2018-05-09

Self-Condensation Culture Enables Vascularization of Tissue Fragments for Efficient Therapeutic Transplantation

Clinical transplantation of tissue fragments, including islets, faces a critical challenge because of a lack of effective strategies that ensure efficient engraftment through the timely integration of vascular networks. We recently developed a complex organoid engineering method by “self-condensation” culture based on mesenchymal cell-dependent contraction, thereby enabling dissociated heterotypic lineages including endothelial cells to self-organize in a spatiotemporal manner.
2018-04-13

De Novo Hotspot Variants in CYFIP2 Cause Early-Onset Epileptic Encephalopathy

The cytoplasmic fragile X mental retardation 1 interacting proteins 2 (CYFIP2) is a component of the WAVE regulatory complex, which is involved in actin dynamics.
2018-04-06

CRMP2-binding compound, edonerpic maleate, accelerates motor function recovery from brain damage

A small molecule for stroke therapy Better therapies for motor impairments after stroke are greatly needed. In mice and nonhuman primates, Abe et al. found that edonerpic maleate enhanced synaptic plasticity and functional recovery after a traumatic insult to the brain (see the Perspective by Rumpel). This recovery of motor function was accompanied by functional reorganization of the cortex.
2018-03-07

Transcription Factor IRF8 Governs Enhancer 1 Landscape Dynamics in Mononuclear Phagocyte Progenitors

Monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs), mononuclear phagocytes essential for immune responses, develop from hematopoietic stem cells via monocyte–DC progenitors (MDPs). The molecular basis of their development remains unclear. Because promoter-distal enhancers are key to cell-fate decisions, we analyzed enhancer landscapes during mononuclear phagocyte development in vivo. Monocyte- and DC-specific enhancers were gradually established at progenitor stages before the expression of associated genes.