed firm.

DuPont Pioneer came out with such a concept for Bt corn first, while Monsanto has developed a similar concept for Bt cotton. US companies have been developing the RIB concept for a number of years now. In India, we proposed it to the CICR and are awaiting further details from them, said a Monsanto spokesperson. During a meeting among stakeholders of Bt cotton, Monsanto floated the idea. We at the CICR told them that we would also like to test the RIB process, said Kranthi.

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An RIB solution to make pests non-resistant to Bt gene

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PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

11-Sep-2014

Contact: Robin Dutcher 603-653-9056 The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth

Dartmouth researchers have found that the genetic mutation BRAFV600E, frequently found in metastatic melanoma, not only secretes a protein that promotes the growth of melanoma tumor cells, but can also modify the network of normal cells around the tumor to support the disease's progression. Targeting this mutation with Vemurafenib reduces this interaction, and suggests possible new treatment options for melanoma therapy. They report on their findings in "BRAFV600E melanoma cells secrete factors that activate stromal fibroblasts and enhance tumourigenicity," which was recently published in British Journal of Cancer.

Authors of the study are Dr. Chery A. Whipple, research associate at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, and Dr. Constance Brinckerhoff, professor of Medicine and of Biochemistry at Geisel and member of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center.

"This work supports the importance of the tumor cells "talking" with the normal cells present in the tumor microenvironment," said Whipple, first author on the study. "Targeting the tumor cells with specific therapy to reduce the secreted proteins can reduce the aggressive behavior of the tumor and inhibit disease progression."

Melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer, is responsible for more than 80 percent of all skin cancer deaths and spreads readily to the lymph nodes and other organs. While early stage melanoma is curable, the later vertical growth phase (VGP) is frequently metastatic, with median survival times of less than nine months. Melanoma that progresses to this stage is often associated with the gene mutation BRAFV600E, which is found in about 50 percent of melanomas. This BRAF mutation activates certain enzyme pathways that are involved in many cell processes.

Using genetically engineered melanoma cell lines and xenograft mouse models, the Dartmouth researchers found that BRAFV600E melanoma cells expressed higher levels of several cytokines (proteins that act on the immune system and can be used to help the body fight cancer) and Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1; MMPs are associated with various processes including tissue repair and metastasis). Their study also suggests a mechanistic link between BRAFV600E and MMP-1 that modifies the network of normal cells surrounding melanoma tumors, making these "normal cells" more supportive of tumor growth and development. Vemurafenib, a therapeutic drug that specifically targets the BRAFV600E mutation, is able to reduce the expression of several proteins essential for activating this interaction.

"Given that our data show that Vemurafenib is able to reduce the expression of several proteins that are essential for activating the tumor microenvironment (TME), a next step would be to ask whether Vemurafenib normalizes the TME, or keeps it from becoming activated," said Whipple. "If so, does it create a window of time where we could target the TME, normalize it, and enhance the patient's therapeutic response?"

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Dartmouth research links genetic mutation and melanoma progression

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PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

10-Sep-2014

Contact: Glenna Picton picton@bcm.edu 713-798-4710 Baylor College of Medicine @bcmhouston

HOUSTON (Sep. 10. 2014) With the completion of the sequencing and analysis of the gibbon genome, scientists now know more about why this small ape has a rapid rate of chromosomal rearrangements, providing information that broadens understanding of chromosomal biology.

Chromosomes, essentially the packaging that encases the genetic information stored in the DNA sequence, are fundamental to cellular function and the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next. Chromosome structure and function is also intimately related to human genetic diseases, especially cancer.

The sequence and analysis of the gibbon genome (all the chromosomes) was published today in the journal Nature and led by scientists at Oregon Health & Science University, the Baylor College of Medicine Human Genome Sequencing Center and the Washington University School of Medicine's Genome Institute.

"Everything we learn about the genome sequence of this particular primate and others analyzed in the recent past helps us to understand human biology in a more detailed and complete way," said Dr. Jeffrey Rogers, associate professor in the Human Genome Sequencing Center at Baylor and a lead author on the report. "The gibbon sequence represents a branch of the primate evolutionary tree that spans the gap between the Old World Monkeys and great apes and has not yet been studied in this way. The new genome sequence provides important insight into their unique and rapid chromosomal rearrangements."

