Kim et al., Cell Transplant, 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of diabetes on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in terms of their angiogenic and therapeutic potential for repairing tissue ischemia. We culture-isolated MSCs from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (D-MSCs) and compared their proliferation, differentiation, and angiogenic effects with those from normal rats (N-MSCs). The angiogenic effects of MSCs were evaluated by real-time RT-PCR, in vitro tube formation assay, and transplantation of the MSCs into a hindlimb ischemia model followed by laser Doppler perfusion imaging. The number of MSCs derived from diabetic rats was smaller and their proliferation rate was slower than N-MSCs. Upon induction of differentiation, the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of D-MSCs were aberrant compared to N-MSCs. The expression of angiogenic factors was lower in D-MSCs than N-MSCs. D-MSCs co-cultured with endothelial cells resulted in decreased tube formation compared to N-MSCs.

Read More

Dr. Yoon is honored with election into the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI)

  • 10:38AM May 01, 2014
  • Comments off

EMORY News http://www.news.emory.edu/stories/2014/04/jj_som_emory_faculty_join_asci/index.html Emory faculty members join prestigious ASCI Woodruff Health Sciences Center | April 24, 2014 Three Emory University School of Medicine (SOM) faculty members were honored on April 25 with election into the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI). The ASCI is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected medical honor societies […]

Read More

Gold Club Reviewers from Circulation Research

  • 4:41PM Nov 25, 2013
  • Comments off

Top Reviewers in 2013 The Editors of Circulation Research wish to acknowledge the following reviewers, who have distinguished themselves for exemplary performance and outstanding contributions to the journal. They have selflessly donated their time (often on weekends and evenings), their energy, and their expertise to assist the editors in the difficult task of selecting the most meritorious […]

Read More

Molecular beacons light path to cardiac muscle repair

  • 3:50PM Sep 23, 2013
  • Comments off

Woodruff Health Sciences Center | Sep. 4, 2013 Pure cardiac muscle cells, ready to transplant into a patient affected by heart disease. That’s a goal for many cardiology researchers working with stem cells. Having a pure population of cardiac muscle cells is essential for avoiding tumor formation after transplantation, but has been technically challenging. Researchers […]

Read More

Kim et al., Blood Res, 2013

While bone marrow (BM)-derived cells have been comprehensively studied for their propitious pre-clinical results, clinical trials have shown controversial outcomes. Unlike previously acknowledged, more recent studies have now confirmed that humoral and paracrine effects are the key mechanisms for tissue regeneration and functional recovery, instead of transdifferentiation of BM-derived cells into cardiovascular tissues. The progression of the understanding of BM-derived cells has further led to exploring efficient methods to isolate and obtain, without mobilization, sufficient number of cell populations that would eventually have a higher therapeutic potential.

Read More