Monday, December 30, 2013

Autism Spectrum Disorder and Biomarkers

We used our IFN-gamma and BDNF Sandwich Elisa Kits to test the levels of these biomarkers in the blood serum of 2 individuals with Austism Spectrum Disorder. We anticipated  that BDNF would be significantly up or down regulated and IFN-gamma up regulated as confirmed by the literature. see 10.1371/journal.pone.0020470 , DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020470 and DOI: 10.1111/acps.12071.

Our testing results showed:
Figure 1: ASD and Biomarker Levels

Based on these initial findings we are developing a custom Quantibody® Antibody Array designed for the fine tuned testing of individuals with ASD. The biomarkers included in the array will be: HSP70, TGF-beta2, 
Caspase-7, IFN-gamma and BDNF.

Figure 2: ASD Markers vs Controls

These panels will enable us to determine the severity of ASD. From the results, we will be working with our collaborators to determine potential cell based therapies for improving the symptom and behaviors of ASD sufferers. As part of the therapeutic regimes the panels can then be used check on progress towards "wellness". 

This a key initiative for us in 2014 so stay tuned.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

hMSCs and Mesen-X Media in Actions

Customer Feedback on Neuromics' Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

The demand for these UCB derived hMSCs continues to grow. We do everything we can to insure users' success. This includes replacing cells if there are any issues.

It is always great to get documented feedback. Dr. Rodney Nash, CEO of Javeen Biosciences used their new Mesen-X media to grow the cells. This GMP manufactured media is TOTALLY serum and animal free. It is shipped at room temperature and requires no attachment agents.

Here's Dr. Nash's feedback: We recently used the hMSCs derived from Umbilical Cord Blood. Their performance was nothing less than excellent. We were highly impressed with their morphology and their doubling rate. In addition the cells respond very well to accutase and maintain their performance after passaging. We highly recommend this cell line."

Neuromics' hMSCs grown using Mesen-X Media

The poperties of this Media makes it an excellent solution for drug discovery. Neuromics will be distributing in early 2014 so there will be much more data to follow.

Saturday, December 07, 2013

Biochemistry of Hair Loss

Hair Follicle Stem Cells and the WNT Pathway

This publication hit my Radar because it referenced use of our Goat Polyclonal GFRA1 Antibody.


In this study, Researchers use Tbx18Cre knockin mouse line to ablate the Wnt-responsive transcription factor β-catenin specifically in  at E14.5 during the first wave of guard hair follicle formation. In the absence of β-catenin, canonical Wnt signaling is effectively abolished in cell clusters of precursors for the hair follicle dermal papilla (DP). Sox2+ dermal condensates initiate normally; however by E16.5 guard hair follicle numbers are strongly reduced and by E18.5 most whiskers and guard hair follicles are absent, suggesting that active Wnt signaling in dermal condensates is important for hair follicle formation to proceed after induction. To explore the molecular mechanisms by which Wnt signaling in dermal condensates regulates hair follicle formation, we analyze genome-wide the gene expression changes in embryonic β-catenin null DP precursor cells. We find altered expression of several signaling pathway genes, including Fgfs and Activin: Su-Yi Tsai, Rachel Sennett, Amélie Rezza, Carlos Clavel, Laura Grisanti, Roland Zemla, Sara Najam, Michael Rendl Wnt/β-catenin signaling in dermal condensates is required for hair follicle formation. Developmental Biology, Available online 3 December 2013. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ydbio.2013.11.023

Could manipulating PDs be the answer for halting hair loss or better yet reverse the process? This research moves us closer.

Sunday, December 01, 2013

In vivo Like Cell Based Assays!

Save 100 USD on our Potent, Pure and Easy to Culture Stem and Progenitor Cells

We continue to design in vivo like behaviors into our  Cell Based Assays.
Our goal is to enable you to make better research decisions earlier
in your discovery process.

These assays are engineered using our proven, potent and easy to culture eSC and Adult Human Stem Cells and Progenitors.

UCB Derived hMSC differentiated to Osteoblast. Note the calcium depositions.

***December Promotions-New Products-Save 100 USD+ 
on Primary and Stem Cells, Media, Markers and Growth Factors***
I'll be posting videos of our in vivo like assays with specific quantitative data here soon.