For years, experts have known that gibbon chromosomes evolve quickly and have many breaks and rearrangements, but up until now there has been no explanation why, Rogers said. The genome sequence helps to explain the genetic mechanism unique to gibbons that results in these large scale rearrangements.

The sequencing was led by Dr. Kim Worley, professor in the Human Genome Sequencing Center, and Rogers, both of Baylor and Drs. Wesley Warren and Richard Wilson of Washington University.

The analysis was led by Dr. Lucia Carbone, an assistant professor of behavioral neuroscience in the OHSU School of Medicine and an assistant scientist in the Division of Neuroscience at OHSU's Oregon National Primate Research Center. Carbone is an expert in the study of gibbons and the lead and corresponding author on the report.

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Gibbon genome sequence deepens understanding of primates rapid chromosomal rearrangements

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Q A Part 3 High Frequency Training Downside Vertical Leap Untrained Vs Genetics Tips For Cellulite
0:15 Is it true that once you do high frequency training for a while (let #39;s say squatting and pressing 4+ times a week), you really can #39;t go back and train l...

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Q&A Part 3 High Frequency Training Downside Vertical Leap Untrained Vs Genetics Tips For Cellulite - Video

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Human Development: Genetics 1
ETSU Online Programs - http://www.etsu.edu/online Module 2- Human Development: Genetics MOD 02 EP 01.

By: East Tennessee State University

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Human Development: Genetics 1 - Video

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Changing Your Genetics!
Online And In Person Training with Bios3: bios3training@gmail.com 5% nutrition (Rich Piana) http://5percentnutrition.com/ GASP and BETTER BODIES CLOTHING https://elite1fitgear.refersion.com/c/1...

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11-Sep-2014

Contact: Mary Masson mfmasson@umich.edu 734-764-2220 University of Michigan Health System @UMHealthSystem

Ann Arbor, Mich. Primary care providers report many challenges to integrating genetics services into routine primary care, according to research published today in Genetics in Medicine.

Medical genetics medicine has traditionally been used to identify and diagnose rare diseases, but in the last decade it has been increasingly helpful in determining patients at risk for genetically-based conditions who can benefit from preventive health care, says the study's senior author, Beth Tarini, M.D., M.S., F.A.A.P., assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Michigan Medical School and C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.

"Genetics is not just about rare diseases and specialists. PCPs rely on genetics frequently during preventive care visits especially when taking family histories and assessing a patient's risk of more common, but chronic, diseases. So the fact that PCPs report many barriers to embracing and performing these tasks is concerning, " says Tarini, who is also an investigator at U-M's Child Health Evaluation & Research (CHEAR) Unit and co-medical director of the Genetics in Primary Care Institute (GPCI), a project of the American Academy of Pediatrics

Tarini and her co-investigators conducted a systematic literature review to assess reported barriers from primary care physicians across multiple practice settings, including pediatrics, family medicine, and obstetrics-gynecology.

Primary care physicians most frequently reported that their knowledge and competence related to genetic medicine is insufficient, according to the study.

Other barriers mentioned most often included a lack of knowledge about genetic risk assessment, concern for patient anxiety, a lack of access to genetics, and a lack of time.

"Shedding light on remaining challenges and misperceptions that physicians continue to experience related to genetic medicine in the primary care setting can provide opportunities for intervention in order to improve the delivery of care," says the study's lead author Natalie A. Mikat-Stevens, M.P.H., project manager for the Genetics in Primary Care Institute at the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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Primary care doctors reluctant to provide genetics assessment in routine care

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Seattle Genetics, Inc. today announced that the companies have entered into an additional antibody-drug conjugate collaboration. Under the new agreement, Genmab will pay an upfront fee of $11 million for exclusive rights to utilize Seattle Genetics auristatin-based ADC technology with Genmabs HuMax-AXL, an antibody targeting AXL which is expressed on multiple types of solid cancers. Seattle Genetics is also entitled to receive more than $200 million in potential milestone payments and mid-to-high single digit royalties on worldwide net sales of any resulting products. In addition, prior to Genmabs initiation of a Phase III study for any resulting products, Seattle Genetics has the right to exercise an option to increase the royalties to double digits in exchange for a reduction of the milestone payments owed by Genmab. Irrespective of any exercise of option, Genmab remains in full control of development and commercialization.

