Another boost for stem cell researchNovember 16, 2006In the wake of the Senate's decision to pass the human embryo cloning legislation, another Australian research breakthrough is likely to strengthen the case for embryonic stem cell research. University of New South Wales (UNSW) academics have proven that tumours can be prevented from forming when embryonic stem cells are transplanted. "Whilst embryonic stem cells have great potential to deliver therapies for disorders, such as diabetes, a fear has been that they will form tumours because of the presence of undifferentiated cells," said UNSW Professor Bernie Tuch of the Diabetes Transplant Unit, who led the team responsible for the discovery.
"The passing of the legislation in the Senate last night is extremely encouraging," said Professor Tuch. "Our breakthrough removes what could have been a stumbling block to this vital research." The team has shown that placing the embryonic cells inside microcapsules made from a product of seaweed, called alginate, prevents the formation of tumours when the encapsulated cells are transplanted into laboratory animals. The team has also shown that the encapsulation process does not stop the embryonic cells from differentiating. The data describing the experiments has been published in the North American journal Transplantation, the official journal of the international Transplantation Society. The team used both human and mouse embryonic stem cells to perform their experiments. The human embryonic stem cells were supplied by a member of the team, Chief Hospital Scientist, Dr Kuldip Sidhu, who earlier this year reported producing clones from these stem cells. The other authors on the paper were Sophia Dean, Yulyana Yulyana and Georgia Williams. About microencapsulation: The platform technology of microencapsulation is the same as that which the Diabetes Transplant Unit is using to transplant insulin-producing cells isolated from donor humans into insulin-dependent diabetic people, without using anti-rejection drugs. This Seaweed Diabetes Pilot Trial, which involves 6 people with diabetes, commenced in February this year and is expected to be completed within the next 18 months. University of New South Wales | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Related Stem Cell Current Events and Stem Cell News Articles Mayo researchers explore issues related to multiple myeloma treatment Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of plasma cells that affects approximately 3 in 100,000 people each year. Although there is no cure for this disease, researchers have developed treatments that help relieve pain, control complications, and slow the progress of MM in many patients. Emerging model organisms featured in CSH Protocols Biological research has long relied on a small number of model organisms, species chosen because they are amenable to laboratory research and suitable for the study of a range of biological problems. Reversible 3-D cell culture gel invented Singapore's Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN), which celebrates its fifth anniversary this year, has invented a unique user-friendly gel that can liquefy on demand, with the potential to revolutionize three-dimensional (3D) cell culture for medical research. What to do with leftover embryos in fertility clinics? The majority of infertility patients are in favor of using left-over embryos for stem cell research and would also support selling left-over embryos to other couples, according to a recent survey. Pittsburgh researchers identify source of multipotent stem cells with broad regenerative potential In a promising finding for the field of regenerative medicine, stem cell researchers at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC have identified a source of adult stem cells found on the walls of blood vessels with the unlimited potential to differentiate into human tissues such as bone, cartilage and muscle. Stem cells may solve mystery of early pregnancy breast cancer protection The answer to why an early pregnancy seems to protect against breast cancer could rest with a decrease in stem cells found after animals have given birth, said researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in a report that appears in the current issue of the journal Stem Cell. Scientists identify genes capable of regulating stem cell function Scientists from The Forsyth Institute, Boston, MA, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at the University of Utah School of Medicine have developed a new system in which to study known mammalian adult stem cell disorders. Embryonic stem cells might help reduce transplantation rejection Researchers have shown that immune-defense cells influenced by embryonic stem cell-derived cells can help prevent the rejection of hearts transplanted into mice, all without the use of immunosuppressive drugs. Stem cell regeneration repairs congenital heart defect Mayo Clinic investigators have demonstrated that stem cells can be used to regenerate heart tissue to treat dilated cardiomyopathy, a congenital defect. OU Cancer Institute Scientists Identify New Cancer Stem Cell Marker; Developing Drug to Stop Cancer Recurrence After years of working toward this goal, scientists at the OU Cancer Institute have found a way to isolate cancer stem cells in tumors so they can target the cells and kill them, keeping cancer from returning. More Stem Cell Current Events and Stem Cell News Articles |
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