T Shupe studies how certain growth factors and stem cells affect liver cancer and liver health. Specifically, they work with cancer cell lines from liver tumors in rats to explore how proteins like granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) influence cancer progression and cell survival. T Shupe also isolates liver stem cells, known as oval cells, to understand their potential in treating liver diseases. Their research aims to improve therapies for conditions involving liver damage and cancer treatment resistance by focusing on the behaviors and properties of these cells.
Key findings
Developed six cancer cell lines from rat liver tumors, revealing that HGF supports cancer cell survival while G-CSF promotes their growth and movement.
Successfully isolated liver stem cells from rat livers using Thy-1 surface marker, enhancing methods for future studies and therapies.
Identified cancer stem cells as key players in liver tumor growth and regrowth after treatments, which could lead to targeted cancer therapies.
Showed that G-CSF significantly increases oval cell activity and aids in liver repair in rats, suggesting improved treatment options for liver disease.
Discovered gene activity variations among different stem cell types that could lead to advancements in regenerative medicine and cancer treatments.
Frequently asked questions
Does T Shupe study liver cancer?
Yes, T Shupe focuses on liver cancer, particularly how stem cells contribute to tumor growth and treatment resistance.
What treatments has T Shupe researched?
T Shupe has researched the effects of growth factors like G-CSF and HGF in promoting liver repair and the potential use of liver stem cells in therapies.
Is T Shupe's work relevant to liver disease patients?
Yes, their research aims to improve treatment options for patients suffering from liver disease and liver damage.
Publications in plain English
A human airway-on-a-chip microphysiological system for modeling chlorine gas toxicity.
2026
Toxicological sciences : an official journal of the Society of Toxicology
Murphy SV, Rajan SAP, Lindert K, Young T, Jiao Y +39 more
Plain English Researchers created a model of human airways on a chip to study the effects of chlorine gas exposure, which is important because there isn't much clinical data on how chlorine harms the body. They tested different levels of chlorine and found how it affects the body's cells and tissues over time. This research helps us understand how to protect people from chlorine gas injuries and develop better treatments.
Who this helps: This helps patients exposed to chlorine gas and healthcare providers treating them.
A Multiaxial Bioreactor Integrated with an Environmental Monitoring System for Tissue-Engineered Skin Grafts.
2026
Advanced healthcare materials
Jeon S, Lee PF, Mehta A, Mahajan N, Renteria E +10 more
Plain English This study focused on improving the preparation of skin grafts for treating chronic wounds by using a new type of bioreactor that allows for more effective stretching and monitoring of tissue health. The researchers found that skin grafts treated in this novel system showed better cell distribution and growth, leading to healthier skin tissue. Specifically, this method increased the growth of important skin cells, which is crucial for making effective skin grafts.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with chronic wounds and healthcare providers involved in skin graft treatments.
Corrigendum to 'Bioprinting 3D microfibrous scaffolds for engineering cardiac tissues and heart-on-a-chip' [Biomaterials Volume 110, (2016) Pages 45-59].
2025
Biomaterials
Zhang YS, Arneri A, Bersini S, Shin SR, Zhu K +13 more
Rooting mechanism of Dendrocalamus brandisii branch and main differences in rooting ability in three different bamboo species.
2025
The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology
Yu L, Zhan H, Chu C, Jin D, Li L +4 more
Plain English This study looked at how and why some bamboo species, specifically Dendrocalamus brandisii, grow roots from their branches better than others. Researchers discovered that the thickness and hardness of the branch's outer layer affect how well it roots, with low levels of certain hormones (IAA and JA) helping boost root growth. These findings are important because they can improve methods for growing bamboo, which is a valuable plant for various uses.
Who this helps: This benefits bamboo growers and farmers who want to propagate bamboo more effectively.
Silica-Based Fiber Universal Combat Matrix Reduces Inflammation, Supporting Cellular Migration and Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in Porcine Full-Thickness Burns.
