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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
The Ctcf Chromatin Organizer Is Required For Hindlimb Development, Katherine L. Rabicki
The Ctcf Chromatin Organizer Is Required For Hindlimb Development, Katherine L. Rabicki
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
Mutations in chromatin organizer CTCF were identified in patients with intellectual disability and skeletal defects. Previous studies demonstrated that depletion of CTCF in murine limb mesenchyme results in apoptosis in the forelimb. The role of CTCF in the hindlimb, however, is unknown. My objective was to investigate effects of CTCF deletion on chondrogenesis and skeletal development in the hindlimb. In vitro wild-type micromass cultures demonstrate that chondrocyte gene expression is delayed in the hindlimb when compared to forelimbs. Embryonic CtcfFl/Fl;Prx1Cre mice were investigated, and qRT-PCR and histology were performed on limb buds and long bones. Results show that …
Diabetic Bone Marrow & Stem Cell Dysfunction, Meghan A. Piccinin
Diabetic Bone Marrow & Stem Cell Dysfunction, Meghan A. Piccinin
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
ii Abstract Abstract Defects in the proliferation, differentiation, and activity of bone marrow (BM)-derived vasculogenic/vascular stem cells (VSCs) have been observed in diabetes and contribute to the development of vascular complications. Diabetes leads to enhanced bone marrow adipogenesis, altering the composition of the BM stem cell (SC) niche and potentially disrupting the normal functioning of resident VSCs. Here, I establish that adipocytes have a negative influence on SC survival in culture. I also show that adipocytes and osteoblasts are responsible for the creation of distinct extracellular microenvironments, with unique expression patterns of several pro- and anti-angiogenic factors with known effects …
The Role Of Oxygen Tension And Insulin-Like Growth Factor Signaling In The Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cell Fate, Amer Youssef
The Role Of Oxygen Tension And Insulin-Like Growth Factor Signaling In The Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cell Fate, Amer Youssef
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
The human placenta of different gestational ages is a readily available source for isolation of adult mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) for potential use in regenerative therapies. The chorionic villous region, the largest component of a placenta that interfaces with the maternal circulation, is a rich source of placental MSCs (PMSCs). To remain multipotent, PMSCs are best maintained in culture conditions that mimic the in vivo microenvironment. Insulin like growth factors (IGFs, IGF-I and -II) and oxygen tension are two of the most important microenvironmental factors in the placenta. They are of low concentration or tension respectively, at early gestation, and …