Receptor type protein tyrosine phosphatase-sigma (PTPσ) is primarily expressed by adult neurons and regulates neural regeneration. Researchers at UCLA recently discovered that PTPσ is also expressed by hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and describe small molecule inhibitors of PTPσ that promote HSC regeneration in vivo. Systemic administration of the PTPσ inhibitor, DJ001, or its analog, to
Source STAT A common saying at the Food and Drug Administration is: “In God we trust, all others must bring data.” The independent evaluation of science is an essential element of the FDA’s dual role of protecting the public health and promoting innovation to bring new therapies into practice. In fact, with certain exceptions, the
New research reveals how increasing brain stiffness as we age causes brain stem cell dysfunction, and demonstrates new ways to reverse older stem cells to a younger, healthier state. New research, published today in Nature, reveals how increasing brain stiffness as we age causes brain stem cell dysfunction, and demonstrates new ways to reverse older stem
The results of an early trial in 31 brain cancer patients finds immune activity boosted in the tumor, and possibly longer survival. An inducible, tumor-localized gene therapy has been tested for the first time in glioblastoma patients. The two-part approach, which involves receiving an injection of an immune-activator gene into the brain tumor site and
A Novel Hypothesis: The Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis The two most common neurodegenerative disorders have a very long history. The first reported case of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was in 1906, while Parkinson’s disease (PD) was described in 1817. Since then, intensive research has provided plenty of clinical, genetic, and molecular evidence of AD and PD signs, mechanisms,
The gene editor targets cancer, blood disorders and blindness Since its debut in 2012, CRISPR gene editing has held the promise of curing most of the over 6,000 known genetic diseases. Now it’s being put to the test. In the first spate of clinical trials, scientists are using CRISPR/Cas9 to combat cancer and blood disorders
Source STAT Novartis dismissed the top two scientists at its gene therapy division shortly after CEO Vas Narasimhan learned of internal data falsification that has since snowballed into a damaging scandal, a person familiar with the situation said Wednesday. The company previously said it was “in the process of exiting” scientists who were responsible for
Researchers in the US have developed a rapid, artificial intelligence (AI)-based test that can identify patients with an abnormal heart rhythm, even when it appears normal. This 10 second test for atrial fibrillation could be a significant improvement over current test procedures that can take weeks or even years (Lancet 10.1016/S0140-6736(19)31721-0). Atrial fibrillation is a common
What are the most common clinical applications for 3D-printed models created from MRI scans of paediatric patients? A team from Ohio explored the various applications and the role radiologists play in production of the models in a new article, recently published online in the Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging. “We wanted to investigate 3D printing with
Study finds that Alzheimer’s damage allows toxins to enter the brain, further harming neurons. Beta-amyloid plaques, the protein aggregates that form in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, disrupt many brain functions and can kill neurons. They can also damage the blood-brain barrier — the normally tight border that prevents harmful molecules in the bloodstream from