2025
Military medicine
Jorgensen AM, Nelson RA, Hickerson D, Hickerson WL, Clouse C +7 more
Plain English This study looked at a new type of dressing made from silica-based fiber (SBF) for treating full-thickness burns in pigs. Results showed that wounds treated with SBF had better healing, with improved skin structure and less inflammation compared to standard gauze; specifically, SBF promoted better collagen remodeling and reduced inflammatory cells. This is important because it could lead to faster and more effective recovery for burn patients, especially in challenging situations like military operations.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with burn injuries, particularly in emergency and military settings.
3D Bioprinted Liver-on-a-Chip for Drug Cytotoxicity Screening.
2024
Tissue engineering. Part A
Huh J, Parra JPRLL, Copus JS, Kang HW, Bishop CE +6 more
Plain English This research focused on creating a 3D printed liver model to test how drugs can affect liver cells. The scientists found that their liver tissue model was able to keep over 80% of its cells alive for 14 days and could accurately show the harmful effects of a common pain reliever, acetaminophen, which reduced cell viability to under 40% within a week. This is important because it offers a new way to study how drugs impact human tissues, which could lead to safer medication development.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and pharmaceutical companies looking to improve drug testing methods.
In Vitro Generation of Haploid Germ Cells from Human XY and XXY Immature Testes in a 3D Organoid System.
2024
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland)
Galdon G, Zarandi NP, Deebel NA, Zhang S, Cornett O +12 more
Plain English Researchers studied how to create sperm cells from testicular tissue taken from young boys with normal chromosomes (XY) and those with Klinefelter syndrome (XXY). They found that after three weeks in a special 3D culture, the testicular cells maintained their structure and produced testosterone, and they successfully identified haploid cells, which are crucial for fertility. This matters because it opens the door for potential new fertility treatments for boys who are at risk of infertility due to cancer treatments or genetic conditions.
Who this helps: This helps young cancer survivors and boys with Klinefelter syndrome.
Bioreactor design and validation for manufacturing strategies in tissue engineering.
2022
Bio-design and manufacturing
Lim D, Renteria ES, Sime DS, Ju YM, Kim JH +8 more
Plain English This research focuses on improving how we manufacture tissues in the lab for medical use. It examines the design of bioreactors—special containers that help grow tissue—so they closely mimic the conditions found in the human body. The study underscores the importance of real-time monitoring to ensure the tissues develop properly, which is crucial for their effectiveness when implanted.
Who this helps: This benefits patients requiring tissue repair or replacement.
Probing prodrug metabolism and reciprocal toxicity with an integrated and humanized multi-tissue organ-on-a-chip platform.
2020
Acta biomaterialia
Rajan SAP, Aleman J, Wan M, Pourhabibi Zarandi N, Nzou G +7 more
Plain English This study looked at a new way to test how drugs work and their side effects using a system that simulates multiple human organs. The researchers created a model with three organs (liver, heart, and lungs) and found that they could study drug metabolism and toxicity over 21 days. For example, when they tested the drug capecitabine, it was converted into another harmful compound, and this toxicity was observed in the lung and heart tissues. This matters because understanding how different organs interact helps improve drug development and safety testing.
Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing a better understanding of drug effects across multiple organs.
Drug compound screening in single and integrated multi-organoid body-on-a-chip systems.
2020
Biofabrication
Skardal A, Aleman J, Forsythe S, Rajan S, Murphy S +10 more
Plain English This research studied a new way to test drugs using 3D organoid technology, which mimics human organs. The scientists tested drugs that had been recalled by the FDA and found that these organoids could show toxicity for many of them, while they remained healthy when exposed to safe drugs. This method helps create a more accurate model for drug testing, potentially reducing costs and failures in getting new drugs approved.
Who this helps: This benefits drug developers and patients by improving drug safety and effectiveness.
Therapeutic effects of a small molecule agonist of the relaxin receptor ML290 in liver fibrosis.
