Gene marker may improve odds of stem cell therapies for disease

A single tumor-suppressor gene may provide a unique marker for senescence in Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vitro, while also playing a role in moving MSCs into senescence, researchers at the Human Health Foundation and the Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine report.

Their work was published in Stem Cells and Development .

The finding is important, since MSCs are currently being tested in cell and gene therapy for a number of human diseases.

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Cell Genesys stops prostate cancer trial, explores sale

Cell Genesys Inc. shares dropped sharply today as the South San Francisco company said it will cut more than 200 jobs, is exploring its sale or liquidation, and stopping the late-stage trial of its prostate cancer drug.

The company (NASDAQ: CEGE) also said it was terminating the employment of Chief Medical Officer Robert Dow.

Cell Genesys shares were down 45 cents — or 73 percent — to 17 cents per share in mid-day trading.

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Cell Genesys stops prostate cancer trial, explores sale

Cell Genesys Inc. shares dropped sharply today as the South San Francisco company said it will cut more than 200 jobs, is exploring its sale or liquidation, and stopping the late-stage trial of its prostate cancer drug.

The company (NASDAQ: CEGE) also said it was terminating the employment of Chief Medical Officer Robert Dow.

Cell Genesys shares were down 45 cents — or 73 percent — to 17 cents per share in mid-day trading.

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