All articles

1.2 billion allogeneic MAPC (MultiStem) IV 24–48 h after stroke. MASTERS (double-blind, 137 randomised, 33 UK/US sites) was safe, but the day-90 primary endpoint failed in the 126 analysed (OR 1.08, p=0.83). Plus the 9 years since.

At eight UK sites, 20 million allogeneic neural stem cells (CTX0E03) were injected into the putamen of 23 stroke patients by stereotactic neurosurgery. The primary endpoint was not met, the randomized trial meant to confirm the findings stopped at 15 patients, and the developer went through administration and delisted. Here is what a single-arm study can and cannot say, read straight from the numbers.

An average of 22 months after stroke, paralysis that should no longer move. A phase 1/2a trial implanting genetically modified allogeneic bone marrow MSCs (SB623) around the infarct met its primary endpoint in 18 patients over two years. But there is no control group. Two months later the phase 2b ACTIsSIMA, sham-controlled in 163 patients, missed its primary endpoint (p = 0.6743). The same cells reached approval not in stroke but in the parallel traumatic brain injury trial.

IL-10, the cytokine that calms inflammation, never quite became a drug: it is unstable and clears from the body fast. A Michigan State University team harvested extracellular vesicles from cells made to overexpress IL-10 with minicircle DNA, and shows they are more stable than recombinant IL-10 and quiet inflammatory macrophages. But naïve vesicles, with no IL-10 gene introduced, worked too. Every experiment is in cultured cells.

ALMB-0166, the first Cx43-hemichannel antibody, given as a single dose to 24 SCI patients: adverse events matched placebo, 1200/2400mg improved scores, two reached AIS E. A small, exploratory result.

A narrative review of knee injections, corticosteroids to exosomes: an RCT tying repeated triamcinolone to cartilage loss, and the evidence-maturity gap across PRP, orthobiologics, MSCs, exosomes.

Stroke, TBI, and Alzheimer's/Parkinson's differ in cause but converge on the same breakdown pathways. Why don't NGF and BDNF work in humans? A Russian team reads the delivery barrier from six trials.

Neurogenic bladder afflicts more than 80% of people with spinal cord injury. A careful reading of a preclinical study reporting that the anti-RGMa antibody elezanumab improved voiding function and neuroplasticity in rats. Efficacy in humans has not yet been shown.

A phase 3 trial in ALS of autologous mesenchymal stem cells induced to secrete high levels of neurotrophic factors (NurOwn). The primary endpoint was not met (33% vs 28%, OR=1.33, P=.45). The signal in the less-impaired subgroup was not statistically significant and is only hypothesis-generating, yet the CSF biomarkers showed a clear biological effect. A piece for reading expectation and reality apart.

A tadpole whose spinal cord is severed will regenerate; after metamorphosis, the same frog cannot, and its response closely resembles that of humans. In Chile, Dr. Slater and colleagues showed that on the non-regenerating side, mitochondria swell by day 6 after injury, cristae turn into vesicles, and the respiratory enzyme COX shuts down. Yet ATP did not fall — it rose. Genes for glycolysis and genes that mobilize fat were both switched on. That said, the extra ATP may simply have leaked out of damaged tissue. Dr. Exotaro reads this preclinical frog study.

A man paralyzed from the neck down can now move his own hand by thought alone and even feel the texture of what he grips. A team at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research has developed a 'double neural bypass (DNB)' that bridges the brain to the spinal cord and cortex at the same time. While the device is on, it takes over hand movement and touch (assist); through electrical-stimulation training it also drew out recovery that persists even after the device is switched off (therapy). Cracking an egg without breaking it, feeding himself, feeling a dog's fur again through a once-paralyzed wrist—Dr. Exotaro unpacks this landmark first-in-human study.

