Disease modeling using human induced pluripotent stem cells: lessons from the liver

Redox cell signaling and hepatic progenitor cells

Hepatic diseases are widespread in the world and organ transplantation is currently the only treatment for liver failure. New cell-based approaches have been considered, since stem cells may represent a possible source to treat liver diseases. Acute and chronic liver diseases are characterized by high production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, with consequent oxidative modifications of cellular macromolecules and alteration of signaling pathways, metabolism and cell cycle. Although considered harmful molecules, reactive species are involved in cell growth and differentiation processes, modulating the activity of transcription factors, which take part in stemness/proliferation. It is conceivable that redox balance may regulate the development of hepatic progenitor cells, function and survival in synchrony with metabolism during chronic liver diseases. This review aims to summarize diverse redox-sensitive signaling pathways involved in stem cell fate, highlighting the important role of hepatic progenitor cells as a possible source to treat end-stage liver disease for organ regeneration.

Breaking the Mold: Partnering with the National Institutes of Health Intramural Research Program to Accelerate PhD Training

Immunology is an increasingly interdisciplinary field. Here we describe a new model for interinstitutional graduate training as partnerships between complementary laboratories. This collaborative model reduces time to graduation without compromising productivity or alumni outcomes. We offer our experience with one such program and thoughts on the ingredients for their success. Despite tremendous recent advances in technology, communications, and the translation of basic scientific discoveries into new diagnostics and therapies for human diseases, graduate training in immunology and other areas of biomedical research in the United States has remained remarkably unchanged since the early 20th century, with coursework and laboratory rotations taking up much of the first 2 years, and a single mentor shepherding the student through a research project over 3 or more subsequent years. The time to graduation still averages more than 6 years in the biomedical sciences field (http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/2016/nsf16300/), with uncertain benefit of this extended time to research productivity and career advancement.

Modern stem cell therapy: approach to disease

Various types of stem cells exist, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Considering the current available evidence, important preclinical and clinical studies regarding the therapeutic potential of stem cells, stem cell therapy might be the important strategy for tissue repair. The development of stem cell therapy for tissue repair has primarily relied on stem cells, especially mesenchymal stem cells. Multilineage differentiation into all of the described cells are considered as important candidates for a range of diseases like neurological diseases, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal cancer and genetic defects, as well as for acute and chronic wounds healing and pharmaceutical treatment. We review the properties and multipotency of stem cells and their differentiation potential, once cultured under specific growth conditions, for use in cell-based therapies and functional tissue replacement.