Expression and function of natural antisense transcripts in mouse embryonic stem cells.

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs and large intergenic non-coding RNAs, have been shown to play essential roles in regulating pluripotency. Yet, it is not clear the role of natural antisense transcripts (NATs), also belonging to ncRNAs, in embryonic stem cells. However, the role of NATs in embryonic stem cells remains unknown.

Taiwanofungus camphoratus (Syn Antrodia camphorata) extract and amphotericin B exert adjuvant effects via mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.

The use of multiple drugs in cancer therapy increases the efficacy of the potential therapeutic effects. In this study, the authors investigated the adjuvant effects of an ethanol extract of solid-state cultivated Taiwanofungus camphoratus (TCEE) and amphotericin B (AmB) in the human cancer cell lines RPMI7951 and MG63. Taiwanofungus camphoratus is a well-known Chinese medicine in Taiwan, and AmB is a widely used antifungal agent.

Pretreatment with an ethanolic extract of Taiwanofungus camphoratus (Antrodia camphorata) enhances the cytotoxic effects of amphotericin B.

Taiwanofungus camphoratus, a well-known Chinese medicine used in Taiwan, possesses several pharmacological functions, including anticancer effects. In the present study, we aimed to investigate a novel anticancer effect by pretreating cancer cells with an ethanolic extract of T. camphoratus (TCEE) followed by the administration of an antifungal agent amphotericin B (AmB).

Current progress and prospects of induced pluripotent stem cells.

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are derived from somatic cells by ectopic expression of few transcription factors. Like embryonic stem (ES) cells, iPS cells are able to self-renew indefinitely and to differentiate into all types of cells in the body. iPS cells hold great promise for regenerative medicine, because iPS cells circumvent not only immunological rejection but also ethical issues.