2019
FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology
Kaftanovskaya EM, Ng HH, Soula M, Rivas B, Myhr C +15 more
Plain English Researchers studied a new drug called ML290, which targets a receptor in the liver to treat liver fibrosis, a condition that can lead to severe liver damage. They found that ML290 significantly reduced harmful collagen levels and cell growth in liver tissue, suggesting it can help reverse fibrosis. This is important because liver fibrosis currently has few treatment options and can lead to serious health issues.
Who this helps: This helps patients with liver fibrosis.
Methanolysis Fractionation and Catalytic Conversion of Poplar Wood toward Methyl Levulinate, Phenolics, and Glucose.
2019
Journal of agricultural and food chemistry
Zhai Q, Hse CY, Long F, Shupe TF, Wang F +2 more
Plain English The study examined how to break down poplar wood using methanol to create useful compounds. Researchers were able to produce methyl levulinate with a yield of 12-30% from the wood and also achieved over 70% yield of glucose from the remaining cellulose. This process could help make better use of biomass, turning waste materials into valuable resources.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and companies focused on renewable energy and sustainable materials.
Environmental Toxin Screening Using Human-Derived 3D Bioengineered Liver and Cardiac Organoids.
2018
Frontiers in public health
Forsythe SD, Devarasetty M, Shupe T, Bishop C, Atala A +2 more
Plain English This study looked at the effects of environmental toxins like lead, mercury, thallium, and glyphosate on bioengineered 3D human liver and heart tissue models. The researchers found that thallium was the most harmful, affecting liver and heart cells with minimum toxic concentrations (IC50) of 13.5 and 1.35 micromolar, respectively, while glyphosate was the least toxic, with IC50 values of 10.53 and 10.85 millimolar. These findings are important because they show how effective these 3D models can be for testing the toxicity of environmental toxins, which could lead to better treatments and detection methods in the future.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients who are exposed to environmental toxins and healthcare professionals working on treatment options.
An Industry-Driven Roadmap for Manufacturing in Regenerative Medicine.
2018
Stem cells translational medicine
Hunsberger JG, Shupe T, Atala A
Plain English Researchers focused on improving how regenerative medicine, which aims to restore or replace damaged tissues and organs, is produced on a larger scale. Over three years, a group of companies identified key challenges in manufacturing these therapies and created a plan to streamline production, making it more efficient and accessible. This is important because it will help bring advanced medical treatments to more patients faster and more reliably.
Who this helps: Patients needing regenerative therapies.
Biological Potential and Mechanism of Prodigiosin fromSubsp.in Human Choriocarcinoma and Prostate Cancer Cell Lines.
2018
International journal of molecular sciences
Li D, Liu J, Wang X, Kong D, Du W +5 more
Plain English This study examined a natural substance called prodigiosin, derived from a specific bacteria, to see its effects on two types of cancer: choriocarcinoma and prostate cancer. The researchers found that prodigiosin significantly slowed the growth of these cancer cells and caused them to die by triggering a process called apoptosis. Specifically, in lab tests, prodigiosin led to a reduction in certain proteins that prevent cell death and increased levels of proteins that promote it, showing its potential as a cancer treatment.
Who this helps: This helps cancer patients and doctors looking for new treatment options.
Urothelium with barrier function differentiated from human urine-derived stem cells for potential use in urinary tract reconstruction.
2018
Stem cell research & therapy
Wan Q, Xiong G, Liu G, Shupe TD, Wei G +5 more
Plain English This study explored the possibility of creating a type of bladder lining, called urothelium, from stem cells found in urine instead of using cells from bladder biopsies, which are more invasive. Researchers tested different methods on urine-derived stem cells from six healthy adults and found that the best method resulted in cells that not only looked right but also functioned well, showing lower permeability and forming tight connections similar to natural urothelium. This development is important because it offers a less invasive way to generate tissue that can be used in repairing the urinary tract.
Who this helps: This helps patients needing urinary tract repairs and doctors looking for better treatment options.
Multisensor-integrated organs-on-chips platform for automated and continual in situ monitoring of organoid behaviors.
