Some human mesenchymal stem cells are more equal than others – origins and differences
It is a scientific success story that started approximately 40 years ago – and was initially met with skepticism. Although the pioneers of mesenchymal stem cell research were initially criticized, today thousands of publications and hundreds of clinical trials focus on multipotent cells. New MSC research is suggesting that in the end,…
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Growing stem cells in space – PromoCell aboard the International Space Station
In March 2020, two researchers at the University of Zurich (UZH) Space Hub, Professor Oliver Ullrich and Dr. Cora Thiel, sent human stem cells to space to determine if they could develop into three-dimensional organoids. Three years later, the results of this and a subsequent experiment demonstrate that culturing stem cells in space is possible,…
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Scaling up from 2D monolayers to complex 3D cell cultures
Using three-dimensional cell cultures is more popular today than ever. Yet as the complexity of cell culture increases – from 2D cell culture, spheroids, 3D models up to organoids – so do the variables. This means you should plan carefully before advancing from 2D to 3D cell culture. Keeping several key factors in mind,…
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Why you should know your human mesenchymal stem cells inside out
Doctors, and patients with chronic diseases, are putting hope into new findings in regenerative medicine that are based on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) research. As promising as some published results sound, they might be not reproducible – simply due to insufficient authentication and poor handling of cell cultures. Rigorous validation of cell identity is crucial for working with human mesenchymal stem cells – and,…
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Stem cell therapy scientist: Finding inspiration outside his comfort zone
Crossing the border between medical and biomechanical research fuels the research of stem cell specialist Dr. Diego Correa. We talked to the Colombian-born stem cell scientist, a former clinician with training in mechanical engineering, about his studies with mesenchymal stem cells and their potential clinical applications in cell-based therapy. Soon Correa is going to publish what he believes will be his most important contribution to this field….
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Mesenchymal stem cells: why optimizing manufacturing processes is key for a successful application
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the up-and-coming stars of cell therapy. They are able to differentiate, are very adaptable and can reduce inflammation, making them ideal for regenerative medicine approaches. But the demand for MSCs is far greater than supply. Pharmaceutical companies are racing to produce commercial-scale quantities of MSCs while guaranteeing quality standards….
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Cells in action: Differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells into neurons
In this video we can see the differentiation of PromoCell umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells into neurons. Excitingly, to our knowledge this is one of the first high-resolution, long-term, live cell time-lapses showing this process. These cells were grown for 13 days in PromoCell complete mesenchymal stem cell neurogenic differentiation medium prior to capture of this film….
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Antibiotics in Cell Culture: Friend or Enemy?
Antibiotics are routinely used in cell cultures to prevent bacterial infections. But there are side effects: Studies show that they impair cell growth and differentiation. With good laboratory practice, the use of antibiotics is unnecessary.
A cell culture is a world of its own. The culture dish contains nutrients within the media that cells need to thrive and prosper….
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Adipocytes: key players in metabolic homeostasis
Adipocytes do more than simply store fat. They also play a role in metabolic diseases. Through better understanding of how adipose cells function and interact, researchers can develop new, targeted therapies for treating adipositas and diabetes.
Our bodies and the bodies of all living organisms work like batteries: we get energy from food,…
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Macrophages: The high-flyers of biomedical research
One cell type can fight disease, help form blood vessels, regulate cell stability— and more. Macrophages are true masters of multitasking. In our body they are the first line of defense against invading bacteria, fungi and viruses. But they are not only a key element of our immune defense; they can also play a role in destroying tissue,…
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Optimizing cryopreservation: Serum-free cell freezing medium
Cryopreservation is an integral part of biomedical research and clinical applications. However, maintaining cell viability and function during freezing and thawing can be challenging. Serum-free cryopreservation media formulations are advanced solutions that can be used instead of serum-containing freezing media to maintain cell function while ensuring reproducibility and standardization — read on to learn why….
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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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