NANOG tagged posts

The images above show, from left to right, functioning stem cells, stem cells no longer functioning due to Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria syndrome (HGPS), and stem cells previously not functioning due to HGPS that were rebooted by the embryonic stem cell gene Nanog. Credit: Stelios Andreadis.

The discovery may lead to treatments for atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s and other age-related disorders. The fountain of youth may reside in an embryonic stem cell gene named Nanog. In a series of experiments at the University at Buffalo, the gene kicked into action dormant cellular processes that are key to preventing weak bones, clogged arteries and other telltale signs of growing old...

Seven days after OLIG2 was switched on, cultured human stem cells started expressing neuronal marker gene (red). Credit: Hokkaido University; Copyright image

Scientists have developed a new technique to unleash silenced genes and change cell fates using CRISPR/Cas9. The ability to control gene expression in cells allows scientists to understand gene function and manipulate cell fate. Gene-editing tool CRIPSR/Cas9, employs a system naturally used by bacteria as protection against viruses. The tool allows scientists to precisely add, remove or replace specific parts of DNA. CRISPR/Cas9 is the most efficient, inexpensive and easiest gene-editing tool available to date. However, scientists have not yet managed to effectively use it to activate genes in the cells.

A team, led by Toru Kondo at H...