2017
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Zhang YS, Aleman J, Shin SR, Kilic T, Kim D +26 more
Plain English Researchers developed a new system that combines tiny organ models—called organs-on-chips—with sensors to closely monitor how these models behave in real-time while testing drugs. Their advanced setup allows for continuous observation of these organ models without having to disrupt them, which is crucial for understanding how they respond to different treatments over time. This technology promises to improve the accuracy of drug testing, moving closer to how real organs would react in the human body.
Who this helps: This benefits patients and researchers looking for better and safer drug treatments.
Optical Tracking and Digital Quantification of Beating Behavior in Bioengineered Human Cardiac Organoids.
2017
Biosensors
Devarasetty M, Forsythe S, Shupe TD, Soker S, Bishop CE +2 more
Plain English This study focused on developing a new way to measure how bioengineered heart tissues, called cardiac organoids, beat over time. Researchers created a simple system that uses video footage to track the movements of these organoids and found that it can effectively quantify their beating behavior. This method is quick, inexpensive, and doesn’t harm the organoids, making it valuable for testing new drugs and understanding their effects on heart health.
Who this helps: Patients and doctors involved in drug testing and development.
Multi-tissue interactions in an integrated three-tissue organ-on-a-chip platform.
2017
Scientific reports
Skardal A, Murphy SV, Devarasetty M, Mead I, Kang HW +17 more
Plain English This study focused on creating a new mini model of human organs using a system that combines liver, heart, and lung tissues. The researchers found that the way these tissues interact is crucial for understanding how drugs work and their potential side effects—in particular, they observed that drug responses changed when multiple tissues were present together. This matters because it can lead to better testing of new drugs before they are given to people, potentially reducing harmful recalls.
Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by improving drug safety and effectiveness.
A liver-on-a-chip platform with bioprinted hepatic spheroids.
2016
Biofabrication
Bhise NS, Manoharan V, Massa S, Tamayol A, Ghaderi M +11 more
Plain English Researchers created a "liver-on-a-chip" system that uses 3D human liver cells to test the effects of drugs on liver toxicity. They discovered that their system could accurately detect harmful effects caused by acetaminophen, finding toxic responses after exposure to a concentration of 15 mM, similar to results from animal studies. This new model can better predict how drugs affect human livers, which is important for improving safety in drug development.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and pharmaceutical companies developing new medications.
Bioprinting Cellularized Constructs Using a Tissue-specific Hydrogel Bioink.
2016
Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE
Skardal A, Devarasetty M, Kang HW, Seol YJ, Forsythe SD +4 more
Plain English This study focused on creating a new type of bioink, a material used in 3D bioprinting, to produce tissue-like structures that could be used for organ replacement or drug testing. Researchers developed a hydrogel made from hyaluronic acid and gelatin, which allows for the printing of liver tissues that maintain healthy cells and produce important substances, like albumin and urea. The findings show that this method can yield liver constructs with high cell survival and function, which is crucial for advancing organ replacement therapies and improving drug testing systems.
Who this helps: This benefits patients needing organ transplants and researchers developing new medical treatments.
Organoid-on-a-chip and body-on-a-chip systems for drug screening and disease modeling.
2016
Drug discovery today
Skardal A, Shupe T, Atala A
Plain English This research paper looks at new systems called organ-on-a-chip and body-on-a-chip that use tiny 3D models of human organs to test drugs and study diseases. These advanced models can mimic how real human organs work better than traditional flat lab cultures or animal testing. This is important because it could lead to more effective drugs and treatments tailored specifically to individual patients.
Who this helps: This benefits patients, doctors, and researchers in drug development.
Isolation and characterization of cellulose nanofibers from bamboo using microwave liquefaction combined with chemical treatment and ultrasonication.
2016
Carbohydrate polymers
Xie J, Hse CY, De Hoop CF, Hu T, Qi J +1 more
Plain English This study focused on extracting tiny fibers from bamboo, known as cellulose nanofibers, using a new method that involved heating bamboo quickly with microwaves and treating it with chemicals and sound waves. The researchers found that within just 7 minutes, they could remove almost all the unwanted materials from bamboo, leading to a high concentration of cellulose that could then be easily purified. The resulting cellulose nanofibers showed strong resistance to heat, making them useful for improving materials used in various applications.