As obesity drags on, pancreatic beta cells multiply and work harder to hold off diabetes (beta cell compensation). A team at China Pharmaceutical University shows that in this emergency, beta cells release extracellular vesicles (sEV) loaded with miR-151 and turn nearby mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) into helpers. Freed from the KLF9 brake, the MSCs proliferate and secrete WNT to support beta cells. Dr. Exotaro unpacks this cell-and-mouse preclinical study.

Aging livers quietly store fat as autophagy rusts. A Shandong team shows HucMSC exosomes — THBS1 as key cargo, PPAR as a downstream pathway — ease fat, senescence and glucose problems in aged mice.

Exercise reaches the brain through peripheral signals—BDNF, lactate, immune and vascular messengers. But a biomarker "moving" is not the same as cognition returning. An Italian neurorehabilitation team offers an integrative model: the biological effects of exercise become clinically meaningful only when they couple to attention-demanding movement and surface as a behavior called cognitive-motor integration (CMI). Exotaro unpacks a review that surveys the differences across stroke, Parkinson's, MS, and TBI, and how to deploy VR, robots, and wearables.

In Parkinson's disease, the brain's immune cells—microglia—switch into a 'combat mode that guzzles sugar,' damaging neurons through inflammation. A research team in Haikou, China, showed that lncA2M-AS1, a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) carried by exosomes from olfactory mucosa-derived mesenchymal stem cells (OM-MSC), calms microglial metabolism and suppresses neuroinflammation through two switches, CFL1 and ROCK1. Exotaro walks through this preclinical study in mice and cultured cells.

Diabetic wounds pit impaired angiogenesis against chronic inflammation. A team engineered bFGF-loaded, RGD-targeted M2 exosomes, delivered deep by a dissolving microneedle, to speed healing in diabetic mice.

MSC-derived extracellular vesicles are biocompatible, low-immunogenicity 'natural nanocapsules.' This review maps six strategies to engineer them into drug carriers and their clinical safety data.

MSC-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEV) were given IV to spinal cord injury rats. At the same total dose, continuous infusion enhanced motor recovery more than daily injection.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key mediators of intercellular communication with broad application across biomedicine, veterinary medicine, cosmetics, agriculture, and the environment.

Bone metastasis of prostate cancer (PCa) markedly worsens prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of only 30%, and features a complex mix of osteolytic and osteoblastic lesions.

This study aimed to elucidate, at the molecular level, the mechanism by which 3D culture of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) promotes secretion of extracellular vesicles (sEVs) compared with 2D culture.

This study focuses on developing an inhalable bispecific exosome-activated T cell (BEAT) system to treat metastatic melanoma resistant to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

This study elucidates how astrocyte-secreted exosomes (EVs) regulate local translation in neuronal axons and improve synaptic function in an experimental model of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Using the zebrafish brain, this study reveals the crucial role that degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays in synaptic plasticity during brain development.

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA), approved for type 2 diabetes (T2D), obesity, and cardiovascular disease, are now drawing attention as potential therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD).

This study reveals that the nascent polypeptide-associated complex (NAC) is a multifaceted regulator coordinating translation elongation, co-translational folding, and organelle targeting.

This study reveals that DNA-damaging chemotherapy dramatically alters the composition and function of cardiac-resident macrophages, with monocyte-derived macrophages conferring cardioprotection.

In macrophage (RAW264.7, THP-1, Kupffer cell) phenotype control, which proteins do specific miRNAs target, and what fate (inflammation, M1/M2 polarization, pyroptosis) do they ultimately drive?

TGFβ signaling mediates microglial resilience to spatiotemporally restricted myelin degeneration, published in Nature Neuroscience.

This study identifies blood biomarkers of multimorbidity in older adults and clarifies their shared and specific features, linking 54 biomarkers to multimorbidity indicators in two cohorts.

This study reveals a previously unknown macrophage population, the "adenophages," in exocrine glands such as the salivary glands, maintained by GM-CSF from group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s).

Why does this research matter? Our bodies are made up of tens of trillions of cells. At the end of their lifespan or when infected, these cells carry a built-in mechanism to end their own lives.