This collaboration with Genmab further extends the reach of our industry-leading ADC technology for use with novel oncology targets, while providing us with a compelling financial value proposition as the program advances, said Natasha Hernday, Vice President, Corporate Development at Seattle Genetics. Genmabs impressive track record in the development of antibody-based therapies for the treatment of cancer, including an ADC in a Phase I clinical trial for solid tumors utilizing Seattle Genetics technology from our first agreement, make them a strong partner for this new collaboration.

This new collaboration with Seattle Genetics adds another ADC program to our innovative pre-clinical pipeline of antibodies developed using the latest technological advances in cancer therapeutics. Pre-clinical work identified AXL as an excellent target for an ADC therapeutic approach, said Jan van de Winkel, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab. Accessing state-of-the art technology of companies such as Seattle Genetics who are experts in their field provides another means for Genmab to develop differentiated cancer therapeutics while retaining maximal ownership of our therapeutic products.

Seattle Genetics and Genmab entered into an ADC collaboration for HuMax-TF-ADC in September 2010. HuMax-TF-ADC, targeting the Tissue Factor antigen, is in a Phase I trial for solid tumors. Seattle Genetics has the right to exercise a co-development option to share all future costs and profits for HuMax-TF-ADC at the end of Phase I.

Today's news will not impact Genmab's 2014 financial guidance.

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Seattle Genetics And Genmab Enter Into Collaboration

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Newswise PHILADELPHIA - Hoping to encourage sufficient investments by pharmaceutical companies in expensive gene therapies, which often consist of a single treatment, a Penn researcher and the chief medical officer of CVS Health outline an alternative payment model in this months issue of Nature Biotechnology. They suggest annuity payments over a defined period of time and contingent on evidence that the treatment remains effective. The approach would replace the current practice of single, usually large, at-point-of-service payments.

Unlike most rare disease treatments that can continue for decades, gene therapy is frequently administered only once, providing many years, even a lifetime, of benefit, says James M. Wilson, MD, PhD, professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Under current reimbursement policies, private insurers and the government typically pay for this therapy once: when it is administered. But these individual payments could reach several million dollars each under current market conditions. Were proposing a different approach that spreads payments out and only keep coming if the patient continues to do well.

Wilson and co-author Troyen A. Brennan, MD, JD, MPH, chief medical officer of CVS Health, note that while large single payments for gene therapy may be the simplest approach, they carry substantial encumbrances. For example, approval of gene therapy treatments is unavoidably based on data derived from trials carried out over several years at most -- considerably shorter than the expected duration of the therapy. Payers may therefore be unwilling to pay large up-front sums for treatments whose long-term benefit has not been established. Additionally, large payments for medications, such as the $84,000-a-patient cost of the hepatitis C treatment Sovaldi, have been criticized in the prevailing climate of curbing health care costs. This, despite the fact that effective gene therapy may reduce the overall financial burden to the health care system.

Wilson and Brennan further note that while a liver transplant, for example, can cost up to $300,000, physicians and hospitals that transplant livers know they will be compensated at market rates through existing contracts -- gene developers lack that assurance. Annuity payments, they say, could help address these problems.

An example of an annuity-type disbursement could be a hypothetical payment of $150,000 per year for a certain number of years for gene-therapy-based protein replacement for patients with hemophilia B -- so long as the therapy continues to work. According to the authors, the cumulative amount should be less than the cost of a one-time payment of $4-6 million, which would be the expected rate for a gene-based therapy to be comparatively priced to existing, conventional therapies for hemophilia B. One would presume, they write, that gene therapy will have to represent a discount in order for insurers to approve its use.

The annuity model that were proposing would eliminate the misguided incentive to invest in drugs and treatments with ongoing revenue streams but which require continuing, perhaps lifetime daily administration, with all the attendant inconveniences and burdens to patients and their families, as well as direct and indirect costs to the nations health system, says Wilson.

The authors point out that gene therapy differs substantially from the case of orphan drugs. Development of the latter, which target rare diseases affecting small patient populations, is supported by the Orphan Drug Act of 1983, which provides pharmaceutical manufacturers with grants, tax credits, and an extended period of market exclusivity for their medications. Whats more, in virtually all of these cases, the business costs of developing the drugs are further attenuated by ongoing administration of -- and payment for -- the medication over the lifetime of the patient. The contrast with gene therapy, especially that which produces a durable cure with one administration, the authors write, is clear.