Who this helps: This benefits manufacturers and researchers looking for sustainable materials, as well as people in industries like construction and biomedicine.
Bioprinting 3D microfibrous scaffolds for engineering endothelialized myocardium and heart-on-a-chip.
2016
Biomaterials
Zhang YS, Arneri A, Bersini S, Shin SR, Zhu K +13 more
Plain English This study explored a new way to create heart tissue using a technique called 3D bioprinting. Researchers successfully made heart-like structures that included blood vessel cells and heart muscle cells, allowing them to contract together like natural heart tissue. This method could improve drug testing and help in developing treatments for heart diseases by better mimicking human heart conditions.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers, doctors, and patients with heart conditions.
Bioengineered transplantable porcine livers with re-endothelialized vasculature.
2015
Biomaterials
Ko IK, Peng L, Peloso A, Smith CJ, Dhal A +8 more
Plain English This study focused on creating bioengineered pig livers that can be transplanted for patients who need a liver. Researchers successfully developed a method to rebuild the blood vessel network in these livers, leading to healthy blood flow for up to 24 hours after transplanting them into pigs. This is significant because it shows that engineered livers could eventually provide an alternative to donor organs for people suffering from severe liver disease.
Who this helps: This helps patients with end-stage liver failure who are in need of a transplant.
A hydrogel bioink toolkit for mimicking native tissue biochemical and mechanical properties in bioprinted tissue constructs.
2015
Acta biomaterialia
Skardal A, Devarasetty M, Kang HW, Mead I, Bishop C +6 more
Plain English This study focused on creating a special gel mixture that closely resembles the natural environment of various tissues in the body, which can be used for 3D printing living tissue. The researchers developed a hydrogel that supports the growth and function of cells and can be printed in different structures, achieving stiffness levels between 100 Pa and 20 kPa, depending on the tissue type. This work is significant because it enables the creation of more realistic tissue models that can be applied in drug testing, understanding diseases, and personalized medicine.
Who this helps: This benefits scientists, medical researchers, and patients needing better treatment options.
Isolation and Characterization of an Endophytic Fungal Strain with Potent Antimicrobial and Termiticidal Activities From Port-Orford-Cedar.
2015
Journal of economic entomology
Sun L, Hse CY, Shupe T, Sun M, Wang X +1 more
Plain English This study looked at a type of fungus found in Port-Orford-Cedar trees to see if it could help control termites, which cause about $1 billion in damage each year. Researchers isolated 25 different microorganisms and found that one fungus, named HDZK-BYF21, was particularly effective at killing termites and fighting bacteria. This discovery is important because it could lead to new, natural ways to protect homes from termite damage without relying on harmful chemicals.
Who this helps: This benefits homeowners, pest control companies, and environmental advocates looking for safer pest management solutions.
Stiffness of hyaluronic acid gels containing liver extracellular matrix supports human hepatocyte function and alters cell morphology.
2015
Journal of the mechanical behavior of biomedical materials
Deegan DB, Zimmerman C, Skardal A, Atala A, Shupe TD
Plain English This study looked at how the stiffness of a gel made from hyaluronic acid, which simulates the liver environment, affects liver cells called hepatocytes. The researchers found that when the gel stiffness was at 1200 Pascal, the liver cells were most active and producing a key protein called albumin, though their behavior started to decline after seven days, particularly at a higher stiffness of 4600 Pascal. This is important because it shows that creating a supportive environment for liver cells can help them function better in lab settings, which is crucial for developing effective liver therapies.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors working on liver diseases and therapies.
Polyols from Microwave Liquefied Bagasse and Its Application to Rigid Polyurethane Foam.
2015
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
Xie J, Zhai X, Hse CY, Shupe TF, Pan H
Plain English This study focused on how to turn bagasse, a byproduct of sugarcane, into useful liquid products using microwave technology. Researchers found that they could convert nearly 75% of raw bagasse into liquid in just 9 minutes at 150 °C. They also discovered that using higher temperatures improved the strength and heat resistance of polyurethane foam made from this liquefied bagasse.
