Rocket science: The mystery of how macrophages adapt in space
In recent decades, many in vitro studies with living human cells have broadened our knowledge about the cellular and molecular effects of microgravity. Cells of the immune system are particularly sensitive to it and represent an ideal model for understanding how space flight could affect cell function. Prof. Ullrich and his team have greatly contributed to explaining how cells behave in space….
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PromoCells in Space – Ready For Lift-Off
Three, Two, One, Zero: Two research groups working in space life sciences are investigating the behavior of cells from PromoCell in microgravity on the International Space Station. The launch of a Falcon 9 rocket coupled to a Dragon spacecraft is planned for December 15th in Florida, USA.
Gravity is everywhere on earth,…
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Meet Zinnia (Naoshin) Noor, Scientific Application Manager (International Distribution Sales)
Read out our latest employee profile about Dr Zinnia Noor, our scientific application manager….
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Cells in Action: Human Primary Keratinocytes at the stratum granulosum
Keratinocytes at the stratum granulosum contain two characteristic structures that are visible in this high resolution footage by Nanolive – the lamellar bodies and keratohyalin granules. While keratohyalin granules contain proteins involved in the aggregation of keratin filaments and in the formation of the cell envelope, lamellar bodies contain lipids and fuse with the plasma membrane in order to secrete the content into the extracellular space….
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15 cell culture facts: Things about cell culture you might not know
As a researcher working in cell culture, you must have a deep understanding of your specific research area. However, scientific knowledge is advancing rapidly. Therefore, keeping up with all the developments in cell-based research can be challenging. In this article, we present 15 facts about cell culture that can add to your knowledge….
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CRISPR/Cas9: The Genome Editing Revolution
The genetic code is the blueprint of an organism written on a stable molecule class: deoxyribonucleic acid. With the method CRISPR/Cas9, editing the genetic information has become much easier. This technique is a blessing for basic scientists, as well as for translational researchers such as Dr. Kathleen Börner, who wants to develop a gene therapy for infections caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)….
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Macrophage plasticity is more than black and white
Many rules in biology exist, and even more exceptions to these rules. For years, immunologists have tried to classify macrophages into two subtypes, classically activated M1, and alternatively activated M2 macrophages. However, with the growing number of activated macrophage subtypes needing description, established nomenclature falls short. Researchers are seeking an alternative to the traditional black-and-white principle….
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PromoCells in space continues – producing human tissue in a weightless environment
Two research leaders from the University of Zurich (UZH) Space Hub, Professor Oliver Ullrich and Dr. Cora Thiel, have sent adult human stem cells to the International Space Station (ISS). They are testing an innovative method to produce human tissue in a weightless environment, and hope to better understand how human tissue is produced in the weightless atmosphere of space….
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Histocompatibility: Piecing together the immunotherapy puzzle
What do puzzles and immunity have in common? The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system of cell-surface proteins help to regulate the immune system. Yet particular antigens can make a crucial difference. Patients with certain HLA types are more likely to have autoimmune diseases, contract infectious disease or develop cancer. Now, through better understanding of HLA function,…
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EXCiPACT™ GMP certified produced cell culture media
A crucial step when developing new drugs and cell therapies and during development of new cosmetics or cell-based food production, is the translation of a technology from the research laboratory to clinical use in the real world, and subsequently commercial manufacturing. To ensure this step goes well, understanding and evaluating potential raw material risks of media and reagents is key when working with products in a regulated environment….
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PromoCell now exclusive supplier of MATra (Magnet-Assisted Transfection)
Primary cells can prove much more difficult to transfect than other commonly used cell lines. While high transfection efficiencies are possible using commercially available transfection reagents in diverse, commonly used cell lines, primary cells but also diverse cell lines have proven much more difficult to transfect….
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Super-resolution microscopy: Zooming in on the eorld of the influenza A virus
It adapts quickly to the cellular defense mechanisms of the host and develops resistance against antiviral drugs: The influenza A virus is a major human pathogen with high variability. New super-resolution microscopy methods, as well as the use of human primary cells, currently allow better insights into the interactions between viruses and host cells….
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