Adding further details to their proposal, the authors write that The original annuity payment could be set with certain types of re-opener clauses, such as with patent expiration [death], or if a less expensive new therapy came on line -- thus subjecting the gene therapy annuity to the same vagaries of market competition that standard pharmaceuticals face.

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Penn Researcher and CVS Health Physician Urge New Payment Model for Costly Gene Therapy Treatments

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Xenon Pharmaceuticals, an early-stage biotech with a gene therapy discovery platform for rare diseases, filed on Wednesday with the SEC to raise up to $52 million in an initial public offering. Xenon has a number of collaboration and licensing agreements with large pharmaceuticals including Teva, Genentech and Merck for its preclinical research.

The company's discovery platform was used to develop uniQure's Glybera treatment for orphan disease lipoprotein lipase deficiency, the first gene therapy approved in the EU. February IPO uniQure ( QURE ) priced above its range but ended the first day down 14% and now trades down 36% below the IPO price. Xenon is eligible to receive mid single-digit royalties on net sales of Glybera. Teva is in Phase 2 trials for a gene therapy discovered by Xenon that is being developed to treat osteoarthritis. Genentech was cleared to begin a Phase 1 trial for Xenon's pain treatment and Merck is in preclinical development for cardiovascular disease. Xenon also has a variety of preclinical therapies for both orphan diseases (such as Dravet Syndrome) and large-market conditions (including acne).

Primary shareholders include Medpace (16%), Lipterx (11%), InterWest Partners (9%), Fidelity (7%), Invesco (5%) and CEO Simon Pimstone (4%).

The Burnaby, Canada-based company, which was founded in 1996 and booked $27 million in collaboration revenue for the 12 months ended June 30, 2014, plans to list on the NASDAQ under the symbol XENE. Xenon Pharmaceuticals initially filed confidentially on August 16, 2013. Jefferies and Wells Fargo Securities are the joint bookrunners on the deal. No pricing terms were disclosed.

Investment Disclosure: The information and opinions expressed herein were prepared by Renaissance Capital's research analysts and do not constitute an offer to buy or sell any security. Renaissance Capital, the Renaissance IPO ETF (symbol: IPO) or the Global IPO Fund (symbol: IPOSX) , may have investments in securities of companies mentioned.

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc.

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Rare disease biotech Xenon Pharmaceuticals files for a $52 million IPO

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Personalized Medicine and the Omics Revolution [Part 1]

By: HiveMumble

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Personalized Medicine and the Omics Revolution [Part 1] - Video

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PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

10-Sep-2014

Contact: Sally Stewart sally.stewart@cshs.org 310-248-6566 Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

LOS ANGELES Researchers at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute infused antibody-studded iron nanoparticles into the bloodstream to treat heart attack damage. The combined nanoparticle enabled precise localization of the body's own stem cells to the injured heart muscle.

The study, which focused on laboratory rats, was published today in the online peer reviewed journal Nature Communications. The study addresses a central challenge in stem cell therapeutics: how to achieve targeted interactions between stem cells and injured cells.

Although stem cells can be a potent weapon in the fight against certain diseases, simply infusing a patient with stem cells is no guarantee the stem cells will be able to travel to the injured area and work collaboratively with the cells already there.

"Infusing stem cells into arteries in order to regenerate injured heart muscle can be inefficient," said Eduardo Marbn, MD, PhD, director of the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, who led the research team. "Because the heart is continuously pumping, the stem cells can be pushed out of the heart chamber before they even get a chance to begin to heal the injury."

In an attempt to target healing stem cells to the site of the injury, researchers coated iron nanoparticles with two kinds of antibodies, proteins that recognize and bind specifically to stem cells and to injured cells in the body. After the nanoparticles were infused into the bloodstream, they successfully tracked to the injured area and initiated healing.

"The result is a kind of molecular matchmaking," Marbn said. "Through magnetic resonance imaging, we were able to see the iron-tagged cells traveling to the site of injury where the healing could begin. Furthermore, targeting was enhanced even further by placing a magnet above the injured heart."

The Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute has been at the forefront of developing investigational stem cell treatments for heart attack patients. In 2009, Marbn and his team completed the world's first procedure in which a patient's own heart tissue was used to grow specialized heart stem cells. The specialized cells were then injected back into the patient's heart in an effort to repair and regrow healthy muscle in a heart that had been injured by a heart attack. Results, published in The Lancet in 2012, showed that one year after receiving the stem cell treatment, heart attack patients demonstrated a significant reduction in the size of the scar left on the heart muscle.