Who this helps: This benefits manufacturers looking for sustainable materials for stronger foam products.
Plain English This study looks at new technologies aimed at treating diseases of the digestive system, including the liver and pancreas. Researchers are focusing on two main approaches: growing stem cells that can help repair organs and placing these cells on special scaffolds that support their growth. Although early results are encouraging, with scientists starting to see how these engineered tissues can work like real organs, there are still many challenges to address before these solutions can be used in actual transplants.
Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from gastrointestinal diseases who may need organ transplants.
International field trials of pyrethroid-treated wood exposed to Coptotermes acinaciformis in Australia and Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in China and the United States.
2013
Journal of economic entomology
Creffield JW, Lenz M, Scown DK, Evans TA, Zhong JH +7 more
Plain English This study examined how well two common insecticides, bifenthrin and permethrin, work against two types of wood-eating termites in Australia, China, and the United States. It found that the Australian termite, Coptotermes acinaciformis, ate significantly less treated wood than the Formosan termite, C. formosanus, which consumed between 20-90% of the wood treated with the lowest amounts of insecticide. This is important because it helps improve wood protection strategies by showing that different termites respond differently to these chemicals.
Who this helps: This helps homeowners and pest control professionals by providing better methods for protecting homes from termite damage.
Immunogenicity of decellularized porcine liver for bioengineered hepatic tissue.
2013
The American journal of pathology
Mirmalek-Sani SH, Sullivan DC, Zimmerman C, Shupe TD, Petersen BE
Plain English This study examined a method for creating a scaffold from pig livers that could potentially be used to grow new liver tissue for patients with liver disease. Researchers successfully removed all cellular material from the pig livers while preserving important structures, and found that these scaffolds did not trigger a significant immune response in rats over 28 days. This is important because it shows that these pig liver scaffolds could be used safely in future experiments to create replacement liver tissues for people in need.
Who this helps: This helps patients with liver disease seeking new treatment options.
Characterization of a novel functional protein in the pancreatic islet: islet homeostasis protein regulation of glucagon synthesis in α cells.
2012
Pancreas
Oh SH, Darwiche H, Cho JH, Shupe T, Petersen BE
Plain English Researchers discovered a new protein called islet homeostasis protein (IHoP) that plays a crucial role in the functioning of cells in the pancreas, specifically those that produce glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels. They found that when IHoP was blocked, glucagon production stopped, leading to lower blood sugar levels (between 63-85 mg/dL) and cell death in the pancreatic islets. This discovery matters because it reveals a potential target for treating diabetes, especially since IHoP was present in pre-diabetic patients but disappeared when the disease developed.
Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes and their doctors in understanding disease mechanisms and potential treatments.
Potential applications for cell regulatory factors in liver progenitor cell therapy.
2011
The international journal of biochemistry & cell biology
Shupe T, Petersen BE
Plain English This study looked into the use of liver progenitor cells as an alternative to liver transplants for patients with serious liver diseases like cirrhosis. The researchers found that targeting specific metabolic disorders with liver progenitor cells could be effective since only part of the liver needs to be healthy to improve function. Understanding how to encourage these cells to grow better might help develop successful therapies in the future.
Who this helps: This helps patients with liver diseases and their doctors.
Inhibition of Notch signaling affects hepatic oval cell response in rat model of 2AAF-PH.
2011
Hepatic medicine : evidence and research
Darwiche H, Oh SH, Steiger-Luther NC, Williams JM, Pintilie DG +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how a specific signaling pathway called Notch affects the liver's ability to heal itself after injury in rats. Researchers found that when Notch signaling was blocked, there was a delay in the liver cells' ability to mature properly, which could lead to impaired liver function. Specifically, while the oval cells were activated and responded well at first, the overall health and function of the liver cells were negatively affected over time.
Who this helps: This helps patients with liver injuries by providing insights that could improve treatment strategies for liver regeneration.