Testicular cancer mainly arises in men aged 15 to 35 and is regarded as one of the most curable solid tumors. But this review tackles refractory forms using cell therapy.

The brain barely regenerates after injury. Using single-cell analysis, this work reveals how the gene L-Myc and extracellular vesicles (EVs) drive the diversity of neural stem cells.

A new treatment is anticipated for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most refractory cancers: cell therapy using umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs).

Treating refractory wounds and severe burns is a major challenge in modern medicine. This paper reviews the potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their exosomes for skin regeneration.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) leaves severe sequelae, but a groundbreaking treatment has now been proposed: therapy using tiny capsules called exosomes (DPSC-Exos) secreted by dental stem cells (DPSC).

How extracellular vesicles (EVs) from iPSC-derived glial progenitor cells protect neurons from glutamate excitotoxicity by stabilizing calcium oscillations and mitochondria.

Q&A on a study showing TLR4 deficiency suppresses necroptosis (RIPK3/MLKL) and NFκB signaling after spinal cord injury (SCI), cutting chronic inflammation and aiding recovery.

Single-nucleus RNA sequencing of adult zebrafish over six weeks reveals how neurogenesis and neuronal plasticity cooperate to drive spinal cord repair, identifying injury-responsive iNeurons.

A single-cell study integrating morphological and lipidomic profiling of MSCs, showing these features can distinguish functional subpopulations induced by immune stimulation.

Collateral-based selection for endovascular treatment of acute ischaemic stroke in the late window (MR CLEAN-LATE): 2-year follow-up of a phase 3 randomised trial in the Netherlands.

Single-cell RNA sequencing of cerebrospinal fluid reveals lipid-associated macrophages (RNASE1_M) linked to osimertinib resistance and leptomeningeal metastases in NSCLC.

Non-classical monocytes are supported by the entire vascular tree. Non-classical monocytes have the support of the whole vascular tree – Nature Reviews I

Here is the paper we introduce this time: a comparative evaluation of storage conditions for extracellular vesicles, examining how the storage state affects their therapeutic efficacy.

Today I want to talk about the exosome infusion therapy that has become a hot topic. Let me say this first: I feel that treatments using exosomes/extracellular vesicles hold enormous promise.

Hello, and welcome to everyone interested in the latest advances in heart disease treatment! Today we focus on an innovative surgical technique called TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement).

Heart health greatly affects our quality of life, but a progressive disease called ATTR cardiac amyloidosis threatens it. This article explains the basics of ATTR amyloidosis and focuses on Patisiran.

Neuroscience evolves daily, with new techniques emerging to unravel the brain's mysteries. Here we introduce an innovative study on the mouse prefrontal cortex and explain its findings.

Flow cytometry is a popular technique for analyzing cell characteristics and function, especially when cells come directly from in vivo samples. However, this approach comes with several constraints.

Alzheimer's disease is a serious challenge affecting many lives. However, recent research is opening new therapeutic avenues. This article explains the latest study on the VCAM1–ApoE pathway.

A new spatial single-cell mass spectrometry approach characterizes the zonation of the hepatocyte proteome. This article explains the study's main findings and its applications.

The endosomal recycling pathway and autophagy are two distinct cellular processes that provide different mechanisms for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Their main differences are explained below.

Using a high-throughput proteomics platform measuring thousands of plasma proteins, this study combined genetic and phenotypic data to explore bridging the gap between genome and disease.

Autophagy plays a role second only to the ubiquitin-proteasome system in cellular degradation, delivering unwanted or harmful material to the lysosome for breakdown.

After spinal cord injury, scar tissue forms at the injury site. It is composed of a glial component and a fibrin component. The glial scar is characterized by extensive astrocyte proliferation.

Autophagy is the process by which cells degrade and recycle damaged or dysfunctional components and unwanted proteins. It supports cellular homeostasis and is linked to disease and aging.

Microautophagy is a cellular self-digestion process that degrades and recycles cellular components directly through the lysosomal membrane. Here we explain its mechanisms and roles.