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Combining antibodies, iron nanoparticles and magnets steers stem cells to injured organs

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

9-Sep-2014

Contact: Lauren Anderson lauren.anderson@europeanlung.org 1-142-672-876 European Lung Foundation http://www.twitter.com/EuropeanLung

Munich, Germany: A new study has revealed how stem cells work to improve lung function in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Previous studies have shown that stem cells can reduce lung inflammation and restore some function in ARDS, but experts are not sure how this occurs. The new study, which was presented at the European Respiratory Society's International Congress today (09 September 2014), brings us a step closer to understanding the mechanisms that occur within an injured lung.

ARDS is a life-threatening condition in which the efficiency of the lungs is severely reduced. It is caused by damage to the capillary wall either from illness or a physical injury, such as major trauma. ARDS is characterised by excessive and dysregulated inflammation in the lung and patients require mechanical ventilation in order to breathe.

Although inflammation is usually a method by which the body heals and copes with an infection, when the inflammation is dysregulated it can lead to severe damage. Immune cells known as macrophages can coordinate the inflammatory response by driving or suppressing inflammation, depending on the stimulation.

The researchers investigated whether stem cells can affect the stimulation of the macrophages and promote the state in which they will suppress the inflammation.

They tested this in an animal model using human bone marrow-derived stem cells. Mice were infected with live bacteria to induce acute pneumonia and model the condition of ARDS. The results showed that treatment with stem cells led to significant reductions in lung injury, inflammation and improved bacterial clearance. Importantly, when stem cells were given to animals that had their macrophages artificially removed, the protective effect was gone. This suggests that the macrophages are an important part of the beneficial effects of stem cells seen in this model of ARDS.

These results were further supported by experiments where stem cells were applied to human macrophages in samples of fluid taken from lungs of patients with ARDS. Again, the stem cells were able to promote the anti-inflammatory state in the human macrophage cells. The authors have identified several proteins, secreted by the stem cells, that would be responsible for this effect.

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Study sheds light on how stem cells can be used to treat lung disease

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In early 2011, Barrington resident Joanne Sullivan started to notice she was feeling out of breath.

At that time, she didnt do anything about it, but in May, when walking up a hill in town required her to stop three times to catch her breath, she couldnt ignore it any longer.

She visited her doctor in May and was put right in the hospital. Almost within a day, she was diagnosed with myelofibrosis, a bone marrow cancer that blocks production of red blood cells.

After undergoing blood transfusions, she began to feel better but also was researching her condition.

Its something a lot of people can live with for a long time, she said.

However, Sullivans blood counts never stabilized, and she was getting blood transfusions every month. At 56, she decided she couldnt live being transfusion-dependent.

Her doctor at Mayo Clinic, Mrinal Patnaik, told her about stem cell donations and she didnt hesitate.

I just said, Lets go for it, she said.

When a related match could not be found, Patnaik, a consultant in the division of hematology and bone marrow transplant, turned to the marrow registry. He selected a 55-year-old man from Germany as Sullivans donor.

Her transplant was scheduled for Jan. 18, 2012, and went smoothly. As a matter of fact, she was back to work in May.

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The full circle

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Father-of-two James Cross, 55, suffered a heart attack in February Surgeons at the London Chest Hospital offered him a unique chance Experimental therapy involved injecting stem cells from Mr Cross's hip into his heart in the hope they would encourage the organ to repair itself It appears to have worked as Mr Cross's heart muscle function has increased from 21% after the attack to 37% and it is still improving Experts hope the new technique will increase survival rates by a quarter

By John Naish

Published: 20:38 EST, 8 September 2014 | Updated: 07:12 EST, 9 September 2014

James Cross, 55,was offered experimental treatment after suffering a heart attack in February

After James Cross had a heart attack in February, he was given a unique chance for a new life.

Surgeons at the London Chest Hospital offered the 55-year-old experimental therapy that involved injecting his own stem cells into the damaged organ.

This was done in the hope that it would encourage his heart to repair itself.

The injected stem cells should prevent the hearts muscle tissue from becoming increasingly damaged after suffering a lack of oxygen during the heart attack.

And it seems to have worked.

After the heart attack, I had 21 per cent of my heart muscle functioning, as opposed to the normal 61 per cent, says James.

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Could stem cells from your hip repair your heart after an attack?

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