Hydrothermal transformation of Chinese privet seed biomass to gas-phase and semi-volatile products.
2010
Bioresource technology
Eberhardt TL, Catallo WJ, Shupe TF
Plain English This study looked at processing seeds from the Chinese privet plant, an invasive species, to see if they could be turned into useful chemicals through heat and water treatment. The researchers found that mature seeds produced more valuable chemical compounds compared to immature seeds, including important substances like acetic acid and various organic chemicals. This matters because it shows a new way to convert invasive plants into valuable resources, potentially helping to manage these plants while creating industrial products.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and industries looking for sustainable materials and waste management solutions.
The role of the Wnt family of secreted proteins in rat oval "stem" cell-based liver regeneration: Wnt1 drives differentiation.
2010
The American journal of pathology
Williams JM, Oh SH, Jorgensen M, Steiger N, Darwiche H +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how a group of proteins called Wnt affects liver regeneration in rats, focusing specifically on a protein named Wnt1. Researchers found that when Wnt1 was active, oval cells in the liver were more likely to develop into healthy liver cells, and without Wnt1, these cells failed to mature, leading to abnormal cell growth instead. This matters because understanding Wnt1's role could improve treatments for liver damage and diseases.
Who this helps: This helps patients with liver injuries or diseases.
Hepatic stellate cells' involvement in progenitor-mediated liver regeneration.
2010
Laboratory investigation; a journal of technical methods and pathology
Pintilie DG, Shupe TD, Oh SH, Salganik SV, Darwiche H +1 more
Plain English This study investigated how certain liver cells (hepatic stellate cells) affect the liver's ability to regenerate after damage. Researchers found that feeding rats a diet with L-cysteine, which prevents stellate cell activation, led to an 11-fold decrease in activated stellate cells and a more than fourfold reduction in the liver's oval cell response, indicating that active stellate cells are crucial for proper liver regeneration. These findings highlight the importance of targeting stellate cell activation in improving liver recovery after injury.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with liver diseases by informing potential treatments for liver regeneration.
Method for the decellularization of intact rat liver.
2010
Organogenesis
Shupe T, Williams M, Brown A, Willenberg B, Petersen BE
Plain English Researchers created a new method to remove all cells from whole rat livers while keeping their structure intact. This process allowed them to maintain important components of the liver's architecture, such as the extracellular matrix and blood vessel frameworks, which remain strong enough to deliver cells throughout the liver. These decellularized livers can be used as a natural foundation for developing artificial livers and improving liver treatments.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers working on liver diseases and therapies.
Fractionation of heavy metals in liquefied chromated copper arsenate 9-treated wood sludge using a modified BCR-sequential extraction procedure.
2009
Chemosphere
Pan H, Hse CY, Gambrell R, Shupe TF
Plain English This study looked at how heavy metals from CCA-treated wood could be separated and reused after treating the wood with special chemicals. The researchers found that almost all of the metals were removed from the wood, and the process allowed for easier access to arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr) in the treated wood sludge, with As becoming 85% more accessible and Cr increasing to 54% in a form that can be extracted. This matters because it shows a way to recycle materials from treated wood while managing the hazardous metals safely.
Who this helps: This helps environmental scientists and waste management professionals.
A detailed characterization of the adult mouse model of glycogen storage disease Ia.
2009
Laboratory investigation; a journal of technical methods and pathology
Salganik SV, Weinstein DA, Shupe TD, Salganik M, Pintilie DG +1 more
Plain English This study focused on a type of genetic disorder called glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSDIa), which affects liver function and causes severe low blood sugar. Researchers created a special mouse model to better understand the disease and found that, once these mice survived their weak early months, their health significantly improved, with their size and energy levels becoming similar to healthy mice. However, the underlying liver problems did not get better with age. This research matters because these adult mice can be used to test new treatments that were not previously possible in the fragile younger mice.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors looking for effective therapies for patients with GSDIa.
Isolation and characterization of hepatic stem cells, or "oval cells," from rat livers.
2009
Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)
Shupe TD, Piscaglia AC, Oh SH, Gasbarrini A, Petersen BE
Plain English This study focused on finding and studying liver stem cells, known as "oval cells," in rat livers. The researchers developed effective methods to isolate these cells and found that using a surface marker called Thy-1 along with magnetic sorting made it easier to gather these cells for further testing. Their work is important because it opens up new possibilities for using liver stem cells in therapies for liver diseases.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on liver disease treatments.
Establishment of cancer cell lines from rat hepatocholangiocarcinoma and assessment of the role of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and hepatocyte growth factor in their growth, motility and survival.
2009
Journal of hepatology
Piscaglia AC, Shupe TD, Pani G, Tesori V, Gasbarrini A +1 more
Plain English This study focused on creating cancer cell lines from liver tumors in rats to understand how specific growth factors, G-CSF and HGF, affect the growth and movement of these cells. Researchers successfully developed six cell lines from tumors and found that HGF helped the cancer cells survive, while G-CSF promoted their growth and movement. These findings are significant because they could lead to new treatments targeting these factors in liver cancer.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors looking for more effective therapies for liver cancer patients.
Reducing leaching of boron-based wood preservatives - a review of research.
2008
Bioresource technology
Obanda DN, Shupe TF, Barnes HM
Plain English This research paper looked at ways to improve boron-based wood treatments to make them last longer and work better at protecting wood without harming the environment. Researchers reviewed various methods from the past 20 years and organized them into fifteen different approaches. They found that using these methods can help wood resist damage from pests and reduce the amount of boron lost when it rains or is washed away, making wood more durable and safer for the environment.
Who this helps: This helps homeowners, builders, and environmentalists concerned about wood preservation.
Stem cell therapy for inherited metabolic disorders of the liver.
2008
Experimental hematology
Ellor S, Shupe T, Petersen B
Plain English This study looked at using stem cell therapy to treat inherited metabolic disorders of the liver, which are genetic conditions that disrupt the body's metabolism. The researchers found that stem cell therapy, along with other new treatments, could potentially offer a more effective solution than traditional methods like liver transplants. This matters because these disorders can cause severe health problems right after birth, and better treatments could significantly improve patients' lives.
Who this helps: Patients with inherited metabolic disorders and their families.
Plain English This research looked at how stem cells behave and how they could be used for healing damaged tissues or fighting cancer. The study found that understanding the genes active in stem cells is crucial, as it can lead to better treatments for diseases, with analysis methods showing differences in gene activity among various stem cell types. This is important because it could lead to advancements in both regenerative medicine and cancer therapies.
Who this helps: Patients needing regenerative treatments and those fighting cancer.
Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor promotes liver repair and induces oval cell migration and proliferation in rats.
2007
Gastroenterology
Piscaglia AC, Shupe TD, Oh SH, Gasbarrini A, Petersen BE
Plain English This study looked at how a protein called granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) helps the liver repair itself, particularly by affecting special cells known as oval cells, which are like stem cells for the liver. The researchers found that giving G-CSF to rats increased the activity of oval cells and boosted the contribution of bone marrow cells to liver recovery. Specifically, G-CSF enhanced the oval cell response significantly, indicating that this treatment improves the liver's ability to heal.
Who this helps: This helps patients with liver damage or disease by potentially improving treatment options for recovery.
Stem cells, cancer, liver, and liver cancer stem cells: finding a way out of the labyrinth..
2007
Current cancer drug targets
Piscaglia AC, Shupe TD, Petersen BE, Gasbarrini A
Plain English This study examined cancer stem cells (CSCs) in liver cancer to understand how they contribute to tumor growth and treatment resistance. Researchers found that CSCs not only help form most of the tumor but are also responsible for tumor regrowth after treatments fail. Understanding these cells can lead to more effective cancer therapies targeting them specifically, which is crucial because they play a significant role in the spread and persistence of cancer.
Who this helps: This helps patients with liver cancer and other types of cancer by potentially improving treatment outcomes.