pRNA: NoRC-associated RNA of rRNA operons.

Promoter-associated RNAs (pRNAs) are a family of ~90-100 nt-long divergent RNAs overlapping the promoter of the rRNA (rDNA) operon. pRNA transcripts interact with TIP5, a component of the chromatin remodeling complex NoRC, which recruits enzymes for heterochromatin formation and mediates silencing of rRNA genes. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of pRNA homologs, including different versions per species, as result of in silico studies in available metazoan genome assemblies.

In vitro expansion of autonomously contracting, cardiomyogenic structures from rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss.

In primary cell preparations from larvae of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, the formation of autonomously contracting cell aggregates was observed after 7 days. These contracting elements could be propagated and some aggregates were maintained over a period of 35 days. Electron microscopical and immunocytochemical examination revealed the presence of cardiomyocytes.

In vitro cultures of human pancreatic stem cells: gene and protein expression of designated markers varies with passage.

Adult stem cells may possess great plasticity, but the cellular mechanisms regulating their fate are not fully understood. Prior to application of stem cell populations in regenerative medicine, major challenges remain to be overcome. Fundamental questions about in vitro growth and spontaneous differentiation of adult stem cell populations must be resolved.

The influence of pancreas-derived stem cells on scaffold based skin regeneration.

It has been shown that Pancreatic Stem Cells (PSCs) share many features with skin stem cells. Yet, their potential role in skin regeneration remains to be elucidated. 5x10(5) PSCs from male Rattus norwegicus were seeded on Matriderm scaffold overnight.

Long-term culture of a cell population from Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) head kidney.

In vitro cultures of native fish cell lines are of great importance, both for basic research and applied science. In particular, there is strong demand for long-term growable cell lines from breeding fish, like sturgeon. Here, we describe the culture of cells from Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) head kidney.

Controlling alpha-SMA expression in adult human pancreatic stem cells by soluble factors.

In the application of adult stem cells in regenerative medicine, it is indispensable to control stem cell behaviour in vitro. Since stem cells spontaneously differentiate into several cell types, it is mandatory to identify methods to enrich the desired cell types and concurrently block other differentiation pathways. More precisely, generation of a defined cell population is a key prerequisite for a therapeutic application of stem cells.