Micro-management of pluripotent stem cells

Embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (ESCs and iPSCs) hold great promise for regenerative medicine. The therapeutic application of these cells requires an understanding of the molecular networks that regulate pluripotency, differentiation, and de-differentiation. Along with signaling pathways, transcription factors, and epigenetic regulators, microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as important regulators in the establishment and maintenance of pluripotency. These tiny RNAs control proliferation, survival, the cell cycle, and the pluripotency program of ESCs. In addition, they serve as barriers or factors to overcome barriers during the reprogramming process. Systematic screening for novel miRNAs that regulate the establishment and maintenance of pluripotent stem cells and further mechanistic investigations will not only shed new light on the biology of ESCs and iPSCs, but also help develop safe and efficient technologies to manipulate cell fate for regenerative medicine.

Dynamic observation of applying repairing laryngeal mucosal defect with heterogeneous acellular dermal matrix / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinical effect of heterogeneity (cattle) acellular dunal matrix in repairing mucosa defect in laryngeal surgery.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighteen cancer patients with mucosa defect in central vocal area accepted treatment with heterogeneity acellular dunal matrix after surgery. There were two methods to repair mucosa defect. One was simple use of acellular dunal matrix, the second was combined use of acellular dunal matrix and muscle lamella or muscle and tendon film lamella. 18 cases had cancer in central vocal area: T2N0M0 (8), T3N1M0 (5), T3N2M0 (4), T4N2M0 (1). All were squamous cell carcinoma. Ten cancer patients accepted radiation after surgery. The radiotherapy volume was 60-80 Gy. After the operation, the patients were checked by fibrolaryngoscope four or five times after half a year, observing the dynamic development.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All 18 patients were healed, rechecked by endoscope after 0.5-6 months, heterogeneity acellular dunal matrix mingled with mucosa within 30-60 d, no allergy and irritation were found. The laryngeal function, including breathing, pronouncing and swallowing, was recovered. The survival rate (1 year) was 100%, and 10 patients survived after 2 years. After radiotherapy, the process of recovery was not affected.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Heterogeneity acellular dunal matrix can be easily obtained and it is a new method to repair mucosa defect. The operative procedure is easy to perform and worthwhile to use clinically.</p>