In IPA (Ingenuity Pathway Analysis), the P-value is obtained through statistical analysis. It is a metric that evaluates whether observed data is statistically significant versus random conditions.

You may have heard the term "Fourier transform" in math or engineering. It is a mathematical method widely used in signal processing, image analysis, and data compression. But what exactly is it?

Research verifying the therapeutic effects of extracellular vesicles (exosomes) derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, with a view to future clinical application to various diseases.

When using extracellular vesicles (EVs) therapeutically, immune rejection must be considered. It is always a concern in cell transplantation, and in allogeneic transplants it threatens engraftment.

About CRISPR — What is CRISPR? If you are exploring the fascinating world of genetics and biotechnology, you have probably heard the term CRISPR. But what does it mean?

The use of statistical tools is widespread across many fields, including biology. One such important statistical metric is the Z-score.

An explanation of the ESCRT (endosomal sorting complexes required for transport) proteins involved in the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs).

An endosome is a small membranous vesicle in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. It acts as an intermediate in the cell's transport system, sorting and recycling internalized substances.

microRNA (miRNA) is a small non-coding RNA that plays a key role in the post-transcriptional regulation of genes, influencing various physiological processes and diseases.

What a beautiful video.

Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) is a filtration process in which the fluid flows along the membrane surface, unlike conventional filtration where the liquid passes straight through.

EXODUS is a device for isolating and purifying extracellular vesicles (EVs). It uses a vibrating motor to generate acoustic streaming, preventing membrane clogging and improving recovery efficiency.

"Lipid flipping" refers to the movement of lipid molecules from one leaflet (half) of a biological membrane to the other. This process is also called "flip-flop" or transmembrane movement.

I'm in Seattle for ISEV2023, the international conference on extracellular vesicles (EV). Maybe because it was founded less than ten years ago, the energy is incredible and the field feels alive.

The cellular structures behind exosome production: endoplasmic reticulum (ER), ribosomes, and Golgi apparatus, and how the endosome, multivesicular body (MVB), and microRNA (miRNA) form exosomes.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are tiny membrane-bound particles released by cells, attracting attention in recent years. They are highly diverse in size, origin, contents, and function.

Definition and classification of extracellular vesicles. EVs are nanosized vesicles released from cells, with membrane structures ranging from 30 nm to 1000 nm in diameter.

Extracellular vesicles are tiny sac-like structures secreted by cells, and several subtypes exist, distinguished by size, biological properties, biogenesis mechanism, and function.

The paper introduced today is the following. First, Salvador, A.F.M., et al., 2023. Age-dependent immune and lymphatic responses after spinal cord injury. Neuron.

Stem cell research has produced revolutionary results in biology and medicine. This website aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of stem cell clinical science.

This website aims to be the most detailed and comprehensive resource in the world, covering everything from the fundamentals of extracellular vesicle science to the latest research findings.

Here is the paper introduced today. MitoEVs: A new player in multiple disease pathology and treatment. Xiyue Zhou, Shuyun Liu, et al.

Stem cell therapy is attracting attention as a treatment that may broaden the options for diseases that previously had none. The influence of iPS Nobel laureate Dr. Shinya Yamanaka is significant.

The paper introduced this time is here. Microglial-to-neuronal CCR5 signaling regulates autophagy in neurodegeneration B. P. Festa, F.

The paper introduced here is the following. Efficacy and safety of fitusiran prophylaxis in people with haemophilia A or haemophilia B with

Exosome therapy is one of the promising novel treatments of the future, but it is currently still at the research stage. Only after efficacy is confirmed will it be offered as insured care.

My first post has nothing to do with regenerative medicine or stem cells, sorry. Lately I've been hooked on AI tools, and this service is unexpectedly fun, letting you dig deeper into papers.

A very interesting paper has been published in Nature. In short, the motor homunculus brain map is not as simple as reality; the cortex also coordinates with other important networks.