RuvB-Like Protein 2 (Ruvbl2) Has a Role in Directing the Neuroectodermal Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells.

Although many factors have been identified to be involved in the development of the neuroectoderm during embryogenesis, it is still important to identify novel factors that convert undifferentiated embryonic cells into neuroectoderm. RuvB-like protein 2 (Ruvbl2) is known to regulate gene expression via chromatin remodeling by participating in multi-protein complexes, but its role during embryonic development is not well known. In this study, we established Ruvbl2-overexpressing mouse embryonic stem cells and examined their capacity to specifically differentiate into neuroectoderm and confirmed the specific expression of RUVBL2 in early embryonic neuroectoderm.

An integrated systems biology approach identifies positive cofactor 4 as a factor that increases reprogramming efficiency.

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) can spontaneously dedifferentiate into embryonic stem cell (ESC)-like cells, which are designated as multipotent SSCs (mSSCs), without ectopic expression of reprogramming factors. Interestingly, SSCs express key pluripotency genes such as Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and Myc. Therefore, molecular dissection of mSSC reprogramming may provide clues about novel endogenous reprogramming or pluripotency regulatory factors.

Assessment of differentiation aspects by the morphological classification of embryoid bodies derived from human embryonic stem cells.

In general, the formation of embryoid bodies (EBs) is a commonly known method for initial induction of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into their derivatives in vitro. Despite the ability of EBs to mimic developmental processing, the specification and classifications of EBs are not yet well known. Because EBs show various differentiation potentials depending on the size and morphology of the aggregated cells, specification is difficult to attain.

Anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, and anti-psychiatric effects by the rhizomes of Alpinia officinarum on complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Alpinia officinarum Hance (Zingiberaceae) is an annual plant. Its rhizome has long been used as an anti-inflammatory, an analgesic, a stomachic and a carminative in traditional medicine.

Objective: The aim of this study was to test the anti-inflammatory effects of Alpinia officinarum rhizomes on acute and chronic arthritis